THINKING....
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From: Sharon Riegie M.
Date: Friday, February 27, 2009, 1:21 PM
Subject: thinking....
ID: 267311

I have been with many of my own inner thoughts and staying in a listening space to the conversations. I feel that I have dropped into the middle of a previously created process that is continuing to move circles into broader circles of conversations of spoken wisdom.

I am going to assume that we all have a clear commitment to the idea of a collaborative process whereby it is critical to have those who do not agree at the table. I have agree that circles are needed. What I do not agree with is the concept that taking action in situations where human rights are in danger and families are being separated in violent ways is the "old paradigm". Just the label serves to distance. I am sure that such a view would keep our sisters within other cultures who are experiencing this very real trauma from feeling safe or even joining in the conversation. There is time for conversation and time for action.

The same is true with what I have sometimes seen as the extreme bias against any hint of "top down" leadership. That view separates also. There are times for circle and times for an organizational structure.

What I am being drawn toward is less discussion, less talk, less decisions about what is sensitive or politically correct to a neutral system of information flow. As I said to Bruce, I like the model that Lois Herman works within with reports about women and children from the U.N. I get maybe 10 daily and can keep informed on situations throughout the world and can act as I choice. Also, the website, www.usatogether.org which makes specific requests possible and allows visitors to contribute as they choice.

While I freshened the sisterspace.net site, I realized that I have already started and laid the groundwork for what may be my next step. I am going to poll my listeners and visitors to get a sense of their interest in this weaving. Also, I am reaching out to other organizations to poll my ethnic diverse sisters. I have talked to many women in leadership positions throughout the country and will continue that process also.

I will check out the new questions that you have put up Bruce.

Blessings as we move forward,

Sharon Riegie Maynard