ORGANIZING THE COMMUNITY 167 



term that seems best to convey the complete purpose 

 and task of this central group. No one club or asso- 

 ciation or institution can do all the work that needs 

 doing in a community, nor can it possibly represent the 

 entire community. Whether there are two agencies 

 or twenty in a community, there is the same need that 

 they shall cooperate for the common interests of the 

 community. 



The Make-Up of the Council. There are two prin- 

 ciples applying to the organization of a community 

 council. It is desirable that each agency in the com- 

 munity shall be officially represented, the Grange or 

 Farmers' Union, the farmers' club, each church, the 

 school, the woman's club, even the fraternal organiza- 

 tions may be admitted. It must be understood that 

 what we are seeking is to " speed up " or increase the 

 efficiency of the work of each existing agency, not to 

 deprive it of its work. Consequently each should play 

 a part in the general plan. That is just what com- 

 munity organization means to bring together exist- 

 ing forces, not to make a new machine. If there are 

 not very many agencies in the community, a council 

 having half a dozen to fifteen members will represent 

 them all very well; if there happens to be a larger 

 number, then the council may be larger. The other 

 principle is to make sure to have in the council the 

 natural leaders in the community. These leaders may 

 not always be officials in the different agencies nor the 

 chosen representatives of those agencies. So it does 

 very well to add to the council from three to five mem- 

 bers at large. It is well to have a constitution and 

 by-laws, models for which can be obtained as a rule 

 from the extension service of the state agricultural col- 

 lege. 



