i CIRCULAR OF INFORMATION COMMUNITY INSTITUTES TV 8F it • 1 3U ms Conducted by THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA EXTENSION DIVISION DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION AND WELFARE J. W. Scroggs, Director Norman, Okla. COMMUNITY INSTITUTES Community Institutes of various types have been held in many states in recent years. The “Oklahoma Plan” was workt out in 1917 but its initiation was delayed by the war, and the first trial set of institutes was begun in January 1921 with the assistance of Community Service Inc. of New York. This series of nine in- stitutes, conducted under widely varying conditions fully demon- strated the vitality of the plan and the desirability of its further development. The plan requires three organizations: one for preparation, one for the institute, and one for the necessary follow up work. The first two of these are now effectively organized and the third will be as soon as necessary funds can be obtaind. In the pre- paratory staff are three workers, and in the institute staff seven. The chief characteristic of the “Oklahoma Plan” is the effort to appeal to every fundamental interest of the community at the same time. These interests are so numerous, so infinitely compli- cated, so often incompatible and contradictory, that they cannot be appeald to in detail; but they may be classified in their intens- est forms as a Struggle for Existence, a Struggle for Happiness, a struggle for Knowledge, and a Struggle for Peace. By or- ganizing the institute staff to meet these fundamental activities there is a direct or indirect appeal to every possible human in- terest. I. THE STRUGGLE FOR EXISTENCE Two departments minister to this : , A. The Health Department. This comprises a physician and two nurses ; one of the nurses belonging to the Preparatory Staff. She visits a town in advance of an institute, and gathers as much information as possible concerning public and individual health conditions for the use of the physician and nurse of the insti- tute staff and makes out lists of children who should see the Medical Counsellor. The number of children examind by the Health Department has varied from 125 to 450 in the places thus far visited, some being brought as far as 15 miles. B. Business Advice. Making a living is coordinate with health and vigor and is one of the fundamentals. The experi- ment was tried of employing an expensive business counsellor; but while well equipt in theory they proved unable to give the advice most needed. So the plan was adopted of securing as busi- ness counsellors members of business firms who have demonstrated their ability to advise by successful business careers in Okla- homa. Seven leading business houses in Oklahoma City have as- sumed the responsibility of one institute each and will furnish an adviser who is already recognized in the highest business circles ir. the state. They are successful business men who could not COMMUNITY INSTITUTES 5 *2 S & be hired with any salary the University could begin to pay. And the finest part of it is, that all this service is given by them free to the business interests of the state. It is hoped that the co- operation of other cities may be obtaind. II. THE STRUGGLE FOR HAPPINESS Whether the Hedonistic doctrine that the desire for happi- ness is the ultimate and controlling motive in all human action is true or not, it is undoubtedly true that the struggle for happiness holds a tremendously important place in human life. If the * struggle for existence gives nothing more than mere existence it is futile and vain. An institute has two departments devoted to this subject. A. Play and Recreation. Ancient Greece demonstrated for all time the value of play in the development of genius and energy. Later the early Christians mistakenly associated the corruption of Roman society with their plays and games and the reaction gave the world asceticism and puritanism. Recent in- vestigation and experiment confirms the old Greek practice, and among thoughtful people everywhere there is a great awakening as to the importance of supervised play in the physical, mental, social, and moral development of children. B. Community Singing. While allied with play it is even more important in the development of health and of social and moral life. As a socializer nothing surpasses it; people will sing together who will not speak when they meet, and sing harmon- iously. A singing community is always a progressive community, in telligent and law-abiding. III. THE STRUGGLE FOR KNOWLEDGE Education is worth far more than it costs for its help in the struggle for existence. Not only are the wages of the educated higher but they can better take advantage of circumstances, and their lives are more significant. Knowledge is equally valuable in the struggle for happiness. Without it happiness degenerates into animalism, and all the highest and most wholesome joys of life are impossible. A chief aim of every institute is the further- ing in every way the educational ideals and interests of the state. IV. THE STRUGGLE FOR PEACE Not the peace of more inaction but of perfect functioning. The three lower struggles occasion so much conflict and hatred that wars would destroy civilization unless the influence of the higher life can be effectually brought to bear. Individualism has been carried too far in American life and threatens to defeat it- self. We are fundamentally social beings, and all our lives cul- minate in the social or spiritual life. The world’s highest in- terest, then, is the development of this type of life and activity. A. Home Problems. It is in the home that individual wills are fused with others ; it is the -beginning of the socializing process. There is no possible substitute for it in human life. Yet we are losing the home, at least as we used to know it. It is being attackt by more demoralizing and disintegrating in- fluences than ever before in human history. No nation can rise 6 THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA higher than its homes. A community institute must give an im- portant place to home problems. B. Community Peace. A fuss between two families may paralyze a community for a generation. Every such quarrel is a public calamity, and interferes with every kind of progress. We must learn to be peacemakers not strife makers. A. World Peace. Like charity, peace must begin at home. One great end of religion is to end war by removing its causes; and when that cannot be done, to meet the conflicts of in- terests, the misunderstandings, the racial antipathies with a forbearance, gentleness, __ and kindliness which would quickly transform any community, and make wars impossible. A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM Every activity and interest of human life can be classt under one or more of these four types of activity. Every com- plete life must give due place to each of these four activities and keep them properly balanct ; this is the key to complete, wholesome, happy, useful living. A community institute, ap- pealing as it does to the whole of life, is naturally a strong in- fluence for good in many ways. It evens up lives and broadens their interests, reveals vividly the necessity and advantages of cooperation, and most of all creates or fosters a community spirit which facilitates all kinds of community effort. THE INSTITUTE STAFF This consists of Seven workers or counsellors. While each worker has a distinct department the work of all is coordinated so that everything is focust on community activities and effi- ciency. The Community Counsellor gives entire attention to com- munity matters, combining, as far as possible, the work of all the other members of the staff in the supreme purpose of the institutes. He also conducts a class in Social Relations. The Medical Counsellor and her assistant give their en- tire time to public and individual health. Medical ethics do not permit a physician to hunt up cases to treat, and very many, especially children do not go to the physician till late to avoid serious and often fatal consequences. The Public Health de- partment of the institute staff find many defective children whose defects are easily remedied if taken in time. No treat- ment is given; the children being referd to local physicians. The Domestic Counsellor. The most imperative and per- plexing problems confronting modern civilization are those re- lating to the home and the proper rearing and training of children. So important is this to the life of every community that one member of the staff devotes all her time to it. She conducts a class in Domestic Relations and is available for pri- vate interviews with individuals or groups. The Educational Counsellor advises with school boards, faculties and patrons concerning educational problems, giving special attention to educational aims and policies. Schools are inspected and helpful suggestions made. Satisfaction with the COMMUNITY INSTITUTES 7 results of our educational expenditure can hardly be said to keep pace with its increasing cost. Next to the home, our schools are our greatest interest. The Recreational Counsellor will conduct a class in Play Supervision, especially for teachers and parents. It is very desirable that as many rural teachers attend as possible. Mass playing is usually futile and often worse unless wisely super- vised. It is fully as irrational to turn children loose on a play- ground without supervision as to turn them loose in school room without a teacher. The greatest need just now is ade- quate supervision. The Business Counsellor is a man who has not only achieved success in business, but who is now engaged in effective and suc- cessful business pursuits. There are few men in business who do not have matters about which they would like to consult a successful business man. The Institute will bring about such opportunity. THE PREPARATORY STAFF The Organizers first visit a community and make the pre- liminary arrangements and agreements with the business, social, educational and other interests represented in the community. They arrange for the appointment of committees and the organiza- tion of classes. The committees include a Committee on Pub- licity, on Finances, on Reception and entertainment, on Enroll- ment, on Information and a General Steering Committee. The Enrollment Committee should secure enrollments of as many as possible for the following classes : Social Relations, Domestic Relations, Educational Aims and Policies, Play Supervision, and Public Health. The Information Committee should gather all possible information for the use of the institute staff to enable them better to serve the community. Each business man should write on a slip of paper the chief difficulties, problems, and per- plexities of the business interests of the community. Similar lists should be made by mothers, teachers, farmers, and all citi- zens of the community. The practical value of the Institute will depend very largely upon the success of this committee. These lists should be mailed to the Extension Division of the Univer- sity, Norman, Okla., as early as possible, at least two weeks before the institute. The Steering Committee sees that the other com- mittees perform their duties, and attends to all matters not referd to other committees. The Advance Nurse makes a preliminary survey of the health conditions of the community, examines children, and makes lists of them for the use of the Health Workers. She demon- strates the need and value of a Public Health Nurse and makes the work of the Health Department of the Institute more extensive and effective. Citizens may aid greatly by calling her attention to precocious, defective, abnormal, or unusual children. The Ad- vance Nurse will be glad to work under the direction of local physicians. Final Preparation. A member of the Preparatory staff, will where Possible, arrive a few days before the opening of an insti- 8 THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA tute and assist in the final preparations, and enable the community to get the greatest possible benefit from the institute. WHAT A COMMUNITY INSTITUTE MAY DO FOR A COMMUNITY It draws people together and unites them in efforts for the common good. It unites factions, even where there are strong differences, and enables them to work together. It focuses the attention of the entire community on its needs and problems and their remedies. It gives much valuable, up-to-date information on many matters of great importance both the community and to individ- uals. It improves the home life of every family which comes into contact with it. There are messages for all; fathers, mothers, and children. It helps the schools by assisting the teachers, by inspiring higher ideals, and by wholesome instruction and entertainment. The school service alone has been said to be worth more than the entire cost of the institute. It strengthens and encourages the most progressive and for- ward looking people in a community, increasing their influence and leadership, and organizes them for more effective work. It magnifies the importance of community life and cooperation and leaves a wholesome atmosphere of neighborliness and altruism. It brings together country and town, rich and poor, the learnd and unlearnd. It helps business men by bringing within their reach the ad- vice and counsel of some of the most successful business men in in the state; men who know Oklahoma conditions, and whose success proves the value of their advice. It centers the attention and interest of the entire community upon its children ; their health, happiness, education, moral training, their wholesome development and growth. None enjoy the in- stitutes more than the children. The accompaning testimonials show that all these things have actually been done. THE COST The total cost of an institute is about $1,000. Of this com- munity where the institute is held is askt to pay at least $300. and all the local expenses. The University will furnish programs, circulars, window cards, and pay the hotel bills of the staff. COMMUNITY INSTITUTES 9 GUIDING PRINCIPLES 1. No “Cut-and-dried” program will be urged upon any community. The object is to aid communities to solve their own problems. 2. No institute will be held except where the full coopera- tion of at least the business men, the women, and the public school faculty can be secured. 3. While they try to render most invaluable service to in- dividuals, the real and ultimate aim of the institute workers is community efficiency. 4. Each institute will leave organizations to continue its work. While outside aid may greatly help to begin local move- ments, every community must ultimately work out its own sal- vation. 5. The institute workers will not “boss”, or even lead. The sole aim is to bring expert advice and counsel, and leave the community stronger and more efficient. 10 THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA PROVISIONAL PROGRAM COMMUNITY INSTITUTES First Day (NOTE: When possible, a preliminary meeting of the staff with local committees is held during the afternoon of the first day.) 7:30 p. m. Community Singing. 8:00 Opening Address. Complete Living. 8:30 Introduction of the members of the Staff. 8:50 Address: Community Life. Second Day 9-12:00 a. m. Examination of Children. Special programs in the schools. Business conferences, individual and group. 10:00 Class: Educational Aims and Policies. 11:00 Class: Public Health. 12:0Q Noon. Luncheon: Business Men and Women and Institute Staff. 1:30 p. m. Class: Domestic Relations. 2:45 Class: Social Relations. 4 :00 Class : Play Supervision. (NOTE: The hours of these classes are subject to change in order to accommodate local needs and preferences.) 7:30 p. m. Community Singing. 8:00 Address: Husbands and Wives. 8:45 Address: Neighbors and Friends. Third Day 9-12 a. m. Examination of Children. Special Programs at the Schools. Business Conferences continued. 10:00 Class: Educational Aims and Policies. 11:00 Class: Public Health. 12:00: Noon: Luncheon: Educational Officials and Staff. 1:30 p. m. Class: Domestic Relations. 2:45 Class: Social Relations. 4 :00 Class : Play Supervision. 7 :30 Community Singing. 8:00 Addresses: Next Things for . 8:45 Closing Address. COMMUNITY INSTITUTES 11 TESTIMONIALS Editorial, — Pawhuska Capital. The value of the institute cannot be estimated in dollars and cents. Jno. R. March, Asst. Secy. Chamber of Commerce, Perry. My mother attended as many of the sessions as possible at Guthrie and wrote me that it was the best week Guthrie has had in many a year. Daily Oklahoman Reporter. Even husbands and wives are brought closer together by the Institute work. Courtesy in the home is taught both men and wo- men, as well as the children. From Address by J. E. Taplin at Close of Institute, Blackwell. I have lived in Blackwell, and have had my business and many friends here for many years, but it is just within the last three days that I have realized that Blackwell is MY Blackwell. Oklahoman Reporter, Wagoner, Feb. 10. A little girl’s life was saved by the child specialist of the Community Institute Staff at Wagoner. She was found to have tuberculosis of the spine. Condition discoverd just in time. Rev. Geo. W. Shafor, Baptist Church, Lawton Viewd from the after results of the Community Institute, it was a decided success. It did for us the one thing which was the supreme need ~ c our city, drawing factions into close cooperation. The Constitution, — Lawton. The Institute was a decided success from every standpoint. It was an inspiration to all who attended. The University of Oklahoma is doing a great work in carrying on these institutes. Record-Democrat, Wagoner. The cost of the Institute was not large, but was well worth all it cost. One business man said, “I think so much of the In- stitute idea that I will contribute to bring it here again next year. It should be made an annual affair.” H. L. Toliver, Banker, Cordell. We intend to keep alive the dominant community spirit stird up by the Institute sessions. The University deserves the high- est praise. Without its aid the small towns and cities of the state would be unable to secure such a corps of specialists. J. M. Garland, County Farm Agent, Cordell. I am certain that the Institute has been of inestimable value to the community. The benefits are manifold, but one of the most THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA 12 important to my mind is the promise of closer cooperation and better understanding between the farmers and the merchants of Cordell. Miami News, Editorial. In thus aiding communities thruout the state the University more thoroly demonstrates what an important part it plays in the progress and development of the state. To continue its growth and increase its beneficial influences the University must and should have the support it deserves. A. P. Gregory, Secretary Chamber of Commerce, Guthrie. The opera house and churches were used as meeting places and as many as five thousand people were taking part in the program at the same time. Guthrie is eminently satisfied with the present results and future prospects. It highly recommends the staff of workers and urges every city to secure one of the sessions if possible. Cordell News. A more vigorous community spirit, healthier business con- ditions, and closer cooperation between business interests of Cor- dell and the farmers. These are a few of the benefits derived from the first community institute held in the state. “The value is unmeasured and will never be fully known; I hear nothing but praise on every side,” says Mr. Fleming, President of the Chamber of Commerce. Dr. B. K. Pemberton, Mayor of McAlester I am writing you as mayor of this city and as one greatly in- terested in Community Welfare work to thank you for the splen- did work done by the team in our recent community institute. Am sure a great amount of good has been done, not only for Mc- Alester but for all of Pittsburg county. Your workers are in- dustrious, thoro, and competent, and I am sure will be of untold benefit to any community in which they hold an institute. As a result of this work I am sure that the citizenship of this city and county feel more than ever their individual responsibility to the rising generation. Earl Foster, Atty. at Law, Sapulpa. This is to express to you and to the rest of the staff who put r-u the Community Institute at Sapulpa March 3, 4, and 5 my ap- preciation as well as most of the men and women of Sapulpa inter- ested in the welfare of the community for the wonderful institute which you gave us. We need such things as these as in Sapulpa ,and we want to assure you that you did an untold good in our community. I am convinct that your institute did more than any one thing to at least start an interest in community betterment in this city. COMMUNITY INSTITUTES 13 M. L. Cotton, Supt. Schools, Lawton. 1. There was a wholesome atmosphere left in the whole city in regard to the kind of people, subjects discust, manner of appeal, and purposes of the Community Institute. 2. It led to the organization of a Community Council which has begun its work of correlating the work of all the organizations of the town and is meeting every Monday. 3. It will have a tendency to “democratize” the larger pur- poses of our higher institutions of learning of the state. This must be done if our educational institutions are given the support they deserve. 4 . By commending the work of those who are most active along constructive lines, the Institute left them much stronger to do the work and make it possible to get cooperation of the people and organizations more easily. W. T. Lampe, Secretary Chamber of Commerce, Pawhuska. While it is yet too early to give you the full benefits resulting from the institute held here in February, personally I am pleased to say that the work has been warmly commended. Supt. Stephens of the public schools declares that the benefits derived from the lectures given before the student body were alone worth more than the cost of the institute. Regular meetings of the Council will be held monthly and the Council is subject to the call of the president at any time. We have already seriously taken up the matter of building a community center in cooperation with the Woman’s Club, and other improve- ments will be considerd when this is accomplisht. W. B. Burks, Evelena Cochran, Mrs. H. F. Toliver, Committee, Cordell. . Whereas, the University of Oklahoma thru its Extension Division has seen fit to favor the city of Cordell as the location for its first Community Institute, and Whereas, said institute has been the means of lasting benefit to our community: Therefore be it resolved by the Community Council ; 1. That we heartily commend the University for the much needed work it is doing thru these institutes. 2. That we recommend the Institute to other communities of our state as being the best means we have found of arousing a community spirit. 3. That we shall expect another Institute during the year 1921-22. 4. That in the meantime we shall carry forward the work started, and 5. That from this Institute shall date the beginning of a “Better Cordell.” 14 THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA H. E. Berg, Secretary Chamber of Commerce, Wagoner. There can be no gainsaying that the institute was a great thing for our community. Perhaps the most tangible (at present) result which the Institute left us in the Community Council. In this organization we have a fine class of citizens, and while not sufficient time has elapst to have recorded any definite achieve- ments for our city thru this council, yet I see in it the greatest opportunity and the most potent factor for community develop- ment that could exist in any town. I am looking for great things to come from it and thru it. It goes without saying that many people who have not done so before, since the Institute are thinking more for and about their home town than ever could otherwise have been. I can conceive of no better thing to develop community spirit, to raise community ideals, to promote community improvements, to act as a community “house-cleaning” in every sense of the word than placing a worthy constructive program before a com- munity. The manner in which it checks up the health and educa- tional conditions of a community is of inestimable value. And in all of this, community singing plays an important and helpful part. In short, the Institute’s place as a potent factor for cultivat- ing true Americanism is second only to the church, and it makes even the churches work together in a larger way than otherwise could be done. Indeed, nothing better can happen to a community than a good Community Institute. Mrs. Anna Heer, Chamber of Commerce, Guthrie. The influence and “after effects” of the Institute I think may be summed up in the following manner : 1. The town and country movement has receivd an impetus towards growth as never before, and in a big joint meeting, each side pledgd support in establishing a community building to serve as a center for the different activities and organizations of the county. 2. The American Legion has purchast gymnasium apparatus and has secured quarters temporarily in the old convention hall. The boys have also pledgd their support for a central building. 3. The Service Star Legion have resolvd themselves into an auxiliary of the Legion as a direct resuit of the efforts of Cel. Gansser. This is having the effect of arousing a more direct in- terest in the boys, and has changed some of their policies, making them more cooperative in their work. 4. The “Community Sings” are being held regularly every Sunday afternoon, and already a different class of people are becoming noticeable in the congregation ; the kind the community needs to reach. 5. The Welfare League of the Lutz Dry Goods store has inaugurated morning singing at least one morning of each week as a part of their program. COMMUNITY INSTITUTES 15 6. Schools districts over the county are asking the town people to their pie suppers, etc., and singing is a part of the pro- gram. 7. The Chamber of Commerce is organizing a boys’ and a Woman’s auxiliary, and is looking forward to a centralization of all organizations. There is no doubt but that all this activity, and more that I have not mentiond, is the result of the splendid Institute held here under the auspices of the University. If any of the Institute staff can spare the time to run over and take a look at us at any time we shall be more than pleasd to welcome you, as we feel we owe everything to the “team” and their unselfish and unstinted work. UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA BULLETIN The University Bulletin has been established by the uni- versity. The reasons that have led to such a step are: first, to provide a means to set before the people of Oklahoma, from time to time, information abput the work of the different de- partments of the university; and second, to provide a way for the publishing of reports, papers, theses, and such other matter as the university believes would be helpful to the cause of edu- cation in our state. The Bulletin will be sent post free to all who apply for it. The university desires especially to exchange with other schools and colleges for similar publications: > • Communications should be addressed: THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA University Hall Norman, Oklahoma University of Oklahoma Bulletin, published by the univer- sity, is issued semi-monthly. Entered at the postoffice at Nor- man, as second class matter, under act of congress of August 24, 1912. Accepted for mailing at special rate of postage, as provided for in Section 1103, act of October 3rd, 1917, authoric- ed on July 8th, 1918. THE UNIVERSITY PRESS Gaylord Bros. Makers Syracuse, N. Y. PAT, JAN. 21,1908 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 3 0112 101059829