<html><div style='background-color:'><DIV>
<P>
<DIV>In response to the issue of the Plantation tour, Janet's comments, and the COABE reply, David wrote:</DIV></P></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<P>>It is absolutely possible for those who conduct such programs and write such descriptions to be unaware of the racism which informs their work. I also think that an open forum developed to discuss these issues would be an important event in any context. My concern, though, is that such a meeting would be placed in a room somewhere on the third floor of the hotel, where it can be attended by those who have already done a great deal of thinking around these issues while kept hidden from those who might benefit most from having their ideas challenged.</P>
<P>David, I agree that the forum might be 'preaching to the choir' , but I feel it is an opportunity to share ideas and strategies for encouraging anti-racist/cultural competency education in ABE. </P>
<P>> The letter Janet received in return suggests in its tersness that COABE has no interest in making an educational, reflective opportunity out of the tour. It also implies that COABE declines to accept direct responsibilty for the language in the description, and gives absolutely no indication that COABE is grateful for Janet's attentiveness, her research, or her feelings.< </P>
<P>I too was shocked and saddened by the lack of attention to the issues in Janet's letter - and to the defensiveness of the reply. I find it hard to believe this is a reflection of the entire South Carolina adult ed community.</P>
<P>> Judging from this and Ralf St. Clair's comments, I would suggest that COABE organizers need the message to be made more clearly. .......... But I would consider a more publically accessable means of expressing discontent to go along with the forum Sally proposes - perhaps an informational leaflet outlining the issues and calling for a letter or evaluation form campaign. <</P>
<P>I agree that in addition to a forum, we develop and circulate a leaflet/petition/letter as an awareness/educational tool to encourage participation in addressing these vital issues. I am developing a letter to COABE requesting space/time for a forum on the issues. I will publish this on the NLA for co signers before sending. In addition, I hope Andy/others will draft a possible leaflet. As I am going to COABE, I will work with others to insure distribution. </P>
<P>It's heartening to be joined by others concerned about these issues! Sally Gabb</P>
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>David Hayes
<DIV></DIV>>_______________________________________________
<DIV></DIV>>NLA mailing list: NLA@lists.literacytent.org
<DIV></DIV>>http://lists.literacytent.org/mailman/listinfo/nla
<DIV></DIV>>LiteracyTent: web hosting, news, community and goodies for literacy
<DIV></DIV>>http://literacytent.org
<DIV></DIV></div><br clear=all><hr>Join the world’s largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. <a href='http://g.msn.com/1HM105401/16'>Click Here</a><br></html>
_______________________________________________
NLA mailing list: NLA@lists.literacytent.org
http://lists.literacytent.org/mailman/listinfo/nla
LiteracyTent: web hosting, news, community and goodies for literacy
http://literacytent.org