Calling Shots

Critics of the Mattachine Society sometimes declare that the organization displays extreme gall in asking for financial help when it returns so little to those who contribute to it. These critics are, in some respects, dead wrong. In its present commitments and projects, Mattachine doesn't provide "so little" to those who contribute to its support. Actually, in terms of immediate return, it provides almost nothing at all except the satisfaction that comes as a result of helping other human beings who are in need.

At two recent meetings of the Board of Directors of the Mattachine Society, Mattachine's policy of involvement with the "total community" has been vigorously approved and expanded. This is in contrast to Mattachine's work of several years ago which was largely "in-group" and the efforts of many other organizations which have been consistently even more so, Here the long-known fact that, in order for homophiles to achieve status and recognition they are required to be involved with all of society, is now a reality. Mattachine's efforts to bring aid to the deprived residents of San Francisco's Central City area, described elsewhere in this issue, are an example of how the Society, by working with other social service agencies and organizations, can help to bring relief to a large group of citizens with a whole spectrum of human needs. Mattachine's special abilities to effectively deal with human sex-behavoir problems, especially in the area of homosexuality, are used to

greatest advantage in combination with the special abilities of other public-service organizations. And, in joining with other groups in the total community in a sincere effort to make a better society for our citizens and better citizens for our society, Mattachine has gained the respect that comes with an ability to see beyond one's own immediate self-interests and to relate to the community at large.

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We will continue our magazine and other publications as resources permit and, in fact, hope to be, able to expand and improve them. But in the meantime we shall continue to give first priority to the continuation of our outward thrust toward the total public because, in our view, this is the best way by which to improve public attitudes and laws concerning homosexuals. This means continuing our social services to the some 4,000 persons per year who come to our offices for help, or phone us from great distances, or write us with problems which are human and instant and real. And Mattachine will continue its growing program of lectures to college and university classes, mental and public health groups, and to other organizations where our viewpoints are sought and heard. We shall also continue to be spokesmen on our subjects of human sex behavoir problems to staffs of newspapers and magazines, and to audiences on radio and telivision. We shall also continue our wholehearted liason and cooperation with other organizations within and without the homophile movement.

Mattachine has never had a quarrel with other projects and methods employed in various times and localities to solve our common problems. But it has learned that, as a leading organization in the movement, in must answer the challenge of change in order to make its work most effective and its service most meaningful. Hence its expansion to the level of the total community rather than limiting it to the homophile community. Development of our projects cannot be continued in any other

way.

Thus the benifits of Mattachine's work are perhaps seen least by those who contribute most to make it possible. Those who need Mattachine and come to it for individual help most often just don't have any money to contribute. And those who have money, in all too many cases, just don't see the need for us, it seems.

This hard reality is one we have to face, yet we must keep Mattachine the vital force it has become in bringing greater understanding, kindness and love to this human world.

The accomplishment has been great, but the potential for even more significant accomplishment is on the horizon. Will you, once more, help us realize these real and human goals here and now with a substantial contribution?

Such a vote of confidence tells your faith in us. Without it we are rendered ineffective and those who look to us with hope will find only disappointment.

It's your next move!