Re: [unschoolingbasics] The Unschooling Confernece
[email protected]
In a message dated 12/28/2007 8:52:37 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[email protected] writes:
But what happens is that not allowing children makes it impossible for
someone like me ( coming 4 hours from Minnesota) to do come to the Conference.
I am lookomng for connecting with unschoolers.<<<<<<<<<<
Just another perspective maybe, and maybe I am stepping into the fire
but,....I just want to mention how difficult, time consuming and much work putting
on a conference of any type is. I have been there myself several times. And
while I can totally understand not wanting to be separated from your
children, it is very difficult to meet everyone's needs. Also I have nothing to do
with this conference, but I can say how discouraging it is to read negative
statements like that. A more productive path might be to write the conference
coordinators in person. Maybe ask if there is any way you could help out so
that it might be possible to even have just one room or area with toddler
toys. Reading negative statements about "your baby" is so discouraging and
makes you wonder if maybe it isn't worth it, all the time and energy. Having
children at a confernece is a whole other ball game, a different set of
concerns and dynamics, not with the children even but with facilities. It may be
that there are just one or two moms who are just starting out with this
conference and this might be their first time.
Also if the conference doesn't fit your needs you can organize something
yourself in your area, it doesn't even have to have speakers like a confernece,
but could be as simple as unschoolers getting together to talk about different
issues, in a more casual setting. There are many ways to get different
needs met.
I applaud anyone who wants to take on something like that. It is difficult,
maybe in the future as the confernece grows children will be considered more
in the equation. Maybe with more volunteers that might be possible. It is
so wonderful to see more conferences and gatherings and get togethers for
unschoolers popping up all over. I know for me it was so wonderful to step foot
into that first unschooling conference Kelly put on in SC. To not feel
alone. And if this is filling a need somewhere...more power to her/them/him.
Write, e mail, call, volunteer....get involved in the process.
Just a couple thoughts,
Pam G
**************************************See AOL's top rated recipes
(http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop00030000000004)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected] writes:
But what happens is that not allowing children makes it impossible for
someone like me ( coming 4 hours from Minnesota) to do come to the Conference.
I am lookomng for connecting with unschoolers.<<<<<<<<<<
Just another perspective maybe, and maybe I am stepping into the fire
but,....I just want to mention how difficult, time consuming and much work putting
on a conference of any type is. I have been there myself several times. And
while I can totally understand not wanting to be separated from your
children, it is very difficult to meet everyone's needs. Also I have nothing to do
with this conference, but I can say how discouraging it is to read negative
statements like that. A more productive path might be to write the conference
coordinators in person. Maybe ask if there is any way you could help out so
that it might be possible to even have just one room or area with toddler
toys. Reading negative statements about "your baby" is so discouraging and
makes you wonder if maybe it isn't worth it, all the time and energy. Having
children at a confernece is a whole other ball game, a different set of
concerns and dynamics, not with the children even but with facilities. It may be
that there are just one or two moms who are just starting out with this
conference and this might be their first time.
Also if the conference doesn't fit your needs you can organize something
yourself in your area, it doesn't even have to have speakers like a confernece,
but could be as simple as unschoolers getting together to talk about different
issues, in a more casual setting. There are many ways to get different
needs met.
I applaud anyone who wants to take on something like that. It is difficult,
maybe in the future as the confernece grows children will be considered more
in the equation. Maybe with more volunteers that might be possible. It is
so wonderful to see more conferences and gatherings and get togethers for
unschoolers popping up all over. I know for me it was so wonderful to step foot
into that first unschooling conference Kelly put on in SC. To not feel
alone. And if this is filling a need somewhere...more power to her/them/him.
Write, e mail, call, volunteer....get involved in the process.
Just a couple thoughts,
Pam G
**************************************See AOL's top rated recipes
(http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop00030000000004)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
BRIAN POLIKOWSKY
Sure Psm I agree with many of the things you are saying. I am not here to bash the Conference.
My point is that I really wanted to go.
Last year was the first year and their venue did not allow ( size wise) to have kids.
They have this new venue this year and one was really hoping that they could have a room for the kids. I am not asking for them to baby sit my kids. But they are not allowed this year again and I cannot help and feel.
sad I cannot make it. There is a group of unschoolers that get together about one hour and a half from me.
I wanted to connect with more unschoolers and well, maybe I just wanted me and my kids to feel the way we did at your Conference ( L and L).
It was so nice to be there that my 5 year old keeps asking when we are going to go back almost every week.
And as I said. I hope they can find a way to allow kids next year but I cannot help that I am sad I will not be able to go this year.
The funny part is that apparently most people going to the Conference last year would rather stay this way as someone posted earlier.
So it seems that I am a minority that wants to have her kids with her.
And again Pam Thank you for all the work you guys do at L and L. It was really appreciated.
Alex
----- Original Message ----
From: "Genant2@..." <Genant2@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, December 28, 2007 8:57:30 AM
Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] The Unschooling Confernece
In a message dated 12/28/2007 8:52:37 AM Eastern Standard Time,
unschoolingbasics@ yahoogroups. com writes:
But what happens is that not allowing children makes it impossible for
someone like me ( coming 4 hours from Minnesota) to do come to the Conference.
I am lookomng for connecting with unschoolers. <<<<<<<<< <
Just another perspective maybe, and maybe I am stepping into the fire
but,....I just want to mention how difficult, time consuming and much work putting
on a conference of any type is. I have been there myself several times. And
while I can totally understand not wanting to be separated from your
children, it is very difficult to meet everyone's needs. Also I have nothing to do
with this conference, but I can say how discouraging it is to read negative
statements like that. A more productive path might be to write the conference
coordinators in person. Maybe ask if there is any way you could help out so
that it might be possible to even have just one room or area with toddler
toys. Reading negative statements about "your baby" is so discouraging and
makes you wonder if maybe it isn't worth it, all the time and energy. Having
children at a confernece is a whole other ball game, a different set of
concerns and dynamics, not with the children even but with facilities. It may be
that there are just one or two moms who are just starting out with this
conference and this might be their first time.
Also if the conference doesn't fit your needs you can organize something
yourself in your area, it doesn't even have to have speakers like a confernece,
but could be as simple as unschoolers getting together to talk about different
issues, in a more casual setting. There are many ways to get different
needs met.
I applaud anyone who wants to take on something like that. It is difficult,
maybe in the future as the confernece grows children will be considered more
in the equation. Maybe with more volunteers that might be possible. It is
so wonderful to see more conferences and gatherings and get togethers for
unschoolers popping up all over. I know for me it was so wonderful to step foot
into that first unschooling conference Kelly put on in SC. To not feel
alone. And if this is filling a need somewhere... more power to her/them/him.
Write, e mail, call, volunteer... .get involved in the process.
Just a couple thoughts,
Pam G
************ ********* ********* ********See AOL's top rated recipes
(http://food. aol.com/top- rated-recipes? NCID=aoltop00030 000000004)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
My point is that I really wanted to go.
Last year was the first year and their venue did not allow ( size wise) to have kids.
They have this new venue this year and one was really hoping that they could have a room for the kids. I am not asking for them to baby sit my kids. But they are not allowed this year again and I cannot help and feel.
sad I cannot make it. There is a group of unschoolers that get together about one hour and a half from me.
I wanted to connect with more unschoolers and well, maybe I just wanted me and my kids to feel the way we did at your Conference ( L and L).
It was so nice to be there that my 5 year old keeps asking when we are going to go back almost every week.
And as I said. I hope they can find a way to allow kids next year but I cannot help that I am sad I will not be able to go this year.
The funny part is that apparently most people going to the Conference last year would rather stay this way as someone posted earlier.
So it seems that I am a minority that wants to have her kids with her.
And again Pam Thank you for all the work you guys do at L and L. It was really appreciated.
Alex
----- Original Message ----
From: "Genant2@..." <Genant2@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, December 28, 2007 8:57:30 AM
Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] The Unschooling Confernece
In a message dated 12/28/2007 8:52:37 AM Eastern Standard Time,
unschoolingbasics@ yahoogroups. com writes:
But what happens is that not allowing children makes it impossible for
someone like me ( coming 4 hours from Minnesota) to do come to the Conference.
I am lookomng for connecting with unschoolers. <<<<<<<<< <
Just another perspective maybe, and maybe I am stepping into the fire
but,....I just want to mention how difficult, time consuming and much work putting
on a conference of any type is. I have been there myself several times. And
while I can totally understand not wanting to be separated from your
children, it is very difficult to meet everyone's needs. Also I have nothing to do
with this conference, but I can say how discouraging it is to read negative
statements like that. A more productive path might be to write the conference
coordinators in person. Maybe ask if there is any way you could help out so
that it might be possible to even have just one room or area with toddler
toys. Reading negative statements about "your baby" is so discouraging and
makes you wonder if maybe it isn't worth it, all the time and energy. Having
children at a confernece is a whole other ball game, a different set of
concerns and dynamics, not with the children even but with facilities. It may be
that there are just one or two moms who are just starting out with this
conference and this might be their first time.
Also if the conference doesn't fit your needs you can organize something
yourself in your area, it doesn't even have to have speakers like a confernece,
but could be as simple as unschoolers getting together to talk about different
issues, in a more casual setting. There are many ways to get different
needs met.
I applaud anyone who wants to take on something like that. It is difficult,
maybe in the future as the confernece grows children will be considered more
in the equation. Maybe with more volunteers that might be possible. It is
so wonderful to see more conferences and gatherings and get togethers for
unschoolers popping up all over. I know for me it was so wonderful to step foot
into that first unschooling conference Kelly put on in SC. To not feel
alone. And if this is filling a need somewhere... more power to her/them/him.
Write, e mail, call, volunteer... .get involved in the process.
Just a couple thoughts,
Pam G
************ ********* ********* ********See AOL's top rated recipes
(http://food. aol.com/top- rated-recipes? NCID=aoltop00030 000000004)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 12/28/07 6:58:14 AM, Genant2@... writes:
I agree, and I'm really, really not trying to hurt feelings at ALL. I know
how it feels when it SEEMS as if you are being left out. I'm 38 and have been a
mom for over 20 years. I've been "left out" of many, many things due to having
the kids and not having childcare (single parenting, workaholic DHs, no
money) and it feels awful. But I've seen that sometimes, it feels like a personal
affront, but in actuality, it fits the needs of a larger group. An intense
single day conference might really be one of those ways that we as moms (and for
the most part, SAHMs) can care for ourselves and talk *about* our children and
how we have opted to raise them. I bet most of us don't talk ABOUT them with
them in the room - we include them. But all adults? And adults that are along
the same lines as we are re: education, school and life? Were we might get a
chance to discuss our fears in person (emails are great, but not the same) and
also our wonderful times, too. I see both "sides" here, but are needed. And
its easy for me to disccuss it since I have NO possibility of going - with or
without the kids.
I hope all is resolved however, I really do. I love this lost and hope the
discord is all over soon.
Karen
**************************************
See AOL's top rated recipes
(http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop00030000000004)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> Also I have nothing to do________________________________
> with this conference, but I can say how discouraging it is to read negative
> statements like that.
>
I agree, and I'm really, really not trying to hurt feelings at ALL. I know
how it feels when it SEEMS as if you are being left out. I'm 38 and have been a
mom for over 20 years. I've been "left out" of many, many things due to having
the kids and not having childcare (single parenting, workaholic DHs, no
money) and it feels awful. But I've seen that sometimes, it feels like a personal
affront, but in actuality, it fits the needs of a larger group. An intense
single day conference might really be one of those ways that we as moms (and for
the most part, SAHMs) can care for ourselves and talk *about* our children and
how we have opted to raise them. I bet most of us don't talk ABOUT them with
them in the room - we include them. But all adults? And adults that are along
the same lines as we are re: education, school and life? Were we might get a
chance to discuss our fears in person (emails are great, but not the same) and
also our wonderful times, too. I see both "sides" here, but are needed. And
its easy for me to disccuss it since I have NO possibility of going - with or
without the kids.
I hope all is resolved however, I really do. I love this lost and hope the
discord is all over soon.
Karen
**************************************
See AOL's top rated recipes
(http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop00030000000004)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Ren Allen
~~
Also if the conference doesn't fit your needs you can organize something
yourself in your area, it doesn't even have to have speakers like a
confernece, but could be as simple as unschoolers getting together to
talk about different issues, in a more casual setting. There are many
ways to get different needs met.~~
The recent ARGH gathering here in Eastern TN waas just that. We had a
gathering where we all shared various interests, discussed unschooling
and played. It was small and opened a lot of doors for future
gatherings, new ideas and new friendships. We'll be hosting it twice
per year now and it's very exciting to be a part of something new.
I see the benefits of attending events for adults only, I truly do
(because I can focus on what *I* need and not worry about anyone
else). But I really think that in unschooling circles you will hugely
limit your attendee base if you don't host something geared for all ages.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
Also if the conference doesn't fit your needs you can organize something
yourself in your area, it doesn't even have to have speakers like a
confernece, but could be as simple as unschoolers getting together to
talk about different issues, in a more casual setting. There are many
ways to get different needs met.~~
The recent ARGH gathering here in Eastern TN waas just that. We had a
gathering where we all shared various interests, discussed unschooling
and played. It was small and opened a lot of doors for future
gatherings, new ideas and new friendships. We'll be hosting it twice
per year now and it's very exciting to be a part of something new.
I see the benefits of attending events for adults only, I truly do
(because I can focus on what *I* need and not worry about anyone
else). But I really think that in unschooling circles you will hugely
limit your attendee base if you don't host something geared for all ages.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
diana jenner
~~Also if the conference doesn't fit your needs you can organize something
yourself in your area, it doesn't even have to have speakers like a
conference, but could be as simple as unschoolers getting together to
talk about different issues, in a more casual setting. There are many ways
to get different needs met.~~
I know the conference folks are aware of the quandary of kids attending, I'm
certain there are folks in Madison (and in a Madison driving range) who
would jump at the chance to have a kid friendly gathering to share their
unschooling journeys. Non-Con gatherings are amazing! Ask Mary Gold: If you
Plan it We will Come -- SO true :D We've had two in Corvallis, we're
planning another near Seattle for Marti Gras, probably one in Canada this
summer (that's in addition to having LIFE is Good in between :D)... just
gatherings of families, opportunities to witness and support and play and
chase and laugh and sing and share and hug and all of that wonderful Tribal
Gathering schtuff we miss so much when we don't get enough. Have you thought
about possibly driving to the one in Ohio next month? It's at a waterpark :D
And for anyone who has yet to gather with unschoolers, check out my blog for
non-con posts (and links to other blogs, too) We had such a great time! We
*HAVE* such a great time every time we meet, it is a stretching, learning,
joyous experience for us all.
--
~diana :)
xoxoxoxo
hannahbearski.blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
yourself in your area, it doesn't even have to have speakers like a
conference, but could be as simple as unschoolers getting together to
talk about different issues, in a more casual setting. There are many ways
to get different needs met.~~
I know the conference folks are aware of the quandary of kids attending, I'm
certain there are folks in Madison (and in a Madison driving range) who
would jump at the chance to have a kid friendly gathering to share their
unschooling journeys. Non-Con gatherings are amazing! Ask Mary Gold: If you
Plan it We will Come -- SO true :D We've had two in Corvallis, we're
planning another near Seattle for Marti Gras, probably one in Canada this
summer (that's in addition to having LIFE is Good in between :D)... just
gatherings of families, opportunities to witness and support and play and
chase and laugh and sing and share and hug and all of that wonderful Tribal
Gathering schtuff we miss so much when we don't get enough. Have you thought
about possibly driving to the one in Ohio next month? It's at a waterpark :D
And for anyone who has yet to gather with unschoolers, check out my blog for
non-con posts (and links to other blogs, too) We had such a great time! We
*HAVE* such a great time every time we meet, it is a stretching, learning,
joyous experience for us all.
--
~diana :)
xoxoxoxo
hannahbearski.blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
BRIAN POLIKOWSKY
Another option would be to do it like the Conference they had in Minneapolis ( Sandra was the main speaker) in the end of last September where they did not allow kids either but the venue was adjacent to a big park ( indoor with things for all ages),
That way you could bring someone to be with your kids playing but you are right there if they need you.
Madison is a great town and people there are extremely friendly.
Downtown right next to the Capitol Building ( that is absolutely a must to go visit) there are at leat 3 museums including the Children's Museum, several hotels, great little shops and places to eat all within walking distance ( really close).
That may be an option so to them. I know that I have stayed in a hotel right there when dd whas 9 months old and ds 4 and we had a blast walking everywhere. They did have Conference rooms there. I should go ahead and send them an e-mail....
Alex ( who really just wish she could go but also wished her kids go have fun with other unschoolers too!)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
That way you could bring someone to be with your kids playing but you are right there if they need you.
Madison is a great town and people there are extremely friendly.
Downtown right next to the Capitol Building ( that is absolutely a must to go visit) there are at leat 3 museums including the Children's Museum, several hotels, great little shops and places to eat all within walking distance ( really close).
That may be an option so to them. I know that I have stayed in a hotel right there when dd whas 9 months old and ds 4 and we had a blast walking everywhere. They did have Conference rooms there. I should go ahead and send them an e-mail....
Alex ( who really just wish she could go but also wished her kids go have fun with other unschoolers too!)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]