The Book of Ideas

              attention to "lone" delegates, see that they get a pal and that they feel they are really a part of the Convention. Be sure the Conference has a strong message and that the program has lots of "meat" in it for the delegates to take back with enthusiasm. Subscriptions to Home and Country Federated News and The Countrywoman should be stressed. Our objectives at all levels should be explained. The problems and work of the different committees should get more attention.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

PROJECTS AND BETWEEN-MEETINGS

ACTIVITIES

Interest stimulated by thoughts and features presented at regular meetings is the basis of much of our activity. Keeping alert to needs and opportunities and meeting them practically, is one of the outstanding characteristics of the Women's Institutes. This chapter is a mixed and colorful garden of Ideas from Branches. W. Beran Wolfe has given permission to quote the following: "Happiness is not in having or in being, it is in doing. If we want to know what happiness is, we must seek it, not as if it were a pot of gold at the end of! the rainbow, but among human beings who are living richly and fullX the good life. If you observe a really happy man, you will find him building a boat, writing a symphony, educating his son, or growing dahlias in his garden. He will not be searching for happiness as if it were a collar button that has rolled under the radiator. He will have become aware that he is happy in the course of living twenty-four crowded hours a day." Projects should be selected by vote and then whole-heartedly supported. A general Chairman and Co-chairman of a committee will look into all details, interest all Members and get advance publicity. "Short Refresher Courses" and "Workshops" have proven to be helpful projects. Outlines of Some Leadership Courses-In Quebec they have held five days of concentrated instruction, discussions and skill sessions on topics relative to "Knowledge and Techniques Essential for the Role that the W.I. Should Play in Any Community." Classes were held on ''New Life for Your Programmes?" discussions and talks on ''The Duties of Officers and Conveners," "How to Conduct a Business Meeting" and "Value of Public Relations" and "Publicity." Other classes were held on Sewing, Rug Hooking, Leather Craft, Weaving and other Handicrafts. Discussions were held on Recreation for Meetings and Community Programmes and an evaluation session held with all Members participating followed by a Bang-up party on closing night. All of these gave practical training in what it means to be an Institute Member. In Manitoba a two-day Leadership Course was held. Morning Sessions were devoted to Study of Program Planning, Public Speaking, Social Activities at Meetings and work of the Secretary. During the afternoon Sessions, discussion groups studied Problems Regarding Institute Work, Membership Participation in Meetings. Another Leadership Course was held in Macdonald College in Quebec in 1960. It was limited to 45 delegates representing Branches. They studied Horticulture with emphasis on Landscaping Farm Home Grounds. Similar 45