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!