^f)e ^uljution Societies; 



SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 



Edited by ALICE HALL 'WALTER 



Address all communications relative to the work of this depart- 

 ment to the editor, at 53 Arlington Avenue, Providence, R. L 



PROGRAM - MAKING 



Not only Audubon Societies, but Bird Clubs and various organizations 

 interested in the study and conservation of birds, are considering the annual 

 problem of what to do next which will best stimuJate their members and 

 appeal to the public. The very fact that this problem must be considered 

 from such a point of view is, at once, a confession and a concession; inasmuch 

 as the general average of members, on the one hand, not only need but demand 

 an attractive program mapped out to whet their interest, while, on the other, 

 cooperation with the public is an essential of growth, without which any 

 isolated, individual group of bird-lovers must eventually dwindle and 

 disintegrate. 



Schedules of work should be recognized as a vital part of any organization, 

 and the effort put into their making valued at its true worth. Unfortunately, 

 too many people are willing to shift the burden of program-making on to the 

 shoulders of a few efficient, self-sacrificing workers, without taking the trouble 

 to discuss conditions or to make helpful suggestions. An undue amount of 

 responsibility is consequently thrust upon the program-maker. 



The measure of success to which any society attains may be readily esti- 

 mated by the kind of program it carries out. With this fact in mind, a yearly 

 program of work becomes a test of strength and activity on the part of mem- 

 bers, as well as an index of growth. 



The question each member should ask himself is. Am I doing my part of 

 the work? 



A program ought not to be a formidable affair, overambitious, complicated, 

 and involving an undue amount of work from those who carry it out. Like a 

 house, or a library, or a museum, it should fit those who are to use it, other- 

 wise it will fall far short of the mark. 



For this very reason, it is impossible to offer a set schedule which shall 

 meet the requirements of all Audubon Societies and Bird Clubs. Suggestions 

 may help to some extent, but the wisest course is to investigate thoroughly 

 the needs and possibilities of your own particular community. The difficult 

 part of arranging a program is not in the formulation of a printed schedule, 

 but rather in establishing a direct relation between that schedule and the pub- 

 lic for which it was made. 



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