The O'Briens describe these commitments as people who fill roles of allies, anchors, associations, assistance, agendas. This area is of particular benefit because much emphasis in support systems seems to be placed on how much a person is taught or what new skills a person can learn to become more independent in his or her community. These authors caution that it may not be as much the what a person learns to do or experience as much as the people and their roles who enter their life. There is a frank discussion about support circles and the need to balance the seemingly contradictory forces at work in many circles of support. The authors address a caution that is raised by another writer who listens well.
Most journalistic interviews are like that.
I came on a Tuesday. This is what she said, so this must by what she believes. As mentioned previously, one of the benchmarks of O'Brien and O'Brien's listening process is providing the initiators of the words with a summary of what was heard and asking them to verify the continued authenticity. This style is appealing because many readers would not have taken the opportunity to read subtle changes in perspective over several years of community building. This is just the impression I obtained by juxtaposing the essays by O'Brien and O'Brien.