I obviously cannot call myself an expert on community building, nor on promoting the education about and prevention of different themes that affect individuals and populations, as a whole. However, I can say, my experiences thus far have allowed me to be able to detect good and and not so good ways of executing group-oriented activities. By working with EPES I have learned the methodology of popular education, witnessed that methodology implemented in various workshops and sessions, and I have seen that it works!
Working in groups with a methodology that is very participative and dynamic is the best way to ensure everyone is involved and to guarantee learning will result. Unfortunately, working with the group of women in Peñalolen, has not turned out to be so successful. After spending so much time with EPES and seeing how effective their workshops are, it’s frustrating to see a different leadership style that is inadequate and less than satisfactory. Every week, it is the same old story… the women constantly lamenting over drama about other women, the leaders, seemingly disinterested, are not motivated to try and bring the women together as women, and there is such a focus on the concern of raising money rather than the fact that the group doesn’t even has a solid foundation as being a group.
A couple of weeks ago, Gretchen and I were asked to lead one of the sessions and so we incorporated popular education ideas as the basis of our structure and execution. For the most part, it went really well; we were definitely successful in conducting the session and integrating participation. A couple of the women opened up more about how they felt about the group and about their personal lives, which was really good considering the group is suppose to be a place where they can come with their problems and release some of their anxieties and stresses. However, now, more than ever, I feel as though the group is pushing the rewind button and not progressing forward.
It was determined tonight that the focus should be increasing the attendance of women to the group and group formation, rather than continuing on with learning about the different themes that were initially decided upon by the women. That is great, but if that is the case, there are going to need to be some changes, or no women are going to want to be involved with it at all. Tonight, Gretchen and I were asked how we feel about everything, and I told them how I felt about the lack of participation and how it’s important the women enjoy being with the group and attending the sessions. Next week, I am going to go more prepared and bring ideas about disseminating information regarding the purpose of the group (posters, flyers) to help to increase attendance and how to function with a more participative group dynamic. However, like I said before, I am no expert, but the least I can do is come with ideas on how to hopefully better the situation for the women.
It’s disheartening, more than anything, to see these same few women come every week (they obviously want to be part of something with a purpose, and learn), but not see anything happening to allow them develop themselves as leaders and women. Something should be conducted so as to enhance their lives, even if there are only four women present. Increasing attendance would be wonderful, but if we can affect the lives of just four women, that is definitely better than none. Right?
Next week, there is going to be a day outing to the Park for Peace. I hope it turns out to be a good opportunity for the women to bond and experience and learn about something together.
