First Impressions
Linda Boissinot
Orleans, Ontario, Canada
From: LEAVEN, Vol. 36 No. 1, February-March 2000, p. 14
Although my children are
well beyond their nursing years, I enjoy attending La Leche League meetings.
When I travel, I make it a point to visit the local LLL Group or at
least call the Leader. It's a great way to expand my horizons as a Leader.
I get innovative ideas for our Group and learn new ways of handling
familiar predicaments. I gain affirmation for the role of a Leader and
an LLL Group. I feel comfortable and welcomed.
That is how visiting Series
Meetings affects me as a Leader, but as a visitor, I can also see the
meeting through the eyes of someone new to the Group. How does a newcomer
see your Group? Does she feel comfortable and welcome? How does she
learn about the aspects of mothering that may be new to her? Is she
left feeling that she is important to her baby?
First impressions are important.
We can try evaluating our Series Meetings from a newcomer's perspective.
Is everyone greeted warmly? Do we offer a welcome or newcomer's packet?
Physical comfort is important too. Are there comfortable seats for new
or expectant mothers? Are there pillows available for positioning newborns?
Do we mention the location of the toilet facilities?
Remember that from a mother's
perspective, each Group is a microcosm of La Leche League. As Leaders,
each of us is viewed as a representative of LLL at all times. There
are many details to consider before, during, and after the meeting,
from dressing and speaking appropriately to the wording of announcements
and questions.
During the meetings, do we
take care to see that the newcomers' questions are answered? Are all
our suggestions and comments in line with LLLI philosophy? Do we make
a point to qualify or balance statements and comments that are outside
the scope or in conflict with our philosophy? Do we keep the discussion
on track even when using a conversation style approach? Do we balance
attention to information and feelings?
Afterwards, do we hold Planning/Evaluation
Meetings so experienced Group members have an opportunity to assess
and develop the Group's work? Do we include enrichment topics to explore
issues that interest regular Group members?
As each of us thinks about
the first impressions our Group makes, we can consult the Leader's Handbook
regardless of how long we've been Leaders. Like any good book it has
timeless tidbits of information that we may not remember from our last
reading. We can remember to look through back issues of Leaven and our
Area Leaders' Letter. We can consult with our District Advisor/Coordinator
for ideas, too.
And we can pop into a neighboring
Group once in a while. Hope to see you soon!
Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:32:26 UTC 2007.
