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Gaither Report: Report of the Study for the Ford Foundation on Policy and Program
workshops in combination with research projects. The latter
might attempt to measure the extent to which public apathy is
reduced, or the resulting extent of improvement in local affairs.
Emphasis in research should also be placed on the efficiency of the
techniques used, in order that such workshop projects may be
installed in other communities more easily and effectively.
Furthermore,
the Foundation can render the same assistance to governmental
operations in the domestic sphere as in international matters. It
can supply direct aids in forming and executing policy, and in
stimulating greater public understanding and support; and it can
supply valuable assistance through expert consultants whose special
knowledge or experience would not otherwise be available.
Finally,
there is fundamental need, as previously set forth, for more and
better qualified persons at high policy levels, both elective and
appointive, in government. Insofar as the solution of this problem
requires changes and improvements in our educational system, it is
discussed in Program Area Four. In addition, alteration in the
fundamental conditions of government employment to make public
service more attractive seems indispensable. If the Foundation
could help raise the prestige of government service for either
elective or appointive positions it would make a contribution of
great value to peace, to our internal strength, and to the solution
of all social problems which will henceforth confront the United
States.