Attending the First Annual Gulf Coast Women's Workshop

What a diverse group of women.  I was blown away.  From the moment I stepped into the room, there was a true sense of people helping people or should I say "women helping women"  An enormous sense of community.  Everyone in the room was there to share information they had obtained with anyone who might need it.  The Gulf Coast Women's Workshop, backed by the Steps Coalition:  A nonprofit organization which works for Economic and environmental justice, affordable housing, preservation of historical communities and human rights.  Whew!!! This organization covers a lot of communal ground.  

Starting with a meet and greet.  Women from all walks of life.  All  of different races, creeds, colors, religions and backgrounds working together for the betterment of our community.  And there was food.  You know us women, we can't have a get together without food and OMG, was there food.  Something for everyone.  Me being a vegetarian, I was pleasantly surprised. Usually we get left out, but not this time.  There were also door prizes in recognition of the appreciation of the turnout for the organization.  We were some very happy attendees.

Then the ladies got down to business.  The various topics included Disaster Awareness, Training for youth leaders for Adolescent Suicide Prevention and recognizing People in Crisis.  You can also thank Steps for being instrumental in the Restore Act of 2011.  The Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourism Opportunities and Revised Economy.Restore The Gulf Coast Act of 2011.  Check out the link.

Breaking into smaller groups for a more intimate engagement with the experts, I chose the route to fiscal responsibility.  "Money Management", with Cindi Tarver.  Having only 45 minutes and a room of about 10, Cindi armed us with handouts and took us through the difficult maze of "credit" and fiscal responsibility.  We were full of questions.  It amazes me how ignorant we all are about something that we deal with everyday.  Something that we can't function in society without "credit."  Cindi made us comfortable and never did I see that anyone felt ill at ease when asking the most basic of questions.  As I said we only had 45 minutes so I am sure she was bombarded with questions after the workshop.  

Coming to a close there was a true sense of accomplishment when we were leaving the workshop.  In such a jaded society where sometimes you feel as if you are the only one going "through", it was somehow very comforting knowing that people like the Women's Gulf Coast Workshop and Steps Coalition.org is there armed with information and ready to take action.

Thanks ladies, I was enlightened and empowered!

Vagabondlady063 Out!