Relief Society general president Barbara W. Winder attended ribbon-cutting ceremonies here for the new American Home Economics Association headquarters, underscoring the importance the Church places on family and home.

Praising the work of the association, Sister Winder, who was joined at the Oct. 23 program by her second counselor Joanne B. Doxey, spoke of the need for value to be placed on the unusual and significant services of those who are homemakers."I have long felt that stable families are the most important element of our society," Sister Winder said. "We must regard homemaking as a profession of ultimate worth."

Young women and men in the Church should be encouraged to take classes in home economics as part of a well-rounded education, the Relief Society president noted. "I believe these classes are essential to our youth.

"There is no doubt that families are under siege. We must teach correct principles in every facet of life. Simple and correct principles of home management complement the truths of the gospel. Homes correctly organized and managed create an atmosphere in which precious gospel truths can find life and expression."

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Sister Winder expressed concern that homemaking departments are being dissolved in many colleges, and homemaking classes are no longer required subjects in some high school curriculums. She expressed the support of the Relief Society in the continuance of such departments and classes.

Citing statistics that show in the last year there were 30,000 job openings in the home economics profession, Sister Winder emphasized the need to focus attention on this field. She noted that last year there were only 19,000 home economics graduates and 13,400 graduates in related fields.

"If these positions are properly filled, those filling them will be in the position to teach and transmit necessary lessons that strengthen the family."

Sister Doxey pointed out that she found women often left the home for other jobs because they didn't feel qualified and therefore, became frustrated in the job of homemaker. She said that "we must place value on women in the home and we must provide the training which will allow them to feel confident and in control as they embark on this profession absolutely essential to the fulfillment of the work of the kingdom."

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