Studies in recent months in the United States and the various other countries concerned have indicated clearly that the essential purpose for which The Christian Science Monitor Youth Forums and Junior Forums and their Headquarters Secretary's office in Boston were established has been accomplished. The formal organization of the Forums and the Headquarters Secretary's office will therefore be discontinued December 31 of this year.
In 1946, when the Forums were established, there were about seven hundred clubs of young people in the United States and other countries which were devoted to social activities. They had operated under various names and various sets of rules which had been chosen by themselves, and it was felt that they would be much helped by the setting up of simple, uniform standards for such clubs and by the recognition which could be given them as the standards were met. The required action was undertaken through the Headquarters Secretary's office. One of the standards provided for regular reading of The Christian Science Monitor and discussion of its contents at one of every three meetings of the groups. This provision was welcomed by the groups in general as a desirable addition to their social activities and has unquestionably been constructive for the Forums and their members, along with the new standards set up for the social activities.
Now large numbers of young people are familiar with these standards. Moreover, the parents of many of them know the standards at firsthand, having themselves served as Junior Forum Advisors. Also, our branch churches in recent years have been making more use of young people. When they come out of Sunday School and at that time or earlier have joined the church, they are often appointed to important church committees and in that way are given opportunity for growth as Christian Scientists. In the Sunday Schools increasing care is being taken by the teachers and officers to see that pupils receive what they need to aid them in the practical demonstration of Christian Science.
