1 80 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOG \
ncls of social progress. To do this they join these organizations and are generally elected to offices, where they can study and
- tc with the greatest advantage. "Make haste slowly " is
the watchword. Join the neighborhood organization. Trace its history, growth, and possibilities. Then, little by little, point its policy. When all of the social forces already in a community are studied and understood, and not till then, is it safe to attempt many new organizations. When an important experi- ment in turning some social force into its proper channel needs an organization at the settlement, the character of this new work should be simply to meet some need of the community and to unify the social forces that can supply this need.
Of this nature is the educational work of Chicago Commons and other settlements. It is more an educational clearing house than an institution of learning. It aims to awaken among the people a larger interest in educational advantages. So the branches taught in the night classes touch every side of life not already provided for by other institutions in the community. There are classes in
Domestic economy. Sewing, cooking, dressmaking, embroid- ery, and lace making.
Art. Lectures with stereopticon, children s and adult classes in drawing and painting, sketching classes in the parks, picture loans and exhibitions, class visits to the art galleries each of these occasions aiming to help generate a broad art spirit in the community.
Music. Choruses for children and adults, musical evenings, vocal and instrumental group classes, concerts for Italians the very best music being brought to those who need it the most.
Social education. The social clubs aim to teach methods of social enjoyment that are healthful and can take the place of the dance hall and cheap theater. They also unify and supple- ment the culture studies, and supply the need of a higher grade of sociability.
Industrial classes. Basket weaving, wood carving, chair can- ing, and manual training. This work is beginning to solve the
