SCWK432 - You as an Activist - Video # 2

Community Involvement

SCWK 432: Community Intervention Log

Name   Xavier Arias

Date	Time	Activity
1/31	8am	SCWK432 – Class, I mentioned that I can find out how much t-shirts are at Kmart and Wal-Mart and see if I can get them at a discounted price.
2/14	5pm	Worked at Kmart and looked for sales on T-shirts. I found T- shirts for 11.99 plus my discount, it would be 9.99 for a 6 pack of t-shirts, I emailed professor Boutwell and she suggested to keep looking for a better price.
2/24	3:30pm	Contacted the Bridgewater Independent Newspaper to find out how we can promote our events. I spoke to Terri Hebert, calendar editor/events and she told me that all we needed to do is send her an email with all the information pertaining to the events.
2/28	8am	SCWK432 – Class, We discussed our accomplishments in class with our classmates. We talked about the different things we’ve all done to make sure these events are promoted well and that people attend.
3/5	4pm	Contacted the student newspaper here at Bridgewater State University and spoke to the person in charge of events. They mentioned that we should follow the same procedures as we will with the Bridgewater Independent Newspaper.
3/31	6pm	Contacted Scott and Madonna to see what needed to be done and what I was able to help with.
4/1	6pm	Madonna emailed me the letter to that needed to be faxed and I will be in charge of faxing it.
4/3	2pm	Faxed document
4/9	6-9pm	Attended TAKE BACK THE NIGHT march, and Moakley auditorium (Speakers from New Day). Helped out handling out candles, and collecting candles, as well as hold posters during march.
4/10	2-5pm	Attended the Clothesline Project in East Campus Commons and helped with organizing, informing visitors and assisted with take down at both locations (RCC and ECC).
4/11	9-2pm	Attended the Clothesline Project in East Campus Commons and helped with set-up and providing information to our visitors that walked by. Also, helped develop a list of people whom needed to be thanked for their participation and support during these events.
4/13	6-8:45pm	Vagina Monologues – Participated by helping out sell items and guarding the money. Also, helped out with clean up and bringing materials to SCWK office.
4/23	8-11:05am	Attended Undergraduate Symposium Presentations. Moakley Presentation Center (2nd Floor) 221 and Hart 314, which included a variety of important presentations by Bridgewater State University students.

Community Intervention (April 9 - April 13, 2012)

 

During the week of April 9 through April 13, 2012, our SCWK432 class had so much fun and
accomplished so many things. Bridgewater State University should be very proud to have such an amazing social work department, and to have faculty such as Dr. Bailey and Dr. Boutwell, who though about raising awereness for women victims of any type of violence.

The week started with the Clothesline Project, which helped many women and men, express their feelings by writing on a shirt everything they felt as been victims of domestic violence, or rape. Many students from our class, volunteers and faculty members helped make this event an great one to be remembered.

I had a great time volunteering during the Clothesline Project. I learned many things and I also contributed by painting a shirt and writing about my experiences as a domestic violence survivor at home.

Also, the march during Take Back the Night was absolutely amazing. It was empowering to see so many women and men (wearing heels), walking to raise awereness about violence against women. Many organizations were present, and our distinguished President Dana Mohler-Faria was also present.

Many students spoke in an open mic and expressed their feelings, as well as shared many of their own personal stories, which made it more empowering for those young girls and   older women whom are being victims and are not saying anything because they feel afraid.

Many other events such as movies and wearing purple were also other ways to help raise awareness.

These were very important events and I am so glad I participated.



The week ended with the presentation of the Vagina Monologues, which was a production of New Day, a women's crisis center located in Brockton, MA. Many of our classmates participated in this event and demonstrated how enthusiastic they were and how much talent they have.

Of course, there is always something that can be done next year to make these events even better.
"Communities come together to reduce the level of violence that exists." (Evaluation working groups, 1999) Our community worked very hard to put these events together and the results were absolutely amazing.



"Evaluation is a powerful strategy for distinguishing programs and interventions that make a difference from those that don't. It is a driving force for developing and adapting sound strategies improving existing programs, and demonstrating the results of investments in time and other resources. It also helps determine if what is being done is worth the cost." (Evaluation working groups, 1999) This quotation is very empowering because it tells us how important it is to work together and to plan things so that they have an amazing outcome. I believe that everyone worked really good and we accomplished a lot during these events.

A good evaluation strategy could be to create an online survey for students on campus, including social work students and faculty involved, to determine in a scale of 1(poor) to 5(excellent), how effective was communication between students, how organized everything was, how was the information provided, and how well it was explained to our visitors, and also how professional each student was during the events.

Newspapers, online and printed should be read to ensure that all information faxed was accurately published, and if not, make sure next time it will be. It is also important to obtain information from the faculty that volunteered during this week. They will give us some tips on how well we did everything and what things can we improve.

I am so happy to be part of the social work department and be involved in these events. I learned a lot about violence agaisnt women and now as a male, I would never put my hands on a woman, because I respect every single one of them.

I learned that I am able to work with other classmates. I am very organized when it comes to setting up, and I am very enthusiastic and demonstrate empathy.

I absolutely love the article provided by Dr. Boutwell which talks about being active. I absoletly agree that "Active being is listening to myself and listening to my community and physically putting my body where it needs to be." We all need to listen in order to follow instructions and make things easier among our group. It is also mentioned in this article that creativity is important, which I absolutely love. I love being creative and asking my group leaders or professor for tasks that need to be completed, this helps the group and it makes this easier for everyone.

Being a senior in college and as a member of this community, I encourage other SCWK432 students and faculty members all over the school, to please participate in these events because they help raise awareness for violence against women.

Communication is very important. Always express your feelings and yout ideas to your classmates and professor because every opinion matters and maybe yours will be the one to make a change. Also, taking every ones ideas into consideration is important. Provide an equal amount for everone in the group and have a leader who directs the group.


Ten important things to know when working in a group for a Macro setting (This class):

1) Communication
2) Creativity
3) Leadership
4) Participation - Everyone should participate equally!!!
5) Brainstorming
6) Enthusiam
7) Always ask questions!!
8) Organization
9) Advice
10) Contribution

Enjoy SCWK432, You will learn a LOT!!!!!!!



PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS: Madonna LaRoque

Approaches to Macro Work

I really appreciate that Dr. Boutwell gave us this assignment because it helped me become more aware of the many things that are happening in our world and to be more informed on how to be a better social worker and practice macro work.

Now, I hope that by reading my blogpost you will all learn something new that you did not know about.


Kony 2012 and Aid-Based Approaches

The video profiles Joseph Kony, a Ugandan rebel leader of the Lord's Resistance Army (L.R.A.), as the world's number one criminal, requesting global action to 'stop Kony' at any cost. To do this, primarily US military intervention will be required. The video mentions so many important things that we need to be more aware of. Facebook is part of today's social media and it is an important way to communicate not only national but also internationally with others and discuss issued pertaining to our world and its social injustices. It is not fair that Joseph Kony has chosen for 26 years how people are going to die and who kills those people. Girls are sex slaves and Boys are soldiers trained to use guns and kill others, even their own parents. "Every single person does not choose where, how and when they are born, but if they are born is because they matter." We are all here for a reason, and as social workers we should feel happy that we chose to help those who are in need.



This is why Invisible Children, an aid-based approach was created to make people aware of Kony's criminal acts. The massive campaign included celebrities such as George Clooney and P.Diddy and a wide array of campaign products including 'stop Kony' iPad covers, bracelettes, and posters; however, as the global hysteria against Kony has grown louder, many have begun to criticize Invisible Children's intentions and approach, because they believe that Ugandans should have more leadership and have their voices heard.

According to the article, "You Don't Have My Vote", Invisible Children’s US staff is comprised exclusively of Americans, as is the entire Board. Ugandan's are not represented in this campaign. "Couldn’t the organization find a single Ugandan?"  As social workers, and Macro Practicioners we should understand and agree that if we are going to fight for a group of people for example gays/lesbians, in this case Uganda, you must make it a priority to engage the voices of the affected population in a real and meaningful way. "The problem here is the lack of balance on who speaks for Uganda (and Africa)".

Kony 2012 - Is not a Revolution

I agree with most of the things that this article is mentioning. I agree that us as social workers and activists' shouldn't choose and assume what is best for others. Instead, we should help them use our social media to help them realize they have a voice, and we shouldn't dare assume we know what's best for them.

I absolutely love how a community was started on facebook about this issue and the more people that joined, the better because it shows that people care. "Where you live shouldn't determine whether you live".



Please watch the following video about how people feel about Kony 2012 and how they believe that it is a SCAM!!

Please comment!!


We obviously have different opinions about this issue, but please listen carefully to her words and try to think of how bad it would be if this was really a SCAM and this problem should have been addressed many years ago just like the articles mention. The articles say that Ugandan's have never been invisible because they've always been there and this problem has always been there.





Pray the Devil Back to Hell- a story about a group of Liberian women determined to fight for their freedom, children and country, even if it meant losing their own lives. In this film, one of the older women says, "peace is not an event, it is a process." I believe that. Going back to Kony 2012, if the Kony Movement teaches us nothing else, I hope it at least teaches us that when peace and justice become a facebook fad, we lose touch of the main fact that it is always about humanity. When that happens, it "becomes our responsibility to be resistant and bring humanity back to the forefront." This is why we as social workers have the responsibility to try to make our world a better one and a safer and peaceful one.

We should all treat each other with respect and love each other because God created us all equal!

WORLD PEACE!

Dudley Street Initiative & Holding Ground

The Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI) is a nonprofit community-based planning and organizing entity rooted in the Roxbury/North Dorchester neighborhoods of Boston. DSNI's approach to neighborhood revitalization is comprehensive including economic, human, physical, and environmental growth. It was formed in 1984 when residents of the Dudley Street area came together out of fear and anger to revive their neighborhood that was devastated by arson, disinvestment, neglect and redlining practices, and protect it from outside speculators. (http://www.roxburyculturalnetwork.org/#/dsni/4533185245)

Holding Ground:

I absolutely love how the film starts with a clip of Martin Luther King declaring, "Boston must conduct the creative experiments and the abolition of ghettos which will point the way to other communities." I love this statement because we should have safe communties free of people that do not contribute and that do not care about us. The video presents a history of this Boston neighborhood and its various ethnic groups, from the Irish and Italians who settled there earlier in the century to the immigrants from the Cape Verdean Islands and American blacks who moved in while post World War II mortgage programs helped white residents move out to the suburbs.



The video also talks about DSNI's early phases, when the initiative grew out of residents' anger at being excluded from a plan to redevelop the community.  Dudley Street residents were interviewed, as well as community development professionals, and Boston city officials. This is important because we should have the residents opinions. The film also highlights the progression of the initiative, from residents' taking ownership of the community planning process and working to clean up the problem of illegal garbage dumping and to DSNI's securing eminent domain power to take over abandoned land for housing development.



Change Agents

CHANGE AGENTS



David Oaks



Since 1976, David W. Oaks, Executive Director of Mindfreedom International, has been an activist for human rights. Other than being an activist, Oaks is also a psychiatric survivor. Oaks was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1955 with his working class parents, who were immigrants from Lithuania. After graduating high school, Oaks, despite undergoing some mental health care, continued his education to Harvard University on a scholarship in the 1970’s. At this point in his life during the mental health care, Oaks experienced what it means to be in the psychiatric system by being placed in psychiatric institutions five times throughout his sophomore, junior, and senior years at Harvard University. This is significant to the work he contributes to in mental health care later on in his life because he experiences what he is helping others deal with. Personal experience is an important trait to have because of the understanding and knowledge one will have with others that is in need of the same help. Oaks was diagnosed with both “schizophrenic” and “bipolar” disorders. What more, Oaks underwent forced psychiatric drugging and solitary confinement (http://www.mindfreedom.org/about-us/david-w-oaks ).  Due to such sever treatment and experience, there’s no wonder why Oaks would become an activist to  that  others can avoid such treatments and gain proper mental health care. Many times, the greatest activists are those that have also experienced what they are trying to prevent or help others with. Despite the difficulties Oaks faced with mental treatment, Oaks has been off psychiatric drugs since 1977 with the help and support of his friends and family, and also with the use of exercise, nutrition, counseling, wilderness trips and employment. With such tools, Oaks was able to restore his mental and emotional well-being, which is exactly what he works at achieving for others struggling with their mental health. 

            Furthermore, apart from his difficult past, the Mental Patients Liberation Front (MPLF) was one of David’s first activisms later on in his life. MPLF is a psychiatric survivor human rights organization where Oaks volunteered.  Later in life, Oaks helped form one of the first user-run psychiatric survivor activist drop-in centers with the Mental Patients Liberation Front (MPLF).  As well as his activist work in the field of human rights in the mental health system, Oaks has also worked in the environmental, peace and social justice movements (http://www.mindfreedom.org/about-us/david-w-oaks). To add to his involvments, Oaks has worked and researched on many issues concerning mental health, such as “community organizes for independent systems change in the mental health system” with a diverse range of participants, including Chile, Norway, Ireland and throughout the United States of America. In 1986, Oaks helped found what has become MindFreedom International; this is an independent activist coalition united to win human rights and alternatives in mental health. MindFreedom International is now one of the main organizations winning campaigns for the vision of a peaceful revolution in the mental health system (http://www.mindfreedom.org/about-us/david-w-oaks). 

            Too add, one of the community problems/social issues confronted in life by David Oaks is the “Mad Pride” movement (MindFreedom), which is a campaign that rejects the biomedical model that defines contemporary psychiatry.  According to “Mad Pride”, mental illness is caused by severe emotional distress, often combined with lack of socialization. However, “Mad Pride” does not agree with the use and sale of prescription drugs, which have doubled since 1998 (Davis, 2003). Oaks believes that there is no evidence to dispute the medical-scientific model of mental illness. Oaks also stresses that he does have self-reflect evidence about his recovery from mental illness, often accomplished by not taking medication. “Boycott Normal” is one the latest campaign by MindFreedom International to show there is hope for those given psychiatric labels that often use when those found to have mental health issues are prescribed medications. There is life after labels, and life after psychiatric drugging, which Oaks works to help others find as he did. (http://www.mindfreedom.org/campaign/boycott-normal). Campaigns, like “Mad Pride” give young people hope, because it also helps them understand that who they are is not determined by their mental disorder, our mentality should not define who they are. Such campaigns, like “Mad Pride” bring awareness to the psychiatric drug usage in the United States. What Oaks and campaigns like “Mad Pride” try to convey is that medication is not always the answer for one’s problems. What Oaks represent through his personal mental health struggles and life work is that there is help out there and this is why social workers work for, to help others become more aware of social issues happening in our world.

Nawal Nour

            Aside from David Oaks, another important activist and founder of the African Women’s Health Center, physician, and an advocate for the elimination of female circumcision is Nawal Nour. Nour is originally from Sudan and has been aware of this cultural practice since her childhood.  Female genital cutting is certainly a community problem because of the dangers to women’s health and well-being in its physical and mental damage it poses, and Dr. Nour sees it as both a health and human rights issue.

Nour stated that about 170,000 girls and women in the United States are "at risk" or have undergone female genital cutting, even though it was outlawed by Congress in 1997 (Mehren,2004). According to the World Health Organization, about 140 million girls and women worldwide has either already undergone some form of female genital excision or will have before reaching adulthood. Nour launched the African Women's Health Practice at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital in 1999, and won a MacArthur "genius" fellowship to help her continue the work of helping women who have undergone female genital cutting and spread awareness of the health risks of such practices in the past year (Mehren, 2004). Nour found herself increasingly involved in the lives of refugees while educating and spreading awareness of the health risks of this tradition, from Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan and other countries where female circumcision was common. She heard stories about African women in the United States who refused to seek medical treatment because doctors here either were horrified or turned the women into teaching objects. Much like Oaks spreading awareness of other possibilities to mental health other than through medications, Dr. Nour is fighting to raise awareness for African women on getting health care after having the genital cutting done, and also to bring awareness of the health factors and dangers of such a tradition. With awareness, this tradition can be reconsidered by others in the communities that follow such a tradition, thus preventing any more health risks to other women.

Moreover, Dr. Nour educates women who have been circumcised and their partners and lets them know that reconstruction is available and the procedures that they would go through.  It is important to make these women feel comfortable by building a relationship with them, because women could then share anything pertaining to this issue and also because of her familiarity with the cultural traditions.  Dr. Nour is changing the thoughts of pregnant African women circumcising their daughters at such an early age, which is not only widely supported, but also demonstrates how Nour is an activist for human rights. It is important that this serious human rights issue that has been going on for so many years stops, because this is degrading women.

To add, domestic violence is a social issue that actually hits close to home for me because of the verbal domestic violence at home for the past 6 years.  Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. (http://www.thehotline.org/get-educated/what-is-domestic-violence/) My father had verbally abused me and my family since we immigrated to the United States in 2002. He was incarcerated and deported for this. This was a very difficult and life affecting time in my life. Much like Nour and very much like Oaks, being personal exposed and involved in an issue others face makes me drive to helping others, especially having experienced it myself.

Besides my personal concern for domestic violence, according to domestic violence statistics in 2010, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury in women more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. In the United States alone every 9 seconds a women is assaulted or beaten.   It is important to support these women in all aspects, psychologically, mentally and physically; because women could then feel safe and confident to share their experiences and move on with their lives. I strongly feel that my personal experience can help me with guiding others in the right direction because of the understanding I have in relations to similar struggles.

Much like the activists previously mentioned, some of my personal strengths that lead me to have strong leadership skills are that I am motivated, sympathetic, sensitive and non-judgmental. I strongly believe that I am an advocate for social justice. Like Oaks and Nour,  I am always willing to fight for the client’s rights because we are all created equal. Also, being an immigrant, having a disabled brother, and having a mother who was a victim of domestic violence, had a huge impact on my decision to become a social worker.

Overall, this change agents assignment has helped me explore and obtain a better understanding of the great work that these two activists have done for our society. It is also important to be committed, compassionate, considerate and dedicated in order to be able to make a change in our world.  Without people like Dr. Nour and David Oaks, this world would never change for the better.  It gives hope to the ones who are struggling because there is hope for a better way.  Every type of abuse should be addressed and work towards in ending, including domestic violence, which should not happen to anybody. Unfortunately, issues like domestic violence do occur, and when it does, there is help, which I hope to be a part of. (http://www.domesticviolence.org/)

Worked Cited

Davis, David. (2003). Losing the Mind: David Oaks and Others in the ‘Mad Pride’ Movement Believe Drugs Are Being Overused in Treating Mental Illness, and They Want the Abuse to Stop.  Los Angeles Times Sunday Magazine, Retrieved from http:// www.latimes.com

Mehren, Elizabeth. (2004). Patients Embrace Culturally Sensitive Care. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from http://articles.latimes.com/2004/jun/02/nation/na-doc2

Mindfreedom International. About David W. Oaks, Mindfreedom International Executive Director.  Retrieved from http://www.mindfreedom.org/about-us/david-w-oaks

Mindfreedom International. Mindfreedom Launches Campaign to “Boycott Normal”. Retrieved from http:// http://www.mindfreedom.org/campaign/boycott-normal

Mindfreedom International. About David W. Oaks, Mindfreedom International Executive Director. 

                Retrieved from http://www.recoveryxchange.org/DavidOaks.html

SCWK432- You as an Activist Video # 1

Blog # 5 - "The Democratic Process"

Saul D. Alinsky

(July 14, 1939 - June 12, 1972)

 

Saul D. Alinsky was a community activist who was interested in social justice for Americans. Alinsky attended the University of Chicago and obtained a Ph.D. in Criminology. This documentary highlights the importance of his contribution to society, how his theories and principles influenced others, and to learn how important it is to believe that we can change anything that is not being done correctly for the better of our communities. Alinsky championed new ways of organizing the poor and believed that social justice could be achieved through American democracy. He was always criticized but also admired by others.



During the Great Depression Alinsky believed that real education was the one from the streets. Al Capone's gang was a way for him to study criminal behavior. Alinsky concluded that poverty caused criminal activity because there wasnt any jobs available for people to survive.

Alinsky influenced the struggle for Civil rights movement (equal rights) and the farmworkers movements (labor). The Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council showed the way to organize communities. He also stated that the first rule of change is controversy, because change means movement, and movement means friction, friction means heat and this leads to controversy, which led to growing civil rights movement in the South.



In 1959, Alinsky met with ministers to start the T.W.O. (The Woodlawn Organization). This organization empowered residents and their communities.

Unfortunately, Saul D. Alinsky died June 12, 1972 of a heart attack. He did not get a chance to organize the middle class community like he wanted to.

This video was such an interesting video. I never heard of Saul Alinsky before and thanks to this assignment I was able to learn how important it is to fight for what you want and to make your voice be heard. Alinsky was a great activist and showed us social workers the importance of helping others and to never surrender, to always keep going and find a solution to everything.

This video emphasized and showed important ways of intervention at the macro level of practice and important ways of implementing strategies of community organization. As mentioned before, the farmworkers movement (labor) and the struggles with civil rights movements were some of the issues dealt with.

Sources:

Hercules, B., & Orestein, B. (Producer). (1999). The Democratic Promise: Saul Alinsky and his legacy [Online video]. Retrieved March 1, 2012.

 

3 Common Problems in Macro Practice

After carefully reviewing each of the 13 common problems that we face in Macro Practice, I chose the following three, and I hope that each one of my explanations help us understand some of the barriers that we face in Macro Practice.

1. We need to understand the community or situation better - Yes, we as social workers should be aware of the problems that surround us. Our community is where we live, where we socialize and where we grow up, for this it is important that we are aware of the problems or incidents whether they are good or bad. Our local church, food pantry, shelter, schools, and homes are part of our community. Some people might ambition better things than the ones they have. We need to know that not everyone can have what others have, and that there will always be diversity in our communities. We may find Hispanics, Whites, African Americans, Asians, Europeans and much more; but we also have to remember that we as a community should always get along with each other and be part of solving problems related to our community.

2. There is not enough community participation - As mentioned before, a community should always be willing to be part of problem solving when an issue is presented. If the community is not willing to participate to find a solution to a problem, then the problem will not be solved or it will get worst. This is not good because sooner or later this will affect us as a community. Sometimes members of the community do not attend school meetings, carnivals, local events or church because of a  language barrier. For example, in Brockton, MA predominate Cape Verdeans, following Hispanics as well as Whites and African Americans. If Hispanics or Cape Verdeans did not have a church that would provide services in their own languages, it will be a problem and these families would not have a religious life. Now, if this problem ever existed, us as a community should get together and find a solution to the problem, but if we don't get together the problem will just get worst. For those reasons it is important to be an active particpant of your community.

3. Not enough money to sustain the program or initiative - If a program does not have enough funds to sustain itself then there is a problem because services will not be provided to those who need them. Developing a plan for financial sustainability is the necessary thing to do, during or after the money is gone. We should always be prepared for negative outcomes, even if we think and see that things are running well. Sometimes we might need to apply for grants, and or fundraise to obtain money and keep the program(s) running.

Strengths Quest Assessment Results

This are my Strengths Quest Assessment Results.


XAVIER ARIAS
Your Top 5 Themes
Competition
Strategic
Activator
Maximizer
Focus

Competition
Shared Theme Description
People who are especially talented in the Competition theme measure their progress against the
performance of others. They strive to win first place and revel in contests.

Driven by your talents, you are determined to be victorious. As much as you yearn to be “number
one,” you know cheating is unacceptable. You probably experience remorse when you unintentionally take unfair advantage of anyone. You likely think finishing first counts only when you have followed all the rules just like everyone else. It’s very likely that you refuse to be content with your performance until you have been declared the most capable, successful, or accomplished person in the group. Just knowing you are being compared to others gives you the extra energy and determination you need to surpass everyone else’s performance.

Chances are good that you feel in control of your final scores, outcomes, and overall performance when you first outline a detailed action plan. Timelines and deadlines probably are very important to you. Your attention to the little things tells people you are quite serious about being “number one.” Instinctively, you aim to deliver the best performance in specific areas. You use every bit of the knowledge, skill, talent, and energy you possess to snag the topmost prize. You probably let little, if anything, distract you from your goal. By nature, you yearn to get ahead. You strive to acquire many of the status symbols and special privileges that come with rank, title, or position.


Strategic
Shared Theme Description
People who are especially talented in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced
with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.

It’s very likely that you select the right combination of words to convey your ideas or feelings. In the
middle of discussions, your vocabulary provides you with precise phrases and terminology. You
probably express yourself with ease and grace. Because of your strengths, you work diligently to
invent alternative courses of action. You notice new as well as unusual configurations in facts,
evidence, or data. Others, however, can see only separate, unrelated bits of information. You are
fascinated by problems that puzzle, confound, or frustrate most people. Driven by your talents, you
analyze the lessons of the past to find clues for handling future situations. Piecing together the causes
and effects of historical events allows you to discover alternate routes to your goal. You are seldom
taken by surprise. Why? You probably have studied your options and crafted innovative solutions.

By nature, you might easily detect unusual configurations or spot new trends in data or factual
information. Devising options appeals to you. You have little interest in simply repeating what worked in the past. Chances are good that you trust your ability to be an innovative thinker. You routinely invent many ways you can reach a single goal. Only then do you start narrowing down your options to the best one. You probably take into consideration prevailing circumstances, available resources, budgetary constraints, or pressing deadlines.

Activator
Shared Theme Description
People who are especially talented in the Activator theme can make things happen by turning
thoughts into action. They are often impatient.

By nature, you are a reserved individual. You usually keep personal matters to yourself. This is apt to
explain why you are much more comfortable launching projects than you are talking about your
experiences and accomplishments. Chances are good that you routinely raise the spirits of people by
putting aside what you are doing and giving them your undivided attention. You work diligently to
repeat the key ideas or questions they voiced. Instinctively, you empower people with your air of
certitude — that is, confidence. Your very presence reassures them that they indeed are quite ready
and capable of tackling assignments, spearheading projects, or playing key positions on a team.
Driven by your talents, you relish talking to others. Frequently you help people express their opinions, thoughts, or viewpoints with enthusiasm.

Your words frequently energize individuals or groups.Because of your strengths, you normally pinpoint and acknowledge the grand ideas people share with you. You ask questions. You also listen to others talk about their unique interests, backgrounds, experiences, strengths, limitations, goals, or fears.

Maximizer
Shared Theme Description
People who are especially talented in the Maximizer theme focus on strengths as a way to stimulate
personal and group excellence. They seek to transform something strong into something superb.

Driven by your talents, you credit yourself with unraveling tangled issues, dilemmas, or puzzles. You
instinctively find the right solutions and correct answers. Because of your strengths, you routinely
choose to spend time with people who recognize, applaud, or value your accomplishments. You
probably prefer the company of those who see what you have to offer. You thrive when surrounded by supportive individuals. You tend to distance yourself from people who repeatedly ignore, downplay, or feel threatened by what you do so naturally and so well. It’s very likely that you look forward to attending social events. Meeting familiar and unfamiliar people delights you. You deftly maneuver your way in and out of conversations.

You typically have a wonderful time. You are unlike individuals who feel obliged to accept invitations. You probably are puzzled by those who cannot say, “I am sorry, but I must decline.” By nature, you are aware of what you do naturally and well. You prefer to leverage\ your talents rather than spend time trying to overcome your shortcomings. You expect excellence from yourself and others. Being average at best and mediocre at worst is unacceptable to you. Chances are good that you sense you have an ability to create word pictures that describe the future. You can inspire people with your images of what can be. The individuals who most appreciate your forward thinking probably want and need to hear from you often.

Focus
Shared Theme Description
People who are especially talented in the Focus theme can take a direction, follow through, and make
the corrections necessary to stay on track. They prioritize, then act.

It’s very likely that you channel your energy toward what you can accomplish in the coming months,
years, or decades. Your mind churns out new and inventive ways of reaching your goals. You risk
becoming bored and delivering a lackluster performance when you are constantly forced to adhere to
a predetermined process, a tried-and-tested procedure, or a traditional method. You can hear yourself
pleading, “But, if we only did it this way, it would be so much better.” Chances are good that you seekto govern the circumstances of your life. You probably choose to work on tasks by yourself so you can determine what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Group decision-making usually frustrates you.

 Because of your strengths, you can feel uneasy and anxious about what might happen tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year. Your concerns prompt you to anticipate potential pitfalls. Such forethought often works to your advantage. It causes you to devise ways to overcome real and imaginary obstacles before they materialize. You desire to take charge of your life. You really want to think and plan before moving into action. By nature, you pinpoint what you need to accomplish. Then you give it your undivided attention. Few people can match your natural powers of concentration. Driven by your talents, you enjoy establishing objectives in the company of others.

Blog # 4 - What is Macro Social Work?

I am currently placed at the Ulysses G. Shelton Head Start Center in Brockton, MA, as part of my senior internship. For the purpose of this assignment, I interviewed Pauline Carlson, MSW, Deborah Archer, MSW and Angela Depina, BSW who work at the agency.

Pauline explained that her view of Macro practice is working with communities and other systems to advocate for policies, that will help those who are vulnerable.

Deborah stated that her understading of Macro practice is to go beyond what is expected when we work with one client. Instead, work with many clients to build a better community.

Angela said that although she has not had the oppotunity to work at a Macro level yet, she understands that working at this level means to advocate not only for one person, but for many people.

All three workers will be going to the Massachusetts State House this February 14, 2012 to advocate for the program, and let each town's representative know that we want the program and our families want the program. Deborah is also part of the Department of Children and Families Board in MA. Pauline has also traveled to be part of the National Head Start Association in Washington D.C. Angela also participate in the Policy Council at the center to ensure that the parents opinions are heard.

They all mentioned that about 20-25% of their work is devoted to macro practice activities.

Really important Leadership skills are: really good public speaking, working with groups, team building, be interested in both local and state events, and believe that we are here to make a change in our society for benefits of our parents.

Blog Post # 3 - History of Macro Practice

MACRO SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE:




Ann Hartman

When the professor asked us to write an overview of the history of Macro social work practice, I got really excited because I would be able to research and learn so many new things. The history of macro social work and the famous social workers that are part of this history make me want to keep going above the Bachelor's degree level. We should all tell our selves, "If they did it, Why can't we!"

When visiting some of the websites, reading about a woman, named Ann Hartman was really interesting. Ann Hartman introduced the concept of utilizing genograms and ecomaps to understand our clients' life and to be able to assess and plan an intervention for those clients. I have always thought that knowing the cause of a problem it its solution. If we find out why or who caused the issue, we can go back to the cause and eliminate the problem. It is also important to know the extended, as well as the immediate family.

Also, as we all learned in previous social worker classes, the Great Depression was a period where many people needed to obtain many resources. Social work was viewed as a vocation, not a profession. Low salaries, even less than high school teachers.



Both reforms, Suffrage and Prohibition were addressed by professionals such as Jane Addams, and Lillian Walds. These two reforms were viewed as ways of changing society.



Mother and Children during Great Depression


The following video shows us how great of a woman, and social worker, Jane Addams was. She was and will be such an important part of the Social Work history.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VOw6v-S5O4

Sources:

Information obtained from:

http://www.boisestate.edu/socwork/dhuff/history/chapts/4-1.htm

http://www.boisestate.edu/socwork/dhuff/history/chapts/5-1.htm

http://www.historyofsocialwork.org/eng/details.php?cps=22&canon_id=156

http://www.socialpolicy.ca/cush/m2/m2-t14.stm

http://www.socialworker.com/jswve/content/view/48/50/

A little bit about me

A Little Bit about ME!

My name is Xavier Arias and I am a 22 year old Senior at Bridgewater State University. I am originally from the Dominican Republic, but I currently live in Brockton, MA. 

I always wanted to help, and felt the need to help others, as well as advocate for social justice. I also have a disabled brother and I understand the limitations that he has, this is why I wanted to be someone that is known for helping others.

I am interested in learning more and be involved with my communities and organizations because it is important to understand what resources can we obtain and which resources can we provide for those in need. We are constantly involved with our community and we are in contact with many different populations.

I know this semester I will expand my knowledge a lot more because we will be exposed to many different things, as well as work with our communities, and learn more about different populations. This class will help me and my classmates to realize how important it is to learn and value our communties and how we can help those who need us.

I believe that everyone participating, doing the assigned work, paying attention and being active is essential to make a really great class.

If I could have one magical power I would "FLY". I love to travel so I would travel anywhere if I was able to fly.

Four interesting things about me, I am shy, I laugh a lot!, I sing, and I speak three languages. I have always been shy since I was a child. I do laugh a lot and all of you will see this when we first meet on January 31st. I speak Englih, Spanish and Cape Verdean Creole, and I am learning Italian.

I enjoy singing, and playing board games for fun. I love playing Family Feud and Battle of the Sexes.

If I could solve one major problem, I would develop an Immigration Reform, because currently illegal immigration is separating families.

My dream job would be to work as a Director of a big organization.

I would also like to become a famous singer or actor, because I enjoy entertaining people.

SCWK 432 - The Clothesline Project

 I am honored to have researched and to be able to inform you about the Clothesline Project.

 It was first introduced in the 1990's by visual artist, Rachel Carey-Harper. The Clothesline Project honors women survivors as well as victims of intimate violence. The concept was simple - let each woman tell her story in her own unique way, using words and/or artwork to decorate her shirt. Once finished, she would then hang her shirt on the clothesline. (http://www.clotheslineproject.org/index.htm) 

The original project started with 31 shirts on a village in Hyannis, MA as part of an

event, called "Take back the night",  as the day went by more women kept creating more

shirts, and the line kept growing. Participating in this project gives every women who has

survived domestic violence, a new voice and it gives them the opportunity to take all that

frustration and sadness out of their minds.

I am happy that after all of those deaths during the Vietnam war, a brave woman

made her voice be heard and now we have this powerful project that helps other women

who suffer because of domestic violence.

There are many reasons and causes that many people think are a motive for a men

to hit a woman, but personally I think a men should never put his hands on a woman.

Culture is definitely a root cause. Many men in other countries are allowed to hit their wives

if they do not follow their commands, such as washing the dishes, doing the laundry,

cooking, or simply anything that the man desires at that moment. Economic factors also

influence men to become violent. Not having enough money at home to cover the bills or to

buy food could be a cause for an argument and therefore violence.

                                                                             

 Some examples of other successful programs include,  , at the

University of Massachusetts, Amherst.  "Voices Against Violence regards participants as

empowered bystanders who can confront abusive or violent peers. A major focus of the

program is on men, because while most men do not commit violence, most violence is

committed by men. Voices Against Violence challenges all forms of violence, particularly

men's violence against women." (http://www.umass.edu/uhs/health/getinvolved/voices/)

 The Brown and Homan chapters have a very important connection to this project

and many other community interventions. Mark S. Homan mentions that social workers are

change agents. It's important to"assist people in their efforts to lead full and satisfying

lives." (Homan, p.74) Homan also mentions an example of Lorena, an immigrant who lives

with a violent man who beats her up. She is afraid as many other women are to report it

because she thinks that she will be deported. When we hear cases like Lorena's we should act

as change agents and provide them with counseling and suggest to report the abuse, this

way her life will change from a negative view to a positive one. On the other hand, Brown

mentions the concept of building powerful community organization that are a two-way

street, meaning that the "organization helps you.", and "you help the organization." 

(Brown, p. 336)

         

 In the case of the Clothesline Project, desinging shirts helps women take out that

frustration inside of them, they are helping the organization because the more shirts that

are created proves that more women are being abused and that a change is needed. Also, the

project provides them with the necessary equiptment to decorate the shirts, so there is

mutual help.

                       Please watch the following video, it is very interesting!