Page 16 - To Dragma March 1932

*We Can Achieve l^esults
(§pite of Difficulties
By M A R Y D A N I E L S O N D R U M M O N D , Alpha Phi
' T ' H E Social Service Committee sent out a letter to all the chapters, under-
JL graduate and alumna*, requesting them to report their progress in our
national work. We asked that opinions, pro and con, be recorded, and
whether lack of interest exists. The reason for such a report is to enable
the committee to plan its work more effectively, to clear up any point
that may trouble various members, and to i n f o r m the fraternity as a
whole in what regard the work is held. I t is gratifying that so far, almo-t
no indifference is reported. I n many chapters the work is already in full
swing, and the great majority is very enthusiastic over the opportunity.
Already, individuals are asking how they can get in closer, contact. M a n y
of the letters are very helpful and worthy of publication. Vera Riebel
w i l l prepare an article w i t h excerpts f r o m these letters for the M a y issue of age lay waiting.
To DRAGMA. A t present the committee merely wishes to comment in gen-
eral on the returns received so far.
T o those who feel this is a poor year to begin a national work, to
those who feel that in these days of distress local work should come first,
and to those who feel that whatever effort put f o r t h in so barren a ground
as the Kentucky hills w i l l avail but little, the answer can only be that
in a measure each is right. I t is a difficult year, but let us remember that
for years during boom times Alpha Omicron Pi searched diligently for a
national work but every suggestion was rejected. We believe that we can
succeed in spite of the times, because never have we been so aware of
the needs of our fellowman. The press, magazines, books and personal ex-
periences have taught us much in the past t w o years. Whatever we give
today, we give w i t h a greater sense of obligation, be i t time, money, or
sympathy. Let us remind ourselves also that for a century and a half con-
ditions in the Kentucky hills have been much worse than what we con-
sider bad today.
T o those who see suffering and need near at hand i t seems irrational
to raise funds to alleviate suffering elsewhere. However, it is possible to
do both as i t has been in the past. We give to missions in foreign lands;
we clothe, and in a measure educate, peoples of different races and faiths
wherever it has been called to our attention that such needs existed. Surely*
making an effort to aid our own can be construed as charity beginning
at home.
T o those who feel that effort put forth in the Kentucky hills will
avail but little, may we point out that that rests entirely with the mem-
bers of Alpha Omicron Pi. Speedy results cannot be hoped for. However,
if we could put f o r t h as much effort, planning, and thought as has the
Frontier Nursing Service we might find results as astonishing as it has
found in a six-year period. The question is, have we the high courage to
effectively pool our efforts to achieve results in spite of difficulties?
M A R C H , 1932 29
; "Qlever Qountry"
Ss the l^omance of Kentucky
m
H AVE you ever gone exploring in your own city? Have you ever
turned off on the side streets which you pass daily? Have you
been surprised by what you see—a spot daily passed but never
explored, a bit of beauty passed" which you've gone constantly without
realizing it?
So are there spots in your countryside, in our nation, by which life
rides daily without stopping to wonder what's up the trail. Perhaps if
you were to look you'd find grandeur of scenery, beauty of humanity
and a spot where adventure and romance, steeped in appeal and cour-
So Caroline Gardner, Executive Secretary in Chicago of the Frontier
Nursing Service, Inc., found when she and her four children wandered
off the Blue Grass Trail into the mountains of Kentucky. "Clever
Country" is the result of that exploration, a long summer's length. To
the uninitiated let us explain that "clever" means "friendly" or "gen-
erous." And as you ride horseback, muleback, or go afoot with Mrs.
Gardner you learn the true meaning of hospitality, warm-heartedness,
generosity, sacrifice. You enter a life where flies and lovely patchwork
quilts abound; where romance drops from the skies and weaves a pretty
plot through a story full of wit and wisdom, of graphic experience and
the joys of pioneering in human relations.
The story would be fine in itself, but to Alpha O's it has a special
S1gnificance. I t is the best interpretation on paper you can get of that
Magnificent organization to whom we have pledged ourselves in social
service work. You live through one hundred and fifty-nine pages of sun-
shine and rain with the nurses who are bringing health and new physi-
cal happiness to that region just off the main road of civilization in
pentucky. I n the visits Mrs. Gardner makes with the nurses you can
eel the great service a social service department will be. You will
nrill with your writer when you read, "Mrs. Breckinridge is not con-
ent to deliver most of the babies born in an area of nearly eight hun-