The Chinese Y. M. C. A, has been existence for twenty-one years. Tt has played a part in the lives of Shanghai Chinese women, offerimg educational facilities and. opportunities for development for its members. It has taken the lead in certain civie problems, notably in bringing before the community the situation of child workers in mills and factories in Shanghai. Its present programme of educational work "for women is a courageous attempt to: combat'the illiteracy and ignorance which is characteristic of women, who work in industrial plants, During 1928-20 classes for industrial women in six localities and representing six occupations wore held. In 1930 there is being a concentration of effort in addition to other work, among the women cotton workers. A now centre has been opened in Ferry Road, "atomes Departivent" fs part of the A Baby Clinic," related to th;
programme of education which the 'Association pursues with reference "to married' women. The Chinese W. C. A, Hostel cares for 40-50 girls." New promises for this work, capable of expansion with increas dug need, have been acquired: in Dixwell Road. The numbers of 'Chinese women and girls who travel alone, or who are now employed away' from home, makes this wone of importance. The Chinese women savho have taken the responsibility Mor this work have grown thereby in civic conscienousness. The move-smout itself offers a training ground dor women: it thus plays its part in creating a senso of citizenship in the new China, The Foreign Y.¢M. C. A. whicn includes among "its membership girls and women of twelve nationali-los, has been in existence for eight years, It has occupied rented premises during this period, being now Jocated in 4 Museum Road. One of ite most important pieces of work is its Employment. Department, By this means foreign women in this city have boon able to make that most important connection—between the worker and the job. Upon the books of the employment' secretary are women—and men—of thirty tionalities, many of whom have placed in positions. Employers by their use of this department indicate its value to them, 'The educational classes offered by' the Y. M. C. A. have meta need. This is especially: true in the cass of many Russian women, who, well equipped educationally,' have' had need to acquire English, the "lingua franco" of Shanghai. The success which many Russinn women have made in their attempt. to ~adapt themselves to now conditions hus dean great, The ¥. W. C. A. has played its part in this.
Tt has been a social centre which many foreign women in this city Ihave been glad to use. Tt has helped in many adjustments, and in the many difficulties in which foreign women and children are concerned in this city. Especially has it been of servic to newcomers and to visitors who ate accustomed to look the Y. M, C. A. for help, Together with the Chinese'Y. M. C.'A. it took the initiative in proposing the International Pageant under the auspices of the Joint Committee of Shanghai Women's Organizations. It underwrite the expenses for the sake of the international education involved.
But Shanghaj is a complex com. munity, and equipment which was adequate for former times. is not sufficient nowadays. 'Many problems related to its women and children exist. Foreign girls resident away from home also need housing commodation. Both Chinese and foreign. girls in-Shanghai, and -women too,' reed facilities for reereation, Country Clubs, which are private.undertalings have.an expen sive: membership fee: few. of them offer membership torunmarried girls im any case,."Bub the city: needs for its women; generally na: pool. -and gymnasium. The "Women's "Sport Section of the' Foreign'¥. M. C."At asia voritable-laboratory-experiment to demonstrate themed. In-fifteen months, over five hundred women have sought "its opportunities "for, exerciso.and recreation...At the present time it is serving about two hundred sand -fifty. Of these, one hundred belong to the "Noon Class" limited to business girls, and to this /mumber of them. It maybe said that 100 business girls enjoy the opportunity for swimming and gymnasium in the winter, but except for the favoured few' in Country Clubs, this is the outside figure.
Again Women's Clubs in Shanghai are private organizations, open as a.rule, to members: of distinct nationalities. -Many foreign women state that they'd not know Chinese women: they have few opportunities for m Chinese -women of education. Shanghai needs centre for. women of all nationalities. To™give a building' to the women of Shanghai is to do a constructive thing toward international understanding. There is, at present, no community centre which can provide educational program-women who desire these jes. Homecraft and naturition, literature and art, and the field of international relations lie open to the community group which has the genius to supply these, As a preliminary facts are nced-ed. How many employed women in Shanghai may be regarded as possible clientele for- this building? How many of these are under 25—in a younger age group? How many women, employed or otherwise, desire to use the recreation facilities of the building?
What is the demand. for a community centre in Shanghai where women of all nationalities may met?
What is the demand for housing facilities? Should there be a building open te women of all nationalities, should the Chinese movement develop along, the lines. of its own genius?
'The Associations, prior to pro ceeding to any more definite planning have desired to obtain' these facts, and the opinion of the community. A questionnaire has been designed with this in view. All women are~invited to cut this out] from the paper, and to send it in to the survey headquarters. All. women, whether employed or otherwise, are urged to do so. Some economic facts are asked for from those who would be good enough to supply them. They are important from the point of view of the study, and in. providing the guide for ture policies.
The Questionnaire Kind of occupation:
Nationality:
Age: over 262 under:25?
Are. you self-supporting?
Do you live at home?
Are.you a member of any sports Would you desire to use rocreation facilities in a properly equipped ¥. W. C. A.?
The plan is to have a building) for the service of all women, irres-re of nationality. opinion of this idea.
If you are in' the position to: do s0, would you be interested in rent= ing a room. or smatl_apartment, Jet at the most reasonable possible rate?' What would you consider a reasonable rate?
What would you-consider a suit-blo location £0 that the greatest number of Shanghai women may be served?
Will you make on a separate sheet some' suggestion as to stich 3 building and its uses? Please fee! free to be entirely. frank.
Signature:
Address: Answer only if you desire: most, important that. the cal seonomie facts of the employ ment. of women shall, be- in the hands" of. the committee planning this, building... Your, answer. to hese', questions will help.
"a—If -you: live at home or' frith relatives,: what financial. conttibution per month do you make?
~beIf you board, what-do. you pay pet month for room and board?
¢—What is your monthly salary?
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.