Y.W.C.A.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 145, 21 June 1934, Page 14

Y.W.C.A.

AIMS OF THE ASSOCIATION. The keynote of Y.W.C.A. activities is to build creative citizenship, and. this aim underlies all the programmes of its i different departments and clubs. Perhaps the two groups most consciously striving to better equip themselves as active citizens are the business and professional Women's Round Table Club, and the Triangle Forum (a club of young men and women), whose programme includes talks by recognised authorities on international problems, economic systems and social Christianity. Members themselves take actual part by preparing -papers and debates and entering into open discussion. The Round Table Club has a membership of 65, and is formed in seven Y.W.C.A.'s in New Zealand, while the forum, with a membership of 40 in Auckland, is also a part of the Wellington Association. To enable young men and women to meet on other than a social plane, and share thoughts on the common problems of to-day is the aim of this group. Recognising the need for social and recreational activities in a balanced life, the Y.W.CA. activities include social evenings, dances, sports, camps and tramps.

To counteract the influence of mass | public opinion which so largely sways | the actions of people to-day, all clubs are organised on a self-governing basis which, in its true sense, is not license, but stresses the interdependence of members, and demands self-discipline. The only discipline worth while having is that which is drawn from within the individual, and which bases decisions not by force of outward coercion, but because of inner convictions and a judgment based on high ideals. So the officers of a club are elected -by members, and share with them the responsibility of the programme and action of the club, always striving to carry out the purpose of the Y.W.C.A.

The purpose of the Y.W.C.A. is: To unite women and girls in a world wide fellowship; to help them to find a definite purpose in life; and to be honest and fearless in their thinking; to gain an appreciation of th© joy® of beauty, service and friendship; and to interpret by x-adianfc living the love of God as revealed by Jesus Christ.