COMMUNITY NEWS Single women challenge negative attitudes LYNN VALLEY’S Lou Moreau is out to change the nega- tive self-image often held by single women of all ages. Moreau, who is currently work- ing on a master’s degree in counselling psychology, is in the midst of leading a course called Women on Their Own for UBC's Women’s Resources Centre. Moreau says many women who find themselves single after a break-up or the death of their partner have a hard time dealing with their change in status. LOU MOREAU .... challenging negative ettitudes about women on their own. Some believe they are not fulfill- ing their role as a woman, says Moreau, ‘if they cannot call themselves someone’s wife or girlfriend, On top of this identity crisis, Moreau notes that women ‘‘sud- denly find themselves without the same network of friends.” In this coupie-oriented society, Volunteer LISTED BELOW are a few local volunteer opportunities: : <> INSTALLERS: for. a home emergency response system going into private homes of the elderly ~ and people with chronic: health problems. Volunteer should have | minimal. technical skill. for this simple installation system. An in- formation. meeting will be held April 13 at 10 a.m. MONITORS are needed to be trained to work a two-hour ‘phone ‘ check’: to people with recently in- “stalled home emergency response ’ system. Good English communica- tion skills:and a pleasant phone ‘manner are the essentials for this _ Opportunity. Information meeting April 13 at 10 a.m. Wheelchair ac- : _ Echo Reporter hosts often feel uncomfortable asking single people to dinner par- ties or evenings out, leading to sudden social isolation for the single person. Add to this possible financial stresses, changes in standard of liv- ing and the worry of being unescorted through dark streets on the way home from an evening's entertainment, and the end picture can be a glum one for women un- prepared for their new lifestyle. Moreau says the first step for women is the ‘“‘challenging of stereotypical ideas and negative at- titudes of women on their own.”’ Women in her course examine these attitudes and establish their own set of values that are not dependent on what the rest of society may believe. They also brainstorm about commiunity resources, such as. the Mature Women’s Network or West Vancouver’s Widow's Network, that. can give them a social link with people with the same experi- ences. The end goal for the women, says Moreau, is to ‘‘feel like you have the same rights and privileges whether you are part of a couple or single.”* _ While Moreau says that much of the women’s movement to date has involved a real ‘‘shaking up"? of social structures, she believes that women now are undergoing a “quiet, inner revolution’’ in which they are examining their own at- helpline cessible. LOCAL SENIOR LODGE is looking for volunteers to assist. | staff on outings and shopping trips for their residents. Push wheelchairs and keep an eye on clients. . . SWIMMING COACHES are needed to assist with competitive swim club practices for the Special Olympics. - Practices are held on Saturday afternoons 4:30 to 6 p.m. A good swimming background and plenty of enthusiasm are needed. For these and many other op- portunities, please phone Joan at the Volunteer Centre 985-7138, a participating agency of the United Way. * RABBITS...WABBITS | BUGS...BEETLES BUSES...VANS NO MATTER HOW YOU SAY IT "985-5022 ~ 4008 titudes and actions that may be self-limiting — and changing them for the better. ' **Women are more focused on what they can actually change 5 - Sunday, March 19, 1989 - Lynn Valley Echo within themselves,’’ said Moreau. “They're saying, ‘Let's take con- trol of what we really can con- trol,’”* Moreau says she expects the ‘ Regular Hotdog My and : ve Regular Drink 2.49 Zr Mar. 19-25 Plus a . AZ oz. drink Women on Their Own course will be offered again in the fall, For in- formation on future courses, call the UBC Women’s Resources Cen- tre at 681-2910. -- WEEK HAVE SEATING FOR 120 AND PROVIDE A WIDE:” - | SELECTION OF FABULOUS FOOD, , up Coffee Muffin $42 | Mar. WE DO IT THE BEST - GUARANTEED Complete mechanical repairs; paint and body work. Everything from simple service work to cornplete restorations. We locate and custom build VW's to suit your budget. ANYTHING CAN BE-DONE 1485 RUPERT ST. NORTH VAN | 1 BLOCK NORTH OF MAIN OFF MTN. HWY. (HAE "aD day?