This week our group meet a couple of times during the week to iron out our second draft and make certain that what we had planned for the girls was fun and informative. While meeting via the phone on Tuesday and then again before class on Thursday is finally started to feel like we where headed in the right direction with the activities planned for the day. On Friday the group got together with some thoughts from Emily V. about changing some of the activities, I wasn't at this meeting because I was on a mission to obtain all the supplies needed for our crafts and journal needs. While visiting local businesses I was able to get all the donations we needed. Publix gave me snack packs of crackers, and between Big Lots and the Dollar Store I got, pens, colored pencils, markers, construction paper, memo pads, and tape. We should be ready to put together our final draft next week and do a dry run with the YWLP coordinator next week. I think the girls will come away from this event with a strong understanding and appreciation of their body and what it is possible to do through fun activities and different things they don't do on a regular basis.
Brumberg, Joan Jacobs. The Body Project: An Intimate History of American Girls. New York: Random House, 1997. Print.
Monday, November 12, 2012
ELECTION DAY LEARDERSHIP
Tuesday Nov. 8, 2012
Taking up the opportunity to complete a campus engagement, and help some of my elderly neighbors I ran a Gerri's Taxi Service before classes on election day. While walking my dogs on Mon. morning I ran across some of my friendly and not so friendly neighbors that had different candidates signs posted along their yards. After speaking to some of them I offered my services to drive them to the poles to vote on Tuesday morning. I was surprised to see how many of them took me up on my offer. So starting at 6:30 in the morning I started driving back and forth to the pole set up at our local Knights Of Columbus/ Bingo Hall.
While being 5th in line waiting for the poles to open my neighbor told me she didn't like either candidate, but she knew that if she didn't vote she would be letting someone down. What I found startling was that see knew nothing about the 12 Amendments that where on this years ballot. We did discuss #6 in great detail and when she was done voting she told me she voted no but if I hadn't talked to her she would have voted yes to all 12. After dropping her off back home I returned to my home and picked up my sample ballot and the 8 x 10 mailing I received that was a summary of all 12 proposed amendments to the Florida's Constitution. This turned out to be the best tool to have on hand to explain what each amendment was. When you get to the poles to vote you are given a ballot that basically you need a law degree to understand what they are asking you to vote for. Actually there was on 11 amendment since #7 needed to be rewritten and reinstated on the ballot as #8. I was very grateful that I didn't throw this away yet since I voted a week earlier. I drove 9 people to the poles that day but what happened at the poles was much more exciting. While waiting for them all to vote I hung around the line of voters and spoke to many about amendment #6.
Most people were going to vote yes and it scared me to see how little people understood what they were voting for. I used Gloria Steinen's statement during her speech " Would You Want Rick Scott In Your Doctors Office With You" and it worked. They got the message and I am happy to say that amendment did not pass in Osceola County. Now in no way do I think that I made the difference in that amendment but I do know that the 50+ people I spoke to that day during my 6 different trips to the poles did make a big difference. I felt really good about what I accomplished that day.
Taking up the opportunity to complete a campus engagement, and help some of my elderly neighbors I ran a Gerri's Taxi Service before classes on election day. While walking my dogs on Mon. morning I ran across some of my friendly and not so friendly neighbors that had different candidates signs posted along their yards. After speaking to some of them I offered my services to drive them to the poles to vote on Tuesday morning. I was surprised to see how many of them took me up on my offer. So starting at 6:30 in the morning I started driving back and forth to the pole set up at our local Knights Of Columbus/ Bingo Hall.
While being 5th in line waiting for the poles to open my neighbor told me she didn't like either candidate, but she knew that if she didn't vote she would be letting someone down. What I found startling was that see knew nothing about the 12 Amendments that where on this years ballot. We did discuss #6 in great detail and when she was done voting she told me she voted no but if I hadn't talked to her she would have voted yes to all 12. After dropping her off back home I returned to my home and picked up my sample ballot and the 8 x 10 mailing I received that was a summary of all 12 proposed amendments to the Florida's Constitution. This turned out to be the best tool to have on hand to explain what each amendment was. When you get to the poles to vote you are given a ballot that basically you need a law degree to understand what they are asking you to vote for. Actually there was on 11 amendment since #7 needed to be rewritten and reinstated on the ballot as #8. I was very grateful that I didn't throw this away yet since I voted a week earlier. I drove 9 people to the poles that day but what happened at the poles was much more exciting. While waiting for them all to vote I hung around the line of voters and spoke to many about amendment #6.
Most people were going to vote yes and it scared me to see how little people understood what they were voting for. I used Gloria Steinen's statement during her speech " Would You Want Rick Scott In Your Doctors Office With You" and it worked. They got the message and I am happy to say that amendment did not pass in Osceola County. Now in no way do I think that I made the difference in that amendment but I do know that the 50+ people I spoke to that day during my 6 different trips to the poles did make a big difference. I felt really good about what I accomplished that day.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Service Learning Rational
Girls Power Play
Right when we are born we are gendered. The little
pink and blue blankets hold so much more baggage than just a warming device.
They hold roles, normative behaviors, and body ideals. “Historically, studies
that explore “childhood” broadly, or the experience of growing up generally,
have often been based to represent the experiences of boys” (Lipkin 4). They
study boys and apply the same information to girls even though our gender roles
and experiences are different from the time of birth. It is important to
understand girls because our experiences are different. Girls have expectations
placed on them and also preconceived notions are given to them too. It is
important to not study girls only from the anglocentrism lens (Griffin 29).
Everyone is different because race and class intersect and it is important to
recognize those differences from white privileged girls. Each group of girls
has preconceived notions attached to them creating a tightrope which girls have
to tread on carefully. “Girls are told they can be leaders and it's okay to be
smart, but they then may be critiqued for being too ambitious or too pushy, a
process that doesn't necessarily change when they grow into women” (Lipkin 12).
Girl's learning strength and leadership is important because it educates them
on the societal pressures placed on girls; this education is intended to
implement change in our societal construction of girlhood.
In our readings from “The Body Project” there were
discussions about women working with adolescent girls that I thought was
interesting, especially considering we are working with YWLP. The quote is on
page 18 and it says “Most of this entire protective umbrella meant that girls
had many projects-other than their own bodies-to keep them busy and engaged”. I
don’t necessarily agree with the whole “protective umbrella” thing but I like
how it talks about keeping girls engaged in projects rather than focusing on
their bodies. By giving them activities where they can still see what their
bodies can do but also focusing on leadership and teamwork; helps them to see
what they can achieve and not just focusing on the body as an all-consuming
project.
Also from another chapter we’ve read in Body Projects;
the author states that before the twentieth century, girls simply did not
organize their thinking about themselves around their bodies-especially shape,
size, and muscle tone-because they believe that the body is the ultimate
expression of self (97). The author also states that the body is a consuming
project for contemporary girls because it provides an important means of
self-definition, a way to visibly announce who you are to the world (97). I
believe what we are trying to do with this project is help girls to see that
the body is not an all-consuming project and to focus less on what their body
looks like and more on what their bodies can do and help them achieve.
This project is relevant to our Girls and the Body
course, as well as the Girls Studies movement; because it is a project geared
directly toward having girls create and develop their strength and ability that
can move themselves forward. All teenagers can learn about leadership and define
for themselves what it means. It is
important that these girls understand they are young leaders in their
day-to-day lives, and that leadership is not reserved for adults or for those
in formal leadership positions. Leaders are those who think for themselves,
communicate their thoughts and feelings to others, and help others understand
and act on their own beliefs; they influence others in an ethical and socially
responsible way. Through our activities the girls will have the opportunity to
recognize and then utilize the leadership skills which they already possess,
and in doing so they will be able to further develop other leadership qualities
as their years and experience progress.
Action:
In order to fulfill our service-learning
requirement, our group has several different components that we will be implementing.
We will be working with the girls at UCF Days, through four different group
activities, we will engage the YWLP participants in a setting in which they can
experience leadership through the functionality of the body. Following the
activities, we will facilitate a guided discussion connecting body experience
with applied leadership.
Discussion Questions:
1) What
did it feel like to use your body in different ways in different activities?
2) How
did you display leadership during the activities?
3) What
did you have to do differently during the challenges when you weren’t allowed
to speak, move, or see?
4) Were
there times when you used your body to lead? When you used your body to follow?
What did you find was effective, and what was ineffective? Did you feel
uncomfortable at any times?
These questions will be used in a group setting
after completing the activities for UCF Days.
We hope that the girls can share their experiences from the activities
with us, and gain some insight of what they have the ability to do. As in “At
home in my body” Torres speaks of how “she learned to reach her goals, her mind
had to be convinced that her body could do the impossible”, I hope that these
girls can come to the same conclusions while having fun doing our activities
for the day.
Works Cited:
Brumberg, Joan Jacobs. The Body Project: An Intimate
History of American Girls. New York: Random House, 1997. Print.
Griffin, Christine. "Good Girls, Bad Girls:
Anglocentrism and Diversity in the Constitution of Contemporary Girlhood."
All About The Girl . Ed. Anita Harris. New York: Routledge, 2004. Print.
Lipkin , Elline. Girls' Studies. Berkeley: Seal
Studies, 2009. Print. pg 29
Torres, Allison.
“At Home in My Body.” Body
Outlaws: Rewriting the Rules of Beauty and Body Image. Ed.
Ophira Edut. Emeryville, CA: Seal Press,
2003. 219-224. Print.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Weekly Activism Log w/e 10/27
UCF DAYS was a big success.
Not only did the girls have fun, I believe that they also learned a few things that they didn't think they could do. In our discussion portion after the activities the girls shared some of their feelings and thoughts of the day. What really stood out was the blindfold challenge, they spoke of heighten hearing senses taking over to hear their big and follow the directions they were giving. They also learned trust that their big's were not going to let something happen to them while being blindfolded. But then of the flip side of that activity we found that a few of the little's took advantage of their big's by directing them into trees and waving palm branches in their path in order to scare them. Everyone had a good laugh. They also discussed the challenge of shipwreck and not falling into shark infested waters while needing to trust their teammates to keep them on the overturned boat. I helped run the Body Spelling activity and found it very interesting how the different groups achieved the goals of spelling different words. One group stood spelling their words while the other two groups laid on the ground to spell their words. This challenge was carried out using no verbal communication, it was interesting to see a little take control of the group and show them were to go and how to shape their body to form certain letters. This also included one little dragging others into position until being told they couldn't break each other.
All said and done this was a great day for me and the YWLP organization. I am really looking forward to our next event during alumni weekend. The body appreciation workshop will be able to express positive aspects or functions of their bodies. Also they will be able to walk away with the ability to continue the conversations about body appreciation with their friends and family.
As a group we will be meeting this week to debrief on the event and continue to develop the activities for the workshop that we will be hosting for these girls, on Nov 11th. We now have a better understanding of who these girls are and what the are capable of doing and are eager to incorporate their abilities into the activities.
Not only did the girls have fun, I believe that they also learned a few things that they didn't think they could do. In our discussion portion after the activities the girls shared some of their feelings and thoughts of the day. What really stood out was the blindfold challenge, they spoke of heighten hearing senses taking over to hear their big and follow the directions they were giving. They also learned trust that their big's were not going to let something happen to them while being blindfolded. But then of the flip side of that activity we found that a few of the little's took advantage of their big's by directing them into trees and waving palm branches in their path in order to scare them. Everyone had a good laugh. They also discussed the challenge of shipwreck and not falling into shark infested waters while needing to trust their teammates to keep them on the overturned boat. I helped run the Body Spelling activity and found it very interesting how the different groups achieved the goals of spelling different words. One group stood spelling their words while the other two groups laid on the ground to spell their words. This challenge was carried out using no verbal communication, it was interesting to see a little take control of the group and show them were to go and how to shape their body to form certain letters. This also included one little dragging others into position until being told they couldn't break each other.
All said and done this was a great day for me and the YWLP organization. I am really looking forward to our next event during alumni weekend. The body appreciation workshop will be able to express positive aspects or functions of their bodies. Also they will be able to walk away with the ability to continue the conversations about body appreciation with their friends and family.
As a group we will be meeting this week to debrief on the event and continue to develop the activities for the workshop that we will be hosting for these girls, on Nov 11th. We now have a better understanding of who these girls are and what the are capable of doing and are eager to incorporate their abilities into the activities.
GLORIA EMPOWERS
On Oct. 19th I attended
the Legislative Lunch with Gloria Steinen on UCF campus. The Impact of the Upcoming
Elections for Women was the topic of discussion yet I came away with so much
more. I was in high school while Gloria was known as an American feminist,
journalist, and social and political activist who became nationally recognized
as a leader of, and media spokeswoman for, the women's liberation movement in
the late 1960s and 1970s. She began her speech by asking if we would like to
have Gov. Rick Scott in the Doctor’s office with us while being examined! If Amendment 6 is passed that is exactly what
will be happening. Family health help
will be in jeopardy if passes. Abortion decisions should only be made by women
and the support of their doctor not the government. Medical care will be taken away and the cost
will fall on women and their families.
Gloria stressed the importance of
women and all American’s to vote in this election. “The power in the day is in
our vote” was what she said and I could feel the energy in the room come
alive. Also stressing Voters for Choice,
Choice U.S.A., the need for Sex Education in schools, Equal pay would be the
most economical stimulus in the U.S. would create not only jobs but power.
The quote that stands out the most
from her amazing speech was “Femininity and Masculinity are made up roles. We
are all human, and roles manipulate both men and women. We should not be ranked
but linked as human beings”. I’ve never been so empowered by hearing someone
speak. I’ve never wanted to act out and go out and do something to perpetuate
these feelings before. As I walk around campus now and since her speech the
first question I ask young students is are you going to vote? And PLEASE vote
no for amendment 6.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Tattoos
In "Marked for Life" Silja spoke of her tattoo's being a source of inspiration, to get her through her struggles in life. Living in many different areas and cultures she found it very difficult to fit into many stereo typical groups, she retreated deeper within herself. Tattooing gave her Strength, and empowerment over things she could not control. Many people look down on women that decorate the bodies in the same manor as men.
Although these are the same people that buy into the cosmetic industry, jewelry including belly piercing, and breast implants as a normal part of women's lives. Many women are not comfortable or accepting of themselves and the cultures they come from. Most people say regret will come later in life when your older and you still have the tattoos you got when you were young. I myself have a very small tattoo in a place that only my husband see's. I didn't get this tattoo for the same reasons Silja did, I got it on a dare, but I love it and what it stands for, as I am sure that is what Silja feels also.
I found the stories on "Unwanted" much more of a concern then the "Marked for Life". I feel that cutting is an outward cry for help. In Precious Angel when someone finally noticed the pain this young girl was in no one could help her. Sure they tried to "fix her" through nurses, doctors, hospital, and counselors, yet at the end of her story she could only say she is better yet she did consider suicide. I know a girl that was a close friend of my son and his crew of high school friend. She is beautiful, intelligent, friendly, and what I thought was very confident. One day during a summer party at my home I noticed she wasn't in the pool, or not playing volleyball. After asking her if she was alright she stated that she didn't bring a suit. after offering her shorts and a tank top I walked in on her changing in my room to see cuts on her thighs. These were only a day or two old and I was shocked, I looked closer to see many scares from past cutting. I started to cry and so did she. we spent a couple of hours talking to find out that she was to horrified to speak to her very busy mother who she felt wouldn't care anyway. This girl was hurting in a way that I couldn't help other then letting her cry and talk with me. Finally I told her that I would go with her to speak to her mother, and if her mother couldn't give her the help she needed I would find someone that would.
It has been along battle for 'Amy' (not her real name) but today I get long emails and photos from her along with pictures of her beautiful twin daughters that inspire her everyday of her life to be a strong, empowered women, with her knowledge she has made a vow to never cut again and to be there for her daughter when the teenage world grabs a hold of them.
Both readings and my sons friend have a connection in the struggles young girls go through just to live life in what they believe to be an acceptable way of dealing with pain within themselves.
570 words
Although these are the same people that buy into the cosmetic industry, jewelry including belly piercing, and breast implants as a normal part of women's lives. Many women are not comfortable or accepting of themselves and the cultures they come from. Most people say regret will come later in life when your older and you still have the tattoos you got when you were young. I myself have a very small tattoo in a place that only my husband see's. I didn't get this tattoo for the same reasons Silja did, I got it on a dare, but I love it and what it stands for, as I am sure that is what Silja feels also.
I found the stories on "Unwanted" much more of a concern then the "Marked for Life". I feel that cutting is an outward cry for help. In Precious Angel when someone finally noticed the pain this young girl was in no one could help her. Sure they tried to "fix her" through nurses, doctors, hospital, and counselors, yet at the end of her story she could only say she is better yet she did consider suicide. I know a girl that was a close friend of my son and his crew of high school friend. She is beautiful, intelligent, friendly, and what I thought was very confident. One day during a summer party at my home I noticed she wasn't in the pool, or not playing volleyball. After asking her if she was alright she stated that she didn't bring a suit. after offering her shorts and a tank top I walked in on her changing in my room to see cuts on her thighs. These were only a day or two old and I was shocked, I looked closer to see many scares from past cutting. I started to cry and so did she. we spent a couple of hours talking to find out that she was to horrified to speak to her very busy mother who she felt wouldn't care anyway. This girl was hurting in a way that I couldn't help other then letting her cry and talk with me. Finally I told her that I would go with her to speak to her mother, and if her mother couldn't give her the help she needed I would find someone that would.
It has been along battle for 'Amy' (not her real name) but today I get long emails and photos from her along with pictures of her beautiful twin daughters that inspire her everyday of her life to be a strong, empowered women, with her knowledge she has made a vow to never cut again and to be there for her daughter when the teenage world grabs a hold of them.
Both readings and my sons friend have a connection in the struggles young girls go through just to live life in what they believe to be an acceptable way of dealing with pain within themselves.
570 words
Talvi,
Silja J.A.. "Marked for Life: Tattoos and the Redefinition of Self." Body
Outlaws. Ed. Ophira Edut. 2nd ed., Expanded and Updated. Emeryville,
California: Seal Press, 2003. 211-218. Print.
Angel,
Precious. "Unwanted." My Sisters' Voices: Teenage Girls of Color
Speak Out. Ed. Iris Jacob. New York, New York: Holt Paperbacks, 2002.
201-203. Print.Thursday, September 13, 2012
Beauty Quiz
Link to Beauty Quiz
http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/fitness/quiz.jsp?quizId=/templatedata/fitness/quiz/data/1146513593096.xml
http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/fitness/quiz.jsp?quizId=/templatedata/fitness/quiz/data/1146513593096.xml
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