Workshop Analyzing the Spheres of Influence

Presented by Stephanie Hunter, FemJEPP

Using FemJEPP’s diagram Spheres of Influence in Nova Scotia as a visual starting point, the participants worked to describe the various groups and sectors that comprise the social, economic and political environment in which they work. They learned the diagram is flexible in that for each specific issue being addressed, they may need to identify and analyze more organizations and individuals who should be part of their strategies.

First, worksheets were used to delineate the various groups and sectors and then participants assessed the level of support or resistance of the various groups and individuals identified. Discussion then moved to an analysis of the extent of the influence of the various groups or individuals identified, and therefore, what their impact might be on the issue being addressed.

This lead to further evaluation of their lists to try to assess for example,

1. how much of their effort should be expended on which groups or individuals, and
2. which ones may be resistant but would have a great deal of influence.

These and other questions were designed to help develop effective strategies in working with government and others in developing “good policy for women.”

Workshop Living the Poverty Experience

Presented by Members of UCSN

Involving interactive, simulations of real examples of what women face living in poverty, the aim of this workshop was to try to improve general awareness and understanding of some of the true impacts of poverty in their daily lives.

The workshop provided opportunities for several demonstrations of evocative first hand experiences with the systemic and attitudinal barriers faced by women who live in poverty. The message was that to improve the understanding of poverty in our community, it is necessary to continue dispelling myths and grounding our experience to eventually realize how difficult it can be to overcome poverty.

The first stage of the session delved into real life situations by having small groups take on the identity of a family living in poverty. Given details such as the family size, monthly income, etc., they were asked to work out monthly expenses.

Then in large group, they identified barriers that were faced in each ‘family’ group and discussed strategies and actions that might be taken to bring about change.