Yesterday VISTA called me down to Columbus to re-connect with VISTAs around the state and the mission of VISTA: to eliminate poverty. Half of the day was spent in a Bridges Out of Poverty session and half the day was spent in a poverty simulation.
I was particularly interested in the poverty simulation because I run on myself--I re-wrote half the rules and debuted it at LEADS, and tomorrow night I am running the updated version for Bonner Life 101. For those that don't know, a poverty simulation runs like this: Participants are given a family profile that includes, incomes, bills owed, and family relationships. The participants take this profile and then complete some objective by going to different stations, set up as stores or government agencies or busineses, staffed by volunteers who have done the simulation before. Usually there is a time limit.
At the VISTA simulation, we had to keep the family running and pay all the bills (utilities, food, mortgage, car, misc., school fees) within a set time period while going to school or work. I was a 21 year old community college student with a recently incarcerated father, twin 13 year-old sisters, and a 3 year-old sister. I didn't do too hot--I was suspended from school for leaving early so I could go check on my sister, who was taken to jail for bringing a gun to school. While I was out paying (most of) the bills, my neglected twins sisters started dealing drugs and the baby didn't get picked up from daycare. For my simulation, the focus is on food---the objective is to take the family profile, calculate how much money is left for food once the bills are paid, and navigate the transportation and social services system to obtain 2,000 nutritious calories for each family member.
Though the simulations take a lot of work to put together because you have to create identities for participants, create and sort materials before/after the simulations, and gather volunteers for the stations, they are an incredibly powerful and valuable learning tool. It's one thing to look at the statistics of people in poverty, but it's another to experience some of the stress and anxiety people in poverty feel. The simulations help participants understand the barriers people in poverty face, dissect the stereotype of poverty, and simply become more aware of the impoverished lifestyle than they would normally.
I have found the more I have been to climb into other people's shoes to temporarily adopt their outlook on life, the kinder, less judgmental, and more compassionate I am. I fully support poverty simulations, and it would be awesome if they were more widespread in programming than they are, even in less involved formats.
So if you know of anyone looking for a poverty simulation, email me! okeith @ oberlin.edu
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Rainy Days and Mondays
As the cold and wet rolls in, don't forget to start planning for Winter Term! The BCSL is co-offering two workshops with Career Services to help you find what you need:
Winter Term Workshops
Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 4:30pm: Science Center Room A154
Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 7:30pm: Science Center Room A154
One of the most valuable tools in college career development is the experiences you have in your field of interest. In this workshop, learn what resources are available to you in finding a winter term internship, what you need to prepare, and how to use networking techniques to find your ideal experience. Co-hosted by the Bonner Center for Service & Learning and the Office of Career Services.
Winter Term Workshops
Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 4:30pm: Science Center Room A154
Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 7:30pm: Science Center Room A154
One of the most valuable tools in college career development is the experiences you have in your field of interest. In this workshop, learn what resources are available to you in finding a winter term internship, what you need to prepare, and how to use networking techniques to find your ideal experience. Co-hosted by the Bonner Center for Service & Learning and the Office of Career Services.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Friday Hoorays
I don't know about you, but I am having an excellent day. I thought it best to do another round of Friday Hoorays.
1. I work with awesome people. Hooray!
2. In our work, we do awesome things. Hooray!
3. I finished the final edits on the annual report. Hooray!
4. I finished the BCSL display in the Science Center. Hooray!
5. I am going to:
7. I got to stay in the office and get things done this week. Hooray!
8. The BCSL Advisory Committee met this morning, and it was a lovely meeting full of visions, brainstorming, and networking. Hooray!
9. I am done with a lot of the grunt work on the Day of Service data. Hooray!
10. It is a beautiful day and I had lunch outside. Hooray!
1. I work with awesome people. Hooray!
2. In our work, we do awesome things. Hooray!
3. I finished the final edits on the annual report. Hooray!
4. I finished the BCSL display in the Science Center. Hooray!
5. I am going to:
The 2nd Annual Jones Farm Harvest Festival Fundraiser
Wednesday, October 13th
6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
Vermilion Valley Vineyard
Email okeith @ oberlin.edu for info about tickets.
Hooray!
6. I've started planning for an OBB private reading, ExCo, and WT. Hooray!7. I got to stay in the office and get things done this week. Hooray!
8. The BCSL Advisory Committee met this morning, and it was a lovely meeting full of visions, brainstorming, and networking. Hooray!
9. I am done with a lot of the grunt work on the Day of Service data. Hooray!
10. It is a beautiful day and I had lunch outside. Hooray!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Opportunities!
In yet another blog post that is a list, there are a lot of
Opportunities At The BCSL:
1. BCSL student staff opportunities that are Federal Work-Study positions (listed below). If interested, contact Vicki at vyacoboz @ oberlin.edu
- Student Assistant for Vicki, the BCSL Administrative Assistant
- Archives Student Assistant to document the history of the BCSL
2. The Fifth and Sixth Grade Mentoring Program (FAST) is looking for 2nd and 3rd year male students. If interested, contact Andy.Frantz @ oberlin.edu
3. I'm looking for students interested in pioneering a private reading involving the Benefit Bank second module! If interested, email okeith @ oberlin.edu
4. Winter Term Workshops
Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 7:30pm: Science Center Room A154
One of the most valuable tools in college career development is the experiences you have in your field of interest. In this workshop, learn what resources are available to you in finding a winter term internship, what you need to prepare, and how to use networking techniques to find your ideal experience. Co-hosted by the Bonner Center for Service & Learning and the office of Career Services.
One of the most valuable tools in college career development is the experiences you have in your field of interest. In this workshop, learn what resources are available to you in finding a winter term internship, what you need to prepare, and how to use networking techniques to find your ideal experience. Co-hosted by the Bonner Center for Service & Learning and the office of Career Services.
Other Things Happening:
1. Happy Birthday, Donna! (Incidentally, the BCSL now has lots of cake so stop by and eat some so I don't eat it all.)
2. The campus-wide picture is taking place this Friday, in Wilder Bowl at 4:45 p.m.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Value of Volunteer Time and Winter Term
Cool Fact of The Day:
According to Independentsector.org, the value of a volunteer hour in 2009 was $20.85.
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Don't Forget the Winter Term Workshops
Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 4:30pm: Science Center Room A154
Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 7:30pm: Science Center Room A154
One of the most valuable tools in college career development is the experiences you have in your field of interest. In this workshop, learn what resources are available to you in finding a winter term internship, what you need to prepare, and how to use networking techniques to find your ideal experience. Co-hosted by the Bonner Center for Service & Learning and the office of Career Services.
Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 4:30pm: Science Center Room A154
Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 7:30pm: Science Center Room A154
One of the most valuable tools in college career development is the experiences you have in your field of interest. In this workshop, learn what resources are available to you in finding a winter term internship, what you need to prepare, and how to use networking techniques to find your ideal experience. Co-hosted by the Bonner Center for Service & Learning and the office of Career Services.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Windswept
Wednesday's post had a list of Things of Note at the BCSL!
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It has been a whirlwind of activity, both for the BCSL staff and for me. But mostly I am talking about me today. I am sooooo excited because next week, I've calculated that I will be in the office for at least 75% of each workday. HOORAY!! I can actually get projects done and do my job! Astonishing, I know.
Last week I had lunch with a friend. He said "For once, I'd just like to turn in an annual report that said This year I did nothing new, but worked on perfecting all I am currently doing." As I sprint through my VISTA year, trying to keep up and doing the best I can even though I feel like all I do is fall flat sometimes......I can't help but feel it's rather idealistic to do a VISTA project in a year. Yeah, a lot can happen in a year. One person putting in 20,000 hours of work is going to accomplish something.
Maybe it's just my learning style of needing to do things repeatedly, but I would love to be able to do two taxes seasons because I know the second one would be better than the first one. If I could stay on for a year, I'd totally Get It and be able to prepare appropriately when Donna says "Oh, man. When Andy comes back, it just all starts to get crazy." I'd totally Get It that we have to start preparing for tax season now, whereas today I'll go along with the idea because people who are wiser than me emphasize we need to start early. I'm getting a bit frustrated because it feels like I'm out of the office half the time; though the trainings and conferences I go to are valuable and my brain is vibrating with learning, the emails pile up and my projects get dusty. But if I were here for another year? I'd already be trained! I could spend more time in the office perfecting what I do based on what I'd already done--it would already be in my head. There's something slightly ironic about VISTA being a program centered around building infrastructure, but the way it's set up inherently prevents the infrastructure that is only present when a person does the same thing twice.
Of course, this is a rather useless rant because I know I won't be in the area next year. I took the VISTA position, expecting it to be a one-year placeholder; most VISTAs do. Life will be taking me other places; I won't have the luxury of considering a second VISTA year at the BCSL. For one, my student loans are due--I'll need a larger paycheck. I know I'm not the only VISTA who loves the job, but can't stay on because of the need of a paycheck instead of a stipend.
There's a VISTA tagline contest going on (or it might have already ended). One person laughingly suggested "PAY US MORE MONEY AND WE WILL SAVE THE WORLD" I think I'd like to edit that to: "PAY US MORE MONEY AND GIVE US MORE TIME...AND WE WILL SAVE THE WORLD."
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In Other News:
The US Census Bureau released the stats on poverty for the nation in 2009 yesterday. Here are some good summary news articles:
Nationwide:
If you are interested in the knitty-gritty details, a PDF of the report can be found at: http://www.census.gov/prod/2010pubs/p60-238.pdf
Also of interest: A Commerce.com article on the alternative poverty measure coming out next year (because the current measure misses a lot of things)
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It has been a whirlwind of activity, both for the BCSL staff and for me. But mostly I am talking about me today. I am sooooo excited because next week, I've calculated that I will be in the office for at least 75% of each workday. HOORAY!! I can actually get projects done and do my job! Astonishing, I know.
Last week I had lunch with a friend. He said "For once, I'd just like to turn in an annual report that said This year I did nothing new, but worked on perfecting all I am currently doing." As I sprint through my VISTA year, trying to keep up and doing the best I can even though I feel like all I do is fall flat sometimes......I can't help but feel it's rather idealistic to do a VISTA project in a year. Yeah, a lot can happen in a year. One person putting in 20,000 hours of work is going to accomplish something.
Maybe it's just my learning style of needing to do things repeatedly, but I would love to be able to do two taxes seasons because I know the second one would be better than the first one. If I could stay on for a year, I'd totally Get It and be able to prepare appropriately when Donna says "Oh, man. When Andy comes back, it just all starts to get crazy." I'd totally Get It that we have to start preparing for tax season now, whereas today I'll go along with the idea because people who are wiser than me emphasize we need to start early. I'm getting a bit frustrated because it feels like I'm out of the office half the time; though the trainings and conferences I go to are valuable and my brain is vibrating with learning, the emails pile up and my projects get dusty. But if I were here for another year? I'd already be trained! I could spend more time in the office perfecting what I do based on what I'd already done--it would already be in my head. There's something slightly ironic about VISTA being a program centered around building infrastructure, but the way it's set up inherently prevents the infrastructure that is only present when a person does the same thing twice.
Of course, this is a rather useless rant because I know I won't be in the area next year. I took the VISTA position, expecting it to be a one-year placeholder; most VISTAs do. Life will be taking me other places; I won't have the luxury of considering a second VISTA year at the BCSL. For one, my student loans are due--I'll need a larger paycheck. I know I'm not the only VISTA who loves the job, but can't stay on because of the need of a paycheck instead of a stipend.
There's a VISTA tagline contest going on (or it might have already ended). One person laughingly suggested "PAY US MORE MONEY AND WE WILL SAVE THE WORLD" I think I'd like to edit that to: "PAY US MORE MONEY AND GIVE US MORE TIME...AND WE WILL SAVE THE WORLD."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Other News:
The US Census Bureau released the stats on poverty for the nation in 2009 yesterday. Here are some good summary news articles:
Nationwide:
- Tampa Bay WTSP (the shortest article of the bunch)
- New York Times
- The Huffington Post
- The Daily Caller
If you are interested in the knitty-gritty details, a PDF of the report can be found at: http://www.census.gov/prod/2010pubs/p60-238.pdf
Also of interest: A Commerce.com article on the alternative poverty measure coming out next year (because the current measure misses a lot of things)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Things of Note at the BCSL
1. Take 10-question What You Did This Summer Survey for the BCSL! It is conveniently located on this Seeds of Service Blog. The more information we get on how awesome Oberlin College students are and how much community service they do, the more we can brag. :)
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| See? I told you it was convenient. |
Thursday, September 16, 2010
4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Wilder Bowl (Rain site: Science Center Atrium)
Student Organizations, religious communities, and non-profit agencies will gather to distribute information about their programs and answer any questions you might have! Stop by and find your perfect service site!
4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Wilder Bowl (Rain site: Science Center Atrium)
Student Organizations, religious communities, and non-profit agencies will gather to distribute information about their programs and answer any questions you might have! Stop by and find your perfect service site!
3. The BCSL is looking for a Bonner CSL Archives Student Assistant. If interested, contact vyacaboz @ oberlin.edu
4. America Reads is still taking applications! Find out more about it on the Oberlinserves Wiki HERE
5. Winter Term Workshops
Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 4:30pm: Science Center Room A154
Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 7:30pm: Science Center Room A154
One of the most valuable tools in college career development is the experiences you have in your field of interest. In this workshop, learn what resources are available to you in finding a winter term internship, what you need to prepare, and how to use networking techniques to find your ideal experience. Co-hosted by the Bonner Center for Service & Learning and the office of Career Services.
Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 4:30pm: Science Center Room A154
Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 7:30pm: Science Center Room A154
One of the most valuable tools in college career development is the experiences you have in your field of interest. In this workshop, learn what resources are available to you in finding a winter term internship, what you need to prepare, and how to use networking techniques to find your ideal experience. Co-hosted by the Bonner Center for Service & Learning and the office of Career Services.
Monday, September 13, 2010
September 11th Day of Service and Rememberance
September 11 has been transformed into a national Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of those who died in the attacks nine years ago. This weekend, members from all sports teams--bowling, rugby, and fencing were the most commonly mentioned teams---went to George Jones Farm (3 students) and Full Circle Fuels (18 students) to make a difference in their communities.
I was only able to attend the event at Full Circle Fuels, an organization that does many alternate energy and energy conservation things, among them converting gas-powered cars into cars powered by vegetable oil.
For the service project, the students painted fresh, white paint onto the concrete buildings and back wall of Full Circle Fuels.
Not only does will this make Full Circle look cleaner and more noticeable from the road, but it will also help prevent damage to the concrete caused by water falling into the cracks and holes, freezing, and then expanding.
In two hours, 18 students scraped and painted the back wall and at least 5 large walls of the Full Circle Fuels buildings.
Thanks to all the students who participated! You did good work. :)
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The September Education Discussion Lunch is today!
It is 12:00 noon - 1:15 p.m. in Wilder Hall, room 112. FREE LUNCH of pizza and salad provided.
**Please RSVP to andy.frantz @ oberlin.edu
DISCUSSION THEME:
After school programming in Oberlin. Rather than one main speaker, I'd like to invite anyone who runs an after school program to describe it in some length. I want to foster some discussion about the ways different programs cooperate (or perhaps compete), the role of after school programs in the community, and how Oberlin College contributes.
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Also, Day of Service got a mention in the Oberlin Source!
I was only able to attend the event at Full Circle Fuels, an organization that does many alternate energy and energy conservation things, among them converting gas-powered cars into cars powered by vegetable oil.
 |
| http://www.fullcirclefuels.com/ |
 | |
| Back wall--Before picture where students scrape off the old paint |
 |
| Building---Before picture |
Not only does will this make Full Circle look cleaner and more noticeable from the road, but it will also help prevent damage to the concrete caused by water falling into the cracks and holes, freezing, and then expanding.
 |
| Back wall--during the painting process |
In two hours, 18 students scraped and painted the back wall and at least 5 large walls of the Full Circle Fuels buildings.
 |
| Buildings--After! |
 | |||
| Back wall--After! |
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The September Education Discussion Lunch is today!
It is 12:00 noon - 1:15 p.m. in Wilder Hall, room 112. FREE LUNCH of pizza and salad provided.
**Please RSVP to andy.frantz @ oberlin.edu
DISCUSSION THEME:
After school programming in Oberlin. Rather than one main speaker, I'd like to invite anyone who runs an after school program to describe it in some length. I want to foster some discussion about the ways different programs cooperate (or perhaps compete), the role of after school programs in the community, and how Oberlin College contributes.
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Also, Day of Service got a mention in the Oberlin Source!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Today I am off leading my second OBB counselor training, this time at the North Ridgeville Public Library. Hooray for short and sweet half-hour commutes! Hopefully I will remember everything I want to say and become officially certified as an OBB Community Trainer. This would be super useful, since I want to start training Oberlin College students...
In other news, Christina and I have been furiously tabulating all the feedback from Day of Service. Today is Christina's last day. By Monday she will be settled back home in Washington D.C. working her own Americorps position. Yay Christina!
In honor of Christina, here are some cool links she passed on to me for blog fodder. Both are related to education and the town of Oberlin:
Also related to education and the town of Oberlin are Andy Frantz's Education Discussion lunches! (Did you catch that snazzy transition? I am the queen of subtle this morning.) It's a time for talk and discussion about education, teaching, and tutoring. He's having his second one of the year this upcoming Monday, September 13th. It will take place in Wilder 112 starting at 12 noon and going until 1:15 p.m. A tasty lunch will be served, so be sure to RSVP to Andy at Andy.Frantz @ oberlin.edu
In other news, Christina and I have been furiously tabulating all the feedback from Day of Service. Today is Christina's last day. By Monday she will be settled back home in Washington D.C. working her own Americorps position. Yay Christina!
In honor of Christina, here are some cool links she passed on to me for blog fodder. Both are related to education and the town of Oberlin:
Also related to education and the town of Oberlin are Andy Frantz's Education Discussion lunches! (Did you catch that snazzy transition? I am the queen of subtle this morning.) It's a time for talk and discussion about education, teaching, and tutoring. He's having his second one of the year this upcoming Monday, September 13th. It will take place in Wilder 112 starting at 12 noon and going until 1:15 p.m. A tasty lunch will be served, so be sure to RSVP to Andy at Andy.Frantz @ oberlin.edu
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Happy New Year
I tend to mark my life by big events, not the numerical year they happened on. This means I have to stop and think when people ask me for a date or how long I've been doing something. The start of school in August/September is one of the big markers; it's almost bigger than January 1st. So! A new year, full of possibilities as the leaves turn crunchy and change color, the air gets crisp, hot soup becomes appealing, and I dig out my big down comforter for the winter.
WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING:
Upcoming BCSL events direct from the email of the wonderful Sarah Ho:
Community Connections Fair
Thursday, September 16, 2010
4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Wilder Bowl (Rain site: Science Center Atrium)
Student Organizations, religious communities, and non-profit agencies will gather to distribute information about their programs and answer any questions you might have! Stop by and find your perfect service site!
Winter Term Workshops
Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 4:30pm: Science Center Room A154
Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 7:30pm: Science Center Room A154
One of the most valuable tools in college career development is the experiences you have in your field of interest. In this workshop, learn what resources are available to you in finding a winter term internship, what you need to prepare, and how to use networking techniques to find your ideal experience. Co-hosted by the Bonner Center for Service & Learning and the office of Career Services.
WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING:
- Day of Service! I'm tallying the numbers with Christina, but we had an awesome turnout and a beautiful day! (it only rained for a bit during registration). Ma'ayan has an awesome blog post about Day of Service 2010 here: http://blogs.oberlin.edu/community/community_service/serve_it_up_obi.shtml
- The BCSL had it's first Open House in Daub House, and it was a huge success! Over 115 people showed up for tasty lasagna and pizza from Lorenzo's. Make sure and drop by to find a service site for the year; Andy's conducting a bunch of America Reads tutor interviews and Donna is meeting with all the Bonners.
- Classes started! All of a sudden the sidewalks are crawling with students. Best of luck, getting your schedule set.
- I went to the big Ohio Benefit Bank Conference in Columbus on Sept. 1 and 2. So many people doing so many good things to lift people out of poverty! Very thought provoking, emotional, and educational. The most interesting tidbit my brain latched onto was this paraphrased quote from a lady whose name I can't remember: "Sometimes people ask me 'What's new in hunger?' And I say NOTHING. Nothing is new in hunger. People are hungry and they need food, and that's all there is to it." And I thought yep, that's all there is to it.
Upcoming BCSL events direct from the email of the wonderful Sarah Ho:
Community Connections Fair
Thursday, September 16, 2010
4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Wilder Bowl (Rain site: Science Center Atrium)
Student Organizations, religious communities, and non-profit agencies will gather to distribute information about their programs and answer any questions you might have! Stop by and find your perfect service site!
Winter Term Workshops
Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 4:30pm: Science Center Room A154
Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 7:30pm: Science Center Room A154
One of the most valuable tools in college career development is the experiences you have in your field of interest. In this workshop, learn what resources are available to you in finding a winter term internship, what you need to prepare, and how to use networking techniques to find your ideal experience. Co-hosted by the Bonner Center for Service & Learning and the office of Career Services.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Sneak Peek: BCSL website
The new BCSL website in the works!
Ondrea is currently at a Benefit Bank conference and/or at her friend's wedding.
Regular posting will resume shortly.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Sneak Peek: Day of Service T-shirt design
Day of Service 2010 site leader t-shirt. The day finally arrives this Saturday, September 4th! If you haven't signed up by now, go to walk-in registration in front of Finney Chapel at 9:20 a.m.--10:00 a.m. on Day of Service.
Ondrea is currently at a Benefit Bank conference and/or at her friend's wedding.
Regular posting will resume shortly.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Sneak Peek: BCSL flyer
Incoming Freshman: It's not too late to sign up for the 14th annual Day of Service! (you may also fill out page 57 of the Big Book of Forms).
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Ondrea is currently at a Benefit Bank conference and/or at her friend's wedding.
Regular posting will resume shortly.
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