Its aim is not to bring the members out of the spheres in which they have been placed, but to help them to do their duty better in that station of life where God Has placed them.
Its aim is to lead them to see that it does make a vast difference how they fulfil those duties, and that if they are actuated by high Christian motives, they will find this the way to ennoble all work.
Its aim is to teach its members who have the talent, or leisure, or education, or artistic training, to use this for the common weal, and save them from the selfish narrowness of a useless life.
Thus the Y.W.C.A. does its quiet work day by day. Sometimes it offers its protection to a girl who sets foot in London or some other large town for the first time, the Stations Visitor sent out by the Travellers’ Aid Department (Office, 16A, Old Cavendish-street, W.), meeting her at the Station or Wharf. Sometimes it saves a girl from falling into the snares, now so often laid for them in advertisements offering high wages and little work, which means ruin and degradation. Any girl may apply to the Employment Agency, 17, Old Cavendish-street, or to the Business Agency, 316, Regent-street, for a safe situation, or for information concerning registries and advertisements. Sometimes it gives occupation for the leisure hours when tired fingers and weary brain need relaxation and change. There are 40 institutes and homes in London alone, and 125 branches, and similar work is carried on all over the country.
The Association has thus proved itself indispensable to many a lonely, tempted girl. Thank God for the Young Women’s Christian Association! The London Association has published four reasons why every girl should join.
Y.W.C.A.
Why Should I Join?
Because every young woman should identify herself with an Association which is pre-eminently her own, and thus support it by her influence and example.
Because if you yourself do not need the special advantages of our Association, remember the thousands of our sisters who do; therefore, enrol yourself as a member, and encourage every one whom you may come across to do the same.
Because, if you desire to work for God, here is a delightful sphere for all the time and talents you have to spare, as almost all our local branches are needing helpers.
Because, by joining, and also influencing others to join, you may be the means of bringing many in who will by-and-by say, “Thank God I ever came in here!”