LEAGUES SHOULD SEEK COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Te Ao Hou, June 1961, Page 45

LEAGUES SHOULD SEEK COMMUNITY SUPPORT The latest figures show that League membership has fallen. Why? Let us each look into our hearts for the answer. Are the aims too high, the concepts too broad? No! Has the period of greatest need passed? No! Could it be that our ideas have become rusty or our ideals dusty? Effective League leadership demands certain abilities and certain disciplines plus a belief in the work. It is necessary to understand the aims of the League and to implement the carrying out of them. Understanding comes first, planning second and execution third. At each stage, intelligence, confidence, organising ability, tact and energy are required, but above all these there must be a faith and a hope in the future of the Maori people. We must all use our brains to the best of our ability, follow up our ideas with hard work and add to these something of the missionary zeal that was displayed in the early days of the League. Here is an idea and a set of ideals, worth fighting for, worthy of sharing, a fellowship of women who are all part of the family that is the Maori people. It is up to members to believe in the aims of the League and to convert others to that belief. The true strength of any organisation lies in its membership. Only through a strong following can the League approach its potential as a living force, able to voice its opinion on matters concerning the race and by reason of its achievements be listened to with respect. Enthusiasm is needed in this year of Independence and it must come from every member. Let the able help the unable within each branch. The League is for all Maori women, bring in the elite and the illiterate, and naumai! Women who are well adjusted and comfortable in their own lives need to look with aroha on those less fortunate ‘There but for the Grace of God, go I’. Qualities of understanding, sympathy and wisdom backed by practical help are needed among our members if they wish the League to gain in strength. The aims of the League are high but not unattainable, to fulfil them, and justify our independence, we must be prepared not only to stand firmly on our own feet, but also to steady and lead others in the march of progress.