Name: Flo Triendl
When, where joined: Grand Rapids Michigan, USA , late 1947

Main actions:
1) Began YCW groups in Toledo, Ohio 1947-8; action to obtain break periods for switchboard operators and women working in areas of ear splitting noise at machine & tool factory;

2) 1948-50 worked with local leaders to strengthen sections in Vienna, Austria (while employed by Marshall Plan) obtained more educational periods for tailoring apprentices usually used as 'errand girls';

3)translator at International Study Week in Braine l'Alleud, Belgium 1950;

4)Worked at IYCW in Brussels 1951-1957 started local section with dozens of home visits in Schaerbeek;

5) volunteered for extension work in So. Africa, 1957-1960; movement grew from some 10 to over 100 local sections in Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, Cape Town and Bloemfontein; actions with textile workers to learn duties of shop steward and rights of trade union members.

1961-69: In Durban, So. Africa, began adult workers' movement along with trade union organiser Michael Faya (Umzamo Wenhlaliswane Yobukristo) 1960-69; movement grew to about 12 groups and well over 150 members until 1969 when police surveillance inhibited members and extension.

What done further: On return to USA (Chicago) in '69-72 revived adult student organisation at Roosevelt University; participated in "client input" with "War on Poverty Program" in Chicago; '72-76 organised Foster Parent Training program with Illinois Dept. of Family Services & local community colleges; ''78 to '94 social worker with Florida Family Services in Tampa: support to foster parents of 'emotionally disturbed' children; Brussels: 2000 testimonial at International YCW celebration; 2005 visit to Zambia and South Africa to re-establish contact with YCW/adult movement leaders there. 2006 Moved to small Ohio town: tutor 1st grade kids in local public school......and.....loaf

How YCW changed my life: Had I not spent years in YCW, I would have led a normal american life: pursuit of money, promotions at work , fun, acquisition of things, piling up debts, totally ignoring the rest of the world and indulging in senseless "patriotism", arrogance, selfishness and greed.

Voila: too much detail; feel free to delete.

More info on YCW action in Johannesburg during 1958-60' reports of national study weeks, etc. in documents held by the Tyackes: ("Search & Discover")