The Community Coalition for Children is sponsoring the renowned author, Mary Pipher, Ph.D., on Monday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m. at The Garde Arts Center. Her theme will be "Rebuilding Our Families." Dr. Mary Pipher is best known for her highly successful book Reviving Ophelia, which describes a "girl-poisoning" society that forces a choice between being shunned for staying true to oneself and struggling to stay within a narrow definition of female. Her presentation will focus on strategies for being supportive families, structured to meet the needs of children as they develop. She will draw from her book, The Shelter of Each Other.

On Tuesday, October 23, 2001, Dr. Pipher will kick off small group workshops with the theme of "Rebuilding Our Families." Small group discussions will center on family strengths and supports, adolescent and teen perspectives, early childhood and elementary age issues, and spirituality. These workshops will be held at Connecticut College in the Crozier Williams Student Center from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Linda Hodge, National PTA President-Elect will be one of the facilitators. Childcare will be available with advance registration for these workshops. Parents, teachers, counselors, students themselves, and caregivers are encouraged to attend one or both sessions.

Dr. Pipher contends that people really need "protected time and space" and need to reconnect with one another and the outside world. She sees the current American culture as toxic to families because of its emphasis on consumerism and autonomy at the expense of the cooperative interrelationship that families require. In The Shelter of Each Other, she challenges each of us to face the truth about ourselves and to find the courage to protect, nurture, and revitalize the families we cherish.

These events are free and open to the public. Registration is required only if childcare is being requested. For further information contact: LEARN at (860) 434-4890 or e-mail LEARN at ccc@learn.k12.ct.us.

The Community Coalition for Children is a unique collaboration of public and private schools and community service organizations which sponsors dynamic and informative presentations with practical solutions for living and working with children.