I continue work on a child-centered theory of folklore and education. As I have written before, I am using the theories of education from John Dewey to formulate this theory and am having great success with the work. My next step is to explore the uses of folklore and education as agents of social change. This is the capstone of Dewey's work, and it definitely applies to work in folklore and education.
Work on domestic violence also continues, and I am now waiting to hear from the Salvation Army domestic violence program in Bonifay, Holmes County, Florida. There are several women in the program who wish to tell their stories and now I am waiting for clearance so I may interview them. I seem to be jumping through hoops with this project, but it is worth it.
I met a woman the other day who used to be involved in DV in Florida rural communities, and she suggested I contact community action agencies and centers for leads for interviews. I have been trying to reach the Leon County Community Action Agency, but no one seems to be in the office at present. I did contact the NE Florida CAA in Jacksonville, and was told they were unable to help me. I will contact other CAAs in this region and see what they might have to offer.
Funding remains a problem. I haven't heard from any more foundations, and would like to think of this as a good sign. I will continue on my own until some kind of funding comes in. It is frustrating, but it is also a reality.
Today I meet with Marilyn Trigg of Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence. This will be my first meeting with FCADV on an official basis. I hope to get the organization's endorsement of the domestic violence project. It will possibly give me more credibility with funders and possibly some entry into women's shelters for the project. I don't know what will happen, but I hope for good.
On another subject, I have joined Big Bend Hospice as a volunteer. I will be providing respite and companionship to patients and their families, and will be working on a Life Review Project where I will be recording oral histories and other personal documentation related to patients and their families. It will be a perfect opportunity to use folklore skills and I hope it will turn into something more permanent.
