The participants in the literacy program vary in terms of sex and culture. At this time, there were more non-Native women than usual and they formed the core of the CCLOW group. The Native and Métis women are unable to attend for a variety of reasons. Diane feels that at another time, they might be the majority of those able to participate in group activities and the theme would be repeated. It also looks as though Native men might be in the majority in the future, which would lead to a different emphasis again.

During the time of the CCLOW group, some of the men in the class felt left out because they understand abuse as a human issue, not a omen's issue. They acknowledged that women are abused more than men. However, they believed strongly that men have less chance to get help than women. They wanted a similar group set up for them in the classroom. Diane did not feel it was appropriate for her to lead the group and suggested different male staff and community members who might be approached. The men did not go forward with this, although they did begin to openly discuss the issue with the women in the class. This initiated many small group discussions both in class time and after hours at included talk on issues from abuse to AIDS to lifestyle.

In the end, the CCLOW group served as a starting point for many discussions. It provided a safe, open forum for discussing feelings. Some of the participants disclosed very personal information, and no one ever responded in any way that was insensitive or uncaring. The way the group pulled together to offer support and understanding without judgment seemed exceptional and gave Diane a very strong feeling of warmth toward her class.

What was produced

Diane developed a policy presentation for both the Manitoba Literacy Office and the Friendship Centre board, "Gender, culture and personal experiences that get in the way of learning: The need for core funding for projects." This policy paper is included in Women in literacy speak

" We put together resource booklets based on our own experiences before we came to Pine Grove. We did it for ourselves and to help other women.