Title: Women in Transition Club
College: Santa Monica Community College
College Contact:
Maggie La Duc,
Physical Education Instruction and Counselor
1900 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-434-4850;
wingpower@aol.com
Description: The practice was
developed out of the recognition that there were a number of women
who were returning to school, many late in life, with low
self-esteem and limited career planning skills. Many had never spent
the night away from their husbands or parents, made decisions on
their own, or supported themselves. Physical abuse and an
unwillingness to confront it were present as was the lack of faith
in change. The instructor’s background was in physical education and
counseling. From these two areas she knew that self esteem and self
confidence frequently originated in physical successes.
The goals of the practice are to:
• build self awareness and self esteem in the participants
• facilitate career planning
• stabilize the lives of women as they emerge from transition
A class was developed to combat low self-esteem and lack of career
direction and planning. Approximately 50 students per semester
enroll. These individuals are invited to join the "Women in
Transition Club" started by the instructor. Other students are
invited to join via a flier that includes interviews with past
participants. Presentations are also made to on-campus classes as
well as to women’s groups meetings. Others hear of the club through
word of mouth. Upwards of 200 women are in the program. The club
encourages the women’s participation in physical events by taking
the women camping, rock climbing, and encourages their participation
in foot races including marathons. From the women’s participation in
five marathons, they have raised over $20,000 that was used as
scholarships for other women. Additionally, the instructor has
brought the women to professional conferences to network with
similar women as well as with those who have succeeded.
The Women in Transition Club has no physical location, funding,
clerical or administrative support. It is primarily sustained by the
energy of one staff person, and the enthusiasm of the participants.
Club participants have continued their education, completed training
programs and increased the stability of their families.