As a social services professional and as a civic-minded individual, I'm a big fan of the "Pay It Forward" philosophy. Repaying a good deed by doing it for someone else is a great way to live, and I feel as though that can help make a permanent, lasting difference in the world.
Lately, I've been trying to incorporate that in a very personal aspect of my life. I lost my grandmother in the fall, and I'm still definitely going through the grieving process. Though we didn't always agree on everything, we were really close, and I'd wanted her to be at my master's graduation (she was at both my bachelor's graduations). We did, though, have quite a lot in common: both big readers, adventurous, and artistic. It's been very difficult adjusting to the fact that she is no longer with us.
I lately decided to find some way to honor her memory by doing something similar to what she did, only for people I don't know. One thing I remember very clearly about Grandma Lori was that she was really artistic and creative. Whenever my sister and cousin and I would go to her house, she'd have her art supplies at the ready and we would make creative projects to take home. She made Halloween costumes for my sister and me when we were really little, and we'd wear them till we grew out of them. I definitely think that's where I got my arty interests! (My mom's art is culinary prowess, and my dad likes to paint. I'm primarily a jeweler, but my interests and skills run the gamut from sewing to drawing and everything in between.) Another thing that sticks out very clearly for me is Grandma's generous nature. Whenever she'd stop by to visit or when we'd come to visit, she'd always have something to share with or give to us, even if it wasn't a holiday. Any day was a good day to be generous.
So I'd like to honor those memories by doing something in that vein. Like I've mentioned, I am a jeweler ("Revel with a Cause" is the name of my accessories and gifts line) and I do like to create to de-stress. This year, I think I'll remember Grandma Lori's creative spirit by making more of my beautiful and unique pieces and setting aside some sets each month. At the end of the year, I will gather all the sets of jewelry I put aside (I'm aiming for 15-20 at least!), put them in boxes or little bags, and donate them to a women's homeless or domestic violence shelter. Many shelters now offer "economic empowerment" programs that give the women job training to rebuild their lives, and perhaps they can wear my pieces to their job interviews (or use them as holiday gifts). That will honor my grandma's generous and artistic spirit and bring some of that spirit to a bunch of unsuspecting clients!
Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some crafts to do.... ;)
Showing posts with label social services. Show all posts
Showing posts with label social services. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Forget the "brand," concentrate on the person
Brand recognition. Personal brand. Create your personal brand.
I'm sure you've heard these phrases before, and since they've been used so much, they're probably coming off like a brand-ing iron to the ears. Even in the non-profit and academic worlds I frequent, I have heard these phrases more times than I could count. Develop your "personal brand," we professionals are told. Little, everyday things contribute to one's "personal brand," like how you dress, who you're seen with, and how you come across to people. Rather than achieving success through working to expand your mind and improve your life, this suggests that success, instead, comes from the way you, your career, and life are packaged (like a brand). When someone sees you or hears your name, they immediately (if you're lucky) think about what you've created your brand to be.
As acclimated as I've become to the business world (both non-profit and for-profit, being the grant manager and all), this is one concept I'm not at all sold on. Sure, I can understand the importance of creating a good reputation and becoming someone that people can trust right away. But a brand? That sounds waaaay too simplistic to really encapsulate who a person is!
Brands, the way I see them, apply to inanimate products, like say, cleaning solutions or foods. When I open up a bottle of Lysol or Soft Scrub to clean my bathroom, for example, I have an idea of what I've gotten and what I expect it to do. I know that I can get tough stains out of my sink and tub with the Soft Scrub and that Lysol works better on my toilet. That's part of their brand and part of my own experience with them. But here's the thing. I use the cleaning products. I certainly don't seek to get to know them, find out how I can relate to them, or establish a connection with them. They exist to serve one specific purpose--to make my home clean and sanitary. They're inanimate objects, not sentient beings with personalities or desires.
A person is a person. Not a brand. We are way too complex to really boil things down to just a little package and nothing more. We have desires and interests and idiosyncrasies that can't all fit into a little package. What does one do if all of those interests don't fit into their brand? Leave those out? Hide them? I mean, people are FULL of contradictions and quirks--even the most normal among us! You've read on this blog, for example, my interest in "buying local" and supporting my local, namely Lake County, community. However, one of my favorite things to do is to visit the ethnic enclaves in the huge cities I visit, get horrendously lost, and come back after 8 hours with a dozen new friends I made and stories to tell. (Last time I was in Armour Square, the docents at the Chinese-American Museum let my family and me in after hours, turned on the lights and videos, showed us how to play some of the games on display, and gave us our own private tour!) However, as much as that made an AWESOME day and birthday, that is not patronizing Lake County. Armour Square is a neighborhood of Chicago. Which is not in Lake County. Does that affect my "shop local" interests? Do I have to turn in my Lake County Chamber of Commerce membership? No, no, and no. That's because I have more interests than some silly narrow definition.
So maybe the focus isn't to develop your "personal brand." Maybe what we need to do is to understand and appreciate the complex, multiform human beings that we all are. A brand can't possibly cover all of that.
I'm sure you've heard these phrases before, and since they've been used so much, they're probably coming off like a brand-ing iron to the ears. Even in the non-profit and academic worlds I frequent, I have heard these phrases more times than I could count. Develop your "personal brand," we professionals are told. Little, everyday things contribute to one's "personal brand," like how you dress, who you're seen with, and how you come across to people. Rather than achieving success through working to expand your mind and improve your life, this suggests that success, instead, comes from the way you, your career, and life are packaged (like a brand). When someone sees you or hears your name, they immediately (if you're lucky) think about what you've created your brand to be.
As acclimated as I've become to the business world (both non-profit and for-profit, being the grant manager and all), this is one concept I'm not at all sold on. Sure, I can understand the importance of creating a good reputation and becoming someone that people can trust right away. But a brand? That sounds waaaay too simplistic to really encapsulate who a person is!
Brands, the way I see them, apply to inanimate products, like say, cleaning solutions or foods. When I open up a bottle of Lysol or Soft Scrub to clean my bathroom, for example, I have an idea of what I've gotten and what I expect it to do. I know that I can get tough stains out of my sink and tub with the Soft Scrub and that Lysol works better on my toilet. That's part of their brand and part of my own experience with them. But here's the thing. I use the cleaning products. I certainly don't seek to get to know them, find out how I can relate to them, or establish a connection with them. They exist to serve one specific purpose--to make my home clean and sanitary. They're inanimate objects, not sentient beings with personalities or desires.
A person is a person. Not a brand. We are way too complex to really boil things down to just a little package and nothing more. We have desires and interests and idiosyncrasies that can't all fit into a little package. What does one do if all of those interests don't fit into their brand? Leave those out? Hide them? I mean, people are FULL of contradictions and quirks--even the most normal among us! You've read on this blog, for example, my interest in "buying local" and supporting my local, namely Lake County, community. However, one of my favorite things to do is to visit the ethnic enclaves in the huge cities I visit, get horrendously lost, and come back after 8 hours with a dozen new friends I made and stories to tell. (Last time I was in Armour Square, the docents at the Chinese-American Museum let my family and me in after hours, turned on the lights and videos, showed us how to play some of the games on display, and gave us our own private tour!) However, as much as that made an AWESOME day and birthday, that is not patronizing Lake County. Armour Square is a neighborhood of Chicago. Which is not in Lake County. Does that affect my "shop local" interests? Do I have to turn in my Lake County Chamber of Commerce membership? No, no, and no. That's because I have more interests than some silly narrow definition.
So maybe the focus isn't to develop your "personal brand." Maybe what we need to do is to understand and appreciate the complex, multiform human beings that we all are. A brand can't possibly cover all of that.
Friday, January 13, 2012
The Pink Prison
I'm a feminist in a career and educational path that can be best described as traditionally "feminine." Due to the nature of our work, most rape crisis workers are female. Most of the counselors are female, too, and our statewide policy dictates that all first contact with a rape survivor must be done by a female advocate. I don't necessarily see any problem with that. As most rape survivors are women, I can see how it might be frightening for a survivor to have an advocate who was the same gender as her attacker.
That doesn't mean that there aren't men in the field. Quite the opposite. In my 5 years in advocacy, I've seen them in all levels of my work. Primarily, I've seen them in administrative roles, but I've also seen male advocates and counselors who work with children and men. I couldn't say that they were any less dedicated than their sisters in the field. Two of the crisis centers in the state even have male directors. It will always been a female-dominated field, and for good reason, but I'm glad to see more men wanting to help.
What I find interesting is people's response to the male advocates and crisis workers. When I talk about the women I work with, most people are politely interested and friendly in their responses. However, when I describe any of the men in the field, it seems like everybody is all ears! Effusive compliments for them abound, and everybody seems to want to know all about how they do the work and what keeps them going. And sooner or later, I get the inevitable, "Oh that's sooo wonderful and noble for him!"
Now don't get me wrong. I am hugely grateful for my brothers in advocacy, and I see recruiting and retaining them as an important priority. (Most male survivors are pretty grateful for an advocate they feel they can relate to.) They are definitely performing important work. In my experience, I remember some of the older advocates telling me about when it was considered shocking for a man to be employed at a crisis center...and being grateful times have changed.
However, I don't think it's necessarily only noble when a man does it. Sure, crisis intervention advocacy is predominantly female, but it's difficult and emotionally draining work for anyone of any gender. When I went through the training five years ago, I remember when some sections of it really were difficult for me to get through, and some of the workshops I've attended for my CEU's have also been pretty emotionally challenging. I'm sure I'm not the only female advocate who thinks that way. But I am in no way any more prepared or less noble when I do this simply because I am female. It's hard work for anyone to do. So why not celebrate all the advocates (not just the male ones)? Why not laud all of their investment in the work?
This then got me thinking about other predominantly female occupations, typically called "pink collar" jobs, such as teaching, librarianship, nursing, and counseling. These occupations are not exactly what you would call easy--all require some sort of license or advanced degree--and they require a good deal of education, skills, and emotional labor. There's no shame in someone wanting one of those jobs and taking the steps necessary to do so. However, I've noticed the same attitude towards men in these jobs as I have for the male advocates. There's usually a lot of praise heaped on them for doing something that's typically "female." However, I don't see the same amount of praise for women in these jobs. And again, it's still important and still pretty challenging work for anyone. It's no more or less just because of the gender of the person involved in it!
Perhaps the goal is to respect these service-related institutions and to laud those who dedicate their lives to them--regardless of their gender. Perhaps what we need to do is really understand what it takes to be in them and salute our brothers and sisters doing the work. Because it's important for all of us to care and to get involved.
That doesn't mean that there aren't men in the field. Quite the opposite. In my 5 years in advocacy, I've seen them in all levels of my work. Primarily, I've seen them in administrative roles, but I've also seen male advocates and counselors who work with children and men. I couldn't say that they were any less dedicated than their sisters in the field. Two of the crisis centers in the state even have male directors. It will always been a female-dominated field, and for good reason, but I'm glad to see more men wanting to help.
What I find interesting is people's response to the male advocates and crisis workers. When I talk about the women I work with, most people are politely interested and friendly in their responses. However, when I describe any of the men in the field, it seems like everybody is all ears! Effusive compliments for them abound, and everybody seems to want to know all about how they do the work and what keeps them going. And sooner or later, I get the inevitable, "Oh that's sooo wonderful and noble for him!"
Now don't get me wrong. I am hugely grateful for my brothers in advocacy, and I see recruiting and retaining them as an important priority. (Most male survivors are pretty grateful for an advocate they feel they can relate to.) They are definitely performing important work. In my experience, I remember some of the older advocates telling me about when it was considered shocking for a man to be employed at a crisis center...and being grateful times have changed.
However, I don't think it's necessarily only noble when a man does it. Sure, crisis intervention advocacy is predominantly female, but it's difficult and emotionally draining work for anyone of any gender. When I went through the training five years ago, I remember when some sections of it really were difficult for me to get through, and some of the workshops I've attended for my CEU's have also been pretty emotionally challenging. I'm sure I'm not the only female advocate who thinks that way. But I am in no way any more prepared or less noble when I do this simply because I am female. It's hard work for anyone to do. So why not celebrate all the advocates (not just the male ones)? Why not laud all of their investment in the work?
This then got me thinking about other predominantly female occupations, typically called "pink collar" jobs, such as teaching, librarianship, nursing, and counseling. These occupations are not exactly what you would call easy--all require some sort of license or advanced degree--and they require a good deal of education, skills, and emotional labor. There's no shame in someone wanting one of those jobs and taking the steps necessary to do so. However, I've noticed the same attitude towards men in these jobs as I have for the male advocates. There's usually a lot of praise heaped on them for doing something that's typically "female." However, I don't see the same amount of praise for women in these jobs. And again, it's still important and still pretty challenging work for anyone. It's no more or less just because of the gender of the person involved in it!
Perhaps the goal is to respect these service-related institutions and to laud those who dedicate their lives to them--regardless of their gender. Perhaps what we need to do is really understand what it takes to be in them and salute our brothers and sisters doing the work. Because it's important for all of us to care and to get involved.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Headed to the guv!
Fast on the heels of my excitement over New York's marriage equality (June brides? How 'bout June PRIDE?) comes something I've been coveting for quite a while.
I think that sending me back to the state coalition in Springfield is a "capital" idea! I'm so stoked to serve my center and the crisis cause by working with the statewide organization. Best of all, it doesn't conflict with my classes (who says you can't have it all?) and I can learn from the delegates coming from the other crisis centers. I really love the networking and learning all about the sister centers all over the state (and then bringing it on home), so this is going to be one terrific opportunity.
This is going to be an awesome fiscal year....
I think that sending me back to the state coalition in Springfield is a "capital" idea! I'm so stoked to serve my center and the crisis cause by working with the statewide organization. Best of all, it doesn't conflict with my classes (who says you can't have it all?) and I can learn from the delegates coming from the other crisis centers. I really love the networking and learning all about the sister centers all over the state (and then bringing it on home), so this is going to be one terrific opportunity.
This is going to be an awesome fiscal year....
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Unkindest Cut
Okay, if my advocacy posts are boring you, then please skip this one. However, if they don't, keep reading and take note (please).
You might remember the previous post a few months ago, "La Vie En Teal," in which I discussed budget cuts affecting many of the social service programs in Illinois. Well, last summer, Governor Blagojevich was considering a bill cutting funding for the social services, which would have affected things like counseling centers, speech therapy, nursing homes, halfway houses, drug rehabilitation services, hospitals, and many other health and human services. Things like the domestic violence shelters and crisis centers were also on this metaphorical chopping block, as these cuts could send several of them out of business. Thankfully, the cuts didn't go through, and most of these programs stayed in existence.
Well, flash-forward to a year later, and Governor Quinn has been presented with a budget from the state Senate. This bill is lovingly termed the "Doomsday budget" by my friends at ICASA, and its official name is Senate Bill/SB 1197. The Governor cannot make tax/spending decisions but has the power to veto them. This budget includes some heavy cuts for these same social services--at LEAST 50%. If you don't think 50% is a lot, consider that will be closing many of the free clinics and services in lower-income areas. A small crisis center like RCS in Champaign would have to close its doors permanently. A free clinic or government-sponsored program (like therapy for a returning Iraq War veteran) would be gone as well. And for a person living in a lower-income area, they might not even get the medical treatment they need if they happen to get sick. Although programs like advocacy are my own personal link to this problem, I am also worried about all the other social services. Cutting them will only cost the state more than it will save.
I know the budget problem is a pretty deep-rooted one, and I'm not an economist or anything. But I do think that there has to be a better way for the state to save money than to cut programs it so desperately needs. Many of my conservative readers (yes, this flaming-liberal revel has conservative readers; you know who you are!) might lambast me for saying this, but even raising taxes just a little would be more helpful. IL is a big state, so even a small tax raise would help. Or cutting back on programs that aren't needed.
But for you readers, if you haven't already done so, please call Governor Quinn's office at 217-782-0244 and tell him to veto Senate Bill 1197. You will most likely reach a voicemail, so if you don't like talking on the phones, you don't have to have some long involved conversation (I already called; it's pretty quick and painless). Or send a message by clicking here: http://www.illinois.gov/GOV/contactthegovernor.cfm. We think the decision will be made on July 1, but I am really hoping that the cuts don't go through. Right now, it feels like that fabled sword of Damocles, dangling over our heads and completely nerve-wracking.
This isn't just for me. It's for everyone who has ever or will ever need those services. If you want to know more, contact me, and I will give you any and all information you need to know about it.
You might remember the previous post a few months ago, "La Vie En Teal," in which I discussed budget cuts affecting many of the social service programs in Illinois. Well, last summer, Governor Blagojevich was considering a bill cutting funding for the social services, which would have affected things like counseling centers, speech therapy, nursing homes, halfway houses, drug rehabilitation services, hospitals, and many other health and human services. Things like the domestic violence shelters and crisis centers were also on this metaphorical chopping block, as these cuts could send several of them out of business. Thankfully, the cuts didn't go through, and most of these programs stayed in existence.
Well, flash-forward to a year later, and Governor Quinn has been presented with a budget from the state Senate. This bill is lovingly termed the "Doomsday budget" by my friends at ICASA, and its official name is Senate Bill/SB 1197. The Governor cannot make tax/spending decisions but has the power to veto them. This budget includes some heavy cuts for these same social services--at LEAST 50%. If you don't think 50% is a lot, consider that will be closing many of the free clinics and services in lower-income areas. A small crisis center like RCS in Champaign would have to close its doors permanently. A free clinic or government-sponsored program (like therapy for a returning Iraq War veteran) would be gone as well. And for a person living in a lower-income area, they might not even get the medical treatment they need if they happen to get sick. Although programs like advocacy are my own personal link to this problem, I am also worried about all the other social services. Cutting them will only cost the state more than it will save.
I know the budget problem is a pretty deep-rooted one, and I'm not an economist or anything. But I do think that there has to be a better way for the state to save money than to cut programs it so desperately needs. Many of my conservative readers (yes, this flaming-liberal revel has conservative readers; you know who you are!) might lambast me for saying this, but even raising taxes just a little would be more helpful. IL is a big state, so even a small tax raise would help. Or cutting back on programs that aren't needed.
But for you readers, if you haven't already done so, please call Governor Quinn's office at 217-782-0244 and tell him to veto Senate Bill 1197. You will most likely reach a voicemail, so if you don't like talking on the phones, you don't have to have some long involved conversation (I already called; it's pretty quick and painless). Or send a message by clicking here: http://www.illinois.gov/GOV/contactthegovernor.cfm. We think the decision will be made on July 1, but I am really hoping that the cuts don't go through. Right now, it feels like that fabled sword of Damocles, dangling over our heads and completely nerve-wracking.
This isn't just for me. It's for everyone who has ever or will ever need those services. If you want to know more, contact me, and I will give you any and all information you need to know about it.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Yes!
Most of the tables are filled!
Most of the fabulous groups are confirmed (three of which are new this year), and the number TOPS, TOPS, TOPS my record from last year!
It's a month till the big day, and my ship is on the horizon!
AV material is rented.
Playlist is created.
Draft of flyers is on my computer.
And turnout at meetings is bigger and better than ever!
Now all we need are the visitors!
YES!!!!! I have got this president thing down to an ART! And I couldn't have done it without such a fantastic group! After all, a good leader goes nowhere without good people for leading.
Most of the fabulous groups are confirmed (three of which are new this year), and the number TOPS, TOPS, TOPS my record from last year!
It's a month till the big day, and my ship is on the horizon!
AV material is rented.
Playlist is created.
Draft of flyers is on my computer.
And turnout at meetings is bigger and better than ever!
Now all we need are the visitors!
YES!!!!! I have got this president thing down to an ART! And I couldn't have done it without such a fantastic group! After all, a good leader goes nowhere without good people for leading.
Monday, December 1, 2008
La vie en teal
Well, I suppose I've officially entered the rat race, since today was the holiday office party. Got a very me gift at the gift exchange. I'm glad my pressie was well-received by Mary, one of our very cool volunteers (well, one might say they are all cool). Our advocacy director, Jenn, is leaving in the middle of the month. She will be greatly missed because she's really taken all of us under her wing and has made the effort to get to know all of us. Jenn did "Hair" in my first year of The Vagina Monologues, and she knows a lot about feminism and other social issues. She also taught us all a lot about disability rights. She uses a wheelchair to get around, and she has often been really vocal about how inaccessible most places are and how hard it is to perform daily tasks. RCS will have a hard time replacing her, and she will be missed. We've gone through so many changes. In less than a year, we've gotten a new director, a new therapist, and the legal position has been taken on by the director of advocacy. Don't get me wrong, I like the new therapist, and I think Kerri is as well-qualified as anyone can be to lead the rape crisis center. It's just a lot of rapid change.
I got into a conversation with a prevention educator at dinner today, after the party. One thing that has both of us somewhat worried is the recession. The recession isn't "coming," it's already here. We're not stupid. We know that times are extremely tough, and it's rather worrisome. We're both seniors, and we're pretty worried about the job market when we enter the full-time workforce. The scary thing is that there are people who will be or are affected by it worse than we could imagine.
The social service industry will be profoundly affected by this. Already, a lot of charities are getting their funding slashed, and most of them are needed more than ever. The homeless shelters are already overcrowded. A Woman's Place, Haven House, Women's Residential, and Safe Place are strict about limiting the amount of time a client can stay. I haven't done hotline since October because I've been doing administrative work at RCS, but when the other advocates pulled out their paperwork to give to Jenn, I was shocked by how many forms were turned in for the month. (A form details the hotline or medical call-out. Many forms=many call outs=many reasons--and I'm sure you know what those reasons are--for the call out) Even a big center like La Casa, which is mostly dependent on private funding, had some pretty huge cutbacks as well.
And here is where the problem lies. More unemployment and bad economic conditions usually leads to more crime. We have seen this all throughout history. People become desperate and take out their emotions in the worst ways. What bothers me is that if the funding for the centers keeps getting cut (and the need for them keeps going up), there won't be any services for the clients who need them the most. My two centers were really threatened by the governor's proposed budget cuts, and when he took those cuts off the table, we were all really relieved. We can't afford to lose the social services now. With worse conditions, we need our social services more than ever. I just hope the state government (and President Obama's administration too) thinks so and is willing to keep funding them.
I got into a conversation with a prevention educator at dinner today, after the party. One thing that has both of us somewhat worried is the recession. The recession isn't "coming," it's already here. We're not stupid. We know that times are extremely tough, and it's rather worrisome. We're both seniors, and we're pretty worried about the job market when we enter the full-time workforce. The scary thing is that there are people who will be or are affected by it worse than we could imagine.
The social service industry will be profoundly affected by this. Already, a lot of charities are getting their funding slashed, and most of them are needed more than ever. The homeless shelters are already overcrowded. A Woman's Place, Haven House, Women's Residential, and Safe Place are strict about limiting the amount of time a client can stay. I haven't done hotline since October because I've been doing administrative work at RCS, but when the other advocates pulled out their paperwork to give to Jenn, I was shocked by how many forms were turned in for the month. (A form details the hotline or medical call-out. Many forms=many call outs=many reasons--and I'm sure you know what those reasons are--for the call out) Even a big center like La Casa, which is mostly dependent on private funding, had some pretty huge cutbacks as well.
And here is where the problem lies. More unemployment and bad economic conditions usually leads to more crime. We have seen this all throughout history. People become desperate and take out their emotions in the worst ways. What bothers me is that if the funding for the centers keeps getting cut (and the need for them keeps going up), there won't be any services for the clients who need them the most. My two centers were really threatened by the governor's proposed budget cuts, and when he took those cuts off the table, we were all really relieved. We can't afford to lose the social services now. With worse conditions, we need our social services more than ever. I just hope the state government (and President Obama's administration too) thinks so and is willing to keep funding them.
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