The Sunday's program involved workshops and talking circles which were open to other Lesbians as well. Organisation of the weekend was made easier by the donation of venue by the Lismore AIDS Council and float money raised by a raffle run by Lavender. The healthy salad lunches were appreciated and child care was offered in the tradition of access for Lesbian mothers. Some women's services have expressed interest in the Social Justice training and tentative plans are afoot for some interagency workshops. Lesbians and others continue to ring the local contact for all types of information and referrals about Lesbians needs and issues, which shows us that there is both interest and goodwill in the wider community and how important it is for COAL to have relevant information and resources to meet these needs in order to promote social change benefiting Lesbians.
Lesbians are experts at lateral thinking, expansive views and making things possible.
The process of talking with others, of listening to their ideas, needs and experiences and learning about our diverse communities is invaluable. It cannot be equated in monetary terms and must be seen as integral to our overall activity - as COAL is part of Lesbian communities not just for our communities. At last year's COAL Conference after a discussion on COAL's budget and the need to raise money various members pledged to raise certain amounts. The raffle was launched at that Conference and various members and supporters took books of tickets to sell. Could I suggest to members and office bearers that this type of fundraising is but one of many which we can do.