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Official Organ Of the Slavonic Benevolent Order Of The State Of Texas, Founded 1897. BENEVOLENCE
VOLUME 56 — No. 44
HUMANITY
BROTHERHOOD
Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 with Undeliverable Copies to: SUPREME LODGE SP.IST, FOB 100, TEMPLE, TEX 76501
OCTOBER 30, 1%8
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK District Meetings. Several of our contributors, both English and Czech, have recently alluded to the situation regarding our district meetings, more specifically, the scant attendance. At any given meeting, there are always good reasons why some people are unable to attend (other meetings, obligations that must be met, illness,.etc.); however, it must be stated in all candor, that the attendance in our districts is not, and has not been, what it should be. Brother Stasa in Corpus Christi points out that the scant attendance in no measure represents the total membership in any particular district, Sister Anne Spencer, also from Corpus Christi, suggests that unless attendance improves at these district meetings, it might be better to have only one district meeting a year. This may or may not have merit. The present by-lows call for two meetings a year (eXcept in District IV), and we have to abide by that for the next four years. What is needed is a careful study of just wLiy the situation is what it is. What's keeping the members away from district meetings? Is it the prospect of a long, drawn-out affair? Is it the prospect of expecting to see and
IMPORTANT WORDS . . . The 5 most important words: You did a good job. The 4 most important words: What is your opinion? The 3 most important words: If you, please. The 2 most important words: Thank you. The least important word: 1. hear what has already been seen and heard many times before? Is it the distance to be travelled to the meeting? Is it a lack of p ublicity about the meeting? Is it just plain indifference? Are there so many other "exciting" things to do'? Or is it a combination of all of these? In any event , it should be pointed out, at all levels, that these meetings are important to the individual memto the tiociety as a bers, as well whole. Decisi, ! 0 are ( ,r isu made in these meett: . all the members in district. The distrieLs represent a certain arnocnt of autonomy granted to the districts. Unless we exercise that autonoin:,/, the ditrict structure will fall
SPJST BY-LAWS IN THIS ISSUE
into a state of ineffectiveness and stagnancy. It must be used to be effective. District officers have the grave responsibility of seeing to it that these meetings are brief but useful, businesslike but not boring, and that new ideas are brought out and possibly implemented. The rank and file expect this from the leadership. Something should be accomplished at each meeting that will stimulate interest and participation. Finally, the leadership should see to it that a good PA system is provided and used properly. Nothing can be more frustrating than having someone mumble into a microphone that is too low, not turned up, or not working at all. Everyone has something worthwhile to Say, but it is positively worthless unless' it can be heard. And members should not hesitate to stand up and say, "I'm sorry, but we can't hear you." The whole thing boils down to more efficiency and a desire to accomplish something. One More should take great care to see that their planned district meeting does not conflict With a district meeting or major event elseWhere. The "SP,IST Bul-
PART III