Everyone who attended the first session attended the second one and we also had one new person. About three people who were signed up have yet to attend. Last night's discussions were great. The investigators made the mental model of What It's Like Now and they described how they suddenly realized where their money goes. Many listed how many expenses they have related to their children. Others who don't have children felt lucky that they don't know what it's like to have those expenses. A couple of the women mentioned that they are starting to see a way out of poverty... "I'm starting to think of my situation as more of a slump than a hole." And the wonderful part is that she is doing that for herself... we're not doing it for her.
The topic of predators came up, specifically title loans and payday advance services. One guy got a title loan for $200 and ended up paying $573 when it was all said and done. I loved that an investigator brought up predators because that's something we are going to discuss next week. It's like things are falling into place.
We are at risk of falling behind on the recommended schedule in the Facilitator Guide because the group tends to get off track with discussions that aren't directly related to the material. Since the facilitators are supposed to be part of the group, I hesitated to address the investigators who tend to lead others off track for fear of being too teacher-like. Well as we were wrapping up, someone mentioned that we are getting behind in the workbook and I suggested that we start the next session with that discussion. I want it to be as democratic as possible.
I don't know if I have posted the Getting Ahead Network website yet, so here it is: gettingaheadnetwork.com
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