bio bits and pieces

iris may mcginnis (me) is a human being trying to stay human.

I began looking for and trying to build sustainable community in the Back-to-Land and anti war movements in the 1960's and in the Women's Movement in the 1970's. I began support groups for working class women, started working with Reclaiming on the first Spiral Dance in 1979 at the beginning of that community and participated in a long term affinity coven involved in direct action politics. I worked in various direct action and social justice movements through the 1980's, often living collectively. In the 1990's health issues caused me to slow down and move back to the country where I was involved for a number of years in the Mendocino Environmental Center and Parents For Peace. In 2004 I became involved with the Association Building Community Council and moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to be more accessible to trainings in Nonviolent Communication, class, social action, race, etc.

I often have no clear idea how to say succinctly what is important to me. How many characters can I have? How can I estimate how many I's I am? I don't want anyone to read this and get the idea I think I am important. I have more questions than answers and sometimes have responses, but often fewer than I would like.

"If you have come here to help me then you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine then let us work together." --Lila Watson (aboriginal activist)

If you came here from meeting me out in the world (Nexus for Change, ABC event/mailing) to find these few bits and pieces about me, please know that I have memory issues related to my disabilities. I would love to reconnect with the wonderful people I've met recently. PLEASE follow up with me by sending an email to iris at abcglobal dot net or commenting here on my blog, and remind me about our connection. PLEASE don't take it personally if I haven't come to find you first.