Service Learning Log  1

1.      Activism – This week Gerri, Elizabeth and I met to finalize our action plan and confirm our dates. We also gathered together articles and pictures to assemble a board to provide information while we are tabling. We set a definite date of April 2 for tabling on campus from 9-3 and will do the remainder of our hours individually in our areas by posting flyers in local vet offices and other public areas.

2.      Reflection – This week we read about the “Slut Walk” and “Guadalupe the Sex Goddess”. Both of these talk about women’s sexuality. The Sex Goddess talks about finding sexuality while the “Slut Walk” talks about violence against women and that is what ties the week’s readings to my Service Learning Project. Animal Safehouse help victims of abuse find a way to get out of violent circumstances not only themselves but the family pets. Pets are part of the family and are also abused along with the other members of the family. Women are reluctant to leave if they have nowhere to take the pets. Our petition will not only help to change the definition of domestic abuse but it will bring awareness to the problem and to domestic abuse in general. It is very important to continue the conversation about abuse and keep it in the forefront.

3.      Reciprocity – Women are expected to be the caregiver and to keep the family together. This thinking keeps women in situations that are unsafe for them, their children and the family pets. When I think of my pets and their place in our family I cannot imagine leaving them behind in any situation especially if they would be left in danger. What a rewarding feeling to be able to help make the transition from the abusive situation to safety a little easier for all involved. A feminist will generally look at the entire picture and want to help everyone, not just the main victim.

Works Cited

Cisneros, Sandra. "Guadalupe the Sex Goddess." Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives. By Gwyn Kirk and Margo Okazawa-Rey. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2010. 164-67. Print.

"WHY." SlutWalk Toronto. Slut Walk Toronto. Web. 25 Mar. 2012. <http://www.slutwalktoronto.com/about/why>.

Campus Engagement - Tampaction

                                                 Campus Engagement – Tampaction

     NOW presented a very informative presentation on alternative menstrual products and vaginal health. Although I feel like I am pretty well informed on the vaginal health aspect I do not know much about alternative menstrual products and never really thought much about the chemicals used on the mainstream products. Belonging to a generation brought up that these topics were taboo I am happy to experience an environment where they are not. I am a strong believer in the fact that knowledge is power and all women should be informed about issues that affect them especially their bodies.

     The presentation was done very well providing a place that everyone seemed to be relaxed and comfortable. Both Ashley’s had a strong grasp on the topics and not only could talk about the products but share personal experience. They not only explained the alternate products but had samples to show and give away. Ashley even shared reusable pads that she had made herself. They told us of the places the products could be purchased and also someone on campus we could order them through t cost.

     After going over the alternatives the discussion turned to vaginal health and how we as women can take responsibility for it. They offered at home personal cervical exam items and talked about what to look for and the cycle of the uterus and cervix.

     These types of meetings are an important part of women’s education and help women take control of their bodies. The only negative I could find in the evening was that there was so much information it had to be gone over too quickly, probably leading to questions afterwards when the information sunk in. It would be great if there could be more sessions each specializing in a specific topic so that more information could be absorbed.

     These types of information sessions are important for many, many reasons. For years the subject of women’s body just in general is not something that is talked about. This leads to the attitude about menstruation and vaginal health being a “dirty” subject. Many people come from backgrounds where none of these things are talked about and everyone is just to follow the paths already given to them. This information being presented is empowering for women and for forging a new path for future women.

     I had the unfortunate luck to having a mother who would not discuss anything pertaining my period or heaven forbid my vagina or sexual health. Most of my knowledge has come from personal experience and research. Having a safe place with people with accurate information is important and I am happy to participate. It also gives me the information to pass on to my daughter.

Hey Girl!

So they say beauty is” thin, tall, young, white and heterosexual…” but…

Hotness

  Comes in all Shapes and Sizes.

        Levi’s ad Hotness comes in all Shapes and Sizes depicts

  the stereotypical beauty ideal. As described in our textbook that is “thin, lean, tall, young, white and heterosexual, with flawless skin and well-groomed hair”. This ad which shows only white women with just small variations in their body structure is supposed to show us the level of hotness. Levis are attempting to show us that they have jeans for everyone that will flatter each individual body type to make them look their most appealing to men. The actual brand name of these jeans is Curve ID, too bad these women have few curves. Anna North from Jezebel states that “At first I thought the three women actually were the same model, just Photoshopped to have slightly different boobs and butts. A closer look at the profiles reveals this probably isn't the case, but it might as well be”. This is a prime example of how advertising excludes the average woman who is the one to purchase the jeans. By showing only the profiles of the three we can see the flat stomachs, small butts and average breasts.

I chose to replace the three women with three beautiful women of different ethnicities, size and nationality. All three of these women are accomplished and well respected in what they do while not fitting the mold for the beauty ideal. They embrace their physical appearance and do not conform to the stereotype. I wish that I was able to depict the three in jeans also; something other than Levis brand, but apparently Adele does not wear jeans.

Works Cited

Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. "Chapter 5." Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2010. 208. Print.

North, Anna. "For Levi’s, ‘Hotness’ Comes In Small, Small, and Small [Updated]." Jezebel. Jezebel, 22 Feb. 2012. Web. 26 Feb. 2012. <http://jezebel.com/5887244/for-levis-hotness-comes-in-small-small-and-small>.

    

    

Campus Engagement - Peer Pressure

                    Campus Engagement – “How Peer Pressure Can Transform the World”

     I attended Tina Rosenberg’s discussion How Peer Pressure Can Transform the World and found it interesting but not necessarily a new concept. Ms. Rosenberg gave several examples both local and abroad to substantiate her point. Two of her choices that stood out to me involved health and education.

     She spoke of African American students at a California college and their struggles with grades, specifically calculus. This involved high performing students in other areas. To summarize the study and the outcome, the African American students were not asking questions in class and were studying alone. When they began to group study the grades went up as well as confidence.

     The second example involved the anti-smoking campaign in the south, the “truth” campaign that focused on teens. By using the notion that adults wanted them to smoke and were manipulating them to do it, the ads lowered the teen smoking statistics.

     Rosenberg calls this a “social cure”, using peer pressure to change the way we address negative issues. While I agree that these methods work I do not believe it is a new idea. Parents have been using this for a long time only it has been called reverse psychology. It has always been very successful and it is rather surprising that it isn’t used more often.

     I felt that Rosenberg was very scripted and to me I did not get a feeling of authenticity. Even the question and answer session felt rehearsed. It did not motivate me to read her book or to research further. This does not mean that I disagree with her theory or think it doesn’t have merit. She readily admitted that the title How Peer Pressure Can Transform the World was simply an attention grabber. In my opinion the title does not capture the ideas presented and is misleading. According to dictionary.com the definition of peer pressure is “social pressure by members of one's peer group to take a certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise conform in order to be accepted”.  This is definitely a stretch to apply this definition to the actual concept but if she can use it to make a difference and modify behavior in a positive way it can then lead to more positive changes.

     I was not very impressed by Ms. Rosenberg’s speaking style or the way she presented the issue her underlying message was a positive one that people need to take note of. There are so many issues that if addressed in a different matter could be handled and changed for the better.

Service Learning

                            Service Learning Proposal

1)      On-Line petition for Animal Safe House. Kathy S., Gerri J., Jenna B., Will W., Carol R., Elizabeth V.

2)      Animal Safe House of Brevard is a non-profit organization that temporarily houses pets, through foster care, that belong to women that are victims of domestic violence. “50% of women do not leave abusive situations for fear her pet will be injured or killed” (“Animal Safe House”).  In addition to providing foster homes they also pay for the care of the pet while there and also assist in reuniting the pet with their family. This is an important part in helping women get away from abusive situations because they will not have to leave their pets behind. Animal Safe House biggest need is funding. They are also in need of supplies such as food, blankets etc. and vet services. They are currently focusing on changing the laws that define domestic violence to include the animals making it easier for legal action.

3)      The principal need currently for Animal Safe House is to obtain 7000 signatures on a petition for a Bill to change the definition of domestic violence. This Bill was originally introduced last July but was unable to obtain the support to move it through.  Animal Safe House is a proponent of this Bill and the impact it will have on what they do. The Bill, SB 288 states “Domestic Violence Against Family Pets; Providing that a court may issue an injunction for protection against domestic violence granting the petitioner the exclusive care, custody, or control of any animal owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held by the petitioner, the respondent, or a minor child residing in the residence or household of the petitioner or respondent; providing that it is a first-degree misdemeanor for a person to willfully violate an injunction for protection against domestic violence by knowingly and intentionally injuring or threatening to injure any animal owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held by the petitioner, the respondent, or a minor child of the petitioner or respondent; providing criminal penalties, etc.”. Twenty one states have already passed this type of legislation we need to step up and help Florida understand its importance. The American Humane Society tells us the many reasons this piece of legislation is important “71% of pet-owning women entering women’s shelters reported that their batterer had injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets for revenge or to psychologically control victims; 32% reported their children had hurt or killed animals. 68% of battered women reported violence towards their animals. 87% of these incidents occurred in the presence of the women, and 75% in the presence of the children, to psychologically control and coerce them. 13% of intentional animal abuse cases involve domestic violence. Between 25% and 40% of battered women are unable to escape abusive situations because they worry about what will happen to their pets or livestock should they leave. Pets may suffer unexplained injuries, health problems, permanent disabilities at the hands of abusers, or disappear from home. Abusers kill, harm, or threaten children’s pets to coerce them into sexual abuse or to force them to remain silent about abuse. Disturbed children kill or harm animals to emulate their parents’ conduct, to prevent the abuser from killing the pet, or to take out their aggressions on another victim. In one study, 70% of animal abusers also had records for other crimes. Domestic violence victims whose animals were abused saw the animal cruelty as one more violent episode in a long history of indiscriminate violence aimed at them and their vulnerability. Investigation of animal abuse is often the first point of social services intervention for a family in trouble. For many battered women, pets are sources of comfort providing strong emotional support: 98% of Americans consider pets to be companions or members of the family. Animal cruelty problems are people problems. When animals are abused, people are at risk.

           Our group will put together a petition drive with a goal of 7000 signatures. In order to accomplish this goal we will reach out to both the UCF community and the surrounding areas by tabling with both information and an opportunity to sign the petition. To bring awareness we will be able to explain the Bill and its importance. The petition directed to Governor Scott, Florida House and Florida Senate is imperative to send our message to Tallahassee and bring the Bill to their floors. Also by learning and sharing the inspiration for this Bill, Horatio. Horatio was beaten until his skull was crushed by the son of his owner. Horatio lay over his owner and took the blows for her. This shows the unconditional love and dedication that pets bring to our lives. (Horatio has some lasting effects from the beating but has a new home and is alive and doing well.) We will start by compiling a list of places to table like campus, the Dog Park and Publix. Also we have a QR code so we will be able to post flyers in places we deem appropriate. We will also use social media to spread our targets to statewide signees. We would like to start by tabling on February 23 at the campus engagement. Then by the first week of March have a schedule of tabling days, both on and off campus, set. Also have a weekly update to see where we stand on signatures. By February 28 compile a list and divide it up of places to hang the fliers with the QR code. Of course these dates are only tentative and more activities will be added.

Word Count :932

Works Cited

Animal Safehouse Brevard. Animal Safehouse Brevard. Web. 15 Feb. 2012. <http://www.animalsafehousebrevard.org/>.

"Facts About Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence." American Humane Association. American Humane Association, 2011. Web. 15 Feb. 2012. <http://www.americanhumane.org/interaction/support-the-bond/fact-sheets/animal-abuse-domestic-violence.html>.

Fasano, Mike. "Senate Bill 0288 (2012) - The Florida Senate." The Florida Senate - The Florida Senate. Florida Senate. Web. 15 Feb. 2012. <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/288>.

Michael, Melanie. "Horatio's Law: A Domestic Violence Law for Pets | Wtsp.com." Tampa Bay Fl News | Connect to 10 News in Tampa, Sarasota, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Florida | WTSP.com | Home. WTSP Tampa News 10, 13 Jan. 2012. Web. 15 Feb. 2012. <http://www.wtsp.com/news/article/231960/250/Domestic-violence-law-for-pets-It-could-happen>.

Introduction

Hi!

     My name is Kathy Sellers and I am an Interdisciplinary Studies major focusing on women’s studies with a minor in sociology. I have just transferred from SSC making this my first semester at UCF and this class is the first step in reaching these goals. This is my second time around for college; it’s taken me a few years to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I was born and raised in Cincinnati and moved to Key West when I was 22 where I eventually met my husband of 21 years, Bob. After deciding we did not want to raise a family in Key West, the school system is not very good and the cost of living is quite high, we had the opportunity to move so we picked Orlando. We have two children, Brittney 20 and Nathan 15. We still try to visit Key West at least once a year, it is still my favorite place and we have family there.

     I spent several years at NationsBank which I grew to hate because of the focus on sales, then I was the Ecommerce manager for Barnies Coffee but was downsized and then did payroll for a construction company but was laid off in 2010. After that I decided it was time for change and decided to go back to school. I am very lucky; I have had the support and help from my family to be able to do this.

     I received my AA is sociology and until recently I wasn’t sure where to go from there. When I met with a direct connect advisor she helped me throw some ideas around and told me about women’s studies that caught my attention.  After working in the corporate world for quite some time I have seen and experienced many forms of inequality and prejudices. I have been in management positions and had men under me make more money and I have had to prove myself much more than the men around me. I have also experienced negative views in volunteer youth sports activities and boards.  These experiences have made me want to take a path where I can mentor and inspire women to reach their potential and goals, hopefully through some type of nonprofit.

     My understanding of the roles of men and women started in my childhood and I realized at a very young age I did not like what I was learning. I came from a traditional Catholic family and my mother saw the differences between genders as very rigid and inflexible. So I was the one that always broke the rules, girls didn’t get dirty – I played in mud, girls don’t call boys – I hung out with them. As I got older I managed to do the things girls shouldn’t do. So I guess the people that break the rules become the ones to fight to change the rules.

I have read, understand and agree to the terms of the course and blogging protocol outlined in the syllabus.