I've wanted to comment on the topic of list quality and volume, but thought
it best to let things settle for awhile.

As most subscribers know, I'm the coordinator and founder of WISE (Wellbeing
through Inclusion Socially & Economically), a group and growing national
movement that is based in a BC rural community and led by women in poverty.
In the summer of 2003, WISE was just an idea. On October 19, 2003, we
received our very first grant cheque, from Status of Women Canada. Thus, we
became official.

This SDOH listserv has played an important role in WISE's and my own
development. It was the first of four listservs to which I became a subscriber.

From its inception, WISE has been wholly dependent on electronic networking
to get its message out. Since I was alone doing WISE work for a long time,
that means 'I' was wholly dependent on electronic networking to get the
message out. Only now, with WISE's second grant from SWC (and last grant, if
SWC's mandate doesn't revert to its pre-Harper tampering), is WISE - there's
more of us now! - able to do any face-to-face campaigning.

When I first began posting to this listserv, I was very, very apprehensive
about the reception my posts might receive. My self-esteem couldn't have
been lower, I was isolated, and experiences from my graduate years had left
me asking repeatedly, 'How is this ethical?' 

When I signed on about a year into the list's existence, it was comprised
mainly of academics. Since then, more academics, and also representatives of
community groups, government agencies, and professional organizations, as
well as individuals working as social researchers, activists, and lone
champions, have joined this online community. 

I use the word 'community' deliberately, because that's how this listserv
has come to feel to me. Except in a few rare cases, I've never felt anything
but welcome here. New friendships have been formed with people from a
variety of backgrounds, and new partners and potential partners have been
found for WISE. Through this list, you have helped me spread the word about
WISE. 

Would WISE have developed without this listserv? Likely, yes. But the
struggle would have been tougher, because the personal and professional (and
political) are the same for me. Your acceptance of me, Dennis, and many of
you 1,000+ subscribers, has helped me do my job. As you have helped me, so
you have helped WISE.

Thank you, everyone, from us both.

Chrystal Ocean, Coordinator
Wellbeing through Inclusion Socially & Economically
http://www.wise-bc.org/
250-748-8093

NEW - WISE Scarlet Letter Campaign
http://www.wise-bc.org/SLC/slc_intro.html

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