Finding time to write

There never seem to be enough hours in a day to read, do, write, play, sleep, or dream all that I would like or even need. Not sure how other folks manage it but would like the secret. With provincial government change and leadership races and federal elections circling all around us, families ...at least in the news...are getting a lot of press. I know that is not a new topic around election times, however, I am still happy to see that focus. The difficult peice for many of us as we are courted to think and vote a particular way, is how to sift through the rhetoric, analyse both actual cost and actual benefit and end up in a place where we can form an opinion based on "fact". I certainly cannot suggest how to vote. I can suggest that we all do our homework with care...and yes, then vote. Learn all that you can from as many perspectives as possible so that your decisions are based on the best information available. That applies to all decision making in our lives. I do know that for democracy to work better, (from the world level right down to the family) we need accurate, honest information accessible to all; we need an equal voice in decision making; we need to be able to listen to, understand and respect differing points of view; we need equal rights and protection for everyone; and we need long term planning that ensures there is enough of all the essentials for each person in BC, Canada and the world. The concept of "enough" is a great topic to ponder for future comment. Would love to hear your thoughts. There is a line from an song that goes: "If I get everything I want there's not enough for you".

Family and Christie Clark

Well Christie Clark is using some words we should all be pouncing on: putting family first and reducing poverty. Away with that terrible $6.00 starting wage rate and up with minimum wage! Will BC really act to reduce child poverty and end our shame in the face of the nation? It will be up to you to hold her to that. It is going to be an interesting time to watch the near future unfold. Your voice can make a difference.

Very busy here this week at Parent Support Services Society with an excellent consultation meeting Monday at MCFD Victoria with managers, policy staff and grandparents. More about that next week. Tomorrow we have 2 days of staff inservice and that means our Coordinators from across the province can all gather and learn together.
Friday is the big Forum on Child Protection Advocacy best Practice. It should be quite a day and we are very hopeful that it will be productive and take us a giant step towards a Best Practice Model advocates will find helpful and useful to apply.

You won't likely hear from me again until next week.

Carol Ross