If you’re a regular reader of Homebase, you’ll know lots about the activities undertaken by MAW through the MAW Report., which usually includes an update of our political ventures.

This issue, the MAW Report focuses on the grassroots groups which operate under MAW’s umbrella. Discussion groups, reading groups, and social functions are an extremely important function of Mothers Are Women, every bit as important at the politics with which we are engaged. Most MAW members tell us that what first got their attention in the organization was the support that MAW offered them, particularly at a time when they felt isolated with young children. MAW is, fundamentally, a support, and that function happens in grassroots groups across the country. If you are interested in any of these groups, or other MAW activities, call the MAW line (613) 722-7851, or email us, info@mothersarewomen.com and we’ll get your message to the group contact. Here, then is a sampling of MAW groups:

This is the longest-running MAW group outside of Ottawa. MAW stalwarts, Tracey Pingle and Michelle McMahon have met since 1996 with other interested women from a huge geographical area - many of the women in this group have driven for more than 1 1/2 hours to get together. Both Tracey and Michelle attended the workshop in Whitby and mentioned that the group is in the process of revamping and they welcome any and all new members.

by Lorraine Underell-Mason

The Toronto Discussion Group has been meeting informally for about two years at various venues. Currently we met the fourth Monday of each month at a centrally-located coffee house between 7 and 9 p.m. There is no set agenda at these meetings - you can bring any subject you want. Mostly it’s just a nice night out, away from kids, for a cup of coffee and/or dessert, so you can talk to some other adults, who happen to be women, who also happen to be mothers. Send a message to Lorraine if you’re interested in finding out more information about the Toronto Discussion Group.

by Andrea Adair-Tippins

The Whitby Chapter of Mothers Are Women consists of three determined and enthusiastic members who ran a successful Mothering the Mother workshop in October 1999, and who are exploring the possibility of staging another workshop in the spring, this one about unpaid work. Currently, we are researching websites of interest to moms-at-home. We usually meet the third or fourth Tuesday of the month, in the afternoon. We’d love to hear from MAW members in the Whitby area.

Very preliminary discussions during a December meeting have begun regarding jump starting a Manitoba book club or discussion group (to be located in Winnipeg). Interested MAW members within driving distance of Winnipeg (and there are a fair number of you!), please contact Sue Robins and kimlee morrisseau for more information.

Maija McKrow is looking to meet other MAW members who live in the west end of Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga or mid/North Toronto (west of Yonge St. and south of Sheppard) on a monthly basis for conversation and company. Please leave a message for Maija if you’d like to be part of this group.

MAW-member Rosemary Leach would like to start a daytime MAW discussion group, with children, meeting in each other’s homes. Rosemary currently attends both the evening and daytime discussion groups in Ottawa (see below), but lives past Almonte so it’s a long commute. Please contact Rosemary for more information if you’re interested in the western locale.

by Joanne Stead

The Morning Discussion Group continues to meet on a regular basis, although the day of the week and the location have changed. The group now meets on the first and third Wednesday of the month. One of our members, Judy Dangerfield, still graciously opens her home to us for our gatherings. Judy has moved to Ogilvie Road in Ottawa’s East end. The group continues to be an informal gathering of mothers who get together to talk about the issues that are of concern to all of us: education, politics, and “motherhood issues”. The group is not large, generally about four to eight show up with various numbers of children in tow. We also try to get out for a social evening every once in awhile. If anyone is interested in finding out more information about the Morning Group, contact Jo-Anne Stead.

by Lisa Taylor and Andrea Perrier

The Radical Readers are a group of erudite and witty women and mothers who meet on the last Monday of every month to gossip and exchange literary bons mots. Meetings are held at Mother Tongue Books, 1067 Bank Street, Ottawa. The Radical Readers include several virtual members who correspond through e-mail. To join in future sessions or be added to the list, please e-mail Andrea Perrier. Andrea has provided the following information regarding the valiant Readers’ schedule:

The next R.R. meeting will take place on February 28th and we will be discussing Mrs. King: The Life and Times of Isabel Mackenzie King, by local author Charlotte Gray.

Angela’s Ashes, a memoir by Frank McCourt, is the subject of our March 27th meeting.

On April 17th, the Readers will tackle The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (sequel to Little Altars Everywhere), by Rebecca Wells.

Suggestions for May (15th or 29th) and June 19th include:

anything by Rita May Brown (Six of One); Leaning, Leaning Over Water, by local author Frances Itani; The Shipping News (E. Annie Proulx); A Recipe for Bees by Canadian Gail Anderson-Dargatz; The Road From Corrain (Jill Ker Conway); or The White Bone by Canadian Barbara Gowdy.

Contact Andrea to join the Radical Readers and get your suggestions on the list!

by Sonya Nigam

What: MAW Cake & Beer Club
Who: Anyone MAW member in need
When: The second Thursday of each month (February 10, March 9, April 13)
Where: Patty’s Pub, 1186 Bank Street (corner of Bank and Ossington), Ottawa
Why: Gee - I don’t have to tell you that!

MAWs across Canada are interested in meeting other MAWs in the following areas:

Halifax, NS • Ingersoll, ON • Montreal, QC • Vancouver-Lower Mainland, BC

If you would like to be the group leader/contact please let us know and we’ll help as we can.

E-mail: homebase@mothersarewomen.com