Susan, you asked what other LLL Leaders thought about that article in
Salon.http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2000/03/31/laleche/index.html
 It really brought tears to my eyes.  It was so full of
misunderstandings and innacuracies...I can't begin to address them all!
For those who are not Leaders who read this article, know that this is
from someone who "forged ahead, perhaps with a hidden agenda of
reforms."  Those are her words.  This changes everything.  Her
perspective is unkind.  Below are a few of my comments on her
perceptions...

I can't imagine any Leader forcing someone to buy the Womanly Art in the
way she describes (that's why we have copies in our library).  Some
Groups pay  the yearly Leader dues (and this is decided BY Leaders!) or
a Leader can request assistance from her Area. It is untrue that we
cannot participate in activist work-- in fact, I believe most Leaders
do!  There are Leaders from varying political backgrounds, and meetings
often begin with a phrase such as "take what is helpful to you and leave
the rest."  One reason for this is because our meetings are not like
classes-- mother participation is highly valued and lecturing is not!
So you are likely to get many perspectives, during which a Leader might
pause to explain the "science" behind a particular view or to stop
someone who is making a statement which is personal, such as a religious
view, etc.  We have working moms, mothers who use pacifiers, etc.  We
give them the latest information and they choose.  We frequently give
pumping info. and help.  LLLI has tear-off sheets on hand expression and
storage of human milk as well as brochures on pumping.  New Beginnings
has a regular column designed to discuss needs of working mothers.  She
is correct that we do have the philosophy that babies have a need for
their mother which is as basic as their need for food.  We also have the
philosophy that "a father's unique relationship with his baby is an
important element in the child's development from early infancy."

Leaders do fill out monthly reports which take about 10 minutes, often
with help from co-Leaders.  This form varies from Area to Area.  It
usually just tallies mothers served,  phone  calls, outreach, etc.  As a
District Advisor, I gather this and send it on.  This takes me a few
hours a month.  This way LLLI can keep a record, which is very important
for knowing success of the endeavor from year to year and also for use
when applying for grants, etc.  The time spent doing other activites,
such as Area jobs, is optional.  Conferences are obviously useful if you
expect Leaders to remain up-to-date in this field.  Again, it's a choice
to go.  Some Areas have them once a year, and there is often one
District Workshop a year for Leaders as well.  Then there is the
International Conference, which some Leaders and professionals are
priviledged to attend every 2 years.  Groups often help pay for the
costs.  This is not about shuffling papers-- it's about staying
up-to-date and maintaining the integrity of a non-profit organization.
If you read about other non-profit agencies, you will find that the
successful ones have dedicated volunteers that don't dismiss the
importance of keeping records and attending conferences.  We cannot be
completely without self-governing.

Despite the above, LLL values the mother-to-mother support over all.  I
can honestly say that we are often reminded to keep jobs mother sized
(which is hard for some of us who love to bite off more than we can
chew!), put family first, and only feel obligated to do the basic
responsibilities-- leading meetings, answering calls and keeping
informed.  In my own large Group, we have some Leaders who have
carefully stepped back from anything besides the basics in order to meet
the needs of their families.  They are highly respected for doing so.
We are glad to have one more person to put on the warmline!

I hope other Leaders will comment, also.

Amy (who considers herself a young, hip mama AND an activist!  Read the
article if you wonder why I'm saying this! :-)
LLL Leader, Fort Wayne, IN

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