Chinese New Year Festival 2010
Chinese Cultural Center in Phoenix
February 12th, 2010
This semester, when asked to attend an event that would allow us to be taken out of our element and interact with a more diverse setting, I choose to go to the Chinese New Year Festival at the Chinese Cultural Center in Phoenix. This three day festival was to mark the Chinese New Year that was taking place, and I choose to go on the first day, which was Friday the 12th. For the event, as well as the experience, I wanted to bring someone with me to get another perspective on what it felt like to be a minority (something I have never really had to face). For this event I took my mom with me and she helped to add to my own understandings, as well as provide different takes on the overall experience. The people of difference that we were interacting with were those of Chinese descent. They were all taking place in a commemoration of the New Year and celebrating in their own ways. I have heard of certain Chinese traditions and fashions, but had never been able to see them first hand.
First, upon arriving, there was a welcome tent where patrons could learn some of the various Chinese art forms, such as writing and origami. There were several people dressed up in traditional Chinese attire walking around and greeting people as well. Also, there was the traditional Chinese dragon being danced around to help mark the New Year. Finally, there were a lot of booths set up that allowed people to try more traditional Chinese delicacies, which some were much different than what I am use to seeing in “traditional” Chinese food restaurants.
The event was having guest speaker’s talk about what was going on with the event as well as a recent election of Chinese Officers. This was the first time I felt completely out of place when everything being said was in their native language. It was hard to maintain focus on what was being said, when I was attempting to drown out the initial speaker and focus on the translator. I have been around people who speak Chinese, however I had never been in a public presentation setting (especially in Arizona) when I was the one being translated to.
The event was set up like a typical festival, with booths and entertainment taking place, but the Chinese cultural center itself was its own experience. After listening to the presentation, we decided to venture off into the Chinese grocery store. At first I just figured it would be like a regular store, however I was in for a surprise. The store was set apart by the different products offered and the aisles were stocked to the brim with items I had never seen before. I felt that this helped me to branch further out of my element and try some things that I never knew existed. Walking back by the meat department I saw all sorts of products (still alive) that I have only seen in aquariums. I learned that something as simple as going to the grocery store can be a completely different experience from one culture to another. It is things like this that helped me to realize that like everyone, not everything, idea, and lifestyle is the same.
Before going to this event I never really thought much about the Chinese population in Arizona. I have always grown up with a diverse group of friends, however when discussing the topic of diversity in Arizona, Caucasians and Hispanics are usually the groups mentioned. Therefore, before attending this event I had a generic understanding of the population, but never really got to experience some of the things that make them unique. As I participated, I realize that the group is very intricate. Most everything done was precise, for example when learning how to write. I feel that it would take me years to write something as simple as a letter due to the perfection they place on the writing style, it is like an art. I also learned that their idea in cuisine is much different and not limited at all to the variations that can arise from various cooking products. This experience and information has helped me to see just a glimpse into more traditional ways of the Chinese culture. As I stated before in Arizona there is a lot of emphasis made on other cultures within out community, so it was fun to see and learn about new traditions and other members of the community I am seeking to serve. I know a lot of what was going on had to do with presenting a community festival, but most of the aspects were designed to educate and raise awareness for a special time of year, and I felt that from a personal perspective that was done.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Disabled But Still Able
Throughout this semester we had many guest speakers and lectures talk about what it means and what it is like to have a disability. Even with all of the facts presented through the book, I do not believe they would ever be able to resonate as much as hearing them come from someone who has experienced it for themselves. At first, I felt that the guest speaker panel was what I really wanted to reflect upon in this final assignment, and then Brian and John came to speak with the class. Needless to say I then had to start this assignment from over from scratch.
When the panel came to speak with us, I felt that their overall dynamic, input, and personalities really added to the whole experience and allowed for me to relate to them on a personal level. I enjoyed that each person had the same question to answer, and even though sometimes they gave the same responses, for the most part they all took to their disability in their own unique ways. Caryn Ellis’ outlook on the whole thing really made my heart smile, if that is possible. Even though she was a double amputee and no longer had either of her legs that did not keep her from running full speed into life. She expressed that her disability gave her courage and helped her to better see the importance of never giving up. She stated that, “Life goes on and it you don’t go with it you will get left behind”, and that has now become one of my favorite quotes.
Another person on the panel that really caught my attention was Eric. Eric did not allow for his disability to hold him back and even joked around with it. He seemed to be fully able with his current living situation and plans for the future with his recent engagement. I liked how when he was asked about what was hard about his disability, he answered, “My speech impediment, it makes it hard for me to keep up with my 50,000 screaming fans”. Again, like all the other members of the panel, he had a very positive outlook on the situation, and gave light to little things that most people take for granted, like the use of public transportation. Since in class we were not able to express what we thought of the presentation, I felt that this was my way of being able to do that.
Just when I thought I had a better grasp on the topic of disabilities, John and Brian came to speak with our class. Throughout the entire presentation I kept getting chills and smiles from the stories he shared loved being able to look over at Brian and see the joy he had for life. Recapping after that presentation, it was apparent that I was not alone from the impact those two had. I loved how they took something that most people are afraid of (or are even willing to eliminate) and embraced it to its fullest. Their story of going to the Special Olympics in Ireland was amazing to see how recreation really plays a role in everyone’s lives. Recreation and nonprofits can play a tremendous role in building an inclusive community for all by allowing more events, group gatherings, and activities such as this to take place and be implemented into more neighborhoods.
In reference to the topic of disabilities, actions that can be taken to develop more inclusive communities, is simply reaching out to all members. As Eric expressed, public transportation plays a vital role in his life and by reducing routes or taking it away all together, takes away members, such as Eric, from the community. This was also expressed by John when relating to the provisions people are putting on public school systems and the programs available for those with disabilities. It was seen that the work done through in class activities, helps students with disabilities to improve their functions, as well as continue to interact with other members of the community. It seems like certain programs, such as those relating to people with disabilities, are always the ones to be reevaluated or even cut when touch economic times hit, such as now. I feel that as students working to better public programs, it should be seen that if cuts have to be made, they should be equally distributed instead of simply taking from those who also play a role in our community. These thoughts were brought to the surface after sitting down and hearing from those who these kind of things effect.
I feel that by placing yourself in someone else’s shoes, and taking a walk around the block in them, better helps you to understand what life really has to offer. Before coming into this class, I never really thought of the topic of disabilities before and always saw everyone as people. I remember being younger and my 5th grade teacher had us all pair up with a student with disabilities and take walks with them at least once a week. Although some of them were not able to speak, they were all still fully able to live and communicate that with us. From that point on I stopped looking at them as disabled and started looking at them as a unique individual. I feel that this course and emphasis on disabilities has helped me to refresh that outlook on life and see people as able in their own unique way.
When the panel came to speak with us, I felt that their overall dynamic, input, and personalities really added to the whole experience and allowed for me to relate to them on a personal level. I enjoyed that each person had the same question to answer, and even though sometimes they gave the same responses, for the most part they all took to their disability in their own unique ways. Caryn Ellis’ outlook on the whole thing really made my heart smile, if that is possible. Even though she was a double amputee and no longer had either of her legs that did not keep her from running full speed into life. She expressed that her disability gave her courage and helped her to better see the importance of never giving up. She stated that, “Life goes on and it you don’t go with it you will get left behind”, and that has now become one of my favorite quotes.
Another person on the panel that really caught my attention was Eric. Eric did not allow for his disability to hold him back and even joked around with it. He seemed to be fully able with his current living situation and plans for the future with his recent engagement. I liked how when he was asked about what was hard about his disability, he answered, “My speech impediment, it makes it hard for me to keep up with my 50,000 screaming fans”. Again, like all the other members of the panel, he had a very positive outlook on the situation, and gave light to little things that most people take for granted, like the use of public transportation. Since in class we were not able to express what we thought of the presentation, I felt that this was my way of being able to do that.
Just when I thought I had a better grasp on the topic of disabilities, John and Brian came to speak with our class. Throughout the entire presentation I kept getting chills and smiles from the stories he shared loved being able to look over at Brian and see the joy he had for life. Recapping after that presentation, it was apparent that I was not alone from the impact those two had. I loved how they took something that most people are afraid of (or are even willing to eliminate) and embraced it to its fullest. Their story of going to the Special Olympics in Ireland was amazing to see how recreation really plays a role in everyone’s lives. Recreation and nonprofits can play a tremendous role in building an inclusive community for all by allowing more events, group gatherings, and activities such as this to take place and be implemented into more neighborhoods.
In reference to the topic of disabilities, actions that can be taken to develop more inclusive communities, is simply reaching out to all members. As Eric expressed, public transportation plays a vital role in his life and by reducing routes or taking it away all together, takes away members, such as Eric, from the community. This was also expressed by John when relating to the provisions people are putting on public school systems and the programs available for those with disabilities. It was seen that the work done through in class activities, helps students with disabilities to improve their functions, as well as continue to interact with other members of the community. It seems like certain programs, such as those relating to people with disabilities, are always the ones to be reevaluated or even cut when touch economic times hit, such as now. I feel that as students working to better public programs, it should be seen that if cuts have to be made, they should be equally distributed instead of simply taking from those who also play a role in our community. These thoughts were brought to the surface after sitting down and hearing from those who these kind of things effect.
I feel that by placing yourself in someone else’s shoes, and taking a walk around the block in them, better helps you to understand what life really has to offer. Before coming into this class, I never really thought of the topic of disabilities before and always saw everyone as people. I remember being younger and my 5th grade teacher had us all pair up with a student with disabilities and take walks with them at least once a week. Although some of them were not able to speak, they were all still fully able to live and communicate that with us. From that point on I stopped looking at them as disabled and started looking at them as a unique individual. I feel that this course and emphasis on disabilities has helped me to refresh that outlook on life and see people as able in their own unique way.
ADA Accessiblity Survey
MidFirst Bank
702 E. Thunderbird Road
Phoenix, AZ 85033
Purpose of Facility: To serve as a financial institution for the surrounding neighborhood.
Why I Choose the Facility: I choose this particular facility because it is where I currently work and I have seen the transformation of the existing building take place. The building use to be a bank years ago; however it was then turned into a radio station. After it was a radio station the current owners transformed the building, yet again, to become accessible as another financial institution and offers services to a variety of clientele. Another main reason I decided to choose this location was because of some of the customers I get to encounter on a day to day basis. Our location is within a retirement community, and a lot of our clients are elderly. We tend to see a lot of people who use canes, wheel chairs, and walkers and feel that the access at this location differs from other financial institution within the neighborhood.
Priority I:
Path of Travel/Ramps:
The alternate path of travel is also considered t be a ramp, however it is at a very low grade and can be more considered as an alternate path of travel.
• There is a path that does not require the use of stairs. It is at a very low grade and wraps around the fountain out in front of the building. I feel that this route is a nice alternative to the stairs for the fact that it has been seen as the “scenic route” and is used by many able bodied customers as well.
• The path of travel is stable firm and slip resistant. It is a textured non slip concrete that is wide enough for multiple people to use as well as wheel chairs. The path is at least 36 inches wide.
• There are no objects that hang over or carry into this path of travel. It is free from overgrown vegetation, gravel, and is able to be detected by someone who is visually impaired.
• The slopes of the ramps are no greater than 1:12 – it is actually less than 1 inch for every foot.
• The ramps are longer than 6 feet (as they wrap around the fountain structure) however with the low grade there is no need for railings.
• The railings for the stairs are very sturdy and are 36 inches high.
Parking and Drop Off Areas:• There are a total of 32 regular parking spaces for the facility with 2 accessible spaces located up front.
• The spaces are 16 feet wide and have at least a 98 inch vertical clearance for van-accessibility.
• The accessible spaces are located right next to the accessible entrance.
• The accessible spaces are clearly marked.
• There is no enforcement currently for the accessible parking, however I addressed the issue with our security guards and they have now made it part of their routine to check when people park in those spaces, when they go out to check the parking lot.
Entrance:
• There is an alternate path/ram to offer accessible access to the front entrance area, along with the few stairs located in the front of the building.
• There is only one entrance to the front of the building
• There are two double doors that are used to access the building and both are 33 inches wide. There is a person stationed at the front of the building who routinely opens the doors for all customers. We are expected to get a handicap accessible door opener button within the next month, due to the weight of the doors.
• The door handle is vertical and stretches for a majority of the length of the door, to be able to be accessed at any height.
• My one concern is the weight of the doors, they have an automatic open feature once the door has been slightly pulled or pushed, however they still are quite heavy.
Emergency Egress:
• All alarms have both flashing lights and audible signals.
• There is sufficient lighting throughout the building, outdoors, and along pathways.
Priority II: Access to Goods and Services
Horizontal Circulation/Rooms and Spaces:
• There is only one floor to the building; therefore the main accessible entrance allows access to the main floor.
• All public spaces are accessible paths of travel due to the open floor plan of the facility. Alternate hallways and pathways are 36 inches wide.
• There is a 5 foot circle or T-shaped space for a person using a wheelchair to reverse. The only concern I have with this is the L-shaped hallway that leads to the bathrooms, I feel that although it meets the 36 inch wide dimensions, the corner is hard to maneuver.
• There is minimal carpeting, the main floor is tile, however in the offices where there is carpeting is low and securely fastened.
• All items located within the lobby area are cane accessible and detectable.
• Proper signage is visible.
Doors:
• Doors into the building are each 33 inches wide. The doors to the offices within the building as 32 inches wide.
• On the ‘pull’ side of the doors, there is at least 18 inches of clear wall space.
• Inside doors can be opened without too much force; however the other doors take more force. There is a mechanism within the door that it will continue to open on its own once the initial force has been made.
• Door handles are at least 48 inches high (they extend vertically for the majority length of the door) and can be accessed with a closed fist.
Controls:
• All public accessible controls are located at a minimum of 48 inches and accessible. They are able to be located, controlled, and opened with a closed fist.
Seats, Tables, Counters:
• Aisles between chairs or tables are at least 36 inches; however in the “living room” of the lobby there is not a 36 inch space between the couch and coffee table. There is plenty of access room on the other perimeters, as well as access that is at least 36 inches to the other chairs.
• Space for wheelchair seating is located throughout the facility.
• The tops of banker desks are within 28 and 34 inches; however the teller line is slightly higher. There is one teller station counter that is 30 inches tall for customers who may be in a wheel chair or need a lower space.
• There is knee space available at each desk and sitting area.
Stairs:
There are four small stairs that are located at the front of the building, there are no stairs or elevated surfaces within the building itself.
• There are threads, carved indentations, to help provide a non slip surface for the outdoor stair access.
• Stairs have continuous rails on both sides with extensions at the top and bottom of the stairs.
**Vertical Circulation, Elevators, and Lifts do not apply to this building.
Priority III: Usability of Rest Rooms
Getting to the Rest Room:
• There is a male and female restroom located within the facility. Each rest room has two stalls total and one is fully accessible. Signs clearly state on the outside of each restroom, as well as the inside, that the one is fully accessible.
Doorways and Passages:
• There is proper signage that clearly marks and identifies the restroom. The signs incorporate symbols, text, and brail.
• The doorway is 33 inches wide.
• The ‘push’ side of the door does not have a handle and the ‘pull’ side of the door does. The handle is located at the proper height, and can be accessed with a closed fist.
• Doors can be opened easily with no extensive force. Handicap accessible buttons are planned to be installed within the next few months as well.
• I do not feel the entry configuration doe not all or adequate maneuvering.
• There is a 36 inch wide path to all fixtures.
Stalls:
• Stall doors, inside and out, are fully operational with a closed fist.
• There is wheelchair access to the stall. The stall is 6 feet by 6 feet with plenty of access to maneuver around the swinging door.
• There are railing located all around the toilet to allow access for those who need assistance.
• The toilet is 17 inches high.
Lavatories:
• The sinks are accessible and are at the proper height for a wheelchair to access. The bottom of the sink is left open for the chair to be able to pull forward and access the automated sinks and soap dispensers (which can be utilized with a closed fist).
• The hand towels are accessible and 48 inches up off of the ground.
• The mirror is at the same height as the sink and counters and extends to the top of the room.
Priority IV: Additional Access
Drinking Fountains:
• There are only two drinking fountains and one is accessible. It has clear floor space and is 36 inches from the ground.
• Controls are mounted at the front of the fountain and allows for easy access and control.
*There are no public service telephones; however there are bank phones that can be used by customers. These are located at banker’s desks and counters, which are fully accessible to all.
702 E. Thunderbird Road
Phoenix, AZ 85033
Purpose of Facility: To serve as a financial institution for the surrounding neighborhood.
Why I Choose the Facility: I choose this particular facility because it is where I currently work and I have seen the transformation of the existing building take place. The building use to be a bank years ago; however it was then turned into a radio station. After it was a radio station the current owners transformed the building, yet again, to become accessible as another financial institution and offers services to a variety of clientele. Another main reason I decided to choose this location was because of some of the customers I get to encounter on a day to day basis. Our location is within a retirement community, and a lot of our clients are elderly. We tend to see a lot of people who use canes, wheel chairs, and walkers and feel that the access at this location differs from other financial institution within the neighborhood.
Priority I:
Path of Travel/Ramps:
The alternate path of travel is also considered t be a ramp, however it is at a very low grade and can be more considered as an alternate path of travel.
• There is a path that does not require the use of stairs. It is at a very low grade and wraps around the fountain out in front of the building. I feel that this route is a nice alternative to the stairs for the fact that it has been seen as the “scenic route” and is used by many able bodied customers as well.
• The path of travel is stable firm and slip resistant. It is a textured non slip concrete that is wide enough for multiple people to use as well as wheel chairs. The path is at least 36 inches wide.
• There are no objects that hang over or carry into this path of travel. It is free from overgrown vegetation, gravel, and is able to be detected by someone who is visually impaired.
• The slopes of the ramps are no greater than 1:12 – it is actually less than 1 inch for every foot.
• The ramps are longer than 6 feet (as they wrap around the fountain structure) however with the low grade there is no need for railings.
• The railings for the stairs are very sturdy and are 36 inches high.
Parking and Drop Off Areas:• There are a total of 32 regular parking spaces for the facility with 2 accessible spaces located up front.
• The spaces are 16 feet wide and have at least a 98 inch vertical clearance for van-accessibility.
• The accessible spaces are located right next to the accessible entrance.
• The accessible spaces are clearly marked.
• There is no enforcement currently for the accessible parking, however I addressed the issue with our security guards and they have now made it part of their routine to check when people park in those spaces, when they go out to check the parking lot.
Entrance:
• There is an alternate path/ram to offer accessible access to the front entrance area, along with the few stairs located in the front of the building.
• There is only one entrance to the front of the building
• There are two double doors that are used to access the building and both are 33 inches wide. There is a person stationed at the front of the building who routinely opens the doors for all customers. We are expected to get a handicap accessible door opener button within the next month, due to the weight of the doors.
• The door handle is vertical and stretches for a majority of the length of the door, to be able to be accessed at any height.
• My one concern is the weight of the doors, they have an automatic open feature once the door has been slightly pulled or pushed, however they still are quite heavy.
Emergency Egress:
• All alarms have both flashing lights and audible signals.
• There is sufficient lighting throughout the building, outdoors, and along pathways.
Priority II: Access to Goods and Services
Horizontal Circulation/Rooms and Spaces:
• There is only one floor to the building; therefore the main accessible entrance allows access to the main floor.
• All public spaces are accessible paths of travel due to the open floor plan of the facility. Alternate hallways and pathways are 36 inches wide.
• There is a 5 foot circle or T-shaped space for a person using a wheelchair to reverse. The only concern I have with this is the L-shaped hallway that leads to the bathrooms, I feel that although it meets the 36 inch wide dimensions, the corner is hard to maneuver.
• There is minimal carpeting, the main floor is tile, however in the offices where there is carpeting is low and securely fastened.
• All items located within the lobby area are cane accessible and detectable.
• Proper signage is visible.
Doors:
• Doors into the building are each 33 inches wide. The doors to the offices within the building as 32 inches wide.
• On the ‘pull’ side of the doors, there is at least 18 inches of clear wall space.
• Inside doors can be opened without too much force; however the other doors take more force. There is a mechanism within the door that it will continue to open on its own once the initial force has been made.
• Door handles are at least 48 inches high (they extend vertically for the majority length of the door) and can be accessed with a closed fist.
Controls:
• All public accessible controls are located at a minimum of 48 inches and accessible. They are able to be located, controlled, and opened with a closed fist.
Seats, Tables, Counters:
• Aisles between chairs or tables are at least 36 inches; however in the “living room” of the lobby there is not a 36 inch space between the couch and coffee table. There is plenty of access room on the other perimeters, as well as access that is at least 36 inches to the other chairs.
• Space for wheelchair seating is located throughout the facility.
• The tops of banker desks are within 28 and 34 inches; however the teller line is slightly higher. There is one teller station counter that is 30 inches tall for customers who may be in a wheel chair or need a lower space.
• There is knee space available at each desk and sitting area.
Stairs:
There are four small stairs that are located at the front of the building, there are no stairs or elevated surfaces within the building itself.
• There are threads, carved indentations, to help provide a non slip surface for the outdoor stair access.
• Stairs have continuous rails on both sides with extensions at the top and bottom of the stairs.
**Vertical Circulation, Elevators, and Lifts do not apply to this building.
Priority III: Usability of Rest Rooms
Getting to the Rest Room:
• There is a male and female restroom located within the facility. Each rest room has two stalls total and one is fully accessible. Signs clearly state on the outside of each restroom, as well as the inside, that the one is fully accessible.
Doorways and Passages:
• There is proper signage that clearly marks and identifies the restroom. The signs incorporate symbols, text, and brail.
• The doorway is 33 inches wide.
• The ‘push’ side of the door does not have a handle and the ‘pull’ side of the door does. The handle is located at the proper height, and can be accessed with a closed fist.
• Doors can be opened easily with no extensive force. Handicap accessible buttons are planned to be installed within the next few months as well.
• I do not feel the entry configuration doe not all or adequate maneuvering.
• There is a 36 inch wide path to all fixtures.
Stalls:
• Stall doors, inside and out, are fully operational with a closed fist.
• There is wheelchair access to the stall. The stall is 6 feet by 6 feet with plenty of access to maneuver around the swinging door.
• There are railing located all around the toilet to allow access for those who need assistance.
• The toilet is 17 inches high.
Lavatories:
• The sinks are accessible and are at the proper height for a wheelchair to access. The bottom of the sink is left open for the chair to be able to pull forward and access the automated sinks and soap dispensers (which can be utilized with a closed fist).
• The hand towels are accessible and 48 inches up off of the ground.
• The mirror is at the same height as the sink and counters and extends to the top of the room.
Priority IV: Additional Access
Drinking Fountains:
• There are only two drinking fountains and one is accessible. It has clear floor space and is 36 inches from the ground.
• Controls are mounted at the front of the fountain and allows for easy access and control.
*There are no public service telephones; however there are bank phones that can be used by customers. These are located at banker’s desks and counters, which are fully accessible to all.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Being an Ally
There have been many topics, discussions, and guest speakers throughout the first half of the semester; all of which have talked about the importance of being inclusive and accepting diversity. All have made some very distinguishing points and a few have caused some “A-Ha” moments to take place. However, none have predominantly stuck out to me as much as the lecture on being an ally.
Being an ally is not just about supporting a certain issue, cause or topic, it is about raising awareness and educating yourself as well as others. It is about bringing a call to action and creating a safe and supportive environment. “An ally is a person who is a member of the dominate group who works to end oppression in his or her own personal and professional life by supporting and advocating with the oppressed population” (Ramella). There is a vast population of people who are considered to be oppressed or counted out based on their differences. In the civil service type of field, it is important to be inclusive and work towards breaking down barriers that prevent that from happening. Actions that can be taken to break down those barriers and create a more accepting environment are to first bring about awareness and educate. I feel that education in itself causes awareness and allows people to become more consciously competent.
An example of awareness and education pairing up to create a more inclusive environment and society has been the recent campaign to eliminate the “r-word” from societal use. I was sent a link to the campaigns website in an email and checked it out for myself. While reading through the various stories and information I found that by putting myself in another person’s shoes was definitely a means of awareness. I personally have never been nor had someone in my immediate family that had a physical or mental disability; however, I know that I have used the “r-word” myself a few times and never thought much of it. After talking to some people who have someone in their life that word effects (even if it is not used directly towards them) it still hurts the individual and even their family. Becoming an ally for a campaign such as this, can first start by educating yourself, eliminating the word from your own vocabulary and then informing others of the repercussions it has. By just igniting one spark, it can help to fuel the fire to burning down the barriers that keep people apart.
I feel that while working to obtain a Bachelors in recreation and tourism with a minor in nonprofit, it is imperative to become allies with those we work with. We are to work towards bringing about social change and impartiality, whether through the initial organizations we are involved in or simply through the people we meet along our career path. Being an ally means becoming a friend, and friendship is something to stand up for.
Works Cited:
Power Point Presentation
Ramella, K. Building Allies.
Being an ally is not just about supporting a certain issue, cause or topic, it is about raising awareness and educating yourself as well as others. It is about bringing a call to action and creating a safe and supportive environment. “An ally is a person who is a member of the dominate group who works to end oppression in his or her own personal and professional life by supporting and advocating with the oppressed population” (Ramella). There is a vast population of people who are considered to be oppressed or counted out based on their differences. In the civil service type of field, it is important to be inclusive and work towards breaking down barriers that prevent that from happening. Actions that can be taken to break down those barriers and create a more accepting environment are to first bring about awareness and educate. I feel that education in itself causes awareness and allows people to become more consciously competent.
An example of awareness and education pairing up to create a more inclusive environment and society has been the recent campaign to eliminate the “r-word” from societal use. I was sent a link to the campaigns website in an email and checked it out for myself. While reading through the various stories and information I found that by putting myself in another person’s shoes was definitely a means of awareness. I personally have never been nor had someone in my immediate family that had a physical or mental disability; however, I know that I have used the “r-word” myself a few times and never thought much of it. After talking to some people who have someone in their life that word effects (even if it is not used directly towards them) it still hurts the individual and even their family. Becoming an ally for a campaign such as this, can first start by educating yourself, eliminating the word from your own vocabulary and then informing others of the repercussions it has. By just igniting one spark, it can help to fuel the fire to burning down the barriers that keep people apart.
I feel that while working to obtain a Bachelors in recreation and tourism with a minor in nonprofit, it is imperative to become allies with those we work with. We are to work towards bringing about social change and impartiality, whether through the initial organizations we are involved in or simply through the people we meet along our career path. Being an ally means becoming a friend, and friendship is something to stand up for.
Works Cited:
Power Point Presentation
Ramella, K. Building Allies.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
What Makes Me, Me.
This assignment should be easy. It should be easy to talk about yourself, because no one knows you better than you, right? Well out of my four years of college, I have found my most difficult assignments to be the ones where I must talk about myself, including this one. I have never thought of myself as diverse, but when I took the time to reflect upon it I found that it was the characteristics that I thought made me “plain” are actually the ones that make me stand out.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION:
My name is Kaleigh and I am BORN and RAISED in Arizona. Being a native to Phoenix is something that I always thought everyone living here was. In elementary school that is what seemed to be the trend, and even all the way through high school. I always thought the kids that moved to Phoenix were the minorities; however I have come to learn that the minority is really me. Entering into college and into a diverse work field, I have come to meet so many people from all over the United States. At first I could not understand why anyone would move to Arizona on purpose, yet after hearing from people who are from the Midwest or back East, I can start to see why and have grown a greater appreciation for where I am from. Also, a sad fact that definitely makes me diverse, especially knowing that I have lived in Arizona for almost 22 years is that I have yet to see the Grand Canyon.
FAMILY:
Family is a HUGE part of my life and I am so grateful for every member of my ever so growing tree. Now knowing that I am a native of Arizona I must also say that I am a first generation Arizonan too. My dad was born and raised in Colorado while my mom was born in Illinois; however, it was the Arizona desert that brought them together 30 years ago. They have been married now for 25 years (this March) and continue to lay a solid foundation for me and my brother. I have come to learn and see that lasting marriages have started to become a decreasing trend, and the fact that I am fortunate enough to still have the same parents makes me diverse. In our family of four I am the oldest sibling and I have a younger brother who has grown to be one of my best friends. Do not get me wrong, growing up we would fight like all siblings do and our mom would always tell us that we would love each other one day, and she was right. I am so fortunate to have him as well as each one of my family members in my life.
RELIGIOUS BELIEFS:
Last but not least, something that I feel sets me apart is my religious beliefs. I have grown up being a Christian, going to Sunday school, and learning God’s word. In high school I got burn out on the routine of going to church on Sundays. I did not give up God, but I did give up on going to church each week. During this time my parents never once pushed or pressured me into going, and let me learn and grow on my own, something I am very grateful for. As I went through this growing process I started to feel myself disconnect and I did not like it. I wanted to be able to go to church, understand God's word, and have a relationship with Him because I wanted to and not because I had to. After graduating and entering into college I started to look at the whole religion idea as more of a label and not really as a belief. I still consider myself a Christian in a sense that I go off the teachings of the bible and Jesus Christ, but I see all of it more as a relationship with God and not just a religious title or label.
Through this I have grown so much more in my faith and have been blessed to share that with so many other people. Towards the end of my sophomore year of college, I was asked to join an organization called Young Life, and I have been hooked ever since. It gives me the opportunities to continue to grow myself with amazing peers who share the same beliefs, as well as to share the good news with kids who may have never heard of Jesus Christ as something other than a curse word. I have learned that even though I have taken a few detours off the path of my walk with Christ, I have learned that I have never once been alone. It has taken me to the limits of asking “why” and learning to understand things on my own; all of which all goes back to my foundation of family and their ability to help me understand without ever forcing me to.
All in all I know there are many other factors that make me diverse, however these three things, especially my family and religious beliefs, are the ones that I feel most prevail in my life. I hope that whoever had the opportunity to read just a little bit about me got see just a glimpse of what sets me apart, because I know I did.
