ORGANIZING THE COMMUNITY CENTER
fort, and each department of activity ought to be self-supporting. These departments should contribute a certain percentage of their funds to the association as a whole, because its general activities are necessary to the success of these departments. The members of the Community Association should express their interest by registering as active members and paying a small registration fee. These two sources will doubtless net sufficient funds. If they do not, then voluntary contributions and entertainments should supply what is needed.
The Community Association us a public body. As such, what money it raises is public money. Since the amount needed to be raised by voluntary effort is smaller than the amount received from public funds, there is little danger that large givers will have the opportunity to dominate the policies of the Community Center through their gifts. Above all others, this is the one danger most to be guarded against. Because it is chiefly supported by public taxation, the Community Center is a place where all can meet on the basis of self-respect, where
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