Social Justice in the Community Spring 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Coming to Serve the Community...or so I thought
Hooray for my first post! So you may or you may not actually know, but my service learning site is at the Uptown Shepherd's Center on Carrollton Avenue and having to work, well, volunteer there has been a blast. I know that I'm placed there to assist the elders with whatever needs they may have, but this is not always the case. After a hectic week of work and school heading over to the Center is often very therapeutic. Starting with a coffee and, often enough, a cookie or slice of cake I begin my morning there assisting with the weekly 1000 piece puzzle pausing only to fetch coffee for others or, well, pausing to accept a second cup of coffee they may have brought for me. Over the coffee and puzzle all individuals present seem to engage in community-based chatter, if you will. No one is maliciously singled out and no one is left out. It's a socially riveting, caring, and enthusiastic environment that has me scoffing daily at the proclaimed "relationships" that take place on a college campus. No one is out to get the other here. No hostility. Only a genuine appreciation for the others company and lighthearted conversation. An ideal stress-free setting.
After my first three weeks I fell into Rose's Spanish class that began as a result of my supervisor, Sylvia's, future trip to Barcelona. Where, again, they've come to quite literally teach or assist me more than I can for them. Its been great.
However, my next post and my final paper will focus on how much of a contrast this is to senior citizens in Japan and how cultural influences have affected the attitudes of elders in both Western and Eastern worlds.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Service Learning: Bridgehouse, Kim ALexander
Well, I finished my service learning hours at the Bridgehouse. I really enjoyed interacting with the clients. I now realize how many sick individuals that are still out there without any treatment. A lot of the residents at the Bridgehouse were sent their as a part of their probation. In my interviews with them, most of them admitted that if it had not been for the intervention of the courts, they would not have sought treatment. However, they are grateful for the opportunity and are glad God intervened.
Eventhough my requirement for the class is over, I will continue to volunteer with the Bridgehouse. I know that this is a part of my future and I want to stay connected.
Kim
Sold to Army for $15 US, a Sack of Rice, and a Vat of Cooking Oil

At the age of 14, Maung Zaw Oo was forcibly recruited into Burma’s national army. He was separated from his family and sold to the army by a military recruiter for 20,000 kyat ($15 US), a sack of rice and a vat of cooking oil. Although managing to escape once, Maung Zaw Oo was once again enlisted by the age of 15. When his family learned of his conscription and tried to secure his release, the captain of the battalion offered his release in exchange for five new recruits. Maung Zaw Oo refused and bravely told his family, “I don’t want five others to face this, it’s very bad here. I’ll just stay and face it myself.” Robbed of his childhood, Maung Zaw Oo’s lost all hope by the age of 16. Maung Zaw Oo began to volunteer for the most dangerous combat positions, later explaining, “In the army, my life was worthless, so I chose it that way.”




Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Bridge House: Kim Alexander
I am still going strong at the Bridge House. I have been working in all capacities. I have worked withe clients at Bridge House and Grace House. I have also worked with the Fund Raising Department. This weekend is the Annual Fundraising Gala. I am very excited. It will be held at Blaine Kerns Mardi Gras World in Algiers. There will be over one thousand people attending at $100.00 per plate. There are more than fifty New Orleans restarants that will donate their food and/or time for this event. John Goodman is this year's king and, Patricia Clarkson is the Queen. I will give you an update on the event after this weekend.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Service Learning: Kim Alexander
I worked at the Bridge House today and interviewed some of their clients for the Outcome Analysis surveys. I really enjoyed speaking with them and, I learned a lot about them with regards to how they finally ended up getting the help they need and deserve. Because of the confidentiality factor involved in their treatment, I am unable to elaborate. I am getting a lot of satisfaction from the service job I have selected.
While at the Bridge House, I met with Anne Springer who is in charge of Fundraising. I will be working with her two days a week to send out mailers to possible donors inviting them to tour the Bridge House. I feel very fortunate, I will be able to learn more about how they fundraise which will help me with the non profit I am trying to start. I hope that I will be able to network with the Bridge House in some way once I complete school. It looks very promising. I will keep you posted.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
TED
I am now obsessed with watching TED talks and reading their blog. TED's mission is to spread ideas because they "believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives, and ultimately, the world." TEDTalks cover science, arts, politics, global issues, architecture, music, history, and more.