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About Me
- MC Santana
- I am a positive person with a lot of energy. I like to meet different people and enjoy learning about other communities and places. I love to travel. I usually travel abroad once or twice a year.
My time doing service learning hours with Animal Safehouse was an extremely positive experience. I learned a great deal not only about the organization, but also the role of pets in domestic violence situations. I was unaware of how prevalent animals are used as instruments of control to keep victims of domestic violence in abusive situations. The service that Animal Safehouse provides is so incredible, seeing how only two domestic violence shelters in the state of Florida allow for pets. Many people were unaware of the abuse pets face in domestic violence situations, and were very supportive of what Animal Safehouse does. I hope that as the organization gains more publicity, people will start to be more active in the fight against domestic violence. It was great being able to promote Animal Safehouse to others, and gain a broader understanding of the dimensions of domestic violence, which has allowed me to able to have more knowledge to be active in ending intimate partner violence of all kinds. I want to possibly try and start a similar organization that fosters pets upon my return to South Florida.
ReplyDeleteService Learning Hours Log:
Service Learning Coordinator: Abigail Malick
Tabling at the Social Workers Conference: Four Hours, 5/21/10, 8am-12PM
Setting up artwork at Logan's Bistro: Three Hours, 5/24/10, 3pm-6pm
Searching for a storage facility for Animal Safehouse: One Hour 11am-12pm
Promoting Art Show through different communities: 6/19/10, 1pm-2pm One hour
Art Show @ Logan's Bistro: 6/30/10, 6pm-10pm, Four Hours. I have committed to this date to earn the hours, this has been approved by Abigal Malick.
Total Hours: 13 Hours
Service Learning Log
ReplyDeleteMay 18, 2010 4:00-6:00pm
Feminist Agenda Radio Show: meeting with new head of radio show Dominique Gelin, discussed summer shows, change in day and time of the show
May 26, 2010 4:00-6:00pm
Feminist Agenda Radio Show: meeting with new crew for the summer session including Dominique and Josh who have decided to work together to control the show, discuss the topics for the up coming shows during the summer and possible outlines of the shows
May 31, 2010 5:00-6:00pm
Feminist Agenda Radio Show: worked on looking up new music, look up authors for our weekly summer book club segment.
June 1, 2010 4:00-6:00pm
Feminist Agenda Radio Show: meeting to talk about the first show and to solidify outline for the first show. Also discussed technical difficulties that the studio told us that they were experiencing. Also discussed how because of difficulty that we would be continuing the show during summer B
May 24, 2010 3:00-6:00pm
Animal Safehouse: went to Logan’s Bistro in downtown Orlando (off of Virginia) and set up name tags with the art work that is part of a fundraiser for the Animal Safehouse non-profit organization
June 2, 2010 5:00-8:00pm
Animal Safehouse: went to Brevard to do a pet pick-up (of two cats and four kittens) and did a drop off at a fosters house in Titusville.
Total hours:16
Service Learning Blog
Although I have been an activist for many years now I have learned a lot through this course and look forward to learning more in the future. This semester helped me transition into what the real world holds for me. I was able to use this service learning course in order to learn how to pass on a project that I built during my time at this university, The Feminist Agenda Radio Show. After knowing that the spring semester was going to be my last as the head of the radio show I was able to take time this semester to properly train new activist. I was also able to help out with an organization that I have not been able to help with due to prior commitments during previous semesters which was Animal Safehouse. Through this organization I was able to learn a method of fundraising that I was not familiar with and that is the silent art auction. Although I in have not been part of the planning I was able to learn things about the execution. I was able to see how they were going about putting on an art auction and I got to help with some housekeeping activities (hanging tags and such). I was also to gain a valuable experience of interacting with a person who is experiencing domestic violence and had to use their services to house their pets while they receive help. This was an experience that was very meaningful and had me really thinking about how domestic violence was traditionally viewed as a matter that was private and that it was the women’s fault for not being obedient. This is way of thinking is something that I have heard people agree with but to see the struggle that the individual was going through during the pet pick-up will never change my opinion that everyone should be concerned with helping individuals that are in domestic abuse situations. Through my service learning this semester I was able to learn to pass on the torch and broaden my experience with new organizations which is something I will always value.
Service Learning Log
ReplyDeleteNote: Because of the nature of my service learning (updating online resources for VOX at UCF), there wasn't a specific location I had to go to at specific times or any sort of deadline. I did what I needed to do my computer during my leisure time. Cristina and Abigail basically left me to my own devices and we contacted one another via email with whatever information I needed. So... I don't really have any specific hours or dates... =)
Service Learning Blog
While I do have very strong political views, I never considered myself to be an activist. However, this class and my service learning experience project have made me realize that I was wrong. Activism does not have to just be about handcuffing yourself to the White House gate, protesting and holding signs outside of a commercial bank, or anything overdramatic like that. Those are all traditional, even stereotypical, forms of activism. But they are no better or worse than someone simply sitting down at their computer, adding event dates and photos to the VOX at UCF website, which is basically what my service learning amounted to.
I decided to help maintain and edit the online resources for the Voices for Planned Parenthood at UCF. This largely meant updating the contents of the official website, facebook, and blog. Since the organization didn’t have a so-called “tech” person to do it for them anymore, much of it was quite out-of-date and nearly defunct. Cristina, the first VOX member I got into contact with, immediately suggested that I help them in this manner when I told her my major was Computer Science.
So what exactly did my activism entail? Abigail emailed me photos from various VOX events to the photos, and I uploaded them to the “Photos” section of the website. This was actually a big deal, because before that the page was barren. You didn’t have to be a professional web designer to figure out how to upload and add pictures to the site, but it did require someone who was not intimidated at learning new software quickly and who was good at navigating through things. My next task is to edit their online calendar so people know when what events are happening. I’m currently waiting for a response from Cristiana, because I need additional login information to access that.
I now see these rather mundane, “geeky” activities as forms of activism because they fit the standard definition of activism: an intentional action to bring about social, political, or economic change. Since I fully support the organization and reproductive rights in general, I am intentionally supporting them by helping out with their online resources. It actually has been an empowering experience for me. Updating the site will make it more appealing and attractive to online visitors and it will increase the chances of them joining or supporting the cause. When I think of it that way, I truly feel like an activist!
I thoroughly enjoy working with the New Image Youth Center in the Parramore District of Orlando, Florida. The New Image Youth Center is a safe haven from the rough, dangerous streets/neighborhoods of Parramore. The children that I would with are so bright and intelligent and they need a intellectually stimulating environment safe from gangs, drug dealers/abusers and other neighborhood violence and NIYC does just that. Not only do I get to hang out with the most adorable elementary school kids, but I also get to learn about the inner functions of a non-profit. My director Ms. Shantae Stubbs allows us to watch and interact with her as she conducts the daily up keeping of finances, schedules/field trips, and collaborate on community partnerships and grant writing for future endeavors of the New Image Youth Center. I aspire to get a Master’s in Non-Profit Management and this is hands on experience and training I could use towards potential school work and my future endeavors in the non-profit sector. The New Image Youth Center has been blessed with so many partnerships and grants and I hope more positive thing will come to the great work being done to keep kids off the street. I cannot wait to keep in touch with the new Image Youth Center and see what talented, intelligent, successful young adults my elementary school children will grow into. I love knowing that I have helped plant a seed of knowledge, growth , and inspiration into each and every one of their lives as they have done for me!
ReplyDeleteNew Image Youth Center
Service Learning Hours Log:
Service Learning Coordinator: Rosalinda Torres; Shantae Stubbs
Beginning of Summer Camp, June 14, 2010, 3.5 hours, 7:30am-11:00am
Elementary Tutoring , June 16, 2010, 3.5 hours, 7:30am-11am
Elementary Tutoring , June 18, 2010, 9.5 Hours, 7:30am-5:00pm
Vacation Bible School/Tutoring, June 21, 2010, 3.5 Hours, 7:30am-11am
Tutoring/Girl Scouts, June 23, 2010, 3.5 hours, 7:30am-11am
Vacation Bible School/Tutoring, June 25, 2010, 9.5 hours, 7:30am-5:00pm.
*I have committed to working for the rest of the summer with New Image Youth Center as an intern until August 5th.
My experience with service learning during this short timeframe for this class has proven itself to be quite a challenge. Because of my uncoroporative work schedule I found that doing any kind of community service with Animal Safehouse was out of the question for me. I'm really sad that I wasn't able to help out with such a great organization. After my plans to foster a cat for them failed I was left to find any other means of meeting my service learning hours. I ended up using my service learning hours that I have accumulated thus far working with YWLP and any other hours that I have come up with for my Girl's Studies class. In the past six weeks I have been working as an office assistant with YWLP as well as compiling some personal writings for girlfuture.com, a website that gives girls another positive source of information that deals with their everyday lives.
ReplyDeleteBefore these projects I never gave my childhood much though. Through learning what girls go through in their lives today I can relate their experiences back to my own. This experience has also brought out the inner writer in me. It has been years since I've sat down to tell a story through written-word. I, as a writer, have also never been challenged to write stories on my own life.
Through the YWLP I have learned more about this great organization and what it does for the girls in our community. When I first heard about the YWLP I will admit that it intimidated me. When someone says "girl" I tend to not think of a girl as someone older than 10. After hearing about the age-ranges of these girls I felt more comfortable. I just have a hard time trying to relate to a young girl. I tend to feel more comfortable when I'm around middle school-aged girls. I am continuing to work with YWLP and am applying to mentor for them in the Fall.
My service learning hours are as followed:
May 24th- First meeting with Lindsey with YWLP and start of office assistant work. I started putting together the journals that the girls will be using during their times spent with their mentors. After that I started to make and decorate blank thank you cards for YWLP's use. (2-4:30 PM)
May 26th- Office assistant work with YWLP. I continued working on the journals for the girls until I ran out of supplies. I then made copies and compiled the packets for the mentors.
(2-5 PM)
May 31st- Office assistant work with YWLP. I finished putting together the journals with the craft supplies I collected over the weekend. After that I continued making more thank you cards. (2-5 PM)
I spent three hours total speaking with various friends and family members asking them for any kinds of donations for the YWLP. These supplies consisted mostly of craft supplies. I also spent this time searching my own supplies and my mom's supplies for anything that the YWLP could use.
I spent around an hour filling out my application to become a mentor with YWLP. I plan to turn in this application on Monday June 28.
So far I have spent around 3 hours writing about various aspects of my own personal experiences of growing up as a girl. These writings are made to help girls today find a source of writings that they can relate to while enjoy reading them.
Total Hours: 15.5 hours
This semester has been a blessing to me, truly. I've learned so much about being an activist and about activism in general. I was able to meet other likeminded people and able to make connections with organizations that were as passionate about my issues as I am. That being said, working with Jobs with Justice, thought only directly for a little while, has been a great experience. The people I met at the union meeting I attended only inspired me to try harder, to fight for the rights that I believe in. This semester also taught me that being an activist doesn't mean just gonig to rallys, but that there is way more to it. There's making phone calls, there's meetings, there's writing flyers, doing research. Being an activist encompasses so much more than I thought, and that's something I'm glad that I learned. The great news is that my activism with Jobs with Justice doesn't end here as I am working with Denise for the rest of the summer, as well as working as an intern in the fall. I'm excited for this opportunity, and can thank everyone involved in this class for not only pointing me towards Jobs with Justice, but also for encouraging me to become an activist and not just an advocate.
ReplyDeleteAs far as my hours go:
I spent about 2 hours meeting with Denise initially, talking about my skills and what I could do for Jobs with Justice this summer. We planned out what my service learning would entail, as well as spoke about just what I wanted to accomplish in working with Jobs with Justice.
Another 3 hours were spent when I went to the Jobs with Justice office, met with Denise, got my new assingments for the upcoming weeks (which I would complete at home) and then we attended a local Union meeting, which was an eye-opening experience for me.
I then spent about 4.5 hours working on research from my own room. I was researching the cost of parking decals at Florida universities, to update the data that Denise had collected years ago. We are interested in this data because of the way UCF treats its custodial and housekeeping staff. Denise had planned on me attending a sit-in for the UCF labor union negotiations, but that never came to fruition.
Another project Denise gave me to work on, which was rather intense, was to update and create a new brochure/flyer for the Central Florida Jobs with Justice branch. I've spent about 5 hours on it so far, and am about 75% done working on it, I plan on finishing it up this weekend, so that when I speak to Denise next, I'll have a finished project to show her.
Aside from those hours, I spent probably 1-2 hours speaking with friends/family/staff about what Jobs with Justice is, and why I chose to get involved with their work. Though I'm not sure if this counts as service learning, I merely did it because I felt like this cause was worth discussing either way.
Service learning hours total: 14.5 hours.
Friday, May 21st 8am-12pm (4) at a UCF Alumni event for Social Workers
ReplyDeleteMonday, May 24th 9-11pm (2) emailing volunteers and service learning students about upcoming events and needs
Monday, May 31st 2-3pm (1) emailing to find transportation for a pet
Wednesday, June 9th 12-2pm (2) meet with service learning student
Thursday, June 10th 2-4pm (2) called and emailed foster list for a new woman needing our service
Saturday, June 12th 10am-2pm (4) tabling at the Publix near Lake Eola
Tuesday, June 15th 5:30-7pm (1.5) spoke at a workshop about Domestic Violence put on by Orlando N.O.W.
Wednesday, June 16th 10-11:30am (1.5) emailing and calling to organize Art Show Benefit at Logans Bistro
Saturday, June 19th 1-2pm (1) picked up and dropped off supplies for a current foster
Monday, June 21st 12-2pm (2) booked and started to organize a benefit at Natura for the beginning of August
Total Hours: 21.0
This class has given me the new opportunity of working one on one with Animal Safehouse service learning students. We planned and worked together to help achieve some of our goals and fulfill our needs. Even though I have been working with Animal Safehouse since Fall of 2008 I have been recently committed to taking a more active role within the organization. As a soon to be graduate student focusing on domestic violence it is necessary to better understand the complicated nature of domestic violence and challenges that organizations face that assist victims. The attention on the link between domestic violence and animal abuse will help educate the community assist victims and promote future academic research. I believe that or organization is truly a valuable resource run by wonderful people, working with them has opened my understanding of what being an activist really means.
My service learning requirement was a blessing for me! My skill most lacking is that of motivation, and without the necessity of an assignment I may not have contacted local organizations to begin activist work in Central Florida.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, the Simple Living Institute of Orlando replied to my e-mail inquiry with a phone call and a follow-up interview. I am now an intern at the institute.
My first assignment was at the Virgin Olive Market in which a variety of community members and partnering organizations came together to discuss a local food resource guide that can be accessed through the internet. The guide will provide information about local produce, as in where to buy it, which restaurants serve it, and companies that will assist you in beginning your own personal garden. This meeting was truly fascinating to me, because it was real progress, and a real discussion about an activist issue, and the people in the room with me were adults of all ages, working in a variety of careers as colorful as the attendants themselves. My task here was to arrange the room to fit as many members as possible, and to take meeting notes.
6/8/2010 6:00-8:30 PM
As the intern of Simple Living, I have become a contributing blog author on the organization's blog, also hosted here at blogger.com. My first posting was of the meeting notes, for which I also took photographs. The blog can be found here: http://simplelivinginstitute.blogspot.com/
6/9/2010 11:00-11:30 PM
In the next week, I went to meet with the President of the organization, Tia Meer, at the Econ Farm to create a powerpoint presentation concerning garden pests and organic and nature-safe ways to deal with such. This activity involved a lot of communication, as I had to create a powerpoint that was both interesting and concise, and in line with what Ms. Meer was looking for. I also spent a lot of time on the computer, researching photos and information for the slides.
6/15/2010 3:00-6:00 PM
The Organic Growers Meeting took place that following Wednesday at Leu Gardens. I assisted in the raffle and sign-in of guests to the event. Many were in attendance, and I was able to compile a page of notes that I believe will be beneficial to future meetings. I also took photographs for the blog posting.
6/17/2010 5:30 PM-8:00 PM
I then posted a blog about the event, and advertised for the upcoming Start a Garden from Seed Workshop.
6/18/2010 2:00-2:30 PM
I was also given admin status of the facebook group, and edited the event details to include pricing, messages the guests detailing the event and request for an RSVP, and collected RSVP's. In addition, I suggested successfully a "student" fee, of $10, as members of Simple Living pay $15 and non-members $20.
6/20/2010-current 2 hours
I have also printed fliers for the upcoming "Jack Johnson Video Contest"
6/24/2010 10 minutes
Unrelated to the Simple Living Institute, on a weekday I drove to Cocoa Beach with Debbie to collect six cats from a woman seeking help from a domestic violence shelter, and delivered them to a foster in Titusville. This was very intense of an experience, and also could have been dangerous. I look forward to continuing work with Animal Safe House after my graduation and completion of college.
6/2/2010 5:00-8:00 PM
Total Hours: 14.5
I will be attending the Seed Workshop this Saturday 1:30-3 PM, to collect payment from attendees and registration, which will bring me to 16 hours.