DSNI

     Holding Ground - The Rebirth of Dudley Street film is a film about hope in a community where all hope was gone.  The film showed Dudley Street when it was at it's finest with jobs and wealthy white and irish middle/upper class people.  The movie went on to show how when the jobs started leaving the city the wealthy people were also leaving following the jobs or getting married and moving away.  This left the land vacant and left a lot of home abandoned which then gave the area the name of "the ghetto".  There were programs that were going on then that were giving help to the whites to move into the suburbs, but help wasn't given to the blacks, to help them get into the white suburb.  Instead the blacks were more pulled to moving into the community that the whites had abandoned.  Immigrants from Africa, spanish speaking countries, and people from down south were moving north and into the Dudley Street area because they could afford it but what they were investing in was really damaged and the community was looked down upon.  One of the people mentioned that the "root issue is racism" by the banks and them not helping out the blacks.
     With all the issues that the community was seeing going on they decided to create a collaborative leadership type of community.  Which helps within a community that is trying to work as one to make a difference and this helps because with this type of leadership "everyone is on an equal footing and working together to solve a problem and create something new..." (CommunityToolBox)  Like most organizations in the 1960s and 70s, the DSNI had "involvement of the citizens...involvement of low-income people in organization decision making." (Hardina)  Those are some of the positive and successful things i saw that the community did on approaching the issue and trying to resolve it.  They got the community members involved and three from each nationality so that the point would get across to all the community members in a language and manner they understood.  In the film they mentioned how difference can only be made when everyone from where the problem is participates and the programs in Holding Ground the "programs were...operated by community-based 'action' agencies that include members of the target population on organization boards and in other decision-making roles." (Hardina, 13)  Again at the meeting once community members began to volunteer and help out thats when change came about.  
     At the end of the film some differences that begin to see was change, that from the community stepping up and going after what they wanted made a difference.  For example, when the got to lock up the dumping zone that was in their neighborhood by a company, and when they tried to buy a certain part of Dorchester/Roxbury which had the most opened land but a lot of homes were owned by different private owners, at first one believed that buying the houses would create a profit later or make a difference.  And when the community faced a down point in funds everyone lost hope except the community and because of this at the end they were able to get enough funds/loan to buy the houses renovate and sell it to new home owners of their community.

     This film showed how a little hope can go a long way.

PS. One thing that stood out to me was the boy/guy who was standing in front of the mural and said to the camera guy to look around that he was the only camera guy there filming the positive things that were going on.  But that if he had just gotten shot there would've been like five more camera people there filming trying to get the details.  He also mentioned how the media doesn't like reporting the positive going on in a community but once something negative happens they are all there to report and I thought that was interesting for him to say because that is completely true in most communities that are looked down upon.

Historical Change Agent

“Equal means getting the same thing, at the same time and in the same place." 

                  - Thurgood Marshall

Thurgood Marshall is “the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States” and was a civil rights activist. (biography.com)  Marshall was born in Maryland in July of 1908, he graduated high school in 1925 and then went to Lincoln University where Langston Hughes and other famous Black leaders also attended.  When Marshall got denied admissions into the University of Maryland Law School in 1930, this is what ignited his passion for creating justice and started to look at ways to change from “separate but equal” (chmn.gmu.edu).  Marshall got his law degree from Howard University in 1933, Marshall’s first success at delegating and paving the way for upcoming black youths to go to the school they would to attend came in 1933 when he sued the University of Maryland for not admitting African Americans into their school because of their race even though they were well prepared youths. 

Marshall fought for the rights for those who were of the minority and being oppressed.  Marshall had a good record with the Supreme court, when he was appointed to the U.S. Courts of appeals for the Second Circuit he wrote over 150 decisions and none of the 98 majority decision he made were ever reversed. (chmn.gmu.edu)  Marshall made change on a complete macro level he tried to ensure that equality was being created.  He had studied The Constitutions as a child in school as punishment.  Marshall’s number constitution that he abides by is the 14^th Amendment which is that all citizens of the US, that “no state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the priviledges or immunities of the citizens of the US” (law.cornell.edu).  Marshall has become underrated when looked at with his counterparts; he isn’t well known as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X.  He was also a civil rights crusader that went under recognized.  

Thurgood Marshall is known for his activism and law changing.  In his lifetime he won many cases and many which are now also in books, such as the victory of Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, Murray vs. Pearson, Smith vs. Allwright and plenty others which all dealt with the racial inequalities African Americans faced.

Contemporary Change Agent

At only 23 years of age Andrew Gillum “became the youngest person ever elected to the Tallahassee City Commission” (TalGov.com, 2).  Andrew Gillum was born in Miami, Florida in July of 1979; he was the fifth of seven children (TalGov.com).  Since a young age, even younger than 23 he has always been in the eye and attention of being recognized as someone who is creating change, and doing for others.  He graduated from high school in 1998 as the student body president and right after graduating he was awarded the “Person of the Year” award by the Gainesville Sun (Gainesville city’s local newspaper).  Gillum was known for inspiring people and always thinking politically and for change.   Gillum went on to college and attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), “where he became the president of the Student Government Association and also a member of the university’s Board of Trustees” (Scott, C., 2010). 

The "Historic March on Tallahassee"

Now let’s think back to 2000, when George W. Bush was running for President of the United States and his brother Jeb Bush was the governor of Florida, when the election came in November and after votes were in there was a big debate about if the brother, Jed Bush, had something to do with the extremely high votes in Florida, for his brother, George W. Bush.  Besides that big debate going on Gillum was a member of the people who took part in the “historic March on Tallahassee in protest of Governor Jeb Bush’s executive order to abolish affirmative action in state university admission and state contracting” (TalGov.com).  Gillum was one of the people who addressed the election violation in Florida and who organized the march that took place in Florida.  Gillum stood up for what he believed in and he sure enough got enough believers and followers to follow him and create a riot that received attention.  He was recognized for his braveness and advocacy, he was praised by being recognized as a top student leader in the country by the Center of Policy Alternatives (TalGov.com).  Gillum always strived for change on a macro level; he always focused on helping out on more than just his city issues but more of a states issue. 

In 2002 while still in college the commissioners in Florida were recognizing him, and at this point he was offered and took the position at the Florida Field Organizer as the Field Organizer with People For the American Way Foundation (PFAWF).  That same yea Gillum led the largest get-out-the-vote campaign in Florida’s history.  Get out the vote is a campaign to try and get voting numbers to increase and to get more people involved in what happens to them and their society.  “In 2003, the Florida Democratic Party recruited Gillum” (TalGov.com) and it’s crazy how a young, black, yet to graduate college student is sought out to become a director for something the state is doing.  This just goes to show that age and race do not stand against you if you strive to create change and overcome obstacles.

Besides making change at a state level Gillum did a lot of his community.  He took part in “the Nims Middle School Digital Harmony Pilot Program, the Landlord Tenant Mediation Program, the Code Enforcement Amnesty Program, and the creation of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Park” (PFAW.org).  On a larger scale he founded the PFAWF Young Elected Officials program, which helps to unite elected officials who are 35 years old and under (PFAW.org) is a network and system that allows the people to connect and communicate between each other and bounce off ideas.  Because of Gillum being involved with PFAWF he has helped the program to evolve and is now a national network that now links all these young elected officials together, which helps to create better, well rounded policies.  Besides all the local organizations he’s involved with he also is “on the Board of Directors for The Schott Foundation for Public Education in Cambridge, MA, and the Black Youth Vote Coalition… in Washington, DC” (TalGov.com).  Most of the projects that Gillum got involved in involved getting people involved and taking action within their community, in his later works he really started to think and work with teens in an underserved and overlooked community.  For example, the Nims Middle School Digital Harmony Initiative is/was a program created to give a school that was underserved more technology and things that regular schools had but this school didn’t.  The Nims school was a failing school and had nothing technological in it and the students were failing almost all around academically.  The program was to bring technology into the school and giving and putting computer into the homes of the students, who were in the sixth grade and went to this school, the goal of this was to see how technology makes a difference in a child’s academic progress and skills (nimstech…).  The school was one of many successes Gillam was involved in.  His contributions continue to grow since he is still in a seat in Florida and that I last read in 2010 was running to become the head of Florida’s Democratic Party. 

We Don't Understand the Problem.

Potential Problems in Macro Social Work Practice:
     A common problem that I really believe in that Social Workers come across in both Macro and Micro Practice is that (problem one) We don't understand the problem or goal.  This is a big problem because when we do not know what the actual problem is in a situation it means that we are going to keep on working in a  circle because the "problem"/"issue" we are working on isn't really what needs to be worked on to get to the root cause.
     I am going to focus on using the "But Why?" technique and looking for the root cause of a problem/issue, so that we may get to a definite solution.  Asking this question helps to get a look at how and "why the problem has developed."  It is important to ask "but why" once we think we have found the issue, because it forces a person to think deeper into what has allowed or caused this problem to come about and get to the point where it is at now.  There is a need to identify the root causes, so that we can know the real cause of the problem.  Because if we try to solve the problem without having a clue of what may have caused it, it is really pointless and a waste of time because then we would just be working in a circle.  We would be working in a circle because once we think we have solved and worked on the problem we are back at square one because there's a problem still there (problem two, we work around the problem avoid the bigger picture).  We need to look at the bigger picture to help the smaller one.  "By experiencing the problem you will understand it better and be motivated to deal with it."  This quote is kind of like working for a client whom has a different culture, belief or background than the worker.  The worker in this situation should really do some background research to find information on how this person functions because of their culture or whatever it may be, to better understand them.  Just like with the problem, if you are in the middle of it or put yourself in a position where you have to deal with it also you are more opt to find a reason for the cause of it.  The "But Why?" technique comes into the picture when you are working with a client and they are giving you simple answers (like a yes or no question) and then you ask why to get a further/deeper understanding of why they think whatever is happening because of whatever.

An example that I found from my reading was this :  

"A child has an infected foot.

Q: But why?
A. She stepped on broken glass while walking.

Q: Could that have been prevented?
A. Yes.

Q: How?
A. She could have been wearing shoes.

Q: But why doesn't the child have shoes?
A. Because the family can't afford shoes.

Q. But why?
A. The father or mother has no job.

Q. But why?
(and so forth)"

     By continuing and asking why it allows the worker to get a better understand as to why this situation even happened.  If the worker had just stopped at "She could have been wearing shoes" and given the child shoes, that would have solved the problem for the moment but what about three months down the line if the same thing happens again, the worker can't keep giving the child shoes.  But with asking the but why you continue to get a deeper and deeper answer as to how the problem is created.

With the image to the left it shows a doctor who is looking at the problem.  To me it depicts that there is always something between the worker and issue.  There's something in between that caused the problem and you really have to take a deeper look into the situation to see the problem.It's like if the doctor wasn't looking into that ear thing and was just looking at the ear with a naked eye it wouldn't have seen the problem, but because it's looking at it through this smaller lens it has found the problem.

     Another interesting thing I read, which I had kind of figured was the the people who are affected by the problem should be included in the process of finding the root cause (problem three we do not always include the client or those affected), because when them speaking out of what they see or feel is the problem it allows one to get a different point of view than from being an outsider looking in.

     The final slide and picture that I found (off of Google Images) was the one below, although it was created for businesses it helps to working with finding the problem in any situation just tweak some of the words.

FINAL WORDS:
If you remember nothing from this blog remember these couple of things:

1. Always question the answer
2. Always question the possible solution

 This will always help to get a deeper meaning of any situation.

 Review: Three Potential Problems:
        1.  Not understanding the problem and/or goal.
        2.  Focusing on the wrong problem, not the bigger picture.  Not solving actual problem.  Sometimes overlooking the actual issues.
        3.  Not involving the clients in out work to solve the problem and getting their feedback. 

Information that is quoted is from:
1.  domain., t. U., Lopez, C., & Fawcett, S. (n.d.). Analyzing Root Causes of Problems: The "But Why?" Technique. Community Toolbox - Bringing Solutions to Light. Retrieved February 13, 2012, from http://ctb.ku.edu/en/tablecontents/sub_section_main_1128.aspx
2.  Images are from random Google Images search

Interview: Macro Practice

      Deciding who to choose to interview for this assignment was a bit difficult, but since I found myself sitting at my internship with nothing to do I decided I'd go around and interview some of the workers there.

Interviewer 1 - My Supervisor MSW (recently earned)

Interviewer 2 - Supervisors CoWorker (working on MSW)

Interviewer 3 - Unit Supervisor MSW (earned awhile ago)

      I interviewed my supervisor (interview 1), her coworker (interview 2) who is going for her masters, and then the units supervisor (interview 3).  Oh yeah for those who do not know or remember my internship this semester is at the DCF office in Brockton and I am part of one of the many ongoing units there.  Below the answers to the questions are not answered or written in the order in which they were asked of us on the paper.
     All three of the Social Workers mentioned how macro practice is not used at the DCF office, that the only way they ever use macro practice is when they are implementing what they have learned and the policies.  When it came down to what activities they use to incorporate macro practice they really didn't have much to say.  Drew a blank.  Also all three of the interviewees mentioned that macro practice is about policy, but besides that Interviewer 1 said that macro practice is "working within the larger system, the community, and organizations within a certain community. Macro social work is also advocating for clients that are within the community at the state and federal level for a change in policies".  She just got her MSW so that's why I think she was directly on with her answer. Interviewer 3 said almost the same thing and that is about the "bigger picture of systems" and interviewer 2 said that its of policies, "politics, social work world instead of individual" I believe she used simple terms because she is just learning of social work since her bachelor's is in Criminal Justice.   What's sad it that between all three of the Social Workers they said that they use macro practice 3% - no more than 50% of the time during the week and that if it wasn't for following the policies, as in if it came down to how much they do to help create the policies and work with the bigger picture this percent went down to 0% of the time to 20% of the time.  When it came down to leadership skills that's required to be a successful macro practice worker all the interviewee's had a lot to say, but then it made me wonder how come they wouldn't consider themselves to be a successful worker in macro practice.  Interviewer 1 said that they need to have good verbal, listening, and communication skills because of the type of people you are dealing with.  Also that you need to be convincing, reliable and trustworthy so you can advocate for your clients.  Interviewer 2 mentioned that you really need to know the social policies and reasons behind why they were created and how they help.  Interviewer 3 said that one must always be able to see the bigger picture and the better results come from this who know why certain things were done/created so that one is able to explain to their clients, must know and understand goals and reason for the goals and also to be able to convey whoever is questioning why whatever is done.   They all had good answers but said they would not consider themselves a macro practice worker.
     Overall I thought that the workers answers were ok I really was expecting more since they are more experienced but I think with years of being out of school you do lose the knowledge if you do not use it.  I say this because the best answers came from interviewee 1 who just got out of school.  Another reason I say this is because like in my blog video I said that before starting this class that I thought the DCF office was just a micro practice but since taking this class I have learned that it is also a macro practice place because we constantly deal with the community, with outside resources, with helping clients find assistance within the community and macro practice isn't all about policy but about growth and development and with reaching outside the DCF office for support that is growth.  With all the readings we've read they all spoke about working within the community and most didn't really mention policies but instead mentioned the issues that the macro workers worked on to help address, for example, like they say a person sometimes are a product of their environment, so one must work to change or look for changes that can be made in the environment to help the client.


Pictures provided by Google Images and clearly are not the actual workers but celebrity.

Saul D. Alinsky

Saul D. Alinsky

The Back of the Yards Neighborhood Counsel strike, 1939

     "The Democratic Process" is about Saul Alinksy working towards organizing communities to support negros towards working, getting involved, and making demands for their communities. Mr Alinsky was born in Chicago in the early 20th century. In the 1930s he graduated with a bachelors in Criminal Justice. After getting his degree he worked alot with youths in their communities, also working with juveniles he gained experience working with the under privileged. During that time in Chicago wages were cut three times in one year.  Main focus in the era and time was that communities were to work and come together to create social justice through American Democracy. Alinsky went on to create The Back of the Yards Neighborhood Counsels in 1939 which showed the way to organize a community and it created a welfare station cut in morality rate by half.  Right when the BYNC was created a strike broke out.  Other committees were also created in this time frame to create community organization, such as International Areas Foundation (IAF). Alinsneky died on June 12, 1972, he was 63 at the time and died of a heart attack.

Sara Rice

     Saul Alinsky's key focus was always on community organizing.  His campaigns main principle was on bringing the black and white community together and to get them to share amongst themselves.  Also advocating for the black community to go after what they deserve and rightfully should get, they have a "right to a job".  He was interested in an organization that was involved in all sectors.  Saul was also focused on "revolution not revalation".  He wanted to make changes from the bigger side of the picture.  He focused on the greater community than the individual members in the community.  Saul's brother David mentioned in the video that "Sara Rice (his mother) motivated him, that it's the responsibilty of individuals to be responsible for other individuals and you just can't walk away when you see something that's not right".  Alinsky had said that "social justice can be changed through American Democracy" and that "you can't get change for social justice without confronting it".  Two theories that one could say is related to Alinsky and his beliefs are: the theories of social organization and social change for the first one and theories of economic growth and development.   The reasons for those two are given directly in the title, which were the direct ways that Alinsky was trying to work with communities.  Alinsky was on the constant move of talking to people whether at colleges, debates, or even just meetings he was really out trying to spread the word of change and organizing to come together.  Malcolm X himself said that Alinsky knows about organizing.  Alinsky believed that his organizations were creating a way, a way for those to come.

Some really interesting words that I got from the films are as followed:

• What can this white man do for black liberty?
• Black Power spells FIGHT
• Hell with charity, you'll get what you're strong enough to get.
• Real education from work on the street.
• Only contribution Kodak made to race relations was with making colored films.

     This film was a bit boring, but it taught me that macro practice doesn't have to be something of a broad topic but that instead you can tune your energy in on just focusing on one topic.  It taught me that for something to be macro it just has to affect more than 10 people.  This video also taught me that macro practice isn't always about just policy but of making change on a larger scale that individually.  It also showed me that when working on a macro level scale it is always helpful to have more that a couple of people working with you but it is good to know what you are after so you can be specific and explain it to those whom are interested.

Pictures provided by Google Images

My Quest Strength

My Strength Quest:

• RELATOR - pulls you toward people you already know;  You do not necessarily shy away from meeting new people, but you do derive a great deal of pleasure and strength from being around your close friends.   a relationship has value only if it is genuine.

• RESPONSIBILITY - you take psychological ownership for anything you commit to, and whether large or small, you feel emotionally bound to follow it through to completion.  Your willingness to volunteer may sometimes lead you to take on more than you should.
•                             
• CONNECTEDNESS -  Things happen for a reason. You are sure of it.  Yes, we are individuals, responsible for our own judgments and in possession of our own free will, but nonetheless we are part of something larger.

INCLUDER -  actively avoid those groups that exclude others. Regardless of race or sex or nationality or personality or faith, you cast few judgments. We are all equally important.

• IDEATION - You are delighted when you discover beneath the complex surface an elegantly simple concept to explain why things are the way they are. An idea is a connection.   You revel in taking the world we all know and turning it around so we can view it from a  strange but strangely enlightening angle. 

Those were the definitions/descriptions i choose to use from the test that i really felt were true and great a describing.  i wish i would have taken this test when we were creating blog post one so i could post these things about my type of personality.

• i usually don't take those types of test cause usually they give the most bizarre answers one could think of.  not sure or what else we are suppose to say about the test, but i believe this one was really accurate, but long.          

All the images in this blog were found on google images from searching the word they go with.