November 1969

My dad took walks in the woods with his boys. Word gems fell as often as hickory nuts. It is appropriate to recall now as we launch another venture for the League, "there are two ways to get to the top of an oak tree...you can either start climbing or you can sit on an acorn until you get there."

We are most pleased to be bringing the first edition of our Recreation Register to our members. We must depend on your interest, circulation efforts and advertising response to assure future issues.

Many local "editors" will have a hand in the tomorrow of these pages. Our well over 50 member associations have named those who will be reporting for them.

The "How it is Done" in one association will become the "How to Do It" for another. Each will be offering success stories to others seeking an new way to accomplish similar benefits for their association or membership.

SUBSTANTIAL ASSETS. So many have done so much in such a short time to give the League substance and strength. There have been generous donations of time, interest, effort, and grey matter.

The variation at this moment brings to mind Emerson's debate between the Mountain and the Squirrel. The mountain wanted it known he carried an entire forest upon his back, even the nut tree from which the squirrel ate. Who can forget the retort of the squirrel, "Yes, but you can't crack a nut."

SERVICES RENDERED. The League's sole "reason for being" is service to the membership. But, in order to fulfill its purpose, we, as any growing, thriving organization, must combine our scattered efforts.

Accordingly, the desire of the leadership is to establish a base from which to do for the members. Involvement with new ideas, up-to-the-minute needs, and suggestions for ways and means have been made the order of the day.

Good communication is the springboard from which the full potential of activity will be realized. All who have moments to spare are urged to participate in local employee associations and to stretch a little further into League participation.

Each one will have a little different approach, a slightly different talent or ability, and something special to offer. The main thrust is to have people doing and thinking. As you have thoughts or hopes, direct them to your officers, R&W Associations, League officials, or this publication.

VARIETY MOLDS. The beauty of a quilt or of an autumn landscape lies not so much in the individual patches and leaves. Rather the pattern and design and variety of color and shape make the difference.

So it is with the development of ideas, the contribution of energy and talent, the participation of each segment in the function of a "League" of folks. They come in assorted shapes and sizes. The ages vary almost from the teens to the seventies. The objectives, desires and interests are so diverse they cover, as no other group can, the cross section that makes America.

OUR POTENTIAL. The League is in its infancy of both existence and potential. Howe well those presently at the helm throw the challenge of participation to those who have not yet heard about or grasped the big image will determine how far and how fast the growth is to be.

Today a few labor for others that tomorrow they and thousands like them may be served. There are some who believe the lot, the morale and the recognition of the Federal employee can be improved. There are some willing to help bring the days of realization more rapidly to fruition. Are you? Will you?

Every voice speaks loudly to us. Every hand can lift a little, and every mind can project a thought. Together we grow...

David L. Brigham
Executive Director