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/