Travelling road show getting underway

Press, 17 June 1980, Page 12

Travelling road show getting underway

By

LEONE STEWART

Have you ever wondered just what organisations other than the one you belong to are really all about? Do you sometimes feel you are so engrossed in the activities of your own group that you are missing out bn the work others are doing? If so, a new adult education service, being established in Christchurch could, help widen your horizons.

A register of organisations and individuals ready to present programmes about their group’s aims and objects to other interested groups throughout Canterbury is being established. A list of “packages” —- material and personnel for a one-to-two-hour discussion programme, or talk — will be available for borrowing by interested groups, from September to December. The project will be offi-

cially launched on June 26. The Canadian High Commissioner, Mrs Irene Johnston, will be the guest of honour at a function 'in the Christchurch Town Hall.

Subjects and speakers are being drawn from a wide variety of organisa-

tions for the Travelling Road Show. The team approach, stressing involvement and individual growth of many women from all parts of the community is being emphasised.

The Travelling Road Show has been set up by the Canterbury Regional Women’s Decade Committee, in- conjunction with the Christchurch Polytechnic. It marks the mid-point of the International Women’s Decade.

Initial funding has come from the Government-ap-pointed Committee on Women. Much of the work of preparing and presenting the "packages” will be done voluntarily, although some funds are available for producing materials. “It is women talking to women — and sharing ideas,” says the RWDC chairman, Mrs Judith Hay, Mayoress of Christchurch. “The basic idea is to build bridges between

women’s groups, to widen women’s horizons, and further their skills, ability and influence. Above all, we hope to give them sense of community with other women. “We hope that many organisations will want to put programmes together

so that they can be added to what will be, in effect, a long-term and readily available community powerhouse. It is even more important that they make good use of what is offered,” she said.

The programme will start on June 27, with a “Focus Course” in Christchurch on six important topics relating to women. These include “Relationships,” run with the cooperation of the Marriage Guidance Council; “Women and Work.” run with the co-operation of Vocational Guidance; "Money Matters," . run with the co-operation of Consumers’ Institute; “Politics,” “Health” and “Sexuality and Intimacy.” Most of’ these topics will then be integrated into the . Travelling Road Show which “goes on the road” in the third term. “Taking Charge” is an additional course being offered by the Christ-

church Polytechnic for those taking leadershi; roles in this, and othe. courses. It will help them pre pare their material, anr present it in a way that will get everyone involved. When the Committee oi Women was planning it.' mid-decade programme i found the Christchurch Polytechnic keen to organ ise and co-ordinqte efforts Mrs Margaret Merton working at the Polytechnic under the Temporary Employment Scheme, is busy getting the Focus and Road Show schemes underway. Already a wide range of groups is offering to snare its resources with the rest of the community. They see a chance to develop their own interests and skills. Others want to share in new ways of looking at things, new skills, new information. Margaret Merton sees much scope in the “packages”: everything from budgeting; business management, voluntary work, and parenting, to starting a community support group. “We are very keen, too, to get' Pacific Island, and other migrant groups, taking part. They have a valuable role in diversifying our community," she says. She is encouraging or-

ganisations to use materials such as display charts, tape-slide sets, or video-tapes, with which the Polytechnic is offering assistance. And the programme should engage the whole group in discussion. “We want to get away from the concept of people just going to sit and listen to a speaker. This is a way of helping people to take part . in activities,” she says. “As the project becomes better known we hope

that the programmes will travel outside established groups. We do want to reach women not already in organisations. We hope this service will stimulate groups, and bring in more women,” says Margaret Merton. Rural groups, especially, have expressed a strong interest. Once the programme is underway, borrowers will be able to contact the Learning Exchange, which will hold a roster of

“packages.” Arrangements, including any cost, will be negotiated between the borrower and the lender. Groups can also offer the Exchange their programmes for 1981. The Focus courses take place on Friday mornings. Cost is $9 for the six ses-' sions. “We can’t run courses for the whole spectrum of women,” explains Margaret Merton. “So we decided to service women at home. Some other organisations could

run similar courses in the evenings for working women?’

Organisations wishing to provide programme ses- ; sions for the Travelling i Road Show, or who are ; interested in their mem- ■ bers attending either the ; Focus or Taking . Charge couses, should cOntaet Margaret Merton, at the • Christchurch Polytechnic, ■ P. 0. Box 22-095, Christchurch. The initial register for the Travelling Road Show closes on June 20.