OOCLO Reflection 1

Social Support Systems Within Our Own

Community

Reflection on Personal Learning/ Advocacy

What I Did:

The OOCLO that I took part in was called ‘Take Back the Night’.  It was a local rally and empowered march for sexually abused women.  It took place at the St. Catharines Central Library. 

Many people showed up with signs for the march stating things such as “No More Stolen Sisters” and “Shatter the Silence, Stop the Violence!”  Candles were also distributed to all members of the march, and they were being lit in memory of past and present sexual abuse sufferers. 

 Before, during, and after the march there were many emotional interactions between people.  Everyone was sharing their stories with others and in turn offering support while listening to others.

After the speakers had spoken and the bands had played, we started our march around downtown.  Some people chanted as we walked, while others marched in silence.  By marching through the streets we were trying to raise awareness for the general public so that they know there are other people out there who have suffered the same things in life and that there is support for them. 

During this OOCLO I experienced many emotions while witnessing the various people around me.  I experienced sadness when thinking about the experiences that these people have had to endure, which caused them to attend such a rally.  I also experienced anger when thinking about how many lives were shattered from sexual abuse.  I was getting very emotional until I came to the realization that my energy was better spent helping chant and help raise awareness for the cause, rather than crying and being upset.  I believe that my initial reaction was normal under the circumstances, but I am glad that I was able to get a hold of myself and be strong for the people around me.

I experienced some difficulty interacting with other people because I was an outsider and they didn’t know me.  I felt that I was difficult to approach people because of the sensitive nature of the event.  The next time that I attend such an event, I will be better prepared for what to expect, and I feel that I will be more comfortable approaching others.

The bands played empowering songs in order to help the crowd be uplifted and energized before the march.  The crowd got very involved in the songs; they clapped, sang along, and danced.  The guest speaker was very moving and had many people approaching her afterwards to enquire about her published book about her life story and experiences. 

This rally was a great example of how a handful of people can affect a population in a positive way.  By holding such an event not only are the people providing support for one other, but they are also raising awareness for the general public.  This awareness means that people will know there are support systems out there for people affected by sexual abuse.  Also, the rally handed out multiple personal protection devices such as personal alarms to sound if being attacked.  Items like these will help attacks to be less likely, as the perpetrators will know that women are now protecting themselves against the abusers.  People are also made aware that if they hear such an alarm to alert the police, which could potentially save someone from a sexual attack. 

This organization is out to provide support to victims of sexual abuse, as well as their friends and families.  This event had a great turnout which was even more people than last year.  This shows that these rallies are being successful, in that victims of sexual abuse and their families are finding it helpful and useful.  Through social support systems such as this, we can show people that they are not alone, and that by speaking out about their experiences they will be better able to heal and move on with their lives.           

Taking part in this event let me to realize that when people all work towards a cause, it is possible to get recognition and gain a large following.  By raising awareness about causes such as this, more and more people’s lives will be positively affected as they find support and strength through others. 

What Have I Been Asking Myself?

I have been wondering why Take Back the Night only happens once a year and why there aren't more events similar to this. 

It was a cold night, yet still about 200 people showed up to the rally and no one complained.  There were snacks and hot soup being provided by Food not Bombs, so as to take the endge off the cold.  There were also many kiosks set up offering resources for the victims of abuse.  Some of these kiosks included: Family Counseling Centers, The Canadian Mental Health Association, YWCA, Gilligan’s Place, and Bethlehem Housing Support and Services.  These kiosks covered a wide variety of personal needs that people may have, however without events like this, people may not be aware that help is available. 

I wonder why this type of event isn't more common.  By walking through the streets of downtown, this rally couldn't help but capture the attention of the people who saw it.  If this event took place more than once a year, we could be reaching so many more people.

Another question I asked myself is why this event wasn't better advertised.  I researched this event a bit, and found out that it is an annual event in the city that I'm from, and is even hosted by the university that I attended for three years.  Even though this event has been hosted for many years, I had never heard of it before.  I would have taken part in this event many times by now if I had known it existed.  It surprises me that this event isn't better advertised.  So many more people could be made aware of the serious issue of sexual abuse if this event had a better outreach and awareness program.

What I Learned

I learned that sexual abuse doesn't have to be the defining factor of someone's life.  There are so many support systems for people in sexually abusive relationships.  The range of help offered to people is very diverse, ranging from resources like housing which allow them to escape the harmful environment, to psychological help to assist the people in not suffering any long-term detriment from their experiences. 

I learned this when I attended this event expecting to see sad, depressed, and frail women, but instead I saw vibrant, strong, and courageous women.  These women weren't letting themselves be helpless victims; they were strong women who have grown to know themselves better by living the experiences that they did.  They used these negative lfe events to grow stronger and build bonds and friendships with others who have endured the same things.

This learning matters because it is important for people to know that they have a way out.  Victims of sexual abuse have options for leaving, and can become better people because of their tribulations.  If people know that they have the power within them to be strong and that there are social support groups available, then they will be far less likely to stay in a situation in which they are being mistreated. 

In light of this learning I will be attending this march on an anual basis, and will invite friends along.  I will try and increase the knowledge of this event, in hopes that it will positively impact as many lives as possible. 

The Take Back the Night event was trying to raise awareness for sexually abused women, and help victims know that they should speak out about their experiences.  This event also provided many kiosks and information booths for the victims of sexual abuse and their families/friends, so that they may get the help that they need. 

OOCLO Reflection 2

Supporting Local Farmers and Vendors is

Important

Reflection on Civic Growth

 What I Did

            The OOCLO I took part in this week was the visit to the St. Catharines Farmer’s Market downtown. 

            By taking part in this OOCLO, I was able to spend an afternoon exploring the farmer’s market and all it has to offer.  I was overwhelmed at the assortment of foods and trinkets that could be purchased here.  There were all kinds of fresh vegetables, fresh baked breads, homemade cheeses and cured meats, Greek food, Lebanese food, Mexican food, fair trade coffees and teas, fresh cut and potted flowers, and even jewelry.

            The person I got to speak with the most was the Greek food vendor, as I am Greek and thought that it would be a good way to start up conversation.  We got talking about where in Greece we are from, and I eventually asked him what brought him to be selling food at a market.  He said that he had a restaurant that closed down because they weren’t getting enough business.  Now he is working at the farmer’s market so that he is able to do what he loves and put his skills to use.  He loves what he does, but he says that business still isn’t great and he fears not being able to continue for much longer if the current trend continues.  He says that people seem to prefer to go to well-known restaurants rather than eat at the farmer’s market.  He was disappointed that people would rather eat hastily prepared food, rather than the homemade small-batch food he was offering.  His prices were quite reasonable, with a large bowl of soup being $2.50 and a soup and falafel sandwich combo at $5.00.  The prices were much cheaper than someone would pay at a sit-down restaurant, yet unfortunately people prefer to eat at the big-name places.

            Some of the vendors were people not much older than myself and were trying to start up their own business and gain popularity.  Others were quite old and selling items at the farmer’s market was their sole income.  They did all the work themselves, from growing the vegetables to baking the delicious breads.  By getting the chance to speak to some of the vendors, I realized what an impact selling their items really has on their lives.  This experience really made me realize that when most people go to a supermarket to buy their products, they could just as easily go to the downtown market and support the local vendors.  The products are fresh, reasonably priced, and there is a great variety.  By supporting our local vendors we will be supporting our local farmers which will in turn boost our economy. 

           The farmer’s market visit was a great experience.  I learned a lot about the politics of the food industry and how bad the local market really is.  This information was graciously shared with me by the vendors, who are offering great products that more people should purchase.

What I Have Been Asking Myself

I have been wondering why more people don't shop at the local farmer's market.  The produce is much fresher than that purchased at a big chain grocery store, and therefore much healthier.  People spend so much money on frivolous things like cigarettes and fast food, and then we wonder why cancer and heart disease rates are so high.  Why don't these people take some initiative and support local farmers while at the same time getting healthier and having a better quality of life?  Everyone is complaining that there is no work because of the recession, but don't they realize that they themselves are furthering the problem by buying imported goods? 

What I Learned

I learned that people have the power to change the financial situation of their city.  By buying local goods, they are helping employ farmers, farm-equipment salesman, transport truck operators, cashiers, store owners, and others, all within their local community.  If we all did this, we could turn the state of our country around.

True, the produce at the farmer’s market is a bit more expensive than the big-box retailers that we are used to, but the vendors must charge more, because they are doing all the work to produce the products. The big-box stores import everything made cheaply in other countries, while paying unfair wages to their workers.  If we and pay the extra money to support our local growers, eventually they will have so much business that they may be able to lower their prices.  If this happens, then everyone will win- we will be getting great, wholesome, fresh local produce, and the local farmers and vendors will be making a decent living once again.

I learned this when I visited the farmer's market and saw all the goods offered.  The produce is fresher, and the homemade jewelery pieces are one of a kind and beautiful.  Most people would be thrilled to have something so unique to wear.  The items available at the farmer's market are vast and one can do most of their grocery shopping in one place.



This learning matters because only we have the power to help ourselves and most people don't realize it.  The only way to dig ourselves out of this recession, and prevent another one, is to buy local and support the farmer’s market vendors.  A recent article in the Ottawa Citizen newspaper states that “if every household spent $10 a week on local food, 10,000 jobs could be created (Ron Eade, Ottawa Citizen, September 15, 2011.)   This is a huge number of jobs that are just waiting to be created, but we must take the steps needed to make it happen.  Our local farmers are dependent on our committment to buying local. 

In light of this learning, I have made an extremely conscious effort to do as much shopping as I can at my local farmer's market, and support the local growers.  I have been buying produce from as local as is available.  It's important to know that there is hope for our economy out there. 

OOCLO Reflection 4

A Rich History Going Unnoticed

Reflection on Personal Learning

What I Did

            The OOCLO that I attended was to visit the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canal.  It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, and I would have assumed that many people would have been taking advantage of the walking/biking trail that runs along the canal, but I was all alone.

  There were many exhibits, ranging from early ship decorations that were hand-carved in India, to early zippers and fasteners, to foods and spices that were eaten while at sea, to early sports, to early cars, and many other things.  For myself and not being from this area, I was very interested to learn that this city has such a rich heritage and has contributed so much to making the modern world what it is.  Not only has this city had rich history of useful tools and vehicles, but it has had a worldwide impact due to the creation of the Welland Canal, and the fact that it simplified water transportation.  Because of the Canal and the 10 locks that run through it, transport ships are now able to climb the Niagara Escarpment, and bring hundreds of tons of goods per ship.  Overall the museum had a lot of interesting facts and items to offer, and helped me learn a lot about the history of this city. 

          I have lived in this city for almost 3 years, and I have never even heard of the museum.  I believe that most people take our rich history for granted, and don’t really find it important to know how our city came to be.  It made me sad to think that if our generation doesn’t start caring about this museum, it may close down, and the history will be lost to us forever.    When entering the museum, I thought there would be many people there, including children on a field trip from school, but in the hour that I was there, I didn’t see another soul.  This made me really want to get the word out there that there is a great museum displaying our heritage, and that more people should make an effort to visit it.  In the previous city that I lived in, there was nothing like this museum to display the history of the city.  Maybe because it didn’t have much of an interesting history, I’m not too sure.  The fact that this city does have an interesting history made me sad that no one cared enough to be learning about it.  I feel that I should take personal responsibility to promote this museum and what it has to offer, and to help make our citizens aware that the museum exists, and what amazing treasure it holds!

What I Have Been Asking Myself

           I have been asking myself why I was the only one at this wonderful museum on a bright, sunny, warm day.  From the time I parked, until the time I left, I didn't see another soul except for the employees.  I have since driven past the museum on various occasions and have never seen more than one car in the driveway.  Maybe I just have terrible timing, but it seems that there isn't a very large attendance for this museum and I don't know why.  There should be children attending with their schools, and parents bringing their children to learn about our city's heritage.

What I Learned

           I learned that regardless of the rich history of a city, people feel like they have better places to be, and can’t take the time to visit.  The cost is by donation only, so even those who can’t afford more than just pocket change are still welcome to visit and learn.  I learned that in this day of technology, people are so self-absorbed in their social life that they don’t take the time to physically go places and enrich their knowledge of history and culture. 

         I learned this when I attended this museum for well over an hour, and I was the only one there the entire time.  I see people spending countless hours browsing the internet or roaming the mall, but in place of these activities, they could be getting some culture in their lives. 

         This learning matters because if people don’t start showing an interest in the city’s history, it will go forgotten, and the next generation won’t know the origin of things, and how they came to be.  They won’t understand how things used to be handmade, and how new inventions came to be.  They will know what they have at the present, and not the history of how It got there.  It’s important for us to know how things came to be.  It’s important to know the history of our ancestors, and how they came to develop things to make our modern life possible.  Without them, and their contribution to the advancement of our technology, we would still be living life with great difficulty.  It is because of their modern inventions and ideas that we are able to life as simple of a life as we now can, and it is important that we understand this, and pass down this knowledge to future generations.

          In light of this learning, I have taken my husband to this museum to give him the opportunity to learn about the history of St. Catharines.  I have told some friends up here as well that this museum is a great place to visit.  It is right next to the Welland Canal, and it would be a great day trip to visit the museum and have a nice walk along the canal. 

OOCLO Reflection 5

There are Morals After All

Reflection on Personal Learning

What I Did 

           The OOCLO that I took part in this week was to attend a religious organization that isn’t my traditional faith.  I attended a church called Holy Faces of Jesus Roman Catholic Church.   

           There were many people in attendance at the church, but the majority of the people were over the age of 50.  There were many older couples in attendance.  The general appearance of the people is that of very conservative clothing.  The women wore long skirts or long pants, and the men wore dress pants and dress shirts.  Even the younger people in attendance were dressed much more conservatively than one would normally see in a different public place. 

            It was a nice change to hear people having conversations using proper English, and not including swear words regularly.  This church was a very calming place to be.  The service was rather long, but it contained a good message, about how people should try and help others in their daily lives, instead of being selfish and only thinking about themselves. 

What I Have Been Asking Myself

           I've been wondering where the state of our society is headed if people don't have morals in their lives that only religion can instill.  So many people are having premarital sex and illegitimate children nowadays.  It's very depressing to see  people sleeping with every person that they date or just think is cute, and also depressing to see children having children.  I often wonder where things went wrong and changed from kids being kids and embracing their childhood, to kids growing up way too fast and getting involved in immoral acts.  What happened to the days where sex was something that two married people shared?

What I Learned

            I learned that more people should give church a chance.   Our society would be a much better place if more people attended church because they would learn not only about God, but also about how to live a good moral life.  There would be less murder, rape, assault, and crime.  People would donate their time and money to help others instead of continuing in their selfish ways.

          I learned this when I attended the church service and witnessed the interaction between the attendees afterwards.  The people were kind, pleasant, and respectful to one another in their conversations that I overheard.  The spoken demeanor of the church attendees was so unlike what is heard elsewhere.  The people just had a general sense of kindness among them. 

          This learning is important because it shows that there may be hope for our deteriorating society.  If people attended services more often, they may learn how to treat others with respect and kindness, instead of hate and anger. 

            In light of this learning, I will continue to attend this church from time to time to remind me of how good people have the potential to be.  The church I go to is a different denomination, and though the people are good, they are much more lax about their religion than at this Catholic church.  These people live a very strict Catholic life, involving great morals and love. It’s a great example to follow, and I will be inviting friends out to this church to help them see the potential that we all have.

           

               



Forum Posting 1

In what ways can well-intentioned charity bash poor people?

What does Jean Swanson mean by "poor-bashing"? Can you explain, or provide examples, of how charity sometimes contributes to poor-bashing? How can people concerned with social inequality and social hardship work for change while avoiding poor-bashing?

Re: "poor-bashing"
KATRINA GRAHAM (kf08yr) (Dec 1, 2011 1:20 PM)

I understand the concept of "poor-bashing", but sometimes it is unavoidable.  Yes, kids can be cruel if they see someone else wearing their old donated clothing, but it's not like only one of that item was manufactured, so they can't be sure it is their old clothing.  However, even if it is, it's an unavoidable need for the less fortunate to have to buy used clothing.  We need to worry about teaching our kids more tolerance and acceptance of their peers, and explain that not everyone has the luxury of money like they do.  Relying on donations isn't avoidable for some, but the ridicule is absolutely unecessary.  We need to educate our children to treat others how they want to be treated.



Meta-Reflection on Forum Posting 1

"Poor-bashing" is such a sensitive subject to discuss because, often, less fortunate people do not wish to be centered out and treated like they need the charity of others to survive, even though this may be true. 
Unfortunately, identifying some people as "poor" may very well be essential to their survival or well-being.  By labelling these people, we, as a community, are able to provide these individuals with the proper staples that they need to live.  However, by labelling them as "poor", it invites bullying, humiliation, and discrimination from others.  These consequences are unfortunate, but sadly society often feels the need to discriminate against people who don't have the same luxuries as most of us. 
In order for charities to be able to carry out their job and help those in need, the individuals needing help must feel comfortable in seeking and receiving the help.  If people are so judgemental and discriminatory, people will no longer feel comfortable in accepting donations and help. 
I feel like people need to be taught more tolerance, both at home by their parents, and in schools by their teachers.  We must instill these qualities on our children when they are young, so that they grow up respecting everyone, and not discriminating against people less fortunate than themselves.
This is important to me personally because I always try and help the less fortunate when I have the chance.  When grocery shopping, if there is someone outside asking for monetary donations, I will do some shopping for them while in the store, and bring them out a bag or two of groceries.  I am not "bashing" them by doing this; I'm not judging their situation; I am simply trying to offer help.  If I have the means to buy someone some food that will last a few days and get they by, then I see no reason not to.  It's important not to make these people feel even worse about their situation.  Yes, sometimes it may be a situation brought upon by their own poor decisions in life, but more often than not it's simply a matter of life's consequences.  Jobs may have been lost, spouses who were household providers may have passed away, or perhaps sickness has caused all of their money to be spend for medical reasons.  We don't know anyone's personal sitaution, so it's important that we learn not to pass judgement on things we don't know about.  These less fortunate people have enough to worry about, without being discriminated against as well.  We must treat others with respect, no matter what. 

Forum Posting 2

Video: Eat Real. Eat Local.

Take another look at this short video shown in seminars (open View Full Description for the link). Where does your food come from? Do you know? Why does this matter?

Re: Eat Real. Eat Local.
KATRINA GRAHAM (kf08yr) (Dec 1, 2011 1:14 PM)

Since watching this video I have been greatly impacted.  I have started shopping at the local farmer's market rather than the big chain grocery store.  I look for items that specify that they are made in Ontario, or at least in Canada if nothing else is available. I now go to the farmer's market first, and then hit up the big grocery store for anything I wasn't able to find at the market.  I'm trying to get my friends and family to do the same.  If everyone explains how important this is to their friends and families, we could really turn the economy around.



Meta-Reflection on Forum Posting 2

After watching this video in seminar, I  was quite stunned to find out how much food we import versus what we export.  We barely export anything compared to our imports.  However, we are also not supporting our local growers.  We shouldnt have to rely on our farmers exporting their goods in order for them to make a living.  We should be purchasing produce and goods from as local as possible.  I have only been living in this city for a litle bit over two years, and yet I can name about 5 farmer's markets off the top of my head.  They are at every end of the city, and readily available for everyone.  More people need to be supporting their local growers.  Large chain stores carry produce that is grown in Ontario, but farmer's markets have produce that is grown in our region of Ontario.  This is the best option for produce, so that we may support growers close to home, and have a greater positive impact on our local community. 
I truly hope that watching this video opened the eyes of many students in our class.  I hope that this video is shared on facebook to everyone, so that we may spread awareness of the importance of purchasing local goods. 
I have been making a conscious effort to shop for everything possible at my local farmer's market.  Only after buying everything I can there, will I go to a grocery chain to purchase the items unavailable at the market.  For the most part this only includes meat, as my local market carries most everything else, all made locally. 
Shopping primarily at a local market is a much healthier option as well, because rather than buying frozen and processed foods as one likely would from a grocery chain, the goods purchased at the market are fresh, unprocessed, natural, and wholesome foods.  By eating this way, I have lost weight and feel much healthier in my daily living, compared to when I was shopping at a grocery store and buying all kinds of unnecessary and unhealthy foods. 

Forum Posting 3

Comments About the Commons

What is meant by the commons? What are some examples of commons? Why might it be important to protect and grow our common assets? How might we do so? Where might we start?

Re: commonly commons
KATRINA GRAHAM (kf08yr) (Dec 1, 2011 1:46 PM)

I believe in the idea of commons, however all to often we witness that 'commons' aren't really common at all.  How many restaurants and places to we see signs that say that bathrooms are for patrons/members only.  Everyone needs available bathrooms, and yet so many places are denying such a human need.  Even places that call themselves commons like a public library still kick homeless people out for loitering.  It's unfair and people can be so inconsiderate.


Meta-Reflection on Forum Posting 3

The idea of commons is that there are certain areas in every city that should be readily available and accessible to all of its citizens, which should include those who are homeless  This is a fantastic idea that would benefit many people, however it is not implemented successfully; at least not in any city I have visited.  We are all human, and as such, we have basic human needs.  One of these main needs is the need of personal care.  This isn't essential for life, but is essential for a person to maintain their sense of humility, by having something so simple as access to a bathroom for their use.  Such a simple need, and yet most every place where a bathroom is located is solely for patrons of the establishment.  This is unfair and completely goes against the idea of commons.  Another example of 'commons' failing miserably is public libraries.  These are supposed to be available for everyone in the community, however they do not permit homeless people to simply lounge around and sit all day, however, if you or I were to sit in that same library all day, I highly doubt there would be a problem.  "Common places" may talk the talk, but they certainly don't walk the walk.

Midterm Meta-Reflection

My Experiences So Far in This Class

      The best sources of learning for me personally during the course of this first semester were the times where videos were shown in class, as well as the guest speaker.  I found that the videos were very well representative of the material they were meant to supplement.  The guest speaker about the local food charities were especially impactful, and definitely changed the way that I view such organizations. 
        The best vehicle of learning to me was the paper tower build in class.  It was an excellent way to meet our peers and build strong friendships.  The excercise was a great practice of teamwork and learning to incorporate several ideas together to attain a common goal. 

        The difficulties for me were that I am a psychology major and very used to learning hard facts in my lectures, whereas this class is very much based on broad concepts.  I had a very hard time during my first few lectures in deciding what to take notes on.  I have since strengthened my note-taking skills during lecture and am better adapting to the course content.  I will continue to try and adapt my learning style for this class in the next semester as well, so that I may broaden my spectrum of knowledge.  I believe this may be a struggle, but I am enjoying studying something so different than the psychological realm that I'm accustomed to.  It's a great experience that I value as an integral part of my university career.