Community Practice

One of the text books we are using in our Community Organizing class is titled "Community Practice" by Hardcastle & Powers. So far (I have read the first three chapters) I would recommend this book. It's one of those books that can be applied to every-day social work easily. My Internship is on campus, working with the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at Humboldt State University. I have been approached to work with Former Foster Youth (FFY) and asked to develop a template for a Guardian Scholar type program on campus, including supporting a club and building a resource website. My learning objectives are still being developed, yet my focus is to ensure sustainability and work with empowerment based actions and convictions. As I read through the first chapter I see how it clearly maps out a community organizing process for me: According to Hardcastle & Powers p. 4, originally from (Well & Gamble, p. 577) Community practice's objectives are to;

• develop the organizing skills and abilities of individuals and groups, (right now I am first developing a relationship with FFY so that I can find out who they are, what they want to accomplish, gain a comprehensive understanding of what their needs are, educate them on my research, and filter out of that, what is meaningful to them.)

• make social planning more accessible and inclusive in a community, ( part of what I am uncovering is that resources are available yet many FFY are not always aware of them --so providing this access seems very important which may include; building the website, providing information at registration, educating departments on campus, and taking my understanding of their needs to develop the template in partnership)

• connect social and economic involvement to grassroots community groups, (I see this step as networking, building relationships and tapping into the community to create partners and creative solutions, and exploring grants and funding to provide the means to meet needs)

• advocate for broad coalitions in solving community problems, and (I hope to collaborate on this template with FFY and then inspire and support them to present this template to all of the key players on campus while building coalitions and solving community problems)

• infuse the social planning process with a concern for social justice. ( here I can imagine one part of what I need to provide when I am educating and advocating for this program is to have statistics available and understand the specific social issues that surround the lack of support for FFY, including history and current legislation)

In the introduction, on p. 11, The Social Work Problem-Solving Strategy is presented as follows:

1. Recognition of a problem and establishment of the need for change. In my case the problem has been recognized by many for some time. (certainly FFY have experienced a very unfair and unsupported response to their needs) The need is to build a program template and funding to provide the needed services, (level the playing field) a lot of work, coalition building and response has already been put into place by departments and individuals and now it just needs to be compiled, further identified, solutions formulated, and presented to all key players.

2. Information gathering. (This is where I am at in the process.)

3. Assessment and the development of a case theory (empowerment, sustainability, organizational structure, social justice) and plan (program template) for change.

4. Intervention and the change effort. (My hope is that I will support FFY to develop a template working in cooperation and as a team present this to the key players to provide the intervention and ultimately develop something that is sustainable on this campus.)

5. Evaluation and termination of the change effort. (I would expect that this will always be a dynamic and changing process with the intent to meet the needs of FFY by including their input and offering support.)

When you're out their pioneering and doing social work--it can be very helpful to have templates/strategies as a place to start from. ...More to be revealed as my process and internship develops. Thanks for engaging in my process and I do appreciate sincere feedback.

Antidote to Colonialism

"A Model Of The Effects Of Colonialism, 2003" by my professor Dr. Michael Yellow Bird is a holistic model that oulines several areas of concern including; economic, psychological, spiritual, intellectual, physical, political and social aspects of colonialism and provides specific examples of these area's of concern. Then in reference to each area, he provides the "colonized adaptation" and the"antidote to colonialism."

At this point in my education I have a fair understanding of the significance of colonialism and it's pervasive oppression, yet I don't understand as well, how to work towards change. At this point in my education I'm interested in understanding how I can make a difference, rather than feeling helpless and hopeless that the effects of colonialism will prevail no matter what. For example, the antidote for the economic effects of colonialism is; "a critical examination of the effect of capitalism. Modified socialistic system. Critical examination of sustainable development models, employment skill variety. Recalculation of bottom line and poverty. "

I may be thought as a radical, yet really this just makes sense to me. For instance the more recent welfare program TANF really does nothing to help people out of poverty rather it continues to hold them there. If you have any understanding of how it costs more to be poor, and how the system does not provide a way for enough education to get out of poverty then you have some understanding of how the system is really just a bogus effort to keep the status quo and not designed to help people. The current amount that the Federal government spends on the "welfare system" is a drop in the bucket when considering federal budgets. Something that many don't understand.

If the government were to stop providing loop holes to big companies who don't need financial help, we would have more than enough federal dollars to provide support around education for those who do want to rise above poverty. I hold a belief in the capability and integrity of people when and if provided opportunites vs the belief that poor people are inherently bad apples.--It is the latter belief that inspired the current welfare system and which continues to demoralize, oppress, and maintain poverty. Statiscally it is commonly understood that minorities over- represent in poverty which is directly related to the effects of colonialism. This is not hard to see with a little education.

Too many times I feel incomplete and frustrated when I learn about something that is quite destructive, pervasive, and oppressive, without a piece that also outlines how change/progress can be made, otherwise my sense of helplessness becomes overwhelming.

So much about the structures of society continue to be led by the few greedy through propaganda while the masses are frustrated, confused and taught to be helpless. It's time we empower each other to fight oppression and be agents of change. One way is to educate. Through education and working together we can provide the path to empowerment and change for the better. So thank-you Michael for including the "Antidote to Colonialism" in your model.

I believe that most individuals are not evil people who sit around to specifically hurt groups of people, rather the system is set up to be evil (destructive and oppressive) and most individuals are just ponds caught playing out the evil structure--And ignorance of many and the actions of the few greedy who use propaganda to confuse people and to maintain the status quo.

To change the effects of colonialism we have to change the structures of society. Even though the colonial period seems long ago, because our main structures of society were made at that time, it makes perfect sense that the effects are still very present and pervasive today. It's time for a change. Most young people I have met over the last few years want social justice and they're tired of American colonial systems, no matter the color of thier skin.

Link to web-site for equal justice assisting Foster Youth

http://equaljusticeworks.wordpress.com/2009/08/21/summer-of-service-assisting-foster-youth/

Community Organizing

Just read three articles on community organizing. If you're interested in the history of community organizing you need to look up Saul Alinsky. I have heard of him before but didn't realize that he identified Cesar Chavez as a leader and trained him. According to the Community organizing toolbox:

Community Organizers: Who are They?http://www.nfg.org/cotb/12organizers.htm

A Brief History of CO: http://www.nfg.org/cotb/09historyco.htm

What is CO: http://www.nfg.org/cotb/07whatisco.htm

community organizing is "called "bottom-up" change in pursuit of social and economic justice." It's important as an organizer to understand dominant power and how it plays out in society. It's about building community--most recently networking local, state and federal support. The articles focus on the idea of facilitating people's work, but not leading it. I hope to learn about this in depth in class! So far my understanding is: an organizer's role is to be a listener about issues and problems of concern without bringing in preconceived ideas. Also the organizer identifies leaders and empowers them to act on their own behalf. It is also mentioned that "organizers develop new relationships out of old ones- sometimes by linking one person to another and sometimes by linking whole networks of people together" (community organizers: who are they?) I like the mention from this article that organizers are responsible to challenge feelings that stop action like self-doubt , fear and isolation by supporting feelings that support action like "anger, hope, self-worth, urgency and a sense of community." Now the test for me is to see how I as an organizer can facilitate Former Foster Youth (FFY) to develop a program on our campus at Humboldt State University. (HSU): to be revealed as my process develops.

This weeks assignment!

http://www.archive.org/details/salt_of_the_earth

This movie was made by Hollywood's blacklisted artists during the contraversial era in which people were discriminated against for thier political views--presummed to be communists. It's a great story about the Chicano plight (discrimination) with a great twist that parallels feminist issues throughout the entire movie. It covers issues of class, unions, gender and the power of the people to shape thier own future. It's a black and white movie made in 1954--enjoy.

Former Foster Youth

Last year I attempted at the last minute to create an intership on campus when I was in my last year of the BSW program; this year I'm doing it. I'm working with EOP to take vision of creating a program on campus for Former Foster Youth and putting it into action. Many other universities have what is called a Guardian Scholar program which is basically a one-stop program for Former Foster Youth (FFY), putting together; year-round housing, specific scholarship, grant, and financial aid advising with extra help for specific financial issues, community-building social events, mentoring, career and employment counseling, connection to resources off-campus, leadership opportunities, health and counseling services, routine academic advising and much more. The key is to have one person who Foster Youth can work with to get the support they need when facing unique barriers while trying to get an education. What happens to Former Foster Youth is that they age out of the system at age 18 and all of a sudden have no support or a place to live. Often this leaves Former Foster Youth homeless, and if you can imagine not having anyone to call to get help when you need it--like most young people who have the option of calling mom & Dad for help. Certainly not all young people are automatically ready at the magic age of 18 to be completely self-sufficient without some help! So--You can imagine the importance of these programs and the local need here on campus. But let me make clear that it is my intention to not assume the needs of FFY, rather my intended process is to involve FFY in all aspects of the process and will depend on them to direct the process. I'll keep you posted! And will be making connections at the local, State, and the Federal level to garner support and make this happen and with anyone who is dedicated to help! My friend has empowered me to do what-ever it takes because he knows the need!