Re: revolutionary stuff

[Pat Brodie]

Dear Carol Yep im back on line. Couldn't stay away any longer. I promised myself I would return after a break and feeling like I was on top of my life again. Well sort of ...    I endorse your comments re reinvigorating support for the ACMI. I believe that change is happening and in fact has been for sometime. Whenever we all get together like we did in Hobart we get reminded of the huge amount of work there is to be done and how few actually do it. Also, at national conferences it also amazing to see how diverse the midiwfery community is. There is a strong shared "vision" there for Australian midwifery that can bring most of our profession with us. There are two few midwives in Australia at the moment .... we are in a crisis in terms of our numbers. Let us not kill anyone off.   It is time for soul searching. Do we want to be part of the problem or part of the solution ? At state level, and speaking as new state President in NSW, we need people to come forward with enthusiasm, ideas and TIME. We need volunteers and we need them now. Wherever you are in OZ ... get involved ... ring the office of your state branch and offer to contribute.   Together we can be part of the revolution.      Secondly, can I hear from anyone who is going to Canberra next Monday and Tuesday to the National Workforce Summit (yes it is nursing but there are a few of us representing midwives ... ACMI got 5 seats - Vanessa O, Caroline W, Moyra L, Lorraine W and moi). It will be a coming together of the major nursing leaders in the country ... (endearingly called the 'big nurses') a big chance to talk about the future of midwifery - education, workforce, professional and industrial issues etc .... So much to do ... so little time ... lucky that spring is in the air and the heart is light.    Shine on ...   Pat   -----Original Message----- From: Carol Thorogood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Midiwifery mailing list <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wednesday, 15 September 1999 13:10 Subject: revolutionary stuff Dear all   I went to Hobart too and unfortunately couldn't get to Byron Bay as well (piggy bank's empty). Several things came to mind at the time. We have some of the ACMI, non-member midwives (and some consumers/activists) all pulling in different directions and until we all move forward together I doubt we'll achieve much at all. I know, I know I've spent a fair bit of time criticising the slowness of the ACMI too. But, I was appalled at some of the antics of my midwifery colleagues who seem intent on white anting midwifery, birthing and the ACMI for their own agenda and political benefit. Some of the people who complained the loudest didn't have the best interests (in my opinion) of birthing families or the ACMI at heart. And they never, ever have a plan to make things better.   As Freire said (before he died that is) - there are none so oppressive as the oppressed. There seems to be no point in destroying the ACMI and each other unless there is something more useful to put in its place. I've not seen any worthwhile replacement yet. Some of our behaviours in Hobart were even more horrific and in my opinion unethical and disgusting than that of the average politician.   There is a new Executive of the ACMI. I had the distinct impression that the new Pres hears the calls for change and movement loud and clear.   I really do feel more positive about the ACMI for the first time for ages. So, I reckon we (that's all of us) might do better to volunteer to assist Vanessa and co.and keep the Exec. on the path of 'our righteousness' at the same time. Nigel et al I'm wondering if you could perhaps harness some of your boundless energy and enthusiasm and skill by joining the ACMI Exec. (maybe as an ex-officio member) and helping with the huge tasks ahead. For the first time in Hobart there was a real move for consumers to be given voting and membership rights. That is a break through. Not all the ACMI think it is a good idea. So the Exec will have to put it into the constitution, placate those that think it shouldn't happen and placate those who think that  it isn't happening fast enough.   Please let's give them a go - If it doesn't work then up go the revolutionary banners!. Yoo hoo Vanessa are you there? You have my support.   Carol