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Parent Encouragement Program |
HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE
"There was so much for me to do!"
A complaint? Not at all. These words from my thirteen-year-old express what Adlerians have known for years_Robert's effort in this year's Christmas pageant was a triumphant experience, mostly because of the sense of significance and belonging that opportunity for contribution afforded him.
We share a variety of contributions with you in this issue. On a most practical note, Stephen Gell offers a suggestion for making the trip to the supermarket with children productive for all. Susan O'Shaughnessy presents her experience with a small gift freely given. Emory Baldwin shares her satisfaction in values strengthened and confidence encouraged, and we delight in her son's peaceful negotiations as he establishes his place in the community.
And since it's that fund raising time of year again, Karen Bunting and Craig Tregillus tell of the contributions PEP has made in their lives and how they are pleased to make donations of their time and talent in return. Experience that good satisfaction yourselves. Read of others and then offer your time, money or talents to PEP. Benefits accrue to all_to PEP in receiving and to you in giving!
Salutations,
Kathy Slack
Editor
THE PATH TO NEVERLAND
by Karen Bunting
Okay, I admit it. I was a fast-track Washington parent derailed by a mere 4-year-old_ but I'm getting ahead of the story.
Almost five years ago, I decided that my life as a trial lawyer, married to a hard-charging television executive who traveled too much, mother of two young children, and household manager, had become overwhelming. I felt out of control and unable to do anything well. After serious reflection on the benefits and detriments of having tried to have and do it all, I realized that this route was impossible for me. I decided to devote myself entirely to the honorable profession of motherhood.
Not surprisingly, I approached my redefined parenting role with the studiousness that had contributed to professional success. What I didn't realize at that time was that, unlike most professional questions which could be answered by diligent research and common sense, many of the most disconcerting issues involving my children could neither be researched nor analytically resolved.
This became especially evident when in the fall of 1994, my "spirited" son, Ryan, then just four, decided that virtually every aspect of his universe was worthy of a power struggle. Because my six-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Kaitlyn, had never exhibited these tendencies, I was completely frustrated, and at my wit's end as to how to maintain peace and recreate joy in our lives.
Enter PEP. A trusted attorney friend, who was equally driven and demanding, told me that she had just discovered a new way of parenting her headstrong four-year-old son which restored the balance in her home life and gave her practical tools to cope with power struggles. Being the resourceful student that I was, I interrogated her about the PEP methodology and signed up for PEP I. The rest is history; mine may sound a lot like yours.
Since the summer of 1995, I have had the privilege of serving as an at-large member of the Board of Directors of PEP. I also have completed PEP II and am currently enrolled in PEP III. Despite my involvement in a myriad of worthy causes, I have spent increasing amounts of time and energy assisting the PEP Board in various ways. This is my way of repaying PEP in some small measure for dramatically improving my family's quality of life and helping us appreciate and enjoy each other once again.
Even my husband, Clark, who is the quintessential "Doubting Thomas," had the time of his life with our children at PEP West in Colorado last summer and felt the parenting classes were useful in cementing his understanding of this new approach. In fact, despite his growing work responsibilities and other board commitments, Clark always has time to discuss matters of importance with me when it comes to PEP. His reason: nothing which I had tried prior to taking my first PEP class had given us a constructive way to manage Ryan's spirited personality.
Why have I delved into my personal history with PEP? My reasons are simple and straightforward. I hope to encourage each reader to reflect on how your involvement with PEP has measurably improved your life and to ask you to help us raise the funds to ensure PEP's continued growth and availability to a broad spectrum of Washington area families.
If everyone who receives PEP's newsletter gave just $10 (the cost of printing and mailing our newsletter and class schedules for a year), this contribution alone would allow us to reach our $30,000 goal. Of course, larger donations are especially helpful, but our hope is to increase the number of persons who give any amount to help out.
In closing, I would like to relate a particularly poignant scene from the movie Hook, which I had the pleasure of watching recently for family fun night at home. When the aging baby-boomer Pan was desperately searching for a happy thought to permit him to fly in order to rescue his children from the evil pirate, Hook, it was the thought of his newborn baby boy which made him soar. And, it was his son's belated discovery of his fortune in having Peter Pan for a father which ultimately allowed the proverbial triumph of good over evil. Perhaps the relationship which we have with our children really is our best path to Neverland after all.
SOMETHYING NEW UNDER THE SUN
by Susan O'Shaughnessy
It was six o'clock on Saturday morning. I heard my 4-year-old son, James, rustling around in the living room. We were staying with relatives in a cramped basement apartment. I knew I had to get James out of the apartment before he woke everyone else up.
I dragged myself out of bed, sullenly maneuvered past my sleeping husband, sourly rummaged for matching shoes. Before my son was born I knew exactly the kind of parent I was going to be loving, involved, cheerful, optimistic. I quit my job and turned the full force of my will toward raising him. It was clear. I give him love, do the right things, and he turns into a great kid.
James walked at eight months. At fifteen months he was naming the magnetic letters on our refrigerator. At eighteen months the tantrums started, wailing, head-banging paroxysms that lasted half an hour. It was not until his third birthday party that I allowed myself to admit that something was wrong. James remained in a corner repeatedly performing a video concert he had seen of the children's singer Raffi complete with pauses, facial expressions and inflection. He ignored the other children completely. He seemed unaware of the significance of his birthday other than wanting to blow out his candles, which he did over and over again.
A few months later my husband and I sat in a psychologist's office and received the diagnosis: James has a disability that affects the way he thinks and relates to other people. It can be considered a mild form of autism. It is permanent, or as the doctor said, "lifelong."
Some things, I understood, would always be harder for James. I decided I would cheer him on like a tireless coach. I would just have to try that much harder. As I bumped sleepily around this unfamiliar room at daybreak, I didn't feel like trying. After all, we had come to the beach to get away, to see our cousins and to relax. I stared at my image in the mirror as my hands quickly raked my hair. My face looked ghostly pale. I did not remotely resemble the mother I set out to be.
I tiptoed into the living room and greeted James with a one-armed hug and a soft "good morning, kiddo." He was intensely involved in placing plastic Disney figures on the edge of the piano and watching them bounce on the carpet as he pushed them off one at a time. He didn't look at me or acknowledge my greeting.
I thought back to one of my first projects--teaching James how to give a hug. Although hugging is something James saw no need for, he was a willing participant in the lessons. I positioned him in front of me, then showed him how to stretch his arms wide. "Good job!" I exclaimed, remembering to reinforce each positive step. With his arms outstretched, I pulled him close, then closed his arms to encircle me.
"James, this is a hug," I said brightly. After demonstrating this many times, I said, "Okay, James, give me a hug!" From his starting position, he promptly dropped his arms, ran over to me, turned his head and pressed his cheek hard into me. I repeated this lesson many times, but James's version of a hug remained an action that made him feel like he was getting one, not giving one. I gave up on hugs.
On this morning, my goal was modest but daunting, to maneuver James's clothes onto his moving arms and legs and get out the door. As I managed to wiggle the last button into place I quickly made a plan. We would go to the corner deli, get two bagels, a carton of milk and the largest cup of coffee to be found. From there, we would walk down to the beach and I would plant myself in the sand and sip my coffee. It would be dull and even a large cup of coffee wouldn't lift the dragging weight in my head, but at least James would be happy. He would stand on tiptoe at the water's edge, tense his jaw, and flap his arms vigorously in front of him as each wave crashed to shore.
He could do this for hours. He would do this as long as I let him stand there. Many times I joined James in his private world of sensory fascination. I made comments and expressed interest as he threw rocks into the water and watched them splash. But this day I wouldn't join James at the water's edge, I decided. I would let this morning slip by without making an effort to connect.
We walked to the corner deli in silence and gathered our purchases. I clutched the white paper bag in one hand and used the other to steer James toward the beach. The wide stretch of sand was still and empty except for the steady crash of waves and the call of passing sea gulls. James ran straight for the water and began searching for shells to throw. I sat chewing and sipping as the thick fog rolled over the water. After a time I was surprised to see James running back to my place on the sand. I offered him a bagel and we sat in silence while the yellow streaks began to shoot upward, piercing the gray mist. I fixed my gaze on the emerging sunrise and let my mind relax. The blending of colors was subtle at first. Yellow and faint orange mixed weakly with gray. For some time the colors seemed locked in a silent struggle. Then, in an instant, the sun emerged and ignited the clouds into flames of red and orange.
My breath caught in my throat and my arms went limp. It is at that moment that I felt it. James' arms were around me and he was squeezing tight. He encircled me from the side and pressed his cheek into my shoulder. I didn't speak or look at him. I knew that would be too much. I just sat still filled with the thought that this was enough.
The moment passed. James dropped his arms and continued chewing. I sat looking at the ocean for a long time. The sky gradually took on the white brightness of morning and people started filing onto the beach. Before long, my husband and cousins joined us and we threw the Frisbee. I kept this moment tucked away like a hidden jewel, not mentioning it to anyone. I suppose I was afraid that the reaction of others could spoil it. I winced when I considered how James's devoted tutor would dissect this moment and attempt to repeat its essential elements. I didn't want to speculate about what this might mean for the future.
As it turns out it was no breakthrough. This happened five years ago, and James has not hugged me again. During desolate times when I grieve for his lack of affection, I return to this moment. A quiet beach. A gift simply given, not earned. A glimpse at my child's spirit. The realization that were both moved by the beauty of a sunrise. It is still enough.
Susan O'Shaughnessy is in PEP's Leadership Certification training.
[reprinted with permission of the author from The Washington Post, June 29, 1997.]
AT THE SUPERMARKET
by Stephen N. Gell
Ask most parents whether they would rather take their kids to the Supermarket for the weekly shopping or undergo root canal sugery and you will inevitably hear a preference for the weekly dental procedure. There are many reasons for this. Children have to be watched. It slows down the process of finding and selecting. Children demand attention and ask for things they shouldn't have. It is stressful to say "no" to the pleas of a child.
Many kids don't like to go. And why should they? They are bombarded by temptations they can't satisfy or bored by a process they can't understand and that doesn't involve them. No wonder they ask for things, scream when they don't get them, fight for attention and make themselves and everyone around them miserable.
Like many problems with kids, parents are often at fault. Did you ever stop to think how much you like to be taken to an interesting place but told you can't do the things which come naturally to you, like buy items that take your fancy? Supermarkets are set up to distract, entice, and disappoint. What's more, children have to endure lectures about being quiet and acting like ladies and gentlemen.
Bribing kids by offering to buy a favored confection has only limited utility. An intelligent kid will up the ante next time.
So what is the answer? First, have faith in the kids that given a chance and approached the right way, they will want to help. Next, prepare a list of items you need to buy and discuss it in advance with them. Go for a trial run. Time yourselves to see how quickly the basket can be filled up with the items on the list. Each week play against your previous time. This will encourage you to work quickly and not spend undue time browsing.
Tantrums can come at any time. Be prepared for them. If the little one insists on an item and throws a tantrum to get it, you have two choices. You can pick the child up and leave the store for ten minutes or so. Then return when the tantrum is over. Or, if you can live with the disapproving looks of other shoppers, you can walk away. Let the child rant and show that you are not interested. You only have to ignore a tantrum once or twice before the message will get across that it won't work. Rarely do kids continue behavior that is unproductive.
Some people think that yelling, screaming, and punishing will deter. They fail to understand that such responses are a level of attention that may play into the child's goals. Kids will accept negative attention if they can't get the other kind and consider it a victory. Supermarkets are a convenient battleground, but with a little preparation and fortitude parents can make a trip to the supermarket a pleasant experience.
Steve Gell is a lawyer in Washington, D.C. whose children are grown and doing their own grocery shopping.
WHEN WE MOST NEED HELP
by Craig Tregillus
PEP'S Always Here For Us
As we introduced ourselves to each other in my first PEP class four years ago, one courageous newcomer explained why she enrolled very simply: "I'm here because I need all the help I can get."
Isn't that exactly why we all come to PEP? For one reason or another, many of us are at or near our wit's end. Our children are fighting with each other, and it's driving us crazy. Or they're fighting with us, and we don't know what to do. Or our spouse has just left us to parent on our own--as a single father like me or a single mother like her.
I'm sure you feel as fortunate as I do that PEP was there for each of us when we needed help, with affordable classes at convenient times. And not just with PEP I, where we strive to grasp a whole new style of parenting seemingly overnight, but with PEP II and III where we have a chance to review, learn a lot more, and keep practicing-- until we begin to get it right at least as often as we feel we get it wrong.
We may take it for granted that PEP will aways be here for struggling parents and families, just as it was in our own time of need. Yet while much about PEP seems somewhat miraculous, PEP doesn't just happen. PEP wouldn't be here at all without the tireless efforts of its extraordinary and dedicated staff, selfless class leaders, and countless volunteers.
Even these folks aren't enough to assure PEP's continued ability to meet the expanding need for its services. As the numbers of PEP classes and participants soar to new heights, so do PEP's costs. That's because of an important, but little known fact: PEP's affordable enrollment fees cover only about half the cost of providing PEP classes!
To fill this budget gap, PEP must rely on the social interest and generosity of those of us who have benefited so much from our time with PEP. It's either that or practically double the cost of classes_which most young families could ill afford. How many of us would have been able to come to PEP when we needed it most if classes had cost more than $200 each?
That's why PEP's Annual Giving Campaign is so vitally important this year. But we can't begin to raise $30,000 if, as in the past, fewer than 10 percent of us donate to PEP! Knowing how much we and our children have benefited from PEP, I can only conclude the donation rate is so appallingly low because most people don't understand how important donations are to PEP's survival.
During our phonathon in March, we look forward to getting a chance to chat with many of you about PEP's needs, and ask for your financial support. If everyone pitches in, PEP can meet this extraordinary financial challenge.
How to help? If you can join us in making phonathon calls, or if your office could host a phonathon, (on March 8 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) call the PEP office and volunteer. And if you've supported PEP financially in the past, do your best to give even more this year.
Better yet, take a moment now to fill out the convenient pledge form on the back of the Rally and return it today. By giving now and saving our phonathon volunteers a call, they will have time to reach out to even more potential supporters.
Please. PEP needs all the help it can get this year, just as each of us once did. It's time we returned the favor. I hope you will join me in helping PEP continue to "be there" to meet our needs and the needs of others.
Craig Tregillus
PEP Fund Development Chair
THERE'S A CONTRACT OUT ON ME, MOM
by Emory Luce Baldwin
We were midway through the first week of school, when I was driving my nine-and-a-half year old son, Carter, to the store for school supplies. My mind was distracted with our complicated new school week schedule, when I heard Carter say, "Well, I heard today there's a contract out on me. Jack paid another guy fifty cents to either beat me up or diss me until I cry."
"Oh, gosh," was all I could think to say. "Tell me some more about it." For the past couple of years, Carter and his friends had been playing an elaborate game of imaginary teams with generals, spies, and bodyguards, etc., at school recess time. The teams schemed against and attempted to intimidate each other in a pretend world that tested their courage and loyalty. I had been hearing periodic reports about this play, but I had not heard of any physical fighting or threats until now.
Carter matter-of-factly told me that he had been targeted by Jack, a boy that he had been at odds with for the past couple of years. There didn't seem to be any special reason that Carter was being singled out for this particular threat, and he couldn't think of anything new which had happened to invite this special attention.
When we got home, I got out a copy of the school handbook to read with Carter the section forbidding fighting, threatening, and intimidation. I made sure that he understood that it was completely appropriate to bring this to the attention of his teacher or another school authority, if he wanted their help. He was quite clear that he didn't want to bring in any adult, including his mother, to protect him. But he was uncertain about how to remove this challenge which had been made against him.
I shared a saying with Carter that I thought might be helpful for him. "The best way to get rid of any enemy is to make a friend of him." Fifteen years before I had heard these words spoken by Sally Cory, a lifelong peace activist and a beloved elder at the Friends Meeting of Washington. It was such a simple phrase, with such powerful wisdom embedded in it, that I had never forgotten it.
"What would happen," I asked, "if you went up to Jack and invited him over to our house for pizza and a video this weekend?" He would be very surprised, Carter agreed.
After thinking some more about it, Carter decided to invite not just Jack, but also some of the other teammates to this pizza and video party which we quickly started calling the "pizza peace party!" Before the big night arrived, Jack was already acting differently towards Carter, my son reported, and even offered to show him how to play four-square on the playground.
That Friday night, as the six boys sat around our table, one of them lifted his can of root beer and proposed a toast to peace! They all cheered, and offered several more root beer toasts to future fun and peaceful play.
I listened, grateful that I hadn't blown this opportunity by rushing in to rescue my son. I had trusted my son to see this through in a way that was authentic for him and upheld our Friends' values. And I was grateful to Sally Cory who had unknowingly shared that precious bit of wisdom with me: "The best way to get rid of an enemy is to make him into your friend."
Emory is an Intern in PEP's Leadership Certification Program.
When there wasn't any real competition.
When you know you cheated.
When you didn't get a best time.
When you know you didn't try your best.
When you bad-mouthed your opponent.
When everyone expected you to win.
When there was no one there to cheer for you.
When it wasn't any fun.
LOSING ISN'T ALWAYS BAD ...
When your competition was tough.
When your opponent cheated.
When you acheived one of your best times.
When you gave it everything you had.
When your opponent shook your hand and said, "Great race!"
When everyone appreciated your effort.
When your friends were all there yelling their heads off.
When you didn't want it to end.
This poem was written by Mary Parker, a competitive swimmer, coach, and one of PEP's class leaders.
PEP has helped me and my family in lots of ways. We now have Family Council every Sunday evening and it seems to solve and prevent conflicts. (I like being chair the best!)
My consultation with Linda really helped me. Now the girl no longer picks on me. It's also helped me deal with other minor friendship difficulties. And (I'm not just saying this because my mom runs it) Friendship Class has made me a better friend.
I made lots of new friends through Friendship Camp, [Friendship} Class, and PEP.
Thank you for having PEP.
Sincerely,
Anna S. Thompson
Enclosure: $10.00 my own money
Anna was a ten-year-old contributor to last year's Annual Giving Campaign.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
DEALING WITH ANGER IN COUPLE RELATIONSHIPS
Couples Workshop "Dealing with Anger in Couple Relationships"
Saturday, February 28
7 - 10 p.m.
Conflict, resentment and hostile feelings are issues at times in every relationship. Within a marriage, how these powerful feelings are handled largely determines the growth or erosion of true intimacy. With potential to deepen or to damage the relationship in the hands of each partner, it is essential to learn to cooperate constructively, especially when anger signals an opportunity.
Leaders: Barbara and Don Fairfield are certified leaders for the Association for Couples in Marriage Enrichment. Barbara is a well-known Marriage and Family Therapist.
Location: Marvin Memorial Methodist Church, Room 204, 33 University Blvd., East, Silver Spring, MD
Cost: $60/couple (PEP Members: $55/couple)
Saturday, March 21
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
In most families parents make most of the decisions. At PEP we believe that everyone in a family has much to learn and much to contribute. This three-hour workshop is for all members of the family six years and older. Come and learn together the skills for organizing the business of being a cooperative family.
Location: Marvin Memorial Methodist Church, Room 204, 33 University Blvd., East, Silver Spring, MD
Cost: $60/family (PEP Members: $55/family)
Registration required for workshops, call the PEP office for more information.
LIMITS AND CONSEQUENCES IN FAMILY LIFE
Friday, March 6
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Open Forum Counseling is a unique opportunity for continuing to learn about one's own behavior and the behavior of others.
Location: Marvin Memorial Methodist Church, Room 204, 33 University Blvd., East, Silver Spring, MD
Cost: Free for Members and current class participants. $5/person; $8/couple; $1/children (9 yrs & up); or $10/family.
Childcare will be available during the session if you call at least one week ahead to register your children and pay in advance. $5/first child; $3/any additional children from same family. No registration required for adults.
Spring Classes begin the week of March 29
PEP places great importance on providing excellent child care during its Tuesday and Thursday morning classes. If you would be interested in interacting with a variety of charming small people, earning $20.00 a morning for 8 to 10 weeks, or if you know of a reliable, personable college student, au pair or nanny who has one of these mornings available, please call Frances at the PEP office.
PEP could use some 486 or higher computers to work with the database. If you are upgrading your computer and would like a home for your old one, PEP would be happy to give it a home. Donated items are tax deductible at the fair market value. Call Frances or Lisa at the PEP office.
PEP's November 8 auction took a great event and made it even better! With the pre-auction dinner sold out, and standing room only for author and columnist Marguerite Kelly's wise and witty remarks, bidding at both the silent and live auctions took on new life. "PEP Helps Create Harmonious Families," was the theme of this "first-timer-friendly" gala. Glittering musical instruments, showers of notes and live violin music created a magical atmosphere.
A dessert and exotic coffee bar added sweetness to the flavor of this special evening. In addition, David Rosenberg, President of Candy Express, delighted chocolate lovers with courtesy boxes of fine Belgian truffles and passed around samples from Candy Expresses' Red and Gold Box Collections with a generous hand. Profits from sales of these delectables were also donated to PEP. Another bonus: Marguerite Kelly spent the entire evening autographing and personalizing her books, chatting with all attendees and browsing the auction tables herself.
Unique to PEP's auction was an intrepid student of anthropology, 14 year old Sharon Mulligan, who prowled through the crowd, observing the culture of the auction and compiling research on the brightly adorned and friendly inhabitants. Her school project provides some fascinating insights into the customs, taboos and motivations of those who participated in this interesting cultural ritual of fund raising.
This most successful auction in PEP's history was headed up by ultra-organizer Jean Crabtree, and her hard working band of volunteers. Their efforts netted a total of $22,000! A thousand thanks to all of you who attended and who donated such desirable items and services. Hats off to the hard charging Auction Committee: Karen Bunting, Barbara Grunbaum (graphics), Kathy Hancock, Betsy Mead, Susan Miles, Mary Parker, Christina Wowk, Ann Lafferty, Maura Lafferty and Craig Tregillus. Undying gratitude to the myriad of other helpers who each contributed many hours of their time: Deborah Dokken, Patti Cancellier, Stacy Fisk (auction catalogue); John Lafferty, Debbie Billet-Roumell, Lynne Blech, Marcy Foster, Marlene Goldstein, Hansi Jessup, Dave Jessup, Leslie Mink, Joan & Rick Mora, Bonnie Naradzay, Leah Nichaman and Pam Van Wie. A salute to Hillary Tregillus and Luke Jessup for providing childcare, and warm appreciation to Dorelle Laffel, who donated all of the exquisite floral arrangements for the banquet.
Special recognition is due Tom Weschler (father of five), from Weschler Auctioneers and Appraisers, for donating his excellent services for the eighth straight year. Our gratitude, too, to our generous corporate contributors, Citicorp Bank and Animal Planet, for sponsoring tables at the banquet and making it possible for some of their own employees to attend and become acquainted with PEP and its services. Talk about "family friendly!"
If you missed this year's auction, don't despair. Just mark November 7, 1998, on your calendar today, the date of next year's auction adventure.
Speaking of next year, get on board the Auction Planning Committee for a delicious chili dinner (both vegetarian and con carne) hosted at Linda Jessup's house on Saturday, March 7 from 5 to 7 pm. Help establish the theme for the year and brainstorm spicy ideas for creating yet another unique auction extravaganza. Jean Crabtree will again head this fun and important event. Everyone, from 'tweens to grandparents, is invited. Call Linda at (301) 681-7351 to RSVP.
SOCIAL INTEREST CLUB FOR `TWEENS
Hey kids! Do you want to make a difference? Are you interested in doing helpful things for others in need? Would you like to work with other 'tweens (9 to 14) to put your good ideas into action? Become a founding member of a new PEP club created for the purpose of getting 'tweens positively involved in the community while making new friends. Help to name the club, design the short and long-term goals, and plan the first projects. Terry Melo, a PEP mom and high school teacher, will be the adult sponsor. Call (301) 588-1341 if you're interested. She's looking forward to hearing from you!
The Washington area is known for its entertaining. So you hosts and hostesses might be interested to know that Jennifer Crovato, daughter of popular PEP leader, Terri Crovato, has returned from Italy, where she studied the culinary arts with a variety of first class Italian chefs. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Jenny has worked at Galeleo and I Matti in Washington, D.C., and is now available for catering special events. Imagine a five to seven course meal, reflecting authentic Italian regional cooking, designed especially for you and your guests. For information, call (301) 384-2764.
PEP MEMBERS ARE HIGH ON SOCIAL INTEREST
This fall the Membership Committee asked PEP Members what they liked about being members of PEP and what they wanted from PEP. Two-thirds of the 43 survey respondents identified "helping to keep PEP available through my support," as the most important benefit of their membership. A distant second in importance is the 10% discount on classes and books available to members, closely followed by free attendance at Open Forum Counseling demonstrations.
When asked if they would be interested in a social or educational event specifically for members, the group split evenly between yes, no and maybe. If PEP were to offer an additional event, the greatest interest by far was in an educational program, whether it is open to the public or just for members.
On the basis of this survey the membership Committee decided not to hold an additional event for members only at this time. We continue to be interested in hearing from our members.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead
If you would like to donate to PEP's Annual Giving Campaign (AGC), please contact our office at (301)-929-8824; or send your donation with a note indicating it is for the "AGC" to: PEP, 10100 Connecticut Ave., Kensington, MD 20895.