Country women seek new skills

Press, 17 November 1982, Page 12

Country women seek new skills

Making it happen B

Rural women communicate The. present interest in public relations skills has now spread to rural women. The Lincbln College Extension Centre is running a twoday seminar on “Influencing Public Decision Making.” With workshops on writing and radio skills, and -on presenting oneself for election, it is designed on two levels. Also speaking - are Colleen Dewe, chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Women’s Affairs, and Heather Little, a county councillor who has worked on international agricultural committees. Accommodation is available for the two-day seminar which will be held early next week, November 22 and 23. A number of women prominent in public affairs have been invited to attend the dinner on Monday even-

ing. Apart from informal socialising, workshop partici-, pants will be able to discuss experiences with the visitors. Some places are still available. Those interested in obtaining further details should phone Lincoln College Extension Centre. • • • Troublesome teen-years? “When I see the way some teen-age girls speak to their mothers, I feel so sorry, for them both,” says Shary Vargo. “They can’t handle the slightest bit of criticism, and really take their feelings out on their mothers.” Mrs Vargo, Who has a United States degree in communications studies, has been

running courses in Assertive Communication at the Bishopdale Community Centre for' two years. This December, in response to requests from a number of mothers, she will be running a special course on Assertive Communication for Young Teen Girls. Its purpose is to increase self-esteem and help understand shyness. Mrs Vargo will help the girls in learning to ask for what they want, in giving and accepting compliments, in starting a conversation and keeping it going, meeting new people, express-

ing feelings and coping with criticism non-defensively. For more information contact Mrs Vargo, Ph. 516-090. ® 0 © End-of-year functions National Council for Women Associates: This group will be holding its traditionally well-catered and well-entertained end-of-year luncheon meeting today, in the Red Cross Rooms, from 11.30 onwards. Women’s Concert: Novem-

ber 20, 7.30 p.m. Lower Common Room, Arts Centre (corner of Montreal and Hereford. Sts). A variety of allwomen performances. Admission free (women only). National Organisation for Women: A most important meeting for paid-up members — that of confirming the draft constitution at 7.30 on Monday, November 22. To be followed at 8.30 by Bronwen Jones, of Media .Women, talking about sexism in language, particularly that of the news media. Pot-luck supper, 8.Y.0. Lower Common Room, Arts Centre.

Catholic Women’s League: The Diocesan Committee is hosting both an end-of-year function and a farewell for Mrs Stella Casey. All League members are welcome. 'Catholic Education Centre, Greers Road, November 30, 8 p.m. Regional Women’s Decade Committee: Social luncheon for members and supporting members, v November 19, 12.15 . p.m. Councillors’ Lounge. Young Women's Christian Association: Party for members, Monday, November 29. 7.30 p.m. National Council of Churches (Women’s Committee): Morning tea, Aldersgate, Wednesday, November 24, 10 a.m.. e « • Bouquets to .. . Lady Beattie, wife of the Governor General, for her generous gift of time and interest to so many women's

groups during the vice regal visit to Christchurch recently; and for her’salty good sense, and concern for the well-being of young New Zealanders. The National Film Library, for purchasing “Right Out of History,” which records the creation of American artist Judy Chicago’s exhibition, The Dinner Party. This symbolic history of women’s achievements in western civilisation was put together by a community of 400 artists during a five year period. Also for the purchase of “Superman • And The Bride,” which examines the impact of mass media on our lives, focusing on the images of men and women. Questions whether the mass media gives an accurate picture of the sexes, or whether it develops and confirms sex role stereotypes. • ® ® Items for consideration for inclusion in this column should be forwarded to Mrs J. Steincamp, P.O. Box 2667, Christchurch, or please telephone 63-884.