Letter by Mrs. George W. Frenger supporting the creation of a New Mexico Federation of Woman's Clubs
Las Cruces, N.M., To the President of <blank> Dear Madam: You no doubt are aware of the fact that we are trying to federate the Women's Clubs of New Mexico, realizing that by the co-operation, so much more can be accomplished along the lines that we, as Women and Mothers are especially interested. Organization is a great vital force, and a powerful factor in solving the problems of good citizenship, civic improvement, education, etc. Clubs of Self-Culture and self advancement are a fine thing and necessary, but every Club ought to have direct and definite purpose of benefiting others and showing the spirit of altruism. No true woman is indifferent to the aspects of life, its social and industrial conditions that may mean misery and woe to many. We should work for improved conditions, richer benefits and larger powers of service for humanity at large, and this can be done to better advantage through concerted effort. We are the only State in the Union not federated and if we wish to keep in step with the onward march of events and keep in sympathetic touch with things that will help advance our cause and position, we ought to join the ranks. An organization of Women's Clubs will be of mutual value and benefit to any club that joins. It will be modeled after the General Federation and certain Departments of work chosen which will be decided upon at the Convention. Most Clubs are Literary Clubs and we will undoubtedly have a Literature Library Extension and Reciprocity Bureau, which will be of inestimable value to all Literary Clubs, being an intellectual center so to speak where all the Clubs can apply for Books, Papers, Study Outlines and Material on different subjects. Clubs devoted to Civics, Economics, Education, Music, Art, etc., are all benefited by this interchange of thoughts and ideas. As an Organized Whole, we can secure the Travelling Arts Galleries and Travelling Libraries of other States and Lecture Courses on different topics, the expense of which would bar the individual clubs to attempt this altruistic work for the education of those not so fortunately situated as some of us. The along legislative lines, federated bodies can create favorable opinion and in this way help to secure the enforcement of good laws, especially do we wish to pass model pure food laws for it means the conservation of the health of our children and the community at large. In Home Economics every Club ought to devote one of more sessions. The State Federation could co-operate with State Universities and Agricultural Colleges to carry out short course work and lectures in order to spread the science and gospel of more intelligent and better living. Along the lines of Education, there are many things to be considered and for which we ought to work. Above all things, well enforced child labor and compulsory education laws; well equipped school houses in every community and properly trained an properly paid teaching forces. For whatsoever is done for the children will be reflected in the life of the Nation, morally, physically and intellectually. Thus, I could go enumerating the many advantages of Federation and the work that could be done but this will give your Club an idea. Please take up the matter with them for discussion as we are quite anxious to have a many Clubs as possible join as Charter Members. Hoping to hear form you as soon as possible with best wishes, I remain, Fraternally Yours, Federation Secretary for New Mexico. |