MAINE
ASSOCIATION OF
INTERDEPENDENT
NEIGHBORHOODS
PEOPLE WORKING TOGETHER FOR PEACE, BREAD AND JUSTICE
MAIN Update Winter 1999
Women's Leadership ProjectThe Womens' Leadership Project (WLP), a joint project of MAIN, the Maine Equal Justice Partners and the Womens' Development Institute (the educational arm of the Maine Women's Lobby), was a great success. Small groups of low-income women in four communities--Presque Isle, Bangor, Augusta and Portland--each met for four three-hour workshops to learn about the legislative process, upcoming legislation and how they can be effective advocates on issues tht directly affect women.
Although many thought the four week session was too short, most found the information comprehensive and useful. They especially enjoyed the guest speakers and found the facilitators to be very knowledgeable. The majority want to stay in touch with what is happening at the legislature and hope to continue to meet and be active in their communities.
On February 18th, WLP participants will gather for a Day at the State House to observe the legislature in action, and meet with their own representative or senator to hopefully shadow them for an hour or two.
Thanks and congratulations to all who played a role in this project's success -- the women (MAIN members) who served on the steering committee setting up guidelines, and helping with curriculum development and the selection process; the staff at the Maine Equal Justice Project and the Women's Development Institute who facilitated the groups, organized the project and kept it moving forward; and to all the women who made time in their busy lives to attend the meetings to educate themselves and develop skills to help make a difference!
