Post by rramom on Apr 18, 2013 14:37:42 GMT -5
licensees. I’m glad to see that instructors here in KS seem to be able to reach out to females, although, I’m sure they could always improve.
Even though I was the sole female in my CCL class of approximately 30 students, and felt like I was in over my head, the Reginas did make some minor adjustments for me. It was only my second time to handle a handgun in my life, so I was extremely nervous and not at all confident or comfortable. I was allowed to be the last student in the shooting portion, so there were less observers, which helped a bit. Dee Regina worked with me during the range portion, and answered whatever questions I could think to ask.
By being the last to shoot, the range was pretty quiet, which helped on the noise level. I did have some non-electric muffs, which work better than just foam. Now I would recommend doubling upon hearing protection for anyone who admits to having sensitive ears. I have electronic muffs, which I like better, since I can hear the instructions, without losing any protection.
Even though I'm pretty comfortable with men, I was intimidated because if you ask a question in a group of guys that they think is stupid, most of the time they'll ridicule you (or at least think less of you). Women tend to be much more accepting of and helpful to people who don't know as much as they do. This was obvious to me during the Ladies’ Defensive Pistol class I took from the Reginas. I later took a co-ed Defensive Pistol class that was slightly more advanced, and the atmosphere behind the firing line was considerably less friendly. No reflection on the Reginas, as they taught both classes, just the difference in the way the genders interact. I think women need to have the option to learn in a female-only or a co-ed class, and let them make that choice.
Bill & Dee now hold Ladies Only Concealed Carry classes, for females who prefer to learn without the males. So, if I had it to do it over again, I'd pick a female only class. I’ve taken an outdoor shotgun class from Bill where I was the lone female, but that didn’t bother me as much. Even though I was unfamiliar with a shotgun, I knew I wouldn’t be doing or asking something that the guys would think was stupid, because I had developed self-confidence with pistols, that would help me in that class. Having a porta-potty would have made that class much more female friendly, but that was the only thing I can think of that would have helped.
I don't know if the Reginas include this in their Ladies Only Concealed Carry classes, but I would suggest having a portion particularly
addressed to women. Topics to include would be ways they can carry that don't require a heavy belt, what to not wear when shooting, and ways to protect their often more sensitive hearing. Not only talk about them, but actual examples or at least pictures would be really helpful. I don't like pink, but I like my range accessories to be more colorful than basic black or camo, and I’ve heard other females say they aren’t into pink, either. When showing samples, try to include other colors, besides pink. I used fingernail polish to paint my electronic muffs a metallic gold, although I'd been happy if they were in red, blue, or some other gender neutral color.
When taking a female to shoot for the first time, I think it is best to let her shoot the gun with the less recoil that you have
available. It could be a .22, or maybe just a larger pistol, instead of a mouse gun. Once she’s developed self-confidence that she can actually hit the target, then move her up to other options. But whatever you do, let her go at the pace that is comfortable for her, and don’t act like she should automatically know something, however, don’t be condescending to her, either.
Any other ideas on how to make training more female friendly?
However, it doesn’t seem like the forums are reflecting the same percentage of women. This forum is the best one in KS in that regard that I’ve found. The new .net forum still has a little of the men’s club flavor, although not nearly as bad as the .com site.
I think not using foul or vulgar language helps. I know some women can cuss worse than a sailor, but when I worked outside the home (accounting), I rarely heard foul language in the office. Perhaps it is just me, but it seems the lower the educational and/or economic level, the worse the language seems to get. Eliminating the foul & vulgar language is more professional, no matter whether someone is male or female.
I also think an atmosphere of remaining respectful of each other, even if opinions differ, is important as well. People are intimidated into not asking questions, if they think they’ll get ridiculed for asking it. So, even if the same question has been asked many times before, remember that it probably is the first time that particular person has asked it.
We’ve got a few links here that are of special interest to women, but if anyone can think of more ways to attract women here, please suggest them.