Dear All,

	This question is close to my heart as a lefty, raised poor, 
now academic, and longtime single mom.  I always think that the group 
under discussion - people in poverty, etc. - should be included when 
at all possible.  My professional group, American Public Health 
Association, makes this as hard as can be at their annual 
conferences, insisting, for example, that most speakers be APHA 
members, or pay several hundred bucks' registration fee.

	A related issue is the notion that those too poor to pay can 
"work off" the admission.  Many folks too poor to pay are already 
exhausted and hard-pressed for time, so this too can be less than 
welcoming, though many would like the opportunity to do the work as a 
way to give back.

	At community events, one expression we often use that seems 
more welcoming is:  sliding scale, NO ONE WILL BE TURNED AWAY.  While 
that may still intimidate some, it generally connotes 
acceptance/welcome.

Peace,

Martha


>I'm not sure about the question.
>
>Anyone who puts together a conference has every right to state the criteria
>for attendance and for speakers. But having the right doesn't speak to
>whether exclusion would be ethical or not. If a professional organization
>puts together a conference whose title is "Social Workers of X: Focus on
>Poverty," then I'd expect that only Social Workers of X would be invited to
>attend or speak. But if the same group ran a conference titled "Focus on
>Poverty," I'd expect that anyone with expertise on the issue - people in
>poverty and advocates - could attend or be a speaker. There would still be
>criteria, but not as exclusive as in the first case.
>
>Perhaps others on the list have an opinion on this?
>--Ocean
>
>------------------------
>On Wed, 19 Apr 2006 14:15:21 -0400, Sandi Pniauskas <[log in to unmask]>
>wrote:
>
>>Okay, scenario # 2 but related. The same organization, different venue,
>>is sponsoring a professional conference in which patient/patient
>>advocates are not invited.
>>Sandi
>>
>>Chrystal Ocean wrote:
>>
>>>Well I see both sides of it to some extent.
>>>
>>>If it's a matter of recovering the unavoidable costs for running a seminar
>>>or session - rent, print materials, other supplies -, then I can understand
>>>a fee being applied if there's no money in the kitty otherwise. But I'm with
>>>you with respect to fancy lunches (and for conferences: entertainment, gala
>>>receptions, etc.), although some food, especially fresh fruit and veggies,
>>>is always welcome. It's almost comical the eyes that will enlarge and light
>>>up in our crowd at the mere mention of REAL FOOD.
>>>
>>>>From the perspective of people on very low income, it can be a barrier even
>>>when fees are offered to be waived. While the offer is appreciated, it can
>>>often be that you just haven't the stamina or emotional energy to go through
>>>the application process or to present yourself, one more time, to someone or
>>>a committee that will assess whether or not your need warrants a pass. I've
>>>had to fight for full subsidy to conferences and this has been exhausting
>>>and such situations make me wonder about the (un)intended message.
>>>
>>>I think it's a tough call for people who do work like yours, Sandi. It's
>>>great that  you charge no fee: instant acceptance, no financial 
>>>barrier. Wow.
>>>
>>>--Ocean.
>
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-- 
Martha Livingston, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Health and Society
SUNY College at Old Westbury
Box 210
Old Westbury, New York 11568
(516) 876-2748


"I don't believe in charity.  I believe in solidarity.  Charity is so 
vertical.  It goes from the top to the bottom.  Solidarity is 
horizontal.  It respects the other person.  I have a lot to learn 
from other people."

- Eduardo Galeano

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