Using Social Media to Get Connected

This day in age it is rare to find someone that has not experienced social media.  The most common is Facebook and I personally maintain relationships from the past as far back as high school. It is an outlet to converse and share stories with others.  Social media can also effect relationships in a negative way.  Society see beauty as the media portrays beauty making it difficult for women to truly understand that they are an individual and beautiful in their own unique way.  Leading to the main cause of eating disorders. 

Media can provide an organization the outlet to share their vision and offer a resource to others that support their cause.  Posting pictures and stories provide the most common way for advocacy organizations to make others aware.  Offering information that may not be common knowledge can educated the public to the experiences children may deal with on a daily basis. Bringing awareness to a cause that otherwise would be overlooked makes the media a very resourceful option.

Advocacy Messages

Inspiring Advertising Campaign Messages

1. Prevent Child Abuse (America PCA America)

Leading the way in building awareness, providing education and inspiring hope to everyone involved in the effort to prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation's children. 

http://www.preventchildabuse.org/about_us/index.shtml

2. Invisible Children Kids at Risk Action (KARA) 

Goal is to advocate for the welfare of at-risk children and youth through the identification and promotion of people, programs, and policies that work. 

http://www.invisiblechildren.org/home/

3.  Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

Mission is to work together with its state and local members, is to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that every abused or neglected child can be safe, establish permanence and have the opportunity to thrive.  

http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5453887/k.7340/Organizational_Profile.htm

My Own Capacity

• The issues that fuel my passion is children that suffer from neglect and abuse not being protected from their own parents.  Teachers see children everyday that are quieter than usual or move away when an adult approaches them those are signs that they are afraid of something.  Having a counselor or professional visit with these kids could shed light on what is going on at home.  Providing families with educational opportunities and information on how to deal with their aggression in other ways than on their children is a way to begin protecting the kids. The skills I process that can help is these situations is the willingness and ability ti listen and looking at the problem with open eyes so that an objective approach can take in correcting the way the children are treated.  I feel I am welcoming to those that are hurting and will hold a child as long as needed to help them feel safe again.  Approaching an issue open minded can help all parties involved giving those involved to give their sides and in the end not feel like there are forever condemned for their actions as long as they are willing to admit they are wrong and will work to correct how they treat their children.
  
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My Role as an Advocate

• Working in the healthcare field allows me to help patients from many different demographics and income levels.  While working in the lab I saw children from the local children's hospital that helps those with behavioral issues, have attempted suicide, are dealing with Attention Deficit Disorder, and other issues that are difficult for parents to handle alone.  These children that come into the lab have weekly blood work because of the medications they are taking to help with their issues.  I have talked to a few of them and their stories are heartbreaking.  One child told me that she really wasn't trying to bad a child but her parents gave up on her.  Listening to her made me think that these kids need someone that will help them when their parents feel they cannot.  Standing up and making sure they are treated the way they deserve.  They did not ask to have behaviorial issues and I believe there are times that the environment a child grow is up in can effect how severe the issue gets.  
• Community leaders need to believe strongly in what hey are working on. Other leaders will be more likely to take them seriously if their heart is in it.  When their is a passion it can come through how you speak and get your message across.  Resources necessary is a in depth knowledge and willingness to learn as much as possible. This makes it so that the leader is well aware of changes or intricate parts that make their issue important.
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Personal Advocacy Reflection

A personal experience would be my own adoption at age 2.  I don't remember it personally but I have heard many stories about it. When my birth mother was pregnant with me she had all the intentions in the world to have an abortion but when she went to have it done her doctor told he could not do it because she was just days past the deadline according to Colorado law.  After I was born she kept me and my older brother until I was just under 2 years old.  Without telling many people she took us to Montana to "Visit" some friends.  It was only a weekend trip so she headed back to Colorado at the end of the weekend except it was only she and my brother making the trip back.  She had left me with her friends for an undecided amount of time.  After a period of time the friend s called her asking if she was coming back at which time she told them she would sign her right away if they could either keep me or find some that wanted me.  They got in touch with the Catholic Social Services and I was put into foster care.  It was told to me that the friends here in Montana really fought to make sure I was safe and that being put up for adoption would be the option for me to have a happy childhood.  It was documented in my file that they called weekly to check on me and get update.  

                             

I think this is the reason for my passion to help children comes from knowing how it feels to not belong.  In a perfect world every single child would be loved and well taken care of.  Even with limited income a family can love unconditionally and protect their children rather than cause harm whether it is emotional, physically, or psychologically. 

Hypothetical Family Situation

 

My husband and I have been married for quite a while and have tried to have a child for many years with no success. We are deep in the adoption process and have been notified by our social worker that a 2 yr. old little girl is up for adoption from Mexico.  After seeing her picture we fall in love and ask what we need to do.  The social worker says she needs to warn us before we move forward that the little girl is very healthy except for the fact she is deaf.  As a couple we decide with some guidance we still want to move forward. 

My husband and I both and make salaries that keep us both very comfortable.  We own our home, my husband works 8-5 Monday through Friday and I work 9-6 with the option to work from home.  It has already been decided I will begin working from home when we are able to adopt.  Our families live close and have already agreed to help in any way they can including daycare so I can either go into the office or have time to work at home with no interruption. 

The sector we will benefit the most from is Early Learning and Development and Support needing services that will teach us to communicate with the child preferable beginning before she comes home and continuing after her arrival  so that we as a couple and our family can become comfortable with the situation.  Specific services that will be needed is classes that will teach us sign language in order to communicate, and family classes so that our immediate family can have some knowledge as well since they will be involved in her care too. A support group that puts us with other parents in similar situations giving us the opportunity the make friends, ask questions, and build a support base that we can call and lean on when difficulties arise.  When the child arrives we need to have a child therapist in place that can work with the child on communication and interactive skills so that when she begins school she will have the basics necessary to communicate with the educators and peers.  With the help of our support system we will look for a pediatrician that can help us take care of the health needs of the child including making sure she is caught up on immunizations etc. after she gets home.

The Political Will to Improve Special Education

 

• The strategy that will help students with special needs is the charter program that the government is implementing allowing parents to choose the school their children attend based on the education provided and the needs of the children.   This will make it possible for schools to offer programs to families that can only be provided through the charter program.  Families deserve to have a choice in their children's education.  It will also inspire schools to try harder to employee the best educators that can help the students be successful increasing the success rate.  Right now schools are at a stand still and unable to improve the students success.  If families begin choosing other schools it can push the educators and leaders to strive for much more in order to maintain the number of students attending their school.  As an advocate it would be important to guide families towards the schools that would best benefit their needs.  Providing the family with options and guidance towards the educational environment that their children can thrive would allow advocates to feel like they are making a difference which is what drives every advocates heart.
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Benefits of Head Start

One mothers experience helped her work with her children especially a child that was  non verbal that other educators had already said he would not develop normally.  With the encouragement of Head start the child received speech, and occupational therapy he is now a 3.3 student and plays basketball communicating with his peers.  Another person learned how to encourage her family and other to have a higher self esteem and be proud of what they do.  Head start encourages parents to keep supporting the program and make sure their voices are heard while always believing "yes, we can."  

The involvement of parents and family members can benefit the children not just by showing support to the program and educators but also showing the children what they are learning and doing in class is important to the ones that love them the most.  Families can reinforce what the children are learning within the classroom.  The children will respond in a positive manner if those that interact with them regularly are are on the same page.

The government and policy makers can benefit because head start is a good starting point for any child providing the foundation to their education and laying the ground work for the child to be successful.  The end result will be better test scores and a lower drop out rate.

Importance of Quality in Education

                     

I wonder sometimes just how important education is to the government officials that run and guide our country and communities,  This question arises when educational programs such our public school are in need of funding and their requests are ignored or over looked.  In the community I am proud to call home our elementary schools have been over flowing with children for years.  There are hundreds of students that have to be bussed to another school everyday because the elementary school in their area is full.  These children are spending an hour in the morning and again in the afternoon which takes away from their time at home and time their could be either playing with their peers, studying, or resting for their upcoming day.  Not to mention the teachers that are required to teach overloaded classroom and do not have the time necessary to provide the one on one time children deserve and may require to be successful.   It would seem that money is the issue but rather than spend the money on fuel for the buses and money for other expenses involved over time why not add on to our existing schools and provide jobs for teachers.  Or if expanding our current selection of schools why not build a few more?  When there are decisions to be decided in local elections it seems like the community would rather see money spent on the arts and other community projects rather than investing in the futures of our children.  Over the next 5 to 10 years our community should reevaluate their priorities and put our children first. With the help of advocates and other professionals the needs can be explained so that maybe our community can see the importance of providing the best education possible to our children and families.

Why Become an Childhood Advocate

Children are innocent and deserve to have adults that watch out for their best interests and safety.  Not every child in our society have that and that is where childhood advocates come in.  I want to be the individual that a child can count on to care about them as an individual.  Advocates look at the situation the child is currently in and makes sure that the child is completely safe and experiencing the nurturing environment a child deserves.  Along with the child's well being and advocate can help educate the family making them aware of programs and parenting methods that could help their family as a whole and encourage love and interaction.  The main reason I have chosen this career field is because I have a heart for children and it is important to me to enjoy my career feeling like I am making a difference.

I believe it is important for early childhood educators to be skilled and educated so that they are fully aware of ways they can be helping children in order to provide the best support possible.  It is also important to have continuous education because as policies change it should be a priority for educators and advocates to be aware rather than in the dark.  The children and families count on us to help them and know how and in what ways are best for their family most importantly current ways and policies that need to be considered.

My goals at this point in my education are:
1. Learn the policies necessary to help protect children 
2. Learn as much as I can from my classes so that when I am in the field I can provide the best care for the children and their families.
3.. Find ways to do what I love that makes it possible to help my husband take care of our family.

Thank You

Another class has come to a close and we are that much closer to graduation. The information I have learned is going to help me make a difference in the future.  My classmates have been there to increase the amount I have learned and given me an opportunity to get to know a few building relationships that will last past graduation.  Whether is be brainstorming, trying to understand a concept, relieving stress, or just listening my classmates have been their for me.  I have had individuals tell me that I am losing out on the experience going to a physical land campus I would have to disagree.  I am gaining the knowledge and building the relationships what more could I ask for??  Thank you for all that were part of this class.

Team Development

When a group is getting along and working well together it makes leaving the group very difficult.  There are some many pieces to a team dynamic that is needed to accomplish success.  There have been teams that I have work with that the communication is open and clear making it so that everyone feels comfortable stating their needs and ideas knowing that the rest of the team will not judge.  This allowed for the team to know what others were doing and progress they have made in regarded to deadlines.   When teams are successful it is difficult to say good bye.  Teams needs a time where they can celebrate their success and evaluate what was done adjourning stage is a time to celebrate success and evaluate what happened.  After finishing the work allowing a time for the team to relax and celebrate in a casual setting can be a good ending that rewards the team for a job well done.

Conflict Resolution

Considering how much a dislike conflict and try to avoid it if at all possible the strategies that I can utilize when the need arises  would include the win win approach and empathy.  This approach consists of joint problem-solving which will allow each person an opportunity to speak about what they believe will work then taking those ideas and making it into one approach specifically for this child. Empathy is about openness between people and helping people feel that they feelings or thoughts are being understood. Encouraging those involve to have an open mind to change and be willing to work together to find a solution would be important. 

The 3 R’s communication model includes: respectful, reciprocal, and responsive communication.  These can provide a positive impact to communication simply by encouraging educators to respectful to the children and their families they are privileged to work with.  It can help build relationships that are more give and take rather than one sided while encouraging a level of respect between the two.  When children see this approached exampled by those teaching them they will acquire the skills so that they treat others that way more naturally than they would otherwise.  

Self Perception

I see myself as a positive communicator in small groups or one on one.  When faced with larger groups I become shy and unsure about myself and when I am done I critique myself being overly critical of my performance.  Those that evaluated me thought on the same lines.  They observe that when I am face to face with a patient is it evident that I am willing to help them in anyway I can.  One coworker mentioned that I have compassion for others and as long as the patient is willing to help themselves I bend over backwards.  They have also seen that  when I am faced with patients trying to pull a fast with a sob story I may have a hard time saying no I know my job and realize that unless the patient is willing to help me help them then I cannot help them. Improving on larger group will require me to work on my own feelings about myself.  Believing in myself and thinking positively about the knowledge I already possess I truly believe that I will one day have the confidence to speak to large groups and finish feeling good about myself.

Changes in Communication

Following the past few weeks and the information I have learned, I don't think I have changed my approach to communication to much.  I have become more aware to those I communicate with.  I pay attention a person personality and try to communicate in a way that the individual can understand without being condescending or demeaning.  I treat others the way I would to be treated.  Many people have a difficult time understand of their bills so it is my job to explain the basics in a logical way that make it easier for our patients to understand.  I leave each day with a feeling like I have accomplished something important and like I have done something to help my patients which can be very rewarding. 

Border Patrol

The show I choice to watch for the first time was Border Patrol although I had never seen it before within in the first few minutes even without sound it was clear what the show was about.  Watching it without sound I found myself paying close attention to the emotions exhibited by the characters.  It is amazing how much can be understood with the emotions alone.

Border Patrol without sound there were military officials that were arresting and identifying people that may be illegal immigrants.  The officials walked through desert areas searching for individuals trying to sneak across the border.  When they caught the group of four men they took them in for questioning before they fingerprinted and photographed them.  Them men sat in a cell and look very anxious and upset because they were fidgeting and their facial expressions showed their nerves.  The officers were nice and did not seem to mistreat the men in anyway.

When I turned the sound on it was evident that my assumptions were basically correct.  The officials were given a lead that there was a group of individuals trying to sneak across the border.  They then went searching the area the lead led them to believe the individuals may be.  After searching they did arrest them and took them in for questioning.  They asked them where they were from, what their family status was, and what their plan had been.  The men told the officials that they were not able to care for their families in Mexico and their hope was to come to the U.S, and find work so that they could send money back to their families.  The officials displayed sympathy for the men but since they were entering the country illegally they needed to follow the law.  They processed the required paper work and extradited the men back to Mexico.

Influential Communicator

I work at the local hospital in Patient Business Services an truly enjoy helping people everyday either understanding their bill or with options for payment including patient assistance which allows us to write off 0-100% of the patients bill based on their  income.  Our director would have to be the one person that exemplifies the communication skills I hope to utilize during my career both in the hospital and in early childhood education.  Our director maintains an open door policy with a welcoming non judgmental attitude that makes those that for her comfortable to talk, ask questions, and address issues that or causing them distress. When I personally have something I need help with are concern she makes time to speak with me and encourages honesty.  She communicates with patients in a similar manner.  She believes that we as a department need to focus on  showing for our patients and treating everyone with the same compassion and concern and never discriminating based on the patients ethnicity, background, or situation.  Her communication style is aimed at providing the information in the best form for the patient to understand.  Regularly using letters, phone calls, and face to face as the main ways of communicating with patients.  Her approach to communication is one that I want to strive for and would happily model my own based on her example.  I have seen first hand how patients warm up to her when they are approached as an individual and not just another customer or monetary addition to the organization. 

Professional Hopes and Goals

When working with children and there families my goal is to learn and grow so that my knowledge of diversity.  Learning a families background will allow me to be aware of possible beliefs and customs that could be conflicted with the lesson plans.  Caring for each child and their families is important in order for children to feel special and that being different is ok and should be thought of as a down fall rather a unique trait that makes them the special individual they are.  A goal I plan to accomplish each and everyday I am working with children is to look at each child as an individual and not judge them or their families prior to getting know them.  Assumptions can hinder the building of a strong relationship and in order to teach children that diversity is a natural part of of communities and the world around us.  A sincere thank you to my classmates for teaching me so much that I didn't know.  I truly believe that learning from another persons experience can provide knowledge that otherwise my be missed within a curriculum.   

Welcoming Families from the United Kingdom

 

Basics
Area: 243,000 sq. km. (93,000 sq. mi.); slightly smaller than Oregon.
Capital: London
Climate: Generally mild and temperate
Nationality: British
Population : 62.2 million.
Major Ethnic Groups: British, Irish, West Indian, South Asian.
Major Religions: Church of England (Anglican), Roman Catholic, Church of Scotland (Presbyterian), Muslim.
Major Languages: English, Welsh, Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic.
Education: Years compulsory--12. Attendance--nearly 100%. Literacy--99%.
Health: Infant mortality rate--4.85/1,000.
Life Expectancy --Males 76.5 yrs.; Females 81.6 yrs.; total 79.0 years.
http://www.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/unitedkingdom/153114.htm

Based on the information retrieved from the United States Government Website.  A family moving from the United Kingdom face many challenges especially if they have children.  Moving to a country that their majority speaks English may seem familiar to some yet far from normal for others depending on their families primary language.  In regards to accommodating a families religious beliefs it is important to remember that the British population practice Anglican, Roman Catholic, or Presbyterian which are not unknown to those in the United States.  Education is very important the the British citizens and that is reflective in the high attendance and literacy rate.  There will be adjustments on the families part because it will not be familiar to them.

                                                             

Ways that we can make it easier is by
1.  Welcoming them and showing them the willingness to help them adjust
2.  Giving the children an opportunity voice their concerns and giving them adequate time to adjust. 
3.  Ask their children's' parents if there are food considerations that need to be considered when it   comes to teaching the children about holidays etc.
4.  Take the time to get to know the families
5.  Working close with families and other staff members to make the transition as smooth as possible for all involved.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

• Learning from our Countries Mistakes                                                                                                                                                                                            I was told by a classmate that one of her professors at the University of Phoenix once made a comment in the public forum that in his opinion women would never be able to compete with men in the same profession and it didn't matter what profession.  In hi opinion women should not waste the time and just stay home where they belong.  Personally it just makes me want to learn more and prove that we can anything men can do and sometimes better. As a mother it is important for my children to grow up without thinking they entitled and that it is necessary to give everyone an opportunity to learn and grow in order to better themselves and environment around them.  This made me wonder if we ever truly got past the thought that women were the lesser sex.  Even in this day in age it seems that children could grow up feeling equal.  It is going to be important that the educators teaching the children show them in the lessons we teach and by example that this is not necessary to be successful. Children follow the examples they see from their family and those in the classroom.  Teach them about our history is important but making sure that the children realize that that is what it is history.                                                       

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

This weeks topic was very interest and it made me aware of what was being said around me more than usual.  The example that was brought to my attention this week was when a coworker tried to make joke about two women going down the hall but failed.  The two ladies were a little larger in stature and she said "isn't that cute a pregnant women pushing a pregnant woman in a wheelchair." Neither of the woman were actually pregnant.  My coworker assumed that since both women were a bit overweight that they were both pregnant.  She insulted both women and was told by a director that she needs to be more careful about her comments around patients.  And that women especially are self conscious about their weight and that is a topic that should not be brought up because we do not know what the person is dealing with.  This event does not fall under race, gender or any of the other topics covered this week but I feel that it could have come off as funny or insulting without the intention to hurt the women.

With the information from this week it makes me angry to know so many people do not think before opening their mouths.  And most of the time do not realized how painful comments they make could be to someone else.  I know how it feels to be different and looked at differently because of my differences.  It is very hard to watch others get hurt.  When working with children observation of the children's feelings are vital to protecting the children as much as possible.  Children are mean to each other and educators can not protect them the entire day.  This is where I feel teaching the children about differences and that no one should judge another from an early age so that they can be aware of how others can be hurt. 

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

The people I had the pleasure to speak with this week included my coworker who is a Jehovah's Witness. a classmate from high schools who is Mormon,  and my good friend from childhood who is African American.  The definition of culture was similar between all three; provides the foundation for a persons choice of traditions including religious ways of life. Growing from a religion that is quite different from others seen in know how it feels to be different and face diversity.  Needing to refrain from eating foods others eat without thinking growing up a Jehovah's Witness proved challenging.  Holidays also was much different because of not celebrating birthdays or Christmas like the traditional American family.  Varieties of cultural difference make up the diverse nation we call home.  Learning at an early age it is ok to be different and fitting in can be challenging but rewarding knowing that being a special individual just like God planned.  Individuals living within one country while observing different traditions and ways of facing everyday life.  


Aspects that were not mentioned in my conversations include gender, political views, and emotional differences.  These individuals could very well have political views different from myself but that is a topic I have learned can be very touchy for people.  Strong political views seem to become more apparent in the months before elections.  I am not one to get in heated arguments but it does help me appreciate our freedom of choice that so many countries do not get the same privilege.    


I have always believed that our country is very special because of the varieties of cultures that make up the diversity we see everyday. I am extremely grateful for our freedoms we enjoy and I am not judgmental of those that are different than myself because I know from experience what it feels like to not fit in because of obvious difference.  The knowledge I am gaining is allowing me to learn more about possible difference.  Knowledge is the best way to approach differences.  

My Family Culture

The three items that would represent our culture and mean the most us as a family are as follows:

1.   Our family bible because it represents our religious beliefs.  Chances are we will go to a country that has different religious views and follow the readings from their own bible for example the Quran.  As parents we want to be able to continue to teach our child the important lessons that have always been our intention as parents and in order to help us do that we need bible.  It is the basis for our beliefs and provides the foundation for our family.

2.   The American Flag that my husband hanged every morning on the front of our house.  We are extremely proud to and grateful to be Americans.  Our government may not always things that benefit everyone in our country.  Compared to other countries we are privileged to have the rights we do.  The freedom of speech and our freedom of religion are just two pieces of our country that make this a great country to live in.  We may not be able to fly it outside and broadcast our love of being American but no matter where we go it doesn't change the fact that our roots are American.  Even if we keep it in drawer out of sight we as a family know that it is there and it can provide us with the constant reminder of where we came from and how we began in the land of the free. 

3.   The photo album that has all the pictures of our family dating back to the day my husband and I got married and followed through our journey with baby pictures of all our children and all the important milestones we wanted to remember forever.  Memories are special to our family and allow us to reminisce the special times and events.  A few examples are pictures of each of our children's' Dedication Ceremonies at the church were my husband and I thank God for giving us these children but that we give them to him so he can help us guide them in the ways of the church.  The pictures following their births when they were so innocent and pure and as they grow the pictures can be shown to others so they can get a feeling for the love we have for each other as a family.  When the children grow up and question "where did I come from?" we can show them through pictures their early years and the milestones they may not remember without the reminder. 

When faced with having to choose just one our special belongings I know for a fact it will be extremely difficult to decide on just one item.  With thought and consideration we would not want to offend the people of the country that was gracious enough to take our family in we would be willing to give up our American Flag.  We as parents know where we came from and tell our children story about the great country of our origin our country.  Not know the religious views of the new country we may need to give up our bible.  Not having the bible it does not change our religious views and how we would like to raise our children as Christians that believe in God.  We can teach them the importance of prayer and how to be kind, truthful, giving, and grow into adults that know the difference between right and wrong.  Taking the bible will take away the verses we have memorized and place in our hearts.  By taking the bible they cannot take God away from us just a material item.  The item that we mean the most us as a family would be the pictures that cannot be replaced.  It provides us reminders of our life and can remind us all our milestones that might otherwise be forgotten.

The exercise really made me aware of what is truly important.  If we were to lose the material items as a result of a disaster the important thing is that my family is safe.  Without them my life would never be the same.  We can always replace memories by make new memories and we can replace material items but we cannot replace the member so f our family because they are irreplaceable.