Write about your reaction to the Ivan Illich article and what perspective it gave you about volunteering. Please also include a reflection of Dr. Kala Stroup's talk about non-profits and volunteerism.
Blog posts must be 200-400 words, proofread, and void of common grammatical errors.
Your blog posts are due before the start of class next week.
Please email albreaks@ku.edu if you have any questions!
The Ivan Illich article was not something I enjoyed reading, not the first time or even the second time. It took reviewing it the third time with my group to finally --slightly attempt to appreciate where Illich is coming from. While this article was very much a humility and privilege check, I personally was not a fan of the article at all. Now that being said it is a resource that is well utilized by AB, it definitely is a conversation starter and makes you think past the end of your nose. It’s by no means a feel good teary eyed article that makes you want to save the world, I was actually discouraged by it the first few time I read it. Even so the overall theme of the article was beneficial. The article’s main focus was to tell university students not to go into a environment and just start fixing things, without the people asking for help, you could be doing more harm than hurt. I think that is an incredibly valuable lesson to take as we enter the unknown and step onto our sights in January, knowing that we may cross paths with someone who doesn’t need our help regardless of what we think. This article was one extreme version of what could happen, however it made me stop and reflect on my past experiences as a volunteer. I stopped and wondered if I one of these people, simply because I was uneducated as a volunteer. Even though I was personally not a fan of this article I did gain knowledge that I will use during winter AB.
ReplyDeleteDr. Kala Stroup had many perspectives of the non-profit sector in the United States. I found it to be very Educational as far as my ability personally, outside of Alternative Breaks, about what I could possibly do after I walk down the hill in may. Dr. Stroup’s conversation about understanding volunteerism and understanding the work you do isn’t so someone will praise you, but so you can help the greater good, really stuck with me.
I am currently planning to take her philanthropy class in the spring. She was very well versed and a pleasure to hear, she is very up front and I appreciate that as student. I’m looking forward to learning more from her in the spring.
Melissa Mock!
The Ivan Illich article kind of put a sour taste in my mouth. I thought that I was doing a charitable thing by wanting to help. I understand what Illich was trying to say, it was just a very strong stance that it came across rude. When we talked about this article class, I really started to look past the harsh words and look at what it actually means. Maybe Illich had a valid point. I was simply trying to help people with the way I think they need to be helped. Each culture and community is different than us and they can’t be helped the same way either. Also I must admit sometimes I do charity work because it makes me feel good inside and not fully for the good of the people I am helping. I needed to reevaluate why I was participating in alternative breaks instead of being hurt by the article. I now realize that I truly care for the good of people. Empathy is what helps me to volunteer.
ReplyDeleteDr. Stroups talk was very informative. I did not know there was such a big sector for non-profit organizations. I have always wondered how the managers of the organizations I volunteer for got there. I thought they just volunteered and got to where they were by working their way up the ladder. I am now interested in taking a class from Dr, Stroups so I can better my knowledge of the sector that I enjoy working for so much.
After reading the article and reading the answers above, I am conflicted on my feelings about the article and volunteering. I have never and might not ever go abroad to help out the underprivileged. Thus, I can completely understand where Ivan Illich is coming from. I can relate to what it is like when someone is trying to thrust their views upon you and thinking their views are the only way to live life right. Plus, looking back at history, specifically the wars of the 20th century, America has always soared in for the rescue, and because we have made a difference, we have taken farther than needed, developing this attitude that it is our job to fix the world. Therefore, I do not think that Illich is wrong in any sort despite his harsh language, and volunteers should think about what reactions the people they are helping could have. On the other hand, it made me somewhat annoyed because our situation is different, and seemed irrelevant initially. We will not be going overseas and there might not be as much of a barrier. However, since I am going to Oklahoma City and helping out with people who have lost everything, I realize that the people are probably not as privileged as I have been and they might have opposing views on whether they want me helping them or not. So, I need to be respectful of these people and their situation, and give them a choice in how involved they want me to be.
ReplyDeleteDr. Kala Stroup’s talk definitely was very educational. I had never realized the non-profit organizations were somewhat of a business, it needed managing, and you could make a career out of it. Also, being a freshman, she opened up another possibility for what my four years at KU and my future after could look like, which is always a good thing.
The article by Ivan Illich was very deep, and in many ways very critical of the role that volunteers play in underprivileged countries. Illich explained that we as a privileged country and as a privileged people here in the United States actually hurt individuals in countries such as Mexico when we provide aid or volunteer our time to help them, instead of helping them. It seemed that behind the words that Illich wrote for the article was a lot of passion, and perhaps a lot of anger towards individuals that want to volunteer. With all of that said however, Illich made some very valid points with regards to volunteering and putting ourselves in the shoes of those who are getting the help. Illich made me think of those people and if they even want to be helped in the first place.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of Dr. Kala Stroup’s talk, I found it to be very interesting and intriguing. I was unaware of just how large the non-profit sector is, both in terms of people working in it, and the revenue that it takes in each year. Dr. Kala Stroup is a very intelligent and strong woman, and has been very successful in her endeavors. By listening to and learning from her, the non-profit sector has become a much more appealing option to work in. I am really glad she came to talk to us, and hopefully I can apply some of the things she said to my Alternative Breaks site.
-Drew Schaefer
At first when reading the Ivan Illich article I could not tell if he was being serious or if it was satire. I then quickly realized he was serious and at first I felt he had no right to undermine the volunteer work people are doing. But as I read further I started to agree with him. I particularly liked the section where he talks about middle class Americans going overseas and pushing our American beliefs on different cultures rather than understanding and immersing ourselves within their culture. As a Spanish major, my main goal is to become fluent in the language so that I am able to communicate with people in need. Illich goes on in his speech to explain how not only do we try to push our culture on other, but we also do not speak their language many times, therefore we have no way to understand their needs and wants.
ReplyDeleteOverall I do not think that Illich is telling people not to volunteer. But rather take a step back and see where will get the most out of your volunteer work. And also that you cannot go into a volunteer situation with the attitude that one is “god sent” and here to relinquish all pain. Because the fact of the matter is that little can be done with only a week of volunteering and a self-righteous attitude.
After reading this article it first made me feel defeated, thinking that my volunteer work will not affect anything. But then I realized the main thing I needed to take with me from this article to Chicago was to think first about what I can do for them rather than how I will benefit from the trip. Also after hearing Dr. Stroups talk my faith in volunteerism was restored. After such a negative article it was great to hear how much the non-profit sector does do in the United States. She also made me realize how many job opportunities are available in this sector. Both the article and talk last week only made me even more excited for my trip to Chicago.
In terms of Ivan Illich’s article, my reaction to it was more so stepping back and really critically thinking about why I was volunteering. I also feel like, even though the intentions may have been good, that there is a major difference in volunteering within the untied states, and being a citizen of it, and being an American and going out of the country to volunteer. I think that there can be negative and positive aspects to volunteering, whether intentional or not. So in regards to Ivan Illich’s article I think it just made me step back and do more critical thinking. It is always nice to here other’s perspectives, and its always nice to know both sides, I think it helps to really think about where you are going, who you are going to encounter, and what privileges you are bringing to the table. I know that within my own group this article really made us all step back and to come back as a group and really realize why we are going to volunteer, why we are going to go offer up our service, and really our true intentions behind it. I think Ivan Illich’s article really gets you thinking and that’s the best part about it, it causes a reaction. In regards to Dr. Kala Stroup’s talk its always interesting to here about non-profits. Having worked with a number of non-profits, and having a parent who worked with one for years, its fascinating to really look at them as a whole and to get some real insight and in depth look into them. Dr. Kala Stroup had a very nice view about volunteerism as well. She really stressed the importance of volunteering and how we are really helping the non-profit function and to the work that it is intended to do. She really valued the work and the sacrifices that many people are making by going on an Alternative Break. Dr. Stroup was really inspiring and grateful because she sees the good intentions of those volunteering. She had a different view and brought up many different points in relation to Ivan Illich and she offered yet another perspective on volunteering.
ReplyDeleteIvan Illich’s article “To Hell with Good Intentions” contained some insights regarding volunteering that I hadn’t previously considered. Illich mentions how many American missionaries come into Mexico and other countries and inadvertently encourage the inhabitants of these countries to adapt the middle-class American lifestyle. I will certainly take this commentary into consideration as I serve others during my alternative winter break. Many people don’t desire to live the same privileged, middle class lifestyle that I have—and that’s totally all right. Furthermore, even if the lifestyle I’m accustomed to is desirable to the inhabitants of the location I serve in, there are certainly more than one means by which to achieve this lifestyle. College, for example, is not the only avenue through which one can achieve knowledge and success, and for some it is financially impossible. When I communicate with the teachers and students at my site, I want to respect and understand their own personal goals and lifestyles, recognizing that the way we I live isn’t right for everyone. Illich’s commentary regarding the importance of knowing the language of a community before choosing to volunteer was also a helpful insight that I hadn’t previously considered. Though not necessarily intentional, a break in communication may be interpreted from the inhabitants of these communities as ignorance. If a volunteer appears ignorant to the culture of a community they choose to serve in, it seems likely that their credibility as a force of good or assistance would be almost entirely diminished.
ReplyDeleteI also found Dr. Kala Storups discussion about the non-profit sector and volunteerism incredibly insightful. I had no idea that non-profits played such a crucial role in society, providing assistance to those in need and jobs to millions of Americans. I certainly feel more encouraged to pursue a career in this sector, knowing that there are numerous career opportunities available.
The article written by Ivan Illice was very interesting yet surprising at the same time. It definitely made me have second thoughts on how I thought I was going to act and handle certain situations during the alternative break. In the article, Illice explained that certain people were not okay with being helped. Initially, I thought that everyone in Oklahoma City will love all the help they can get. Now, I know that I need to be careful because some people may be sensitive and offended if someone is trying to over help them. Some people might look at our group and think that were only here because we want to make ourselves feel good by helping others instead of truly wanting to help. Also, if someone turns out to be sensitive or offended by people helping them, it is important stop and listen and do exactly what they want you to do. I learned that I won’t always realize the right thing to do or the right way to help. The answer lies within the person who needs help. The person who needs help will be the one who knows what the do!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Dr. Kala Stroup’s talk about non-profits and volunteerism. It was easy to tell that Dr. Kala was really passionate about these topics because of how knowledgeable she was. There were a lot of things happening in these areas presently that I had no idea of. She explained the fact that non-profit sector is definitely a growing organization. She also talked about how some people are volunteering for the wrong reasons and should be doing it for the right reasons. This relates to Illice’s article because she said that people shouldn’t be volunteering to make them feel good about themselves, they should be volunteering because they truly want to help those in need. I am going to use what I learned through this article and through the Dr. Kala’s talk and apply it to every aspect that I will encounter on my alternative break.
-Charlie Bakula
Ivan Illich’s article was not something a well-intentioned volunteer wants to read. However, after stepping back and trying to look at the article objectively, I found that he has made some solid points about volunteering abroad. I could understand how having someone come into a foreign country without a complete knowledge of the culture and the problem at hand could feel very invasive for the native people and may even lead to some harmful outcomes. His arguments made me reevaluate whether or not I will ever volunteer abroad and made me understand the importance of educating oneself on other cultures and listening to those you are trying to help. I was not sure if the article was entirely applicable to our situation in America. However it still highlighted the importance of trying to put ourselves in the shoes of those we are trying to help and try to be less intrusive in their lives, while still making a positive impact, however small it may be.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Dr. Kala Stroup’s presentation. She was very passionate about her work and really encouraged me to get more involved after graduation. I had never considered how big and influential the non-profit sector was in our day-to-day lives. I look forward to taking her Citizen Philanthropy course next semester.
-Alexandra Akhunova
After reading the article by Ivan Illich, I had trouble relating his ideas to my specific site initially. I think that traveling abroad to volunteer or provide a service can be vastly different from going to a different part of the United States. Although many of us going on these Alternative Breaks will encounter individuals with lifestyles and backgrounds that are different from our own, I think there is less of a culture shock when staying in the U.S. as opposed to going abroad. I understood the points that Illich made in the article, and I found his points pertaining to the perspective of those being helped by volunteers to be quite relevant to some of the Alternative Break sites. Many of his ideas centered around the idea of volunteers having a superiority complex when serving others, meaning that the volunteers view themselves as better than or a “savior” to those in need. He strongly resented this attitude toward service, and I think this resentment is warranted. However, my site (Habitat for Humanity in Oklahoma City) is primarily concerned with helping people who will most likely appreciate the help. Habitat for Humanity does not force itself on anyone, and the town of Moore, Oklahoma (that was struck by severe tornadoes this past summer) will likely welcome the help to rebuild that my group will provide. That being said, I think it’s still important for us to go to our site with the knowledge that there may be some people who will not want us there, and we need to be sensitive to their opinions and attitudes toward us.
ReplyDeleteI thought that Dr. Stroup’s talk gave great insight to the nonprofit sector and volunteering. She really emphasized that the nonprofit sector is very much a business, which I think is sometimes overlooked in today’s society. Like any other business, the nonprofit sector is perpetuated by the desire for capital gain. Wealthy philanthropists often look for praise for their “charitable contributions” to certain nonprofit organizations. Dr. Stroup explained that volunteer work shouldn’t be driven by the desire for praise or public recognition. Instead, individuals should strive to work for the “greater good” while participating in volunteer activities.
I viewed the Ivan Illich article as a realistic approach to some pressing problems. Although I do not agree with refusing all help, the article does give some insight of volunteering from the other side. I have been considering volunteering for the Peace Corps for some time now and I have surprisingly received bad reception from telling others. The people who disagree with the Peace Corps always have the same response, “You will do more harm than good.” That statement, which is similar to Illich’s speech, is true under certain conditions. The article proves that no one can go into volunteering blindly. The article did not make me second guess my decision to volunteer. My own perspective of my week long trip is to help out in any way I can, not change the world in one week. I know these classes are preparing me to do a good job and to perform at the best of my abilities and that is all I can ask for.
ReplyDeleteFor the midterm I chose the topic on non-profits and volunteerism which gave me some background information for Dr. Stroup’s talk. She talked about the vast amounts of non-profits around the country which is supported by the articles for the midterm. I did not necessarily agree with bringing non-profit classes to every campus. This is not to say that I’m against non-profits. Education on this issue is needed but I believe that can happen during internships. I believe students should seek out non-profits and not the other way around. People should join these organizations because they are passionate about a certain issue. Just sitting in a class, instead of hands on work, could create a get-rich scheme to some students and flood the non-profit industry with too many people who generally don’t care.
-James McGowan
Despite the extremist nature of Ivan Illich’s article, he expresses an important perspective about the impact of our volunteer trips. The assumption that in one week we will be able to make a lasting impact on an organization, habitat or individual is highly optimistic I will concede. I thought a little bit harder about the conditions of the children my group will be mentoring at Epworth; they have likely been bounced around many organizations, foster families, and mentoring programs. Will making a short-term connection help them, or will it teach them that help is only temporary? I can’t say for sure, but I realized if I made the intention of staying in touch with the people I met then maybe that personal connection will continue. This article also caused me to rethink my future plans of joining the Peace Corps; I can’t expect to immerse myself in a different culture and a different language and be able to revolutionize a community with my limited approachability. But I don’t believe these reasons are enough to justify a lack of volunteer action; Illich’s beliefs inspired me to consider a different approach, but not a different action. Education can supersede cultural differences. Connecting with previous and future volunteers will create a continuous growth even when the labor is replaced. Ivan Illich definitely forces volunteers to reconsider their intentions and the implications of possibly imposing themselves on the recipients of their service. But Illich is also highly pessimistic, ignores the power of education and provides no better alternative to volunteering in a different sociocultural setting, regardless of its challenges. I remain firmly committed to my Alternative Break, just with a new perspective.
ReplyDeleteI was overly impressed by the insight that Dr. Kala Stroup provided in her lecture on non-profits. Charity is an industry, and contributes to a significant portion of the economy. They are supported by-and support-businesses, so it’s only logical that business curriculum should be expanded to include an education on the nonprofit sector as well, and I’m very interested in taking Dr. Stroup’s class. Her lecture was also very inspiring to me as someone who is conflicted about seeking employment in the nonprofit sector. The increasing consumer appeal about charitable corporations opens opportunities for someone to work in a for-profit business that has direct or indirect avenues towards benefitting society. I was especially enthusiastic about Hallmark’s concept of a paid day of volunteering; through this model Hallmark improves their public relations by appearing charitable, employees can have the satisfaction of volunteering while enjoying the financial security of one day of pay, and nonprofits can make long-term partnerships with skilled individuals that continues to escalate into more positive effects. Charitable corporations are very attainable and highly impactful, and I hope that Dr. Stroup’s curriculum finds its way into many more colleges to educate their students on nontraditional ways to boost the nonprofit sector.
I had actually read this article before in preparation to participate on a medical brigade to with the Jayhawk Health Initiative organization. About two months before leaving for the Darien province of Panama, the director of the program asked us to read Ivan Illich’s article to get us to think critically about the effects our volunteerism would have. To be honest, after reading the article, I was ready to drop the brigade and consider other summer opportunities. If what Illich had said about the perception of American volunteerism was true, then why bother? Thankfully we discussed the article at the next meeting to talk about the purpose of the article. Although what Illich proposed is most likely a good representation of the opinions of some groups of people, it definitely isn’t the opinions of everybody accepting aide from American volunteer efforts abroad. When revisiting the article last week for Alternative Breaks meeting, it became even clearer to me that the true message to be taken from the article is that as volunteers we have to be conscious of our attitudes and what it is we are actually doing. This goes for projects abroad or domestic, as we will be participating in this winter. If we volunteer for selfish reasons (to see an “exotic” part of the United States) then neither the organizations nor volunteers will benefit from the experience.
ReplyDeleteThe presentation on the non-profit sector by Dr. Kala Stroup was very eye opening for me. I had no idea that non-profit organizations accounted for such a large part of our country’s economy. For me, the point that stood out the most was that fifty-one percent of hospital beds are covered by this non-profit sector. This is valuable information to keep in mind as I continue to pursue a career in the medical field.
-Morgan Klug