The Worth of Women Helping

Some examples from the worlds of salsa and bible study groups:

• prayer and preparation

• making sure meeting up to prepare/practise actually happens

• helping chose what to teach

• helping determine structure of lesson

• giving ideas about/discussing individual group members

• asking questions about the teaching material – preempts questions group members will have and improves male leader's understanding and explanation

• going over what will be taught

• discussing/preparing any feedback to the group

• making sure equipment is ready

• incidental, public teaching of women during class

• 'private' teaching of men and women during class

• 'private' teaching of (men and) women after group – answering questions/issues

• smooth running of class/group – eg keeping track of time, changing songs, telling barman if people haven't paid, making announcements, inviting contributions from quiet members

• helping create supportive, friendly, fun learning environment – making jokes, admitting difficulties, listening attentively and warmly

• patient and sacrificial participation – eg dancing with beginner men

• socialising/chatting to people, building a welcome vibe

• packing up

• helping review how it went

• helping provide feedback to other teachers/elders

• meeting/liasing with other teachers about how bests to run classes etc