This book is addressed chiefly to the members of the young peoples' societies of the churches, and has been written at the request of their representatives. It is designed to present the purposes and ideals of Home Service, which the American Red Cross is extending to the families of thousands of our soldiers and sailors.
Home Service is national in scope. In some parts of the country it has been so thoroughly developed that for them the pages that follow are a record of accomplishment. In other places where the work is new or still in process of organization, This Side the Trenches' is rather a statement of ideals to be achieved.
Although Home Service is conducted almost entirely by volunteers, its direction requires a more special training and preparation than other activities of the Red Cross. Its success depends upon the devotion of men and women who are willing to equip themselves through instruction or to work under trained supervision. Home Service is a distinctive enterprise, not duplicating but co-operating with other established agencies.
The writing of this book has been made possible by the generous interest of. The Charity Organization Society of the City of New York, which contributed the services of the author.