IF WE ARE SISTERS:
BLACK AND WHITE WOMEN WRITE ACROSS RACE
Photo by Deborah Bluestein
Photo by Barbara Werden

"the workshop was wonderful! . . . We wrote together, talked about tough issues, hugged, cried together, listened to each other and applauded the growth that each of us acquired . . ."
more workshop responses

Weekend Writing Retreat

Amherst, Massachusetts in Pat Schneider's home.
Date to be set according to interest expressed.

with Kate Hymes and Pat Schneider

This retreat invites you to write and share your stories about race as you have personally lived it. Using the Amherst Writers and Artists method developed by Pat Schneider, every woman can write openly, honestly and safely. Writing exercises will lead you to self-exploration of memory and experience. This retreat brings women together as if at a kitchen table to tell life stories, laugh, cry and ultimately embrace one another as sisters.

We will conduct this workshop when we have four black and four white women who want this experience. We will then set a date agreeable to all. If you register, and the workshop does not happen within one year of your registration, we will refund the full registration fee.

Retreat Fee: $700 includes 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner. Lodging is not included. Upon request, a list of suggested housing options will be provided, including B&B's, motels and neighbors of Kate Hymes who will rent rooms for $50 per night.

Alumni/ae of workshops, retreats and trainings led by Pat Schneider, AWA trainings in workshop leadership or Wallkill Valley Writers workshops led by Kate Hymes receive a $50 deduction. ($650 workshop fee). If you and a friend or colleague, one black woman and one white woman, register together, both will receive the discounted registration. Each registrant should submit a separate application.

$100 registration fee, fully refundable if the workshop does not occur within one year of registration.

 Financial Aid: A limited amount of financial aid is available.

Click here for Retreat Application form
Although we will be writing about some difficult shared history, we will also laugh!
For more information on workshop leaders:
Kate Hymes - www.wallkillvalleywriters.com
Pat Schneider - www.patschneider.com

RESPONSES BY PARTICIPANTS 
TO THE FIRST "IF WE ARE SISTERS" WORKSHOP:

MY EXPERIENCE - Writing Across Race
in Kate Hymes' and Pat Schneider's workshop

by Bisi Iderabdullah

I wish I could write an entire book about the "If We are Sisters" workshop that Pat and Kate led in 2006. It was absolutely wonderful. Prior to the workshop I always viewed Whites, especially White women, with suspicion and I guess fear. Keeping them at an arm?s length, unless of course I'd let down my guard and learned to love them as I do Pat Schneider. But she earned that love and a special trust that goes with it. So I suspect that Pat and others whom I've let into my heart along my life's journey are very special people.

When Pat and Kate planned the workshop, I cautioned them to be careful. I told them to be prepared to open Pandora's Box. Told them that they would have to be great mediators, as I suspected that the women would try to get at each other's throats when they heard what each had to say. I suspected myself, that I would drop my own over socialized demeanor and "let those White women have it."

Then the day finally arrived. I left my house in Brooklyn, for the Amtrak train ride to Amherst, with a promise that I would behave myself, keep an open mind and brace myself for what I expected to hear. Pat and Kate, after all, were my friends and it wouldn't look very good if I started slapping women and knocking over all of Pat's nice furnishings.

On the first day of the workshop, I made conversations with those that arrived earliest, but was nervous. The group milled about the kitchen with snacks and small talk. Finally, we started.

Pat and Kate introduced the members of the workshop. Five White and five Black women sat in a circle around her writer's group space. I thought to myself, "they don't look that dangerous - they've got pretty sincere smiles - I can handle this as long as they don't say something that I don't like."

But I was pleasantly surprised - the workshop was wonderful! All of my fears and fantasies were soon put to rest. We wrote together, talked about tough issues, hugged, cried together, listened to each other and applauded the growth that each of us acquired over that two day period. I made new friends and returned to NY willing and very able to look at White women in a very different way. I came to understand that their lives were as complicated, their insecurities equally painful, their challenges in life similar to mine.

I've always felt that changing our world happens one person at a time. And I'm convinced that Pat and Kate?s workshop will do just that. I highly recommend this workshop for any thinking, caring, concerned and ready to listen person who has been exposed to the American way of racism.

MY RESPONSE to Writing Across Race
in Kate Hymes' and Pat Schneider' Workshop

by Barbara Martin

In light of recent media events, this workshop has more meaning than ever. Last year, I believe we broke a lot of fallow ground to raise issues that are both common and different for black and white women. As a nation we seem to be polarized by men who have been the decision makers for over 300 years. It's time the women of this country take advantage of the knowledge we have as mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, homvmakers, executives, teacheres, carre givers and a whole spectrum of other experiences. this workshop is an excellent vehicle for women to explain, differ, explore and come together on a variety of issues through our writing. Any one who comes will gain new insight and  be changed.

Pat Schneider - 413-253-6353
P.O. Box 1076 Amherst, MA 01004