[College of ACES] [University of Illinois] [Illinois CES] [Active Discussion Group]

Tree Climbers Discussion Group
Post a QuestionPost a Question

A Woman's Place

Mockbdhl@ix.netcom.com
Wed, 3 Dec 1997 09:07:22 -0600

A woman's place? What type of statement is that? A woman's place should be where ever
the hell she wants it to be! If she wants to be a welder, mechanic, electrician, plumber,
ARBORIST or a house wife then so be it! Every person should be allowed to pursue a career
or lifestyle that allows them happiness. The profession of Arboriculture has many branches,
there is a particular branch that maybe your cup of tea. Maybe you favor large takedowns,
ornamental pruning, moving large trees. Maybe you work for yourself, a municipality, a
university or a tree care company. That is any individuals choice. As long as a person can
perform tasks safely and efficiently they should be encouraged to peruse this profession. The
industry needs new blood each and every year. It is not easy for anyone to make a career in this
profession. The break in period for field personnel is hard work and can be disillusioning to
young college graduates and "green personnel" weather they are male or female. We as elders
or employers in this profession must freely pass our knowledge to all that are truly deducted to
pursuing Arboriculture. We should try to make it easier for these people to enter a profession
that has given all of us so much enjoyment. Most people stick with this profession for reasons
that are not based on money. If we continue to pick prod and prosecute new members to the
profession about Neanderthal predaciousness we are doomed.

Respect is something that must be earned, this will never change in regards to climbing.
Change in the industry will take place no matter how hard some try to hold on to" Old Time
Ideologies". As the old icons in Arboriculture pass and their dead fingers are preyed from their
chain saws, a new Arboriculture will emerge and it will include female's in almost every branch.
The women we are meeting in this discussion group are pioneers, we should welcome them with
open arms. We should encourage them with positive comments like Bob W. Help them
become the best Arborist they can be. I was under the impression that Arborist's were
supposed to promote professional Arboriculture. Some of the comments I read are appalling. I
would not expect to hear them in a cheap bar. " Those that live in the past, have no future"
Author unknown at least by me.

To Laura, Sue and all the other women interested in Arboriculture as a profession " Go for it!"
Be the best you can in all that you do! If there is any way I can help you please do not hesitate
to contact me.

Tom Simmons
Climb Safe & Keep Learning
Steep Hills & Sharp edges!

P.S. I have a women working here. She mainly works in the Lawn care division, she has been
cross training for several years. She climbs above 40' and go's Skydiving with us, you can do
what ever YOU want to do!