LADDER may be sent to introduce the publication and the organization. Since it is not feasible to advertise openly, there is no other way in which to increase THE LADDER'S circulation.

At any rate, this first effort at publishing "snowballed". The mail came in faster than it could be read – let alone answered. The organization as well as the publication was suffering from growing pains. And a handful of nottoo-unwilling people were in for a lot of hard work!

By the third issue THE LADDER graduated from the nonetoo satisfactory (to put it mildly) mimeographed newsletter to a bona fide printed format the printing taking place before and after working hours in a local commercial concern unbeknownst to the proprietors. In due time (three issues) this arrangement proved to be somewhat confining, and since the circulation was growing steadily each month, the job was farmed out to Pan Graphic Press, where it is still being printed.

During this same period the Daughters of Bilitis applied for and received a charter from the State of California as a non-profit corporation. An office was rented in the Williams Building, quarters being shared with the Mattachine Society. The Daughters were in business!

The public discussion meetings on ferr, employment, the law, and other related homophile problems met with a favorable response, attendance ranging from 15 to 55. Many men attend these meetings as well.

Then came the need for more intimate, "let the hair down" type discussions, and the Gab 'n Java sessions were born. Attendance at these bull sessions has ranged from 10 to 45.

Social activities are another important part of the DOB program. Aside from the opportunity they afford for getting better acquainted, they have also proved to be very successful in the all-important matter of raising funds. Several "annual" events have evolved during the past two years: the St. Patrick's Day brunch, to which members of