Keeping
the Discussion on Target
Denise Boyle
from LEAVEN, Vol. 29 No. 2, March-April 1993, p.22
It never ceases to amaze
me that we use the same set of Series Meeting outlines month after month,
yet we never hold the same meeting twice. The dynamics of the Group
vary so much from meeting to meeting even though the same set of people
are present. The discussion can cover the widest range of thoughts or
feelings.
A discussion format allows
for this built-in variety and usually works well. There are times when
we can all move a bit far afield, however, and get ourselves entangled
in a set of causes or issues that aren't really within the sphere of
La Leche League.
On the occasion when the
conversation goes far astray, we owe it to the mothers present to clarify
just where LLL stands on the issue. If LLL does not have a position
on the topic, we can say that "La Leche League is interested in mothering
through breastfeeding, and to my knowledge has not issued a policy statement
about ________."
Most Leaders are well informed
in the areas of baby/child care, pregnancy, childbirth, and nutrition
so it's easy for us as mothers to become emotionally involved if the
discussion turns to a topic about which we feel strongly. If we do get
carried away we might need to say, "I have some strong personal feelings
about this issue, but I need to clarify that LLL has not taken a stand
on this and believes it is a choice that should be made by each family."
You might also find it helpful to keep a copy handy of No. 5, LLL's
Purpose and Philosophy; it's so easy to turn to it and read the simple
yet thoughtful statements that so well describe our philosophy.
It needn't be awkward to
bring the discussion back to the outline. We are used to doing that
anyway: clarifying a point, rewording a question, or guiding a talkative
mother. HRE can help us do these things gently, without coming across
as an authority figure.
By guiding and skillfully
leading the discussion, we can explore many ideas. We have a responsibility
to LLL to present its philosophy accurately. Reviewing the concepts
and THE NEW LEADER'S HANDBOOK before each meeting can help us distinguish
our personal feelings from what we say as representatives of LLL. It's
important to remember where LLL stops and "I" start. Is this the first
time you heard all of this? Of course not. There are guidelines throughout
THE NEW LEADER'S HANDBOOK. It's always a good idea for every Leader,
whether new or experienced, to go back to the basics.
Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:32:16 UTC 2007.
