570 RURAL SOCIOLOGY 



always need to be adapted to local conditions but the principles 

 are the same. The steps usually taken are : 



1. CONFERENCE OF A FEW. Some local leader should call to- 

 gether one representative from each local organization or group 

 and a few at large to consider: (a) The possibilities of and 

 benefits to be derived from a general get-together for definite 

 planning of the future of the community, (b) Whether the 

 town cares to put in the necessary time, money and brains to 

 produce results or whether it prefers to let "well enough" alone 

 and let the future take care of itself. At this time it is best to 

 have some one present from the Farm Bureau or Agricultural 

 College to tell of the success of other towns and make clear the 

 necessary steps. 



2. ORGANIZATION REPRESENT ATIVES. These representatives 

 should report to their respective organizations, each of which 

 should appoint one permanent representative to become a part 

 of the joint committee or council of organizations. There 

 should also be chosen three or more members at large. This 

 council is not another organization. It is merely the coordina- 

 tion of all local interests for united action. 



3. THE FIRST WORK. There are three specific things which a 

 community council should do at first : 



a. Bring about a thorough understanding among the various 



local organizations as to just what each is doing, viz. : 

 Get a statement of the present purpose of each organization. 

 Exchange plans of work for the next six months. 

 Work out a calendar of gatherings of every sort for the 



next six months. Arrange these chronologically so that 



conflicts may be avoided. 



b. Take up any specific items of community interest which 



should receive immediate attention. 



Consider special problems in agriculture or community life 

 that need to be met at once. 



Develop plans for community celebrations such as: Christ- 

 mas, Jul}' 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, etc. Plans to 

 to be carried out by local organizations, not by the 

 council. 



c. Call in representatives of county organizations and ascer- 



