Laurie and I believed it was important for us all to experience a sense of familiarity in our place. Each woman was shown around the literacy program space and encouraged to make herself at home. The intention was that if the women were not expected to behave like guests and ask permission for each item or activity, they would feel they were in their own space and be able to relax more.

Food and drinks were always available. The women lived on very limited incomes and often came to the group hungry. The Changing Practices project stipend allowed us to splurge on food items, and the group generally chose the snack for the next week. As well as making sure the women weren't hungry, we wanted another tangible way to show that we valued the women.

Encouraging a Sense of Ownership

Laurie and I wanted to foster a sense of ownership in the group and our space. One week we planted seeds and wrote about new beginnings and dreams for the future. These plants became symbols of each woman's presence in the group. Each week the women carried their seedlings into our room, watered them, and watched for new growth. This was the first time the women became involved in the practicalities of setting up and clearing away for our time together. The new sense of ownership and involvement led to helping with making coffee, setting out supplies and cleaning up.

Valuing the Writing and Ourselves

Laurie and I purchased a variety of papers, pens and pencils solely for the group. Although this wasn't intended to enhance feelings of safety, it did say something about the value we put on the writing: what the women had to say was worth having good tools! We all chose paper with pictures of clouds for free writing one morning, and the paper itself prompted some of the writing. Kris often chose paper with pictures of roses and commented that she liked roses and no one brought them to her.

Laurie and I decided to publish a collection of favorite writing. Each writer was asked to choose pieces that had special significance for her. The collection was taken to a local printer and assembled. On Laurie's last day we had our own book party. We celebrated with cake and coffee, and each writer received three copies of our book and a rose.