Friday, December 1, 2017, 03:42 PM - Adult and Popular Education
Working with The Story Kitchen and the Coady Institute in Nepal co-facilitating with an inspiring leader, Jaya ji Luintel, who heads up this organization. Increasingly, I've found in my work that technical solutions around alternative economic or community based models bump up against gendered social norms. Turning more and more to address these issues where media, artists, elders play such important roles. Jaya ji and I facilitated on the Rao/Kelleher feminist framework for change that has so grounded my work around gender and power. We met in a feminist leadership course at the Coady Institute.
From their site: "The Story Kitchen (TSK) is driven by the passionate belief that upholding the stories of women can unravel systems of gender oppression and patriarchy that continue to exist in Nepal. The domination of stories from men's perspectives leaves women out of the history of Nepal and fails to recognize the extent to which women are currently contributing and have always contributed to the development of the country." TSK works with women of different castes, ages, communities to share their stories nationally. They also train justice reporters. Their work with survivors of armed conflict, particularly the self-formed network that came out of it, has led to meetings with the Truth and Reconciliation Council as well as a special meeting with the President.
| related link
Friday, September 15, 2017, 11:14 PM - Outdoor adventure
Photo credit: Maggy Burns
There is a stunning wilderness area just an hour north of Bridgewater. One of the prettiest campsites in the Province. One of the starriest nights I've ever seen in Nova Scotia. Great trip with Maggy and earlier in the year with Oliver and Maggy.
Sunday, May 28, 2017, 04:37 PM - Inspiring
Cho's work is so provocative and inspiring. Erasure. Text. Trial. Check it out at the link below. | related link
Tuesday, April 25, 2017, 03:05 PM - The Solidarity Economy & Microfinance
I spoke on a panel at the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network last week with a few other "side hustlers." I haven't heard the term before but I like it. It fits along with the mosaic economy. Was once given the title "wild card." I've always called it piecing together a livelihood. Parts I do for money, parts volunteer. Parts with others in Sisters Inc and part on my own. Really, I explained in my talk, for me, it's a lifestyle that fits my rhythm and energy levels better. I'm not made to be at a desk all day. Working half time lets me work in fits and starts as seems to be more my nature. I've never fit the "driven entrepreneur" though. I don't live and breathe my business. I have structured my life this way to have down-time, play outside if it's lovely. Yesterday I went for a long motorbike ride and a run in the park. I can spend some time writing and thinking, doing things for my own curiosity. Volunteer where I learn potentially more than my work. Day dream. We underestimate the importance of idleness. Friday, February 24, 2017, 08:48 PM - Poetry and Writing
Thorax of tractor, trailer aground.
Letting the metal go.
The gathering is shrinking. Soon
we forget to ask.
Old men idle over tinto and war.
A dyke gives way nail by nail.
It doesn’t stop here, ever.
Through bulging sewers
and guttered debris,
the music snuck back,
slipped on a hot little dress.
What part of love is patience?
A blown-out, boarded-up
city stuffs its windows with toys.
The derelict car lot
polka-dotted.
Abandon as litter
or landscape?
Insides out
mustering red.
Published Halifax Poetry Series, Frog Hollow Press and FreeFall Magazine
2016
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