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No-Liquor-Tobacco Campaign

The Personal Contact Method

DIRECTOR GEORGE S. TANNER of the L. D. S. Institute of Religion at the University of Idaho read a very thoughtful paper at a recent meeting of college L. D. S. teachers of religion on the methods used in our liquortobacco campaign, especially as they touch young people. He called attention to the grave dangers of presenting this subject in the usual way in our religious meetings, especially when addicts are present. They may be embarrassed and driven away. But if only abstainers are present no harm will result from public discussions of the evils following the use of liquor and tobacco.

But in dealing with beginners and addicts he recommended tact, friendly persistence and the wise use of the Personal Contact Method.

Relative to this problem he wrote:

There is great need for sympathetic men and women who have faith in young people to come to the rescue [of winning and keeping youth and others from liquor and tobacco]. One should not feel satisfied at having "had a talk" with one of these boys or girls. The making of a life and the moulding of a character is a life's work. It requires patience, sympathy, persistence and faith. One must never give up or get discouraged because of apparent failure. One never knows just when something he has done or said will bear fruit. The Lord has said, "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; ... And if you should labor all your days and bring save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!"

Repeatedly in this column and elsewhere we have urged the use of the "personal contact method" in campaigning with those who tamper with or use liquor or tobacco. Admittedly the situation is very delicate. It should be wisely and tactfully approached, offense avoided, and confidence won. If ever workers needed divine guidance it is when the rescue of human souls from evil depends on the methods and skill of the workers.

Grant Stake's Excellent Work

GRANT STAKE has taken hold of the liquor-tobacco campaign with most commendable earnestness and enthusiasm, as is indicated by their reports, herewith summarized;

ORGANIZATION

The stake committee consists of a chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, two high councilmen, two field men as assistants to the high counselors, a representative from each stake auxiliary board and a lecturer. From this committee is appointed an educational committee consisting of the lecturer as chairman, the vice-chairman and the representatives. Each ward has a committee on the pattern of the stake committee.

MEETINGS

The stake and ward committees meet jointly once each month on the fourth Sunday.

EDUCATION

The educational program is conducted under the auspices of the educational committee. The records and films received from headquarters have been shown to nearly every class group in the stake and wards. This work is in charge of the vice-chairman of the stake committee.