LLL at Chapter Meetings
Sylvia Mitchell
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
From: LEAVEN, Vol. 34 No. 4, August-September 1998, p. 74
Chapter Meetings started
in my home city years before I became a La Leche League Leader. They
are one of my favorite "extra" meetings. After faithfully
attending, first as a Leader Applicant for almost a year, then as a
Leader for more than 15 years now, I've come to realize that the three
Ls stand for more than La Leche League. Love, Learning and Laughter
are at the heart of the meetings!
At our Chapter Meetings,
Leaders and Leader Applicants from six neighboring Groups come together
for two or three hours during a morning, afternoon or an occasional
evening. We meet once a month except for the busy months of July and
August. Our purpose is to allow an opportunity to discuss Leader concerns,
Group management, enrichment topics and Area procedures or events as
well as support each other in the work we do. Our Chapter charter is
simple. Using the prepared year's schedule we start on time, introduce
ourselves in the round-robin style, make necessary announcements, conduct
business, participate in the enrichment topic, enjoy potluck refreshments
and help tidy up before leaving.
The Chapter Chairperson (Chapter
Leader) starts the meeting by asking the hostess to let us know the
house rules. Continuing with introductions, Leaders and Applicants give
a brief description of their Groups and any special activities they
are planning (Couples Meetings, Toddler Meetings, garage or bake sales).
Leaders holding Area or other LLL positions share a little about their
extended Leader work. Newcomers - new Applicants or visiting Leaders-are
warmly welcomed. Newly accredited Leaders are recognized, receiving
our congratulatory sentiments. Sometimes a toddler or young child will
join in the announcements "announcing" his need for mother's
presence, a cuddle or nursing. During these introductory moments we
support each other's commitment to La Leche League. Our Love
of leadership is demonstrated to Leader Applicants and our fellow Leaders.
Learning comes naturally
throughout the meeting but especially during the business and enrichment
portions. Joint Group orders are made; Area, National or International
events are highlighted. Sometimes a Leader may request help from her
peers on how to help a mother with a particular breastfeeding problem.
The situation is described (confidentiality respected) and we brainstorm
together, offering tips, resource material and sharing experiences.
Several times I've seen a Leader's furrowed brow of concern take on
a more relaxed look when she learns of a new approach or perspective.
During the enrichment portion
of the meeting we are truly enriched through the wide variety of topics
presented from book reviews to discussions on sibling rivalry, tandem
nursing, stages of childhood development or postpartum depression. The
session speaker may use a detailed outline, complete with handouts (appropriately
approved), slides or videos. Most often though, the topic is presented
from a simple outline on an index card. One or two prepared questions
get everyone participating in the discussion.
At one of our enrichment
sessions a Leader shared a brief LLL public service announcement video
tape being aired on national television in Canada. Then we were shown
slides from the outreach she was doing in remote rural communities.
We learned a lot from listening and seeing the many challenges she faced
while working with mothers in a different culture who had little breastfeeding
information or support in their community.
Another time a representative
from the Leader Accreditation Department (LAD) presented "Attracting
Mothers to Leadership." We learned about the value of holding Planning/Evaluation
Meetings, involving members in Group tasks and that a smiling Leader
could interest mothers in leadership! In the spirit of fun, Leaders
were given a wire hanger half covered in pretty blue and white ribbon
braid as an incentive to look for possible Applicants. It was explained
that when a Group attracted a mother to apply for leadership, the braiding
around the remaining half would be completed and the hanger would become
a special thank-you gift for fulfilling the basic Leader responsibility,
"takes an active role in helping other mothers find out about leadership
and helps them prepare to become LLL Leaders" (LEADER'S HANDBOOK
pages 4, 229, 245). Since then several hangers have become a finished
craft. We're especially happy to meet and greet new Leader Applicants
at our Chapter Meetings.
One time the enrichment topic
wasn't designated on the Chapter schedule. The session remained "open"
and required little preparation. Free to bring up points of personal
interest, we talked about recent changes in Area positions, successful
fundraisers, outreach at a local baby fair and a sample issue of LLLI
ALUMNAE NEWS. We exchanged ideas and resources, learning from each other
as each topic was introduced. It was one of my favorite Chapter Meetings.
As each Chapter Meeting draws
to a close, I realize just how much I have learned through the help
of my peers. Our love of leadership overlaps many times with our love
of learning and we are immeasurably enriched from having come together.
Refreshment time is where
Laughter usually heard the loudest. Over freshly cut fruit and
vegetables or sometimes baked goodies, we snack together in a socializing
atmosphere. Sweet expressions from the young babies and cute antics
from the toddlers bring out smiles or tears of laughter. In recent years,
three Leader applicants received their accreditation during the refreshment
portion of our meeting - a special treat indeed. We were quick to toast
each accomplishment with a glass of juice!
Tidying up isn't a chore;
we pitch in together. In a few minutes the toy- filled room is orderly
once again. Farewells are exchanged and we leave feeling rejuvenated,
inspired and smiling.
Love, Learning
and Laughter overlap many times throughout each part of our Chapter
Meetings. Come to think of it, these three Ls seem to overlap
at all LLL gatherings!
Recently both Winnipeg Chapters
were experiencing low attendance at Chapter Meetings. Something had
to be done before this valuable Leader resource was lost. At a combined
Chapter Meeting picnic in a park, we met to talk about merging the two
Chapters. Two enthusiastic Leader Applicants teamed up with two experienced
Leaders to arrange a new schedule and inform everyone about the revitalization.
Since then we have been meeting regularly and sharing Love, Learning
and Laughter.
Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:31:38 UTC 2007.
