Monday, January 31, 2011
Changing the World
Two service opportunities that often get overlooked are politics and protests. We often forget about the importance of local races. Our state government determines how much college costs, how much financial aid students can get, where and what roads and tollways get built etc...Furthermore, it is easy to overlook mundane tasks like stuffing envelopes, or calling people to remind them to vote. But these little things make a big difference. The spring 2008 issue of The American Sociological Review includes an article called "Can Power From Below Change the World?" by Frances Fox Piven, author of Challenging Authority: How Ordinary People Change America (Polemics). Her article basically said that we are all tied to each other and so our connection to those around us can be a source a power that creates social movements that can alter the course of America. It is in a sense seeing a sense of power in a sociologically mindful way. This reminds me that for a service project, students can go to a protest. They just need to document it with pictures. Have you ever been to a protest? What would you be willing to protest for? What you be willing to be arrested for?
Friday, January 28, 2011
Community Service Opportunity: Onward House
Ms. Fainman and GIVE are taking buses to the Onward House in Chicago to tutor students after school. A little about Onward house:
The service experience meets every other thursday.
You can signup through GIVE.
Besides these days, there are other opportunities to volunteer there on your own.
Onward House's long history dates back to the mid-nineteenth century. Over the years, Onward House has adapted and evolved with every unique generation that has called West Town their home. Yet, our mission to provide critical education, childcare and family support services to those in need has not.
The service experience meets every other thursday.
You can signup through GIVE.
Besides these days, there are other opportunities to volunteer there on your own.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Blogging Info
Hey Soc class!
Just a reminder to blog before class time on the last day of the week. That means blog before class starts tomorrow. Also remember that your blog should:
1. Explain the sociology behind what we've been doing in class. So, demonstrate that you understand what the sociology is and why we are studying it.
2. Second, be sure to relate the post to something from your own life - it might be something that happened to you, something you read or watched, or something you found online. It could be anything, but I want it to be unique so that we can learn from your example.
3. Keep your writing academic. Please use proper prose, avoid misspellings and avoid abbreviations. And, post by the beginning of the last class each week.
4.Lastly, comment on two other students' blogs. Please comment on their ideas and give them a short but sweet comment about their ideas. Don't be cliche or too general, but it doesn't have to be long either. Just show them (and me) that you are reading their blog and maybe you learned something from them.
Not sure what to write about? Scroll down below this post and look for the recent posts that relate to what we have been doing in class.
Just a reminder to blog before class time on the last day of the week. That means blog before class starts tomorrow. Also remember that your blog should:
1. Explain the sociology behind what we've been doing in class. So, demonstrate that you understand what the sociology is and why we are studying it.
2. Second, be sure to relate the post to something from your own life - it might be something that happened to you, something you read or watched, or something you found online. It could be anything, but I want it to be unique so that we can learn from your example.
3. Keep your writing academic. Please use proper prose, avoid misspellings and avoid abbreviations. And, post by the beginning of the last class each week.
4.Lastly, comment on two other students' blogs. Please comment on their ideas and give them a short but sweet comment about their ideas. Don't be cliche or too general, but it doesn't have to be long either. Just show them (and me) that you are reading their blog and maybe you learned something from them.
Not sure what to write about? Scroll down below this post and look for the recent posts that relate to what we have been doing in class.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Volunteer Op: Chicago Alderman 46th Ward Phelan Campaign
A friend of mine is running for Chicago Aldermen. The election is approaching fast and so there will be a need for volunteers. The candidate is Molly Phelan. Her website is http://phelan46.com/. If you are interested in the city or in politics, this would be a great opportunity. The 46th ward is a really intereting ward and this election will be hotly contested, though Molly is a front-runner. Let me know if you are interested.
Volunteer Op: Habitat For Humanity January 29th
Here is the latest from our friends at Habitat For Humanity:
If you are interested, sign up and see me for a waiver and the details.
The next Holy Family work day for our current build is next Saturday, January 29th.
Work continues outside so dress warmly. Inside is heated with hot coffee available so no worries, it's not bad at all. Last week the Knights of Columbus Ladies Guild brought us a true feast for lunch! Don't miss out!
Register online...www.springoflifehabitat.org - Go to " volunteer" then follow the green hammer.
If you are interested, sign up and see me for a waiver and the details.
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