I agree whole heartedly.  Nothing can create turmoil in a diverse
setting when the facilitator has not worked through their issues.  I see
it more as an issue of healing vs. the inability to communicate
effectively.  

As it relates to obtaining permission to purchase items, please be
supportive of your friend she may be in an emotionally abusive
relationship.  

-----Original Message-----
From: povertyracewomen-bounces at nifl.gov
[mailto:povertyracewomen-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Andrea Wilder
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2006 4:06 PM
To: Women and Literacy Discussion List The Poverty Race
Subject: [PovertyRaceWomen 18] Intro


Hi Everybody--

I'm new on this  list combo.

My quite passionate interest is in using literacy to aid women in 
becoming self-sufficient.  We need to be able to be self-supporting, we 
need the skills that help this to happen.  In my experience, women who 
are not able to be self-supporting are undermined, and undermine 
themselves, in subtle and  not so subtle ways.  A few weekends ago I 
saw a  woman friend of mine  go to her husband with a clothes catalogue 
and ask him for permission to  buy some new outfits.  I have been on my 
own for a good  while, and I was shocked;  shows how far I have come.  
"Advice" is one thing, "permission" is another.

I think we also have to do some work in speaking before a mixed group.  
I have returned home after a conference;  women spoke often, yes, but  
not in the full and hearty way I am used to in women's  groups.  And 
sometimes, they did become shrill and aggressive, a real fighting 
style, and it didn't work  at all, got everyone's backs up.  Public 
speaking  is behavior  that can be learned, and  it is extremely useful 
to be able to put  your ideas across in a public  meeting without 
alienating your audience.  This can be learned, I  do think twice 
before I speak, now.  I feel strongly that  speaking skills should be 
included  in adult literacy programs.

Andrea

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