February 27
by Amy
Lesley and I had our criticism session today. This is where we tell each other how we could improve our work within the Movement. Lesley taught me about it. Her group does it every week.
First you tell the person what you appreciate about them. Then, you tell them what they could improve.
Lesley told me today that she appreciates how I’m able to go to demonstrations. But she thinks I should speak up more and make my opinions known. Because what I say makes sense but I often keep my thoughts to myself. I told her that I didn’t see myself as someone who could speak up at meetings. I do in a very limited way, but I was willing to change it if it helped.
For her part, I am glad that people like her are in the Movement because she is so very supportive. Lesley is someone who lives her values and her “living group” – the people she lives and hangs with – are an example of what the Movement can accomplish. I also told her that I hope she didn’t lose herself in the group. Sometimes Lesley fades into group settings. While the Movement is a group, it is also a group made up of individuals.
She thanked me for saying that. In the end, it looked like our problems were similar. We both feel like we should stay in the background. You know, get coffee, type letters, file and answer the phone. But we’re going to challenge each other to accomplish more than that, since we’re both capable of making stronger contributions.
