Call For More Emphasis On Community Service

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31776, 5 September 1968, Page 18

Call For More Emphasis On Community Service

More emphasis on community service and the problems of the community would avert some of the world’s major problems, Mr E. E; Wedemeyer, vice-president for operations of the Junior Chamber International, said at a meeting last evening of the Christchurch South Jaycees.

Incidents such as the invasion of Czechoslovakia and disturbances in the United States could have been avoided by greater interest In the domestic problems of the community. “I believe that through modern communications the world is becoming smaller and therefore each Jaycee chapter is becoming of international significance,” Mr Wedemeyer said.

Mr Wedemeyer said he felt that racial problems were the concern of national Jaycees organisations rather than of the Junior Chamber International. “I think our own national organisation is only skirting the fringe of the racial problem, and I fear it is afraid of coming to grips with the matter,” he said. “There is not enough coloured membership of Jayeees in America, and I feel embarrassed when some Jaycees pledge themselves through the Jaycee creed to the brotherhood of man and then choose to ignore this problem.” Mr Wedemeyer, a lawyer, is a past-president of the United States Jaycees. He arrived in New Zealand yesterday for a short visit. ...