What I did at Kamp

Report from a PPTA delegate

The occasion could not have been more perfect. Wellington turned on the sunshine, the camp itself was set in a charming venue deep in the hills of Wainuiomata, and the company was great! Three dozen people of various ages, union affiliations, and sexualities had arrived for two days of planning and organisation around workplace issues. Most of us arrived last Thursday evening, having escaped from work and travelled by plane, bus or car from various parts of New Zealand. The programme was not due to begin until the following morning, but we used the opportunity to socialise and check out the surroundings. Accommodation was in cabins but there was plenty of hot water in the showers and a kitchen stacked with goodies - just like school camps without the kids! On Friday morning the stragglers arrived and we started off with our first session - a plenary - at nine. Later in the morning, however, we were split into smaller groups so that each could discuss issues specific to them. The lesbian group was probably the largest, with an interesting range of workplace experiences to share. Pooling anecdotes and suggestions was fascinating and many found it helpful - although we could have used another few hours as we felt we had just got started. However, times had to be adhered to as there was a very full programme for the time we were there. In fact, time was so tight that our Maori/Pasifika lesbian subgroup had to meet over lunch - not that we minded, as the company was pretty good - and two of the six of us were from Hamilton! Although the lesbians did not meet again as a separate group, many of the issues discussed in different union groupings were applicable across the board - and different unions were at different levels on a continuum when aspects such as outness at work, employer support, and workplace safety were discussed. But generally the lesbians appeared to feel they were safer than the rest, and more likely to be completely out within their union. Fun played an important part in the camp. Between the major sessions there were "lighten-up" activities organised; some of us rediscovered the challenge of musical chairs, and my personal triumph was the sudden realisation that I was the camp champion at getting the piece of chocolate off the swinging string without using my hands. Oh, the empowerment! The next camp will be at the same time (probably) and at the same place (again probably) next year (definitely). If you belong to a union, think of coming. Youll enjoy it, and the more of us that are there, the bigger the impact we will have.