Hi Tongariki ---

        We need to stimulate some discussion of ways museums CAN make a statement
and do some good <not necessarily providing icing on the cake when there is
neither cake nor bread nor shoes> It's rougher than your wife describes
here in Appalachia, even WITH food stamps.....and, yes, we are finding
those who get interested in yesterday <in ways they can relate to> because
they know we are among the "helpers"

Ross Weeks
Tazewell VA

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> From: Tongariki <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Toward linking museums to the overlooked
> Date: Monday, March 10, 1997 8:24 PM
>
> There's a set of explainations as to why the disadvantaged dont care or
> don't come to museums and learning institutions to better themselves.
> Among other reasons, it's pretty hard to get interested in yesterday when
> you're not sure you'll eat tomorrow.  Yes, it is that dramatic for many
> disadvantaged folks, especially in light of the end of the federal food
> stamp program.  Also, some of these disadvantaged folks have lives so
> disordered that time to sit and ponder is not possible.  I work for a
> museum but my spouse workes for a public non-profit community based
> psychological counseling agency.  She says her clientel are not able to
> receive enough education/job training/ medication/day care services/ or
> counseling to truely address their basic needs of food, shelter, clothing
> and sense of security.  Friends, we are the very lucky ones.