Reflect on the discussions and activities we've had in class for this semester. Talk about some of the most meaningful quotes, moments, or speakers that changed your perspective. In addition, discuss what you look forward to going in to your break.
Blog posts must be 200-400 words, proofread, and void of common grammatical errors.
Your blog posts are due at 11:59 PM on Stop Day, December 13th.
Please email albreaks@ku.edu if you have any questions!
One of my favorite moments of the classes was when we watched the Cory Booker video, which discussed the importance of perspective when participating in service activities. He stressed that one should leave presumptions at the door and acknowledge the possibilities of the site that one is attempting to help. I think this principle can apply to all of the Alternative Break sites. For my site, Habitat for Humanity, I think it’s important that members of my group maintain an open mind and don’t automatically assume that those who we are helping have “lost everything”. Although the tornado in Moore, Oklahoma this past summer was devastating, the residents of Moore still have their community, friends, family, and many other things to be thankful for. I think it will be necessary for my group to bring a sense of empathy to our site, without being arrogant.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed the identity pumpkin/wheel activity because I think it was a great way to learn about our fellow group members, while also contemplating how we define ourselves as individuals. This activity also related really well to Blane Harding’s talk in the class previous about social identities and injustices.
I’m looking forward to sharing this unique experience with my group members and learning more about Habitat for Humanity in the process.
There have been several moments for me during our alternative break classes this semester that I have found to be especially impactful. One such experience was during the presentation given by Blane Harding regarding multiculturalism. He brought forth a very interesting topic, one in which I never realized I had been looking at completely wrong. Often times, I had heard references to a metaphorical ‘color blindness’ regarding the acceptance of all races. Prior to hearing from Mr. Harding, I embraced this idea, believing that to truly respect and understand each person we must somehow get past outward appearances. Thankfully, Mr. Harding’s presentation made me realize that this way of regarding race was all wrong—not to mention impossible. The color of a person’s skin isn’t an obstacle that must be overlooked in order to see everyone as the same. We are all different, inside and out, and that is something that should be valued in and of itself. Another revelatory moment for me during alternative breaks classes was the identity pumpkin activity. Though I had done a merely identical activity with my alternative spring break class last semester, doing it a second time revealed just how much my understanding and beliefs regarding social justice had changed in a few months. I was no longer looking at aspects of my identity wheel as mere facts, but rather as opportunities for privilege and oppression. I hadn’t understood previously just how privileged I was by being a college student until doing the activity a second time. I also hadn’t understood the significance of the ‘female’ portion of my identity wheel. As I am learning more about today’s social justice issues, I am able to better understand my role within society and how I am affected—both positively and negatively—by societal forces.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the semester I was pushed to think beyond the normal conceptualizations of racism, individuality and volunteerism. I now feel much more comfortable with my ability to address individuals who identify with a culture different than mine, and I feel like I can realistically come to terms with what my group will be able to do when we volunteer at Epworth this January. The most meaningful discussions we had in class were Blane Harding’s lecture on multiculturalism and privilege, and Dr. Stroup’s lecture on Nonprofits. Before listening to Mr. Harding my assumption about individualities in culture and race should be respectfully treated by ignoring that part of one’s identity. I now understand that culture (and maybe even race) is a strong component of people’s identities and we should embrace those components to be respectful of others. Dr. Stroup’s lecture was important to me because I am unsure about whether I want to work in a nonprofit organization, but now I know that I can still work in the for-profit world and be able to serve my community through my job. Through the activities and the discussions that have taken place this semester I feel like I have grown with my group and as a person to better serve Epworth this January.
ReplyDeleteWhat I am most looking forward to this January is working with an agency that undoubtedly makes a difference and wants to place its volunteers in areas where direct impact will be made. This services that Epworth provides are very relevant to the discussion and activities in class this semester, as well as my career and volunteer goals. Epworth addresses prevention of child homelessness and abuse, advocacy of children’s rights and issues, and rehabilitation of youth and families. The many services that Epworth provides are important to the safety and quality of life of children in St. Louis and I’m very excited about making a difference in these children’s lives.
I especially enjoyed Blane Harding’s presentation on multiculturalism because I had never heard him speak. Beforehand, I held the view I’m sure many do; that in order to get past racism, social injustice, and discrimination, we must ignore race or skin color and become a sort of “color blind” to those physical qualities. However, Blane Harding spoke on how we need to instead embrace those who are different from ourselves, who do not look or act or speak like us. We have to have a respect for different cultures and embrace them, not simply ignore their differences. Each culture has a unique and rich history that makes their people the individuals that they are. Reinforcing that was when we did the identity wheels. I was forced to acknowledge my privileged background that I just happen to be born into. While this made me uncomfortable at first, it’s important to acknowledge the advantages I’ve been given and be aware that many don’t have the same ones as I do. I was also able to see which parts of my life are most important to who I am as a person, which I had never thought about before the activity. I believe Blane Harding’s talk was the most important speaker for me before going on my break because I’ll be working with kids from very different backgrounds than myself in Columbus, Ohio. I’m looking forward to learning from the kids with whom we’ll be working because I know that they’ll have much more to teach us than we realize. I hope that I gain more respect for those different from myself than I currently have. I’m also excited to get to know my group members better because we’ve already been having a good time in our weekly meetings.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most powerful classes we have had was the class where Blane Harding talked about multiculturalism. Harding painted a wonderful picture of how important it is to put daily prejudice aside when we are on our breaks. We must realize there are different cultures but not to define people by their cultures. There is a certain stigma attached to each culture whether it is good or bad and we must learn to look past that and look at the quality of each person as a separate entity. I was very sheltered until I came to college a few years back and it has been a challenge for me to not judge someone by their culture. Now that I am further in my psychology classes I am able to analyze people on who they are rather than where they come from. This is now a strong point for me that I will bring to my site for alternative breaks.
ReplyDeleteThe video of the Tunnel of Oppression made me have a very strong aesthetic response. At first I did not know how to decipher the heartbreak that I had just watched. I felt very sorry for all of those people that had been stereotyped and my heart called for a big movement of change. I wanted to make those people in the video safe and supported instead of how they were feeling in the video. In my past few years of college I have seen oppression in smaller ways like one of my friends joking about someone but I have not seen how it affected the people who are oppressed. When I go to my site I will treat everyone with the respect they deserve. After all of these classes, I am looking forward to taking my newfound knowledge to Colorado and maybe rubbing off on some of the children I will encounter. I want to spread the joy that I have for life and never generalize a person based on their culture. I would like to really get to know some of the people I will be working with.
Looking back on all of the Alternative Breaks lectures, I feel like I have gotten a deeper understanding of the social injustices going on in America and developed better ways at approaching volunteering. My previous volunteer experiences have often left me conflicted about how much I was actually helping in a given situation. However, from the “hummingbird video” to the insightful discussion about whether or not the recipients of our help actually want it, I was encouraged to volunteer and do as much as I could, while remembering to be respectful and considerate of the beliefs and wishes of those I am trying to help. I particularly enjoyed Blane Harding’s presentation and our discussions on privilege because it gave me a sense of where I am in society and why it is my responsibility as someone who came from a privileged family to fight for equity and begin the conversation about social justice.
ReplyDeleteOver our break, I am excited about getting to volunteer for CASA and getting to understand how it operates. I frequently volunteered with the senior community and have truly found it to be a valuable experience, where I learned a lot both from the organizations I volunteered at and the seniors that I got to know. Furthermore, I am really looking forward to exploring Alabama and becoming better friends with everyone in our group.
Sorry this is late!
Alexandra Akhunova
For me the most impactful activity of the Alternative Break classes this past couple of months was when we broke out and read three different articles pertaining to different case studies. I love listening to people and their ideas and we have some very thoughtful people going on these breaks. I was inspired to hear what my peers thought about these issues, the experiences they had had relating to these topics, and the ideas they came up with as solutions. Our group specifically discussed disability and the problems people with disabilities face when living in a world predominantly constructed by able bodied people. Everyone in our discussion was extremely open minded and it was refreshing to discuss an issue such as this with such an impressive group of young people. Not to mention it was nice to get to break out of our groups and get to talk to more people going on other breaks!
ReplyDeleteI am most excited to get down there and meet the people of the organization for whom we will be serving. Since I am interested in health care and have become increasingly more interested in social issues and social policy, I am interested to learn about the variety of issues faced by the individuals seeking the services of CASA and also the Mana House in Huntsville.
-Morgan Klug
Coming into Alternative Breaks, I had no idea what to expect as far as how the classes would work or whether or not I would enjoy them. At first, I was a little apprehensive because it was a conflict with my SUA meetings on Thursday nights; however, I soon found out that this was neither a problem for Alternative Breaks or SUA and became comfortable working with both organizations.
ReplyDeleteI think, by far, the most meaningful meeting for me was the one in which Blane Harding came to speak to us. His ideas on diversity, multiculturalism, and equality vs. equity have stuck with me and totally changed my perspective. I like that he pointed out that equality is providing every individual with the same things, whereas equity was just providing individuals with a level playing field and the ability to achieve regardless of privilege.
The other things that stuck out to me more than any other thing was the Ivan Illich article, “To Hell With Good Intentions.” I think his ideas were brilliantly presented and well thought out, albeit perhaps overly cynical in presentation. The idea that we are outsiders should not be forgotten. Even though that sounds negative, it’s an important thing to remember because it keeps us from overstepping boundaries and going into our breaks with more willingness to listen first before acting in any way.
I’m ecstatic about my Alternative Break. I absolutely love the people in my team and am passionate about the cause for which we are working.