RE: revolutionary stuff

[Johnston]

Dear everyone I would like to second some of Carol's comments below.  I also went to Hobart, and could not afford time or funds to go to Byron. A conference has many things happening at once, and I did not perceive the same degree of division that you speak of Carol.  I heard passionate debate, and I was truly saddened that some perceive an elitist mentality amongst those who have made a determined effort to demonstrate their commitment to the midwifery profession through 'Fellowship' (flawed though the word is).  Is it just the tall poppy syndrome? I have come to the conclusion that ACMI will move ahead when members at the local level find 'jobs' that they can do, and get on with them.  A small group of Victorian mothers and midwives, and some branch executive members, siezed the opportunity to work together a few years ago, and I believe have begun to change the course of midwifery.  There was no time to go through the lengthy processes of national ACMI executive decisionmaking.  There was no need to.  Even at a Branch level there was agreement in principle, but most of the work took place outside the meetings, and by committed volunteers who had very little preparation for what they set out to do.  I won't go on with that story here.   I am concerned that too much responsibility is dumped on the ACMI executive, creating a huge load that would overwhelm any such group.  This culture can be seen as control from the top, and some criticise the executive for this.  But there is no need for branches and sub branches to accept disempowerment.  It's quite similar to the power relationships in birth.  If the national executive has too much 'power' it's because we, the members, give it to them.  If the constitution is defective, then let's get to work and change it.   A couple of people have asked where Vanessa is.  She has just moved house and she told me on Monday night that her computer was being connected to the internet this week.  Then she will have to link up to ozmidwifery, so it's likely to take a few days.  Started the new job this week too.   sincerely Joy Johnston -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Carol Thorogood Sent: Wednesday, 15 September 1999 10:34 To: Midiwifery mailing list 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