This story reminds me of one repeated in many
communities.  Yesterday we received an invitation to
our first parent meeting in the high school my
daughter will attend next year.  At the end there was
a note about a student service project to provide
"diapers, formula etc" for families in a local
homeless shelter.  We are invited to contribute, of
course.  

I am considering my "contribution....."  

Of particular interest is that this service project is
sponsored by a select junior high group of "gifted &
talented students."  Many of these students were
themselves breastfed by highly educated parents; some
of them I helped to breastfeed a dozen years ago.  I
find it ironic that this group of students, labeled
"gifted" and supported by dedicated parents, will be
marketing/endorsing a product likely to undermine
intelligence, health, and family relationships.

At this stage in my life's journey I am more
interested in longterm impact than in short term
cathartic release.  I am as interested in the
possibilities for influencing this earnest group of
students as I am in the complicated needs of
transitioning and transient families in our city's
shelters.  In my volunteer life I have helped
breastfeeding mothers in this shelter (& others), and
understand some of the difficulties.

I am throwing the situation out for the collected
wisdom of Lactnet, perhaps some personal experience
with family shelters, as well as with student service
projects.

Susan Johnson MFA, IBCLC
Salt Lake City, Utah USA

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