Week #13: Reading Blog - Twylaa

Kirst-Ashman: Evaluating Macro Practice

The chapter Evaluating Macro Practice, focused on the importance of Evaluation at a macro level for social workers. The chapter broke down the learning content revolved around program evaluation. This was done by explaining how to recognize the context of program evaluation; how to utilize the concepts that are important in the process; using program evaluation research to inform practice; successfully identifying barriers and problems in completing evaluations; ways to describe and analyze different models of evaluation; utilizing the stages and steps in performing an evaluation; demonstrating effective professional communication when presenting data; and best ways to make ethical decisions in evaluation that are based upon the values and ethics of the NASW Code of Ethics.

Evaluation is a process that is essential in determining whether a given change effort was worthwhile. The evaluation process measures a variety of factors within a program, such as: finances, time spent serving clients, number of clients served, who uses the services and when, who is being affected by the services, how the program is being ran, and outcomes. The key purpose of program evaluation is to ensure continued funding, services to clients and employment for self and staff. Performing evaluations helps us determine if any improvements need to be made within the program and if so were. It also allows us to know if the program is doing what it set forth to do, and which services within the program produces the best outcomes. Each year’s evaluation allows you to build support for continuing to provide clients with an effective program.

There are two types of evaluations, formative and summative. Formative evaluations focus on monitoring the process and summative evaluations focus on the impact. Evaluations can either be used to measure the effectiveness of an intervention or its efficiency. The type of evaluation one chooses is usually determined by the program being evaluated. This also corresponds with the kinds of research and research tools used to gather data. Evaluation at the macro level can be viewed from different perspectives; one can look at the effectiveness of specific programs. Another evaluation could be evaluating your own success as a macro practice social worker. Last but not least an evaluation may also focus on outcome explanation. When explaining how the outcome was achieved the evaluation is geared towards the process rather than the outcome. It does not matter which evaluation you may be performing, they all come to a conclusion about what we are doing. The end conclusion may concern the effectiveness, cost, relationships between events, or several other factors.

Although, conducting an evaluation on your program is the key to keeping it up and going, it does not come easy. As a social worker you will run into problems and barriers in program evaluation. In this chapter six common problems and barriers are discussed; which include: failure to plan for evaluation, lack of program stability, relationships between evaluation results that are not accepted, and evaluations that are not worth the effort.

Knowing the stages and steps to follow in evaluating a macro intervention can stop you from running into so many problems and barriers. The seven steps discussed are: conceptualization and goal setting, measurement, sampling, design, data gathering, data analysis, and data presentation. Following these steps is ones guide to successfully performing and evaluation. Last but not least the chapter focused on the Ethics and Values in evaluation. One factor that stood out to me was that as a social worker you should be well versed with the NASW Code of Ethics when conducted an evaluation.

Looking at the JVL community and thinking about the possible interventions that can be put into place to address the issues and concerns the community faces; I now know just how important it will be to evaluate the programs. If we plan to bring about any small change that can help the community we must plan to collect data on the program to determine its effectiveness as well as its efficiency.  This information can determine whether a program continues or is abandoned. 

Week #12: Class Reading/News Article - Susanna

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/nov/8/chris-schaefer-ferguson-protester-supporter-beaten/


This article is about Chris Schaefer, a senior at UMSL, and his run in with Ferguson protestors. Schaefer was attending a church meeting to discuss what to do for future protests as an advocate of the Ferguson community. Unfortunately, despite his initiative to brainstorm future demonstration plans, five "fellow protestors" jumped Schaefer and attacked him. They did this while outside of the church where the meeting was held and video taped it for live streaming. They eventually pointed to the street and told him to run. He ran in to a Walgreens, where they called 911. The protestors are supposedly from a group called "Lost Voices." It is not clear if Schaefer provoked any of them.


​This article interests me for two particular reasons:
1. - This story reminds us of the difference between organized advocacy and disorderly conduct.
I like to think of the protestors in Ferguson in a positive light, as I think a large majority of them would like to see that justice be done and want the best for their city. I think the protestors have been viewed in a really poor light and projected in the media only as troublemakers, which is such a shame during a season bolstered with self-advocacy and civil rights. As a white American, I think it is my duty to remain empathetic and humble to what black Americans go through every day.
However, there is a stark difference between positive activism and harming another. From an outsiders point of view, seeing as how Schaefer seemed concerned for the needs of the city by being at this meeting, he should have been considered on the same side of justice as the ones who attacked him. However in this specific situation, the five "protestors" are concerned less with justice and more with their own anger. These kinds of actions produce negative consequences and could make it more difficult for individuals like Schaefer to have empathy. Fortunately, I was pleased to see his understanding that not all protestors are unified and that these five do not necessarily represent the majority.


2. - Schaefer is from UMSL. This is significant for me as someone who also goes there and is studying the community of Ferguson. It is a good reminder that while I make efforts to open up my heart to the city and continue to exemplify empathy for them, that I should also remain safe. Being radical in our serving as social workers does not always mean letting our guard down completely. It is always important for us to maintain a balance -- free from stereotype, but cautious and careful.

Week #12: News Article Blog - Ali

http://www.stlamerican.com/news/local_news/article_5c4bf2a6-656e-11e4-8e1e-7f1a0a77fbca.html​

This article stood out to me because I did not know that this “open enrollment” for Medicare existed. This open enrollment allows for the aged and people with disabilities to reevaluate their Medicare plan to ensure that it still fits the needs that they have. They can review what has been changed (plan costs or coverage) to make sure that they are choosing the right plan. This article says that Medicare has a “star rating” that allows people to compare plans and then decide what is best for them.

 This article also is informing readers that the Medicare Advantage Plan and Part D (prescription drug plan) are being higher rated. This higher rate increases the level of care and better customer service to their enrollees. I think this is a great thing because people’s needs change all of the time. If this open enrollment did not exist people would be stuck with the same help regardless of their challenges or issues. This gives people and families a way to compare what different plans are, the cost, and coverage options and revaluate the help that they need.

Week #11: News Article - Kylee

http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2014/10/28/359323899/some-st-louis-teachers-address-ferguson-with-lessons-on-race

 

Some St. Louis Teachers Address Ferguson With Lessons On Race

 

I first heard about this series as it was discussed on National Public Radio.  We have all discussed and thought about the concerns and present movement within the Ferguson area surrounding the death of Michael Brown.  I found myself thinking each time I read a news article or heard a news report, what are children thinking? What is being said at school?  I thought this article was a great answer to those questions.  Some teachers are using this tragedy as an open forum to discuss and teach about race in a different more meaningful way.  Flewell, one of the teachers quoted in this transcript talks about a disturbing incident that he endured while on his way to an event to assist teachers in discussing racial understanding and healing.  On his way to the event an older white male pulled up next to his vehicle and makes a gun shape with his hand and points it at Flewell and said, bang, bang, seven times.  This made me cringe when I heard and read this. Flewell was frustrated.  But this did not stop him from attending the night’s event.  Flewell has been openly discussing racial and class concerns in his classroom.   Other individuals have different thoughts about discussing uncomfortable issues with school aged children.  I really agreed with what the Riverview Gardens High School has implemented.  They have a nonviolent training that some of the teenagers at the school have attended.  This was an opportunity not only for the children to discuss difficult racial conversations, but it also allowed them to begin to process the impending verdict.   These conversations are difficult but I’ve said in other blogs that I really feel open communication and education is the first step in beginning to process racial divides.  I’m glad there are schools and teachers out their discussing difficult issues in the world.  Any thoughts?  

Week #11: Reading Blog - Kylee

Spiraling Up- Mapping Community Transformations with Community Capitals Framework

 

​This article was very interesting to me as I currently live in a rural community.  The article began by discussing the National Rural Funders Collaboration (NRFC) in 2001 call for “reversingthe pattern of neglect and disinvestments in rural America.” This call to action brought together three not for profitorganizations to collaborate as the Home Town Competitiveness(HTC). HTC was one of five collaborations formed and funded by the NRFC to work on rural development.  The three organizations that made up the HTC were Heartland Center for Community Leadership Development, RUPRI Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, and Nebraska Community Foundation.  While each of the organizations brought different skills to the plan they worked collaboratively toward common goals.  The organization’s leaders had connections to Nebraska, had worked with one another in the past, and had reputations of being effective.  As the three groups became one under HTC they had already established high levels of bonding and bridging their own social capital.

​The HTC formulated a four part plan to aid in the area of rural community development.  They wanted to increases philanthropy by directing rural wealth transfers to community foundations, include community youth in roles of leadership, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship, increases local leadership in the community and strengthen local economies by building on local assets.  The NRFC began the funding for the project.  NRFC as well as the HTC, used the Community Capitals Framework (CCF) to document and analyze how community capitals were used in transforming a community that was spiraling downward toward a “spiraling-up” in the community.  Spiraling down and Spiraling up are situations that correspondto the theory of cumulative causation.  Basically, if things are going downhill then they will continue to decline.  Vice Versa spiraling up, represents the idea that if assets are gained and growth occurs it will affect other areas of life and continue to positively change.  

​The CCF offers a way to analyze community and economic developments from a systems perspective and allows for an understanding of how different capitals interact and effect one another.  The NRFC analysis includes seven capitals including: natural, cultural, human, social, political, financial, and built capitals.  This article focused on human, social and financialcapitals and how they affected one another in one of the first rurally explored communities of Valley County, Nebraska.

​Through the analysis of the CCF, HTC identified social capital as a starting point for community change in Valley County, Nebraska.  Before jumping right in HTC reviewed data and identified that the Valley community had population decreases and concerns of underemployment of individuals in the area over the years.  The community had established an economic growth council but little growth was happening.  The community welcomed the chance to work with HTC.  HTC worked with the community and community leaders.  Together they established strategies they wanted to work toward to improve their community.  They agreed that they would worktoward leadership development, entrepreneurship, youth, and wealth transfer.

​As HTC and the community worked toward their established goals through training and education the community began to witness an increase in social, human, financial and cultural capitals.   As leadership grew and expanded they were building their social capital in their community.  This in turn also began bridging the human capital with others in the community including youth.  Youth were encouraged to participate and programs were created with the local high school to sustain this growth in the community.   As community involvement increased and people became interested, moreinvolved, and attached to the community their cultural capitalincreased.  Local business and community stake holders began investing in the community, increasing the financial capital.  The financial and social capital was also affected by investors and relationships that were formed with businesses outside of the community to assist in sustainability.  While the focus was on increasing social, human, financial and cultural capitals the positive outcome from increasing each area affected other areas of capital as well.  This assisted in growth for the community as a whole. 

​Two main impacts came from the analysis of this project using the CCF.  The first is HTC facilitated the growth of the social capital to engage the community and form partnerships.  The CCF also uncovered the importance of transforming the community’s perception in to a more positive view.   

​The CCF allows for communities to be studied in a more systematic and holistic way.  It enables us to see the interactions of different capitals that the CCF established and how they affect one another.  This information also assists in providing and problem solving strategies for change.  Through the study of HTC we can see that the flow of assets positively affected theinvolvement and commitment in the community.  

I thought this study was interesting.  I think it definitely shows the correlation and link between different areas of the community.  It was also a good example of how each aspect of a community can directly affect one another for better or worse.  

   

Week #10: News Article - Twylaa

“Governor Nixon creates Ferguson Commission to ‘strengthen region’”

http://www.stlamerican.com/news/local_news/article_8db99672-5966-11e4-a30a-0fab54bfb73a.html

This article highlights, what I thought of as a very positive change to address the socioeconomic issues revealed in the Ferguson community following the killing of Michael Brown. Govener Nixon has planned to create a Ferguson Commission to study these issues and aim towards effectively addressing them. As many people are well aware of the killing of Michael Brown is not the key issue in this community, his death only sparked the many challenges surrounding social injustice faced by African Americans all over the world.

Nixon’s goal is to bring together a commission of 15 members from “all walks of life.” The members focus will be to serve their fellow Missouri citizens, when they need them the most. The Ferguson Commission would include, your everyday citizens, as well as empowered leaders in business, education, public safety and faith communities. The commission would be responsible for looking into socioeconomic factors; education, population trends and other data to successfully unveil the issues and implement positive change in the future. Governor Nixon says the work of the commission will take time but ultimately changes within our society will be made, and people will be angry and their will be conflict as well as fear and distrust. These emotions are expected considering the fact that change is not easily accepted especially when things have been the same for so long.

What I valued most about this article and Nixon’s effort to make a change, was his concern with reaching the youth and getting their view on issues and hearing their voices in the process of creating a more united region.

However, some have suggested that Governor Nixon’s action to strengthen the region is only a way to “pacify” the African-American community if Wilson were not to be indicted. Ferguson protestors are also not too convinced by Nixon’s actions to bring about change within their community. They question his motive and whose needs is he really claiming to address. Some have even expressed that they are far from hopeful.

I am not too familiar with Governor Nixon’s ability to carry out the promises made, so I cannot say that I understand the concerns of the Ferguson protestors. However, I can say that if Nixon does put together a commission and announce the names next month; I feel that he is putting forth an effort to support the African-American community in Ferguson, and we should try to be open minded to the idea. 

Week #10: Reading Blog - Ali

The Role of Community- Based Organizations

​This article discusses the differences in between different types of community- based organizations (CBOs). This article discusses community development corporations (CDCs) and local development corporations (LDCs) and how they operate and have effect and outcomes within a community. It also talks about how neighborhood associations, youth organizations, and faith-based organizations and how they help maintain quality and improve communities. This article first discusses how CBOs are more effective in regards to community action. These authors say how they create power, provide continuity, help develop expertise, and improve ability for residents to respond more quickly to problems. One large advantage that these authors discuss about CBOs is that they have the advantage of local social networks. The networks provide resources and information in order for programs can take off and run smoothly. Having social networks within the community definitely seem like it would be a huge advantage because you are getting the inside scoop of what the community wants/needs.

​CDCs primary goal according to these authors is to serve low-income communities and empower residents. CDCs specifically deal with housing projects and building houses for low-income areas. This article discusses the three generations of CDCs. These three generations include the Activist Organizations (1960s), Specialization (1970s), and Professionalization (1980s and 1990s). Although there are three generations these three all focus on housing projects. Although in the third generation the authors discussed more the organizations having more of a professional staff than the activists that were in the original generation. There are debates over CDCs as well though. Even though they are doing great things, they are not without flaws. These authors say they rely too heavily on external sources for financing. This being said their focus then shifts from the needs of the community and itsresidents to focusing on that financial gain. Another criticism is they focus too heavily on housing projects. Yes, this is a need, but there are plenty more areas at this point in time that need to be addressed. Some of those things that the authors said were workforce development and social service deliveries. These things are what are in more demand now. 

​LDCs make it easier to conduct economic development activities over local governments. These authors talk about three main advantages of LDCs over local governments. 1) Provide a one-stop shop for businesses unlike local governments. 2) Provide stronger and longer lasting relationships in which will help develop policies that have more of a reflection of the communities interests rather than outsiders. 3) Provide more in order to promote development of the community. “LCDs are simply a legal device to accomplish many of these goals for communities.”

​When these authors discussed the neighborhood associations I immediately thought of North Grand Neighborhood Services. They defined neighborhood associations as, “a civic organization oriented toward maintaining or improving the quality of life in a geographically delimited residential area.” I think that these are great ways to get the community involved especially on the issues the residents deem the most important. This article discusses why residents become involved in neighborhood associations and one was the longevity of the residents living in the neighborhood and wanting to protect the value of their homes. After attending the JVL block meeting this factor makes even more sense to me. Seeing the people at the meeting who have lived their there whole lives want the best for where they live, not just for themselves but for their neighbors as well.  

​Youth organizations and faith-based organizations were the last two items in this article. I think that after reading both of these sections it strengthened what I already knew about youth organizations but not the faith-based organizations. This article reveals that participation in youth organizations increases success in their lives (academic, life skills, etc.). The shocking part to me was that this article says less than 15% of CDCs are faith-based. This was surprising to me because of all the work of the churches in JVL that I have witnessed. JVL’s faith-based organizations show great accomplishment and I was surprised to see that the percentage was not higher.

Week #9: News Article - Susanna

"Churches Plan Ferguson 'BUYcott' To Support Area Businesses"
http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/churches-plan-ferguson-buycott-support-area-businesses

This article highlights a positive community response to the negative violence that has impacted area businesses in Ferguson, Missouri. Two main St. Louis area churches have come together to initiate a weekend of "BUYcott," encouraging Ferguson community members and out-of-towners to shop a local area businesses. This stands in stark contrast to other individuals who have called to boycott businesses in Ferguson, seemingly as a protest against racism and police brutality in Ferguson.

In a season where so much media attention is given to the needs and shortcomings of Ferguson, it can be difficult for the strengths and assets of the community to shine through. Initiatives such as these should be talked about more and seen by the rest of the world looking in on Ferguson. Ferguson residents seem to know the power in coming together during times of tragedy and taking the negativity in their city as opportunities to do more good and serve their neighbors.

I really loved this article because I had coffee with a 4th generation Ferguson community member today who said that she and her friends have been trying to eat at Ferguson restaurants every day since the death of Michael Brown. She said owners of businesses have been really hurting for lack of business that has come with a negative stigma due to living in Ferguson. This is something I hadn't thought much about previously, and is a great reminder to think about everyone involved and impacted in the midst of high-profile news.

Week #9 : Reading Blog - Mary

Chapter 10 Summary - "Selecting Appropriate Strategies and Tactics"

“Making assumptions about how members of the target system think without actually communicating with them may lead to misconceptions that will threaten the change effort with failure from the beginning” (Netting et al., p.344)

This first part of the chapter focuses on the first task of how to read the political and economic climate in order to get support to implement your intervention.  The authors say to expect conflict to some degree, and at some level when analyzing the target system. They define “target system” as the individual, group, structure……that needs to be altered in order for the main beneficiaries to receive the desired outcome or benefit (Netting, et al., 2012, p. 334).

There are preparations beforehand to complete before “selling” your intervention.  One should know how long the problem has existed, if the problem is considered an emergency, and if the problem is reoccurring, then how often?

With this information in mind, consider who you have to promote the change or intervention, and how they are thought of by the decision makers. Consider who should speak for the group, and who should take a back seat for the presentation.  For example, if the City of Ferguson decides to implement a change that will largely benefit the black community, but needs the buy-in from the black community for the plan to succeed, then the Chief of Police nor the mayor should be the ones to present the proposal.

The 2^nd tactic is to “Assess Resource Considerations” by determining the cost to implement the change and also the cost of doing nothing.

The 3^rd task it to “Weigh the Likelihood of Success” by considering ahead of time the position of the opposition, and how much of a fight they will put up. And then, also consider the amount of support to be shown for the proposal, and where it will most likely come from.

The 4^th task is to “Select Strategies and Tactics” by considering strategies to promote the proposal, deciding if one or many will be needed, and which strategy to use for each target group.

The rest of the chapter discusses the specifics of tactics and strategies.  One of them called “Consider the Pros and Cons of Campaign Strategies” uses terms that we are all familiar with like education, persuasion, lobbying and mass media appeal.  The term that I was not familiar with specifically, was “cooptation.”  We have been talking about it, but I had not heard that specific word.  The authors define cooptation as a way to “minimize anticipated opposition by absorbing or including members of the target system in the action system” (p. 349).   This goes along with the “buy-in” that we have discussed.  Once these members “cross-over” to buy-in and achieve some ownership, they may also be able to recruit others like them from the target system to move over to the action system with them.

Week #8: News Article - Fashon

Police: Off-duty St. Louis officer shoots, kills man who fired at him

By Ed Payne, CNN

http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/08/us/st-louis-officer-shooting/index.html

"At the scene of yet another young man's death," tweeted St. Louis Alderman Antonio French. "This happens too often in our city. It's a crisis that we should all be concerned about."

This article stood out to me in amazement because yet another black young male was killed by an officer. My initial thought was why does this keep happening. After reading this article it led to me to think of how the citizens of St. Louis, MO. need to come together on a macro level. Everyone needs to come together as one community and recognize right from wrong. 

In reading this article I noticed two similarities to Michael Brown, they were both black and young. This article allowed me to open my eyes and realize that police officers have jobs and families as well as everyone else, their jobs happen to be more challenging because they have to think fast with weapons. I think if everyone would remove prejudices from their heart and open up their mind to right and wrong us as an entirety would have a different mindset. People being killed is not justice and destroying police cars, vandalism, and retaliation definitely doesn’t help. I wish everyone would rise above. This article is sad, but it is the world we live in. We need to be careful not to conform.

Week #8: Reading Blog - Fashon

Chapter 9: Building Support for the Proposed Change

Chapter 9 focuses on information being used to develop a plan for change to be accepted, and making rational decisions about strategies and tactics. The proper intervention and strategies will be used in this chapter to conduct and develop plans and refine intervention through a series of task. There are four task which point out the foundation to move toward change. The macro-macro level changes focuses on a segment of a community or organization.

Under Task 1: Develop the Intervention of Hypothesis, you must refine the working hypothesis of etiology and develop a working intervention hypothesis.  Once there is an adequateamount of information about the issue at hand and its etiology, only then can an intervention hypothesis be composed. While developing a hypothesis all issues may not automatically form nor seem relevant in the beginning. To help weed out the non-relevant information it important to look for cause-and-effect relationships among the community that you are dealing with. The intervention is meant to be designed to address the needs specified to see and track the results clearly. During this task developing a support team is important because it allows you to understand each of the systems in which you are aiding to help.

Task 2: Define Participants, while defining your participants you have to establish individualswho are willing and readily to help. In order for change to be effective in macro communities it is necessary to have allies. When going into a community the residents may not always be acceptable to change and may have to do some negotiating to see what the participants may need. It is important to have a variety of participants so that you can have everyone’s perspective on issues/concerns (i.e. women, men, ethnic groups). In defining participants a system is developed, which includes initiator system, change agent system, client system, support system, controlling system, host and implementing system, target system, and action system. The subsystems have been created to assist who should be involved and why. The information below details each system used.

(1) Initiator System: contains individuals who have recognized the existence of a problem and have called attention to it. 

(2) Change Agent System: is the individual designated as coordinator of the change effort. They take on initial planning or task. The change agent should be carefulnot to assume that the positions and perspectives about the proposed change on the part of the controlling system, host system, and implementing system are identical.

(3) Client System: which is made up of individuals who become direct or indirect beneficiaries of change if it is implemented. The client systems intend to benefit from the change effort.

(4) Support System: refers to everyone in the macro level who is interested in change coming about. 

(5) Controlling System: is the person/group of individuals that have delegated authority to approve and order the implementation of proposed change. 

(6) Host and Implementing System: two systems combined to one. The host system is the organization responsible for the area of proposed change to be addressed. The employees and volunteers are referred to as the implementing system. 

(7) Target System: composed of individual, groups, structure, policy, or practice that needs change for the primary beneficiaries to achieve the desired benefits. 

(8) Action System: made up of individuals from other systems who have an active role in planning change and moving forward in implementation. 

Under Task 3: Examine System Capacity for Change, it is addressed to assess openness and commitment to change. Informal assessment, based on experience and prior interpersonal and decision making skills conduct earlier pertinent information/business. Determination of availability and resources to sustain chance is major. As we discussed in the last actual class setting limited resources seem to be the major issue in community because individuals need help but have limited resources to achieve progress. Outside opposition to change must be identified and explored. 

The final task is Task 4: Select An Approach to Change, this approach makes clear what needs to be changed. It also focuses on selecting policy, program, project, personnel, or practice approach. The policies are represented by a formally adopted statement about what is to be done and how it should happen. The programs are the structured activities designed to achieve a set of goals and objectives. The projects are much like programs but may be smaller in a scale, have a time-limited existence, be more flexible, and can be adopted to the needs of a changing environment. The personal are those persons who are in interaction within the change arena. The most important is that change is recognized and the needs to be involved are important components of successful change.

Week #7 (10-8): News Article - Kara

How Partnerships Build Communities

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140903/OPINION01/309030011

This article talks about the partnership between Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Michigan Community Revitalization Program for two plans to rebuild parts of Detroit. One plan is to build 20 new building that will provide housing and the other plan is to build 463 low-rise units that will include storefronts along the river.  I really liked this article because I am from Michigan and I think we are always drawn to things from our past or childhood.  I remember when I was growing up my father would always talk about Detroit and how rundown and broken it had become.  He would always say it use to be a place “we” as “Michiganders” could be proud of.  It was a place “we” built and now it makes me sad what it has become.  I love to see that the people of Detroit and of Michigan are starting to reinvest in their communities.

I also found this article I didn’t summarize it because it is really short but I thought it was a really good idea.

http://www.wncn.com/story/26681445/building-communities-one-cup-at-a-time

Week #7 (10-8): Reading Blog - Kara (Additional Reading)

Creating Whole Communities

Enhancing the Capacity of Community Development Nonprofits in the St. Louis Region

The main purpose of this article is to address why the “Core” of St. Louis is losing its population and what needs to be done to help solve this problem.   

Over the past decade the “Core” of St. Louis has seen a decline in population while the suburbs and surrounding areas have seen an increase in population.  This transferring or shifting of populations is putting a strain on the metropolitan area.  It is creating more traffic congestion, pollution and loss of interest in preserving the history of St. Louis.  So what can St. Louis do to build a stronger and more stable communities?   

This article suggests three interventions that need to take place.  1. St. Louis needs to increase its capacity for strategic community development, which basically means they need to provide more services that result in making more “whole communities.” This article states that a “whole community” is one that has a diverse housing stock, multiple modes of transportation, successful schools, sustainable energy practices, vibrant public spaces and strong civic participation. 2. Create a supportive community development system.  This requires that government, public policy, agencies and community resources come together to create a community development plan that works for everyone.  3. Increase community development corporations (CDC).  These CDC’s need to come from within the community, its residents and key stakeholders in order to be effective.   

By doing these three things we can create a more stable structure for not only the residents of St. Louis but also for the surrounding areas.  I think the most important thing that I took away from this article is the importance of the CDC’s to the vitality of the community, regardless of whether they are small or large.  The CDC’s provide resources, ideas and stability to a community.  Without these organizations it will be almost impossible for a community to become a “whole community.” 

Week #7 (10-8): Reading Blog - Kara (Ch. 6)

Chapter 6 - 

Communities are complicated systems that are made up of many smaller micro systems and without them the larger community would not function.  In order to facilitate change in a community one needs to understand how each micro system within the community functions, how they impact each of the other parts of the community and how the micro systems coalesce to make up the framework of the larger community.  As social workers, we will use a variety of assessment tools to gather information for our evaluation of the framework and the structure of a community.  In gathering information about a community it is best to personally immerse yourself in the environment to observe firsthand how the individual functions in the community. It is important to understand the community’s larger historical context and major historical events and milestones.  Finally, it is imperative to understand that communities are living organisms that are continuously changing.

There are three tasks that will help gather the critical information necessary to evaluate a community (see table 6.1). 

1.  Focus on the target populations; the people in the community you are trying to help. Gathering data about the community will give you a deeper understanding of the target population and the full extent of their needs.  A good question to ask is “What population is in the most need or being the most oppressed and why?”  Once the target population has been accurately identified, the demographics, the psychology, and the resources of the group must be determined.  Specifically, how many people make up the target population, how do they view themselves, how does the community view them and how much of the community’s time and assets are spent on the target population. Lastly what are their needs, how does the community view those needs (important/not important), and how are those needs being addressed within in the community.  This can be done through community meetings, individual interviews, analyzing data, and the review of data previously collected.

2. Determine community characteristics “boundaries; strengths, issues, and social problems; and values” (pg. 182).    Some good questions to ask are “What is the size of the area being included (i.e. city, neighborhood, block)?”, “What are the community’s strengths, major issues, and social problems?”, “What are the dominant values (traditions, beliefs)?”, and “Where is the oppression and discrimination occurring?”

3. Identify the community’s hierarchy, who runs the community? Who controls the money, who controls the access to resources, and how easily are those resources accessed by the target population? What kinds of resources are available (ex. TANF, OAA funding, education)?

To fit all the pieces together and effectively help the target population we must understand how each piece communicates, cooperates, coordinates, and collaborates with the other pieces within the community.  As social workers, we need to be able to look at and study a particular community and gather data about their strengths, problems, needs and resources so that we can properly affect, influence and facilitate changes that will help the target population.

JeffVandLou Volunteer Day with North Grand Neighborhood Services

Week #6 (10/1): News Article - Kate

Is segregation the problem in Ferguson? 

by Jonathan Rodden, Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkey-cage/wp/2014/08/18/is-segregation-the-problem-in-ferguson/

This article explores the situation currently going on in Ferguson and possible reasons for such. I really enjoyed this article for several reasons. Rodden talks about how many people think the situation (I say situation and mean the death of Michael Brown and the aftermath) in Ferguson has occurred because of segregation in St. Louis. He explains (according to others’ statements), that whites will do whatever it takes to prevent backs from moving into their neighborhoods. 

It seems the author doesn’t agree with these statements and actually calls it “depressing,” because it suggests that black individuals in North County can take over local government and police force, when all the white people die in North County or move to St. Charles.

The main point I took from this article is Rodden’s discussion about the actual status of Ferguson, in relation to segregation. While St. Louis is one of the most segregated regions in the US, Ferguson (among some other North County areas) is one of the most racially integrated areas in Missouri and even beyond Missouri.Rodden then goes on to discuss data that he has found representing his claims about Ferguson being integrated.

Towards the end of the article Rodden states, “it is that the racial integration of the community has not been reflected in the municipal government and police force, whose racial composition still reflects the status quo of the 1980s.”

I really enjoyed this article. I feel like at the beginning of the riots occurring in Ferguson, many people were especially disrespectful towards black people (facebook, twitter, all other social media).  What I am seeing in Ferguson is a serious issue of officials not racially representing those in the community. Thoughts?

Week #6 (10/1): Reading Blog - Kate

Chapter 5, Understanding Communities , is about community theory, perspectives and practice models. The three dimensions of communities are geographical space, a pattern of social interaction, and symbolic identification that gives meaning to one’s identity. The functions of a community are 1) production distribution, and consumption 2) socialization 3) social control 4) social placement 5) mutual support 6) defense and 7) communication.

The book goes pretty in depth on systems theory; a community is open rather than a closed system and it is dependent on its external environment  for certain resources and a community must establish the boundaries that define both it and its function within the surrounding environment. Changes in one aspect of community, produces change in other parts (which we hear a lot in micro classes).

Human behavior theories focus on how individuals in a community understand and find meaning in relationships, what values guide their actions, and how their needs are determined; this can be examined through interactions and values, collective identity, and needs. 

Theories about power politics and change mean that local communities and units within local communities become dependent on external sources of resources.

The book touches on a community practice model, but we won’t read about that until chapters 9,10, & 11.

My favorite part of this chapter was the part about systems theory. At the beginning of the chapter it states, “Many people identify with multiple communities,” and “ For many, affiliation with more than one community is an intrinsic part of who a person is.” Just because a person lives somewhere, works somewhere, belongs to a group etc., it doesn’t mean that little piece makes up all of that person. It’s extremely important to remember that as future social workers.

Week #5 (9/24): News Article - Lori

"'Walking Wall' provokes talk about Delmar divide"

St. Louis Post Dispatch

Community section of the Sunday, 9/7/14

 

This article discusses how a local artist, Damon Davis, has built a “wall” to begin having discussions about the Delmar divide.  I found this interesting because I had watched a video in my Cultural Diversity class regarding this issue.  The video was dated but this obviously continues to an issue in our current time.  There was an obvious divide in the video between blacks and whites and of socioeconomic status along Delmar.  I was not really aware of this until I saw the video but it was very eye opening.  

Mr. Davis received donations from several organizations to create this work of art and social experiment.  He calls it the “Wailing Wall” and built it in March.  The wall is 8' by 4' and there are slots at different heights on both sides of the wall.  Mr. Davis has asked that residents of St. Louis provide insight as to what they see as the issues regarding racism and discrimination in St. Louis.  The goal is to get people talking about these issues and offer solutions to the ongoing problem that has plagued St. Louis for generations.  He has then posted the letters to a website for everyone to view with the hope that this will spark constructive and positive discussion about the racism and division within St. Louis.  

I found this very inspiring and think it is a great idea.  People often are fearful or embarrassed which prevents them from speaking out about these delicate issues.  However, this experiment gives people an opportunity to truthfully express their thoughts and feelings anonymously.  If the discussion does not happen then change will not either so any small step towards this is beneficial to our whole community.  

The “Wailing Wall” is located at 4709 Delmar Blvd and more information as well as the letters that have been placed in the slots can be found at wailingwallstl.tumblr.com.