Teresa Sayward
12 April 2012
When I get the opportunity to do research I like to take advantage and look into something I don't know much about. Politics is not my filed of expertise, but I am certain that I disagree with a lot of views of the Republican party. For this reason I looked at different article of Republican women and one stood out to me, Teresa Sayward. There aren't too many recent articles about her. She recently retired after what seems to be successful years of service as the New York State Assemblywoman. She was more recently referenced in the news because of a comment she made about voting for Obama in the upcoming elections.
With a focus on woman leaders I found it interesting how the articles described her and her role as a leader. In the articles referring to her position as an assemblywoman she was praised for a job well done. What was notable was the exact actions and characteristics she was praised for. Sayward is recognized in the article in Lake Placid News for "listening", being "available to her constituents", and being "a model of ethics". The other article in The Post-Star states she will be remembered for her "advocacy", "compassion", and "commitment". We have discussed in class how more woman leaders will bring different traits and practices into those roles. In the arena of politics Teresa Sayward was praised as a woman leader for her advocacy, her involvement, and her ethics.
She has proven to be a good representation of a woman leader by her defense in saying that she might vote for President Obama in the upcoming elections. We have defined a good woman leader as someone that listens and empowers others. As a republican she is concerned with the recent debates on women's healthcare and the stand that the Republican Party has taken on the debate. I would identify her as a transformative leader because she justifies wanting to vote for Obama by saying "Good government is a lot of diverse people coming together with a lot of ideas. And you have to meet in the middle, and sometimes you don't get everything you want. But if you get something that's going to help the people, I don't think you can remain closed minded." She still supports the main Republican ideals of less government and less taxes, but she is aware of the mainstream social issues and has defined herself as a legitimate leader in oprder to address these issues.
Teresa Sayward is a great example of how women can lead in a different way than men. Eagly and Carli mentioned many of the traits and characteristics that Sayward has in the way that women lead differently. I attempted to search an article with negative comments about her to have a better understanding of who she is. However, all of the articles I found commended her on a job well done. She had a successful career in office and she did this without being corrupt and by being involve (physicallly there in the community) which is similar to the prototype that Eagly and Carli say woman leaders are likely to be.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Campus Engagement Events Assignment
The Vagina Monologues
07 April 2012
The Vagina Monologues at UCF was an amazing event. I will admit it felt like it took a little long to start, but it was well worth the wait. Outside of the event venue they had a table to set up to raffle some items and receive donations. Down to the small details of vagina necklaces and lollipops I really enjoyed the event. There was some trouble with seating, but that was due to the big turn out of people that attended the event. The only part of the event I did not like was the representative from Fairvilla talking to the audience before the event. It had not been up a week prior to this that the same representative gave a 2 hour lecture in my Sexual Behaviors class on the same subject, therefore hearing the same information within such a short time span was unpleasant. Regardless of the lecture she gave us I do feel like she should have shortened her presentation.
Asides from the seating and the presentation by the Fairvilla representative everything else was amazing!This is the first time I have attended any presentation of the Vagina monologues and I can honestly say it is something that I would be interested in doing every time it comes a long. On of my interests is minority women issues. One of my favorite monologues was the one of the black women. They talked about the exploitation of their bodies and the work that is still left to truly respect the black vagina. A point that they made is the worth of their vagina's. How they birthed the slaves that gave their priceless bodies and labor for no pay. They also touched on international issue. I liked these monologues because they are topics that are often overlooked. As a woman I know my issues here in my space, but I rarely consider the issues of other women across the world. My favorite of these monologues was with four women of all ages and ethnicity that came to America to find the American dream, but instead they were raped and abused. Mentioning all the different types of women on of the monologues was of two transgender people. I like the inclusion of this because it does not restrict the term woman to the common binary in our culture of female and male. What I still remember from that monologue is how they retell the experience of becoming a woman and still not being accepted because they were different.
These monologues brought light to a lot of important issues. I truly enjoyed how everything was done. This event was a great closing to the events at UCF for the month of the woman.
07 April 2012
The Vagina Monologues at UCF was an amazing event. I will admit it felt like it took a little long to start, but it was well worth the wait. Outside of the event venue they had a table to set up to raffle some items and receive donations. Down to the small details of vagina necklaces and lollipops I really enjoyed the event. There was some trouble with seating, but that was due to the big turn out of people that attended the event. The only part of the event I did not like was the representative from Fairvilla talking to the audience before the event. It had not been up a week prior to this that the same representative gave a 2 hour lecture in my Sexual Behaviors class on the same subject, therefore hearing the same information within such a short time span was unpleasant. Regardless of the lecture she gave us I do feel like she should have shortened her presentation.
Asides from the seating and the presentation by the Fairvilla representative everything else was amazing!This is the first time I have attended any presentation of the Vagina monologues and I can honestly say it is something that I would be interested in doing every time it comes a long. On of my interests is minority women issues. One of my favorite monologues was the one of the black women. They talked about the exploitation of their bodies and the work that is still left to truly respect the black vagina. A point that they made is the worth of their vagina's. How they birthed the slaves that gave their priceless bodies and labor for no pay. They also touched on international issue. I liked these monologues because they are topics that are often overlooked. As a woman I know my issues here in my space, but I rarely consider the issues of other women across the world. My favorite of these monologues was with four women of all ages and ethnicity that came to America to find the American dream, but instead they were raped and abused. Mentioning all the different types of women on of the monologues was of two transgender people. I like the inclusion of this because it does not restrict the term woman to the common binary in our culture of female and male. What I still remember from that monologue is how they retell the experience of becoming a woman and still not being accepted because they were different.
These monologues brought light to a lot of important issues. I truly enjoyed how everything was done. This event was a great closing to the events at UCF for the month of the woman.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Campus Engagement Events Assignment
16 March 2012
Re-defining THE Woman
The event started by the showing of an animated video of pre-civil war era and the bidding of a black female slave. Most of the topics of this event related to the issues in our society concerning the image of women of color. The first video was very appropriate in addressing the history of black women in American society. In the discussion of the image of women of color it is important to understand that terms like "bad bitch" or "barbie" as they relate to the black woman's body are prevalent now, but they exist due to the past experiences of black women in America.
Although the event started of with a great clip to open conversation, I found it to take a less educational and informal turn. Issues brought up after this was the definition of a "bad bitch", ride or die vs fool, and the definition of "barbie". The intentions of these separate topics was to redefine how the terms are viewed and as women redefine each of these terms to be more positive. My problem with this is that the term "bad bitch" should not be accepted. It is limited to mostly negative connotations. The topic of ride or die vs fool was a bit disappointing to me as well. During this part of the event different pictures of famous couples were projected on a screen. At this point the audience would term the female a ride or die or a fool. This opened up a bit of conversation of what the audience thought a woman's role is in a relationship and what the deal breakers should be. Along with this selected audience members coupled up to do skits of different scenarios that represented women that were ride or die or fools. Again I'm not too sure how this helps redefine the woman of color in a positive light. The last topic of barbie represents the doll in a positive light and how she was created to inspire little girls to be all they can be.This would be in opposition to the "barbie" model that Nicki Minaj has created. What stood out to me is that they failed to address the problems of body image that effect many young girls and women and how barbie may not be the best role model.
The intentions behind this event were to re-define the woman, which I believe is very necessary. I believe what was missing is a more thorough understanding of women's issues and how it effects various aspects of our social world. Women of color are more than just "bad bitches" "ride or die" "barbies" no matter how many times these terms are redefined.
Re-defining THE Woman
The event started by the showing of an animated video of pre-civil war era and the bidding of a black female slave. Most of the topics of this event related to the issues in our society concerning the image of women of color. The first video was very appropriate in addressing the history of black women in American society. In the discussion of the image of women of color it is important to understand that terms like "bad bitch" or "barbie" as they relate to the black woman's body are prevalent now, but they exist due to the past experiences of black women in America.
Although the event started of with a great clip to open conversation, I found it to take a less educational and informal turn. Issues brought up after this was the definition of a "bad bitch", ride or die vs fool, and the definition of "barbie". The intentions of these separate topics was to redefine how the terms are viewed and as women redefine each of these terms to be more positive. My problem with this is that the term "bad bitch" should not be accepted. It is limited to mostly negative connotations. The topic of ride or die vs fool was a bit disappointing to me as well. During this part of the event different pictures of famous couples were projected on a screen. At this point the audience would term the female a ride or die or a fool. This opened up a bit of conversation of what the audience thought a woman's role is in a relationship and what the deal breakers should be. Along with this selected audience members coupled up to do skits of different scenarios that represented women that were ride or die or fools. Again I'm not too sure how this helps redefine the woman of color in a positive light. The last topic of barbie represents the doll in a positive light and how she was created to inspire little girls to be all they can be.This would be in opposition to the "barbie" model that Nicki Minaj has created. What stood out to me is that they failed to address the problems of body image that effect many young girls and women and how barbie may not be the best role model.
The intentions behind this event were to re-define the woman, which I believe is very necessary. I believe what was missing is a more thorough understanding of women's issues and how it effects various aspects of our social world. Women of color are more than just "bad bitches" "ride or die" "barbies" no matter how many times these terms are redefined.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Service Learning Blog 4
YWLP Basketball Tournament: 18 February 2012
05 April 2012
The day of the event went very smoothly. When I got there most things were set up. There were some last minute changes that were dealt with accordingly. Most of the events I spent by the court watching the games and completing small tasks. For the most part I made sure that the players participating had some Powerade bottles. I kept the tables at each extent of the court with some bottles. Then after the game put up some chairs, cleaned up, and took some items to the cars.
As I mentioned in my previous blog Batliwala's work addresses the idea of sharing powers. From the bake sale, to the game, to the entertainment of the attendees I feel like we came together and took charge of different aspects of the tournament as a whole. To relate the event back to other class discussions I also liked to see the different UCF communities come together. Some of the participants I noticed were from different organizations at UCF-- although I don't know which. In a sense it reminded me of the work we read on the black beauticians. It was not beauticians in the same salon but beauticians from different regions coming together. I enjoyed seeing the different communities come together for a good cause and support raising money for the LOL project.
Again the most I got out of it was the great joy and pride from seeing the event be such a success. I also remember that in the beginning of the event my name was mentioned as a sign of gratitude and I was overjoyed. I had some friends come together and help me make this event successful. Asides from helping for a good cause I had some friends that came through for me and helped with the event. This was not only a good experience for me, but it also showed me the people in my life that were supportive by either helping or simple attending. Finally seeing everything come together brought up some skills and abilities that I did not know I had.
05 April 2012
The day of the event went very smoothly. When I got there most things were set up. There were some last minute changes that were dealt with accordingly. Most of the events I spent by the court watching the games and completing small tasks. For the most part I made sure that the players participating had some Powerade bottles. I kept the tables at each extent of the court with some bottles. Then after the game put up some chairs, cleaned up, and took some items to the cars.
As I mentioned in my previous blog Batliwala's work addresses the idea of sharing powers. From the bake sale, to the game, to the entertainment of the attendees I feel like we came together and took charge of different aspects of the tournament as a whole. To relate the event back to other class discussions I also liked to see the different UCF communities come together. Some of the participants I noticed were from different organizations at UCF-- although I don't know which. In a sense it reminded me of the work we read on the black beauticians. It was not beauticians in the same salon but beauticians from different regions coming together. I enjoyed seeing the different communities come together for a good cause and support raising money for the LOL project.
Again the most I got out of it was the great joy and pride from seeing the event be such a success. I also remember that in the beginning of the event my name was mentioned as a sign of gratitude and I was overjoyed. I had some friends come together and help me make this event successful. Asides from helping for a good cause I had some friends that came through for me and helped with the event. This was not only a good experience for me, but it also showed me the people in my life that were supportive by either helping or simple attending. Finally seeing everything come together brought up some skills and abilities that I did not know I had.
Service Learning Blog 3
Week 3: (Feb 12th- Feb 17th)
05 April 2012
The last week before the basketball tournament the first thing I did was meet with my friend Josh to get an outside opinion of what we need to work on. Josh has his own non-profit organization and has participated in basketball tournaments before. We discussed the details of the event for about 2 hrs. We set up some rules for the games and made a checklist of things that needed to get done before the tournament. Part of getting the checklist together was contacting Maria and Kelly. Another meeting during the week was with the girls working on the event. Our main focus was to get more teams to sign up.
In the text of Batliwala, Feminist Leadership for Social Transformation, we read ideas of a system that is less like a hierarchy and more like a circle of shared powers. Maria and Emily without a doubt have done an immense amount for the basketball tournament and then the LOL project. I did notice some other girls, as well as I, tried to relieve some of the work from them. Although we did work more as a hierarchy, I did notice from these events that working through more of a power circle would divide the stress and responsibility within everyone. If more of the individuals involved accept more power within an organization then that individual should feel more responsible/accountable. Putting what we have learned to play it shows that there is no clear cut way to do things. There were a lot pf people involved in making the event a success. I believe we had a mix of a hierarchy as well as a circle of shared powers. The event turned out a success and ran very smoothly.
The opportunity I received from this experience was to be part of such an amazing team. Before this I have had little experience with putting an event of this magnitude together. It was an amazing experience because it truly showed me that with hard work things can be done.Seeing this event come together gave me a lot of pride and happiness. It was a great sense of achievement and I gained a good amount of experience through the planning if the YWLP Basketball Tournament.
05 April 2012
The last week before the basketball tournament the first thing I did was meet with my friend Josh to get an outside opinion of what we need to work on. Josh has his own non-profit organization and has participated in basketball tournaments before. We discussed the details of the event for about 2 hrs. We set up some rules for the games and made a checklist of things that needed to get done before the tournament. Part of getting the checklist together was contacting Maria and Kelly. Another meeting during the week was with the girls working on the event. Our main focus was to get more teams to sign up.
In the text of Batliwala, Feminist Leadership for Social Transformation, we read ideas of a system that is less like a hierarchy and more like a circle of shared powers. Maria and Emily without a doubt have done an immense amount for the basketball tournament and then the LOL project. I did notice some other girls, as well as I, tried to relieve some of the work from them. Although we did work more as a hierarchy, I did notice from these events that working through more of a power circle would divide the stress and responsibility within everyone. If more of the individuals involved accept more power within an organization then that individual should feel more responsible/accountable. Putting what we have learned to play it shows that there is no clear cut way to do things. There were a lot pf people involved in making the event a success. I believe we had a mix of a hierarchy as well as a circle of shared powers. The event turned out a success and ran very smoothly.
The opportunity I received from this experience was to be part of such an amazing team. Before this I have had little experience with putting an event of this magnitude together. It was an amazing experience because it truly showed me that with hard work things can be done.Seeing this event come together gave me a lot of pride and happiness. It was a great sense of achievement and I gained a good amount of experience through the planning if the YWLP Basketball Tournament.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Service Learning Blog 2
Week 2: (Feb 5th- Feb 11th)
25 March 2012
The second week of working with YWLP for the Basketball Tournament I talked to a Powerade representative and had a meeting with Meredith, her father, Maria, Emily on Saturday to finalize the details of the event. I met up with the Powerade rep by coincidence. I was at an event supporting some friends and they were giving away Vitamin water. I'm usually shy, but I thought it would be great to have them there. After talking to him a little about YWLP and the basketball tournament, he then gave me the Powerade reps contact information. As for the meeting I had we were able to get a lot done. At the meeting we talked about who was playing at the event and how many more teams we needed. We also planned the times of performances and giveaways. We bounced a lot of ideas off of each other. We made sure everyone had tasks and we made lists of all the things that we needed as well of a schedule leading up to the event. We basically created the blueprint for the basketball tournament.
I like how we came together as women and put together a sports event, an area that is seen as more of expertise to men. We've mentioned in class that the answer is not to flip the scripts and have only women in power. Meredith's father's input and assistance was very well needed. I also had a friend that I would contact from time to time since he had participated in several tournaments. I will admit at times I felt like we were in over our head, but I was determined to assist Maria and Emily because I wanted YWLP to have a successful Event. I love that everyone in YWLP was so positive and dedicated in raising money for our campaign against bullying.
Honestly, it is amazing for me to have worked with these ladies to put the event together. Being a part of this team has not only given me a lot of confidence, but now I know that I have the ability to to take on a project of this magnitude. This event really showed me a lot about myself. This really prepared me to help with other organizations I'm involved in and will be involved with in the future.
25 March 2012
The second week of working with YWLP for the Basketball Tournament I talked to a Powerade representative and had a meeting with Meredith, her father, Maria, Emily on Saturday to finalize the details of the event. I met up with the Powerade rep by coincidence. I was at an event supporting some friends and they were giving away Vitamin water. I'm usually shy, but I thought it would be great to have them there. After talking to him a little about YWLP and the basketball tournament, he then gave me the Powerade reps contact information. As for the meeting I had we were able to get a lot done. At the meeting we talked about who was playing at the event and how many more teams we needed. We also planned the times of performances and giveaways. We bounced a lot of ideas off of each other. We made sure everyone had tasks and we made lists of all the things that we needed as well of a schedule leading up to the event. We basically created the blueprint for the basketball tournament.
I like how we came together as women and put together a sports event, an area that is seen as more of expertise to men. We've mentioned in class that the answer is not to flip the scripts and have only women in power. Meredith's father's input and assistance was very well needed. I also had a friend that I would contact from time to time since he had participated in several tournaments. I will admit at times I felt like we were in over our head, but I was determined to assist Maria and Emily because I wanted YWLP to have a successful Event. I love that everyone in YWLP was so positive and dedicated in raising money for our campaign against bullying.
Honestly, it is amazing for me to have worked with these ladies to put the event together. Being a part of this team has not only given me a lot of confidence, but now I know that I have the ability to to take on a project of this magnitude. This event really showed me a lot about myself. This really prepared me to help with other organizations I'm involved in and will be involved with in the future.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Service Learning Blog
Week 1 (29 Jan- 04 Feb)
15 Mar 2012
The first week working on my service learning I used to contact businesses and people to inform them about the event and ask the to donate. I called most of the stores in the Knight's Plaza. I also contacted the Sweets, in Waterford. A couple of these stores I had to follow through and email the corresponding store managers directly with a short message and the flyer and donation letter attachments. Asides from contacting some businesses I also spoke to a couple friends to see if they were available to donate their time. One of my friends offered his time and equipment to DJ at the event and a co worker offered to sing as part of the entertainment. This work allotted to about 1.5 hrs. My plan from this point was to contact some more friends that would dedicate their time and/or get the word out about the event.
This first week I believe I took more of a traditional stance on leadership. I had to effectively use my communication skills to convince businesses to donate to our event. Although, I did not lead in the traditional sense of being in charge of any specific task. Like in the reading of Huerta and Chavez I can closely relate the work I did to Chavez's traditional style of women leadership. This text explains a traditional woman leader to be supportive and to complete necessary but menial work.
My experiences during the week reminded me that as an individual you do not have to be in the forefront to be a leader. In the same breath having completed these tasks I felt like I had the ability and time to do more. The first week of helping with the YWLP basketball tournament served as an eye opener for me. I never took time to realize the connections I have made in college and the network of people I know. Not only was I surprised, but the interactions gave me more confidence and a sense of accomplishment. It was truly a great first week!
15 Mar 2012
The first week working on my service learning I used to contact businesses and people to inform them about the event and ask the to donate. I called most of the stores in the Knight's Plaza. I also contacted the Sweets, in Waterford. A couple of these stores I had to follow through and email the corresponding store managers directly with a short message and the flyer and donation letter attachments. Asides from contacting some businesses I also spoke to a couple friends to see if they were available to donate their time. One of my friends offered his time and equipment to DJ at the event and a co worker offered to sing as part of the entertainment. This work allotted to about 1.5 hrs. My plan from this point was to contact some more friends that would dedicate their time and/or get the word out about the event.
This first week I believe I took more of a traditional stance on leadership. I had to effectively use my communication skills to convince businesses to donate to our event. Although, I did not lead in the traditional sense of being in charge of any specific task. Like in the reading of Huerta and Chavez I can closely relate the work I did to Chavez's traditional style of women leadership. This text explains a traditional woman leader to be supportive and to complete necessary but menial work.
My experiences during the week reminded me that as an individual you do not have to be in the forefront to be a leader. In the same breath having completed these tasks I felt like I had the ability and time to do more. The first week of helping with the YWLP basketball tournament served as an eye opener for me. I never took time to realize the connections I have made in college and the network of people I know. Not only was I surprised, but the interactions gave me more confidence and a sense of accomplishment. It was truly a great first week!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Leadership Profile
Clelia Duel Mosher
The Victorian era was a very restrictive period in history. Many modern ideals are in direct contrast to the beliefs of the time. Individuals, like Clelia Duel Mosher, rose up and chose to defy Victorians standards in pursuit of new truths. She contributed greatly to women’s health through her studies which in turn provided a database of knowledge for the feminist movement in the United States. Influenced by her father Dr. Cornelius Mosher, the interest of science and health came to her at a young age. Due to women’s limited status during the Victorian Era the level of education she attained and the context of her studies were progressive and a positive influence towards the feminist movement. She led in the way that she did not fear to prove that women were not physical weaker due to their menstruation . Also in the way that success did not mean economic gain as she rather own a private practice with little profits rather than work under any male gynecologist. Through her studies, some of which were published after her death, she created a space in which women could begin to accept sexual satisfaction and denounce invalid accounts of women’s health.
Clelia Mosher’s central focus was on strengthening the status of a women through her health studies. Though at a young age Mosher herself was unhealthy due to a battle with tuberculosis she still managed to work and save money to begin her educational endeavor. She graduated with a major in Biology from Stanford University. In the process of attaining a master’s degree she was able to prove that what was thought to be a breathing deficiency natural to woman was far from biological and instead attributed to the societal norm that a woman should wear a corset. To continue with her interest in health she studied at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Her Educational achievement supports her position in Women’s Leadership. As mentioned previously, her desire to open her own practice in California as an alternative to working with Dr. Howard Atwood Kelly is also a professional move that conveys her as a woman leader. It was said that she preferred to work independently, but even so she chose to do so knowing that it would be less financially beneficial. She is also a feminist leader because she was well aware of women’s issues and she worked within the field of health to improve women’s lives. Her studies sparked changes from what women should wear, women’s activities during menstruation, to the intimacy of women’s sexual pleasure—a study that was published posthumously.
Her accomplishments came at a time when women’s educational capacity was not respected, but at a time in which there was a need for women to expand their educational frame. Mosher conducted her studies and research while teaching at Stanford at the brink of the feminist movement. Though she did not lead this movement, she was passionate about improving women’s health. Her work was the framework that began to improve the health of all American women. Her research on menstruation was physically beneficial to women, but it also disproved the notion that “a woman’s uterus controlled both her physical and mental life, making her naturally weak, submissive, uncreative, emotional, intuitive, and inferior in comparison to men” (Campbell 122). Although, Clelia Duel Mosher’s work did not result in immediate change in the perception of women, like many other influential women of this time she was able to make an impact in the way that women ought to be perceived. Directly she exposed the negative effects of Victorian traditions to women’s health and indirectly she achieved to open up the arena of new discussions in concern to health.
Works Cited
Campbell, Ballard C. The Human Trsdition In The Guilded Age and Progressive Era. 3.
Wilmington: Scholarly Resources Inc., 2000. 119-135. Print
Platoni, Kara. "The Sex Scholar." http://www.stanfordalumni.org. Stanford Magazine, 2010.
Web. 16 Feb 2012.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
SL Proposal for YWLP
Service Learning Proposal For Young Women Leaders Program
By: Joannivette Malave-Matias
February 12 2012
Meredith Tweed
WST 3371
Community Partner: Young Women Leadership Program
Address: CNH118 4000 Central Florida Blvd. P.O. Box 161994 Orlando, FL 32816
Contact: Maria Roman, Maria.Roman@ucf.edu
Community Partner Mission Statement: "YWLP promotes middle school girls’ leadership abilities, pairing collegiate women with middle school girls. In mentoring pairs and small groups of Big and Little Sisters, participants focus on learning competence and autonomy, independent thinking, empowerment, self-esteem, and encouraging girls to think about their futures. Mentoring sessions run in the fall and the spring."
Political and/or Social Basis for Organization: The Young Women Leaders Program "is in the process of doing research on girls' leadership in the context of a UCF mentoring program. The program is also working on national AAUW grant on girl's leadership to stop bullying." Overall the organization is based on the idea of being a positive role model to young girls and encouraging them to be the best they can be.
Community Partner Needs: YWLP relies on college women to volunteer their time to mentor 7th grade girls by attending meetings and creating a bond with their little sister. Currently the program has a need for students that can dedicate their time and efforts to make the 1st Young Women Leaders Program's Slam Dunk for School Safety Basketball Fundraiser a successful event. Furthermore the program also needs students to assist with the "Leading Out Loud (LOL)" project.
My Service Learning project is to utilize all the tools at my disposal to help the Leading Out Loud project to be a success. First I will begin by assisting Maria Roman in as much as I can to make the Basketball Tournament Fundraiser a success. The ultimate goal will be to raise money and work on the LOL project so that the Seminole County 7th grade girls can successfully lead 5th grade Seminole County school students to prevent bullying.
This directly relates to everything we have discussed in class because we are teaching our little sisters to be leaders. One important skill that we are using as women leaders is to allow a younger generation to step up and take action. We have discussed that it is important as a leader to create access for younger generations. Another concept we are using is that of a less hierarchical structure and instead we are leading through a collective power. This project will allow me to put into practice the skills and attributes that relate to being a Feminist leader.
Word Count: 405
By: Joannivette Malave-Matias
February 12 2012
Meredith Tweed
WST 3371
Community Partner: Young Women Leadership Program
Address: CNH118 4000 Central Florida Blvd. P.O. Box 161994 Orlando, FL 32816
Contact: Maria Roman, Maria.Roman@ucf.edu
Community Partner Mission Statement: "YWLP promotes middle school girls’ leadership abilities, pairing collegiate women with middle school girls. In mentoring pairs and small groups of Big and Little Sisters, participants focus on learning competence and autonomy, independent thinking, empowerment, self-esteem, and encouraging girls to think about their futures. Mentoring sessions run in the fall and the spring."
Political and/or Social Basis for Organization: The Young Women Leaders Program "is in the process of doing research on girls' leadership in the context of a UCF mentoring program. The program is also working on national AAUW grant on girl's leadership to stop bullying." Overall the organization is based on the idea of being a positive role model to young girls and encouraging them to be the best they can be.
Community Partner Needs: YWLP relies on college women to volunteer their time to mentor 7th grade girls by attending meetings and creating a bond with their little sister. Currently the program has a need for students that can dedicate their time and efforts to make the 1st Young Women Leaders Program's Slam Dunk for School Safety Basketball Fundraiser a successful event. Furthermore the program also needs students to assist with the "Leading Out Loud (LOL)" project.
My Service Learning project is to utilize all the tools at my disposal to help the Leading Out Loud project to be a success. First I will begin by assisting Maria Roman in as much as I can to make the Basketball Tournament Fundraiser a success. The ultimate goal will be to raise money and work on the LOL project so that the Seminole County 7th grade girls can successfully lead 5th grade Seminole County school students to prevent bullying.
This directly relates to everything we have discussed in class because we are teaching our little sisters to be leaders. One important skill that we are using as women leaders is to allow a younger generation to step up and take action. We have discussed that it is important as a leader to create access for younger generations. Another concept we are using is that of a less hierarchical structure and instead we are leading through a collective power. This project will allow me to put into practice the skills and attributes that relate to being a Feminist leader.
Word Count: 405
Monday, January 16, 2012
Intro Letter
Even though most people move out after college I stayed. So yes I was born and raised here in Orlando, FL about 15 minutes from the UCF main campus. I did live in PR while I was a baby up until I was 6 years old. As for now, this is my last semester at UCF and I am super excited to be a self-sufficient professional woman! I am a Sociology major with a minor in Women’s Studies. I did not claim a minor until this past summer. The Sociology major does not have enough credits to graduate from college. After looking at a couple different options none seemed to work out. Women’s Studies was honestly my Plan C.
In all honesty, I stumbled upon my minor, but I could not be more grateful for the path that led me into Women’s Studies. I do believe this is where I needed to be. I have always wanted to be involved in a career that I can be in constant communication with people and help provide opportunities that are not provided to them. Starting out with "Intro to Women Studies" I really felt empowered. I know now that I want to be the one to empower and provide opportunities to women of all walks of life. Surprisingly, I do not like going to school (or better said I used to not like school). It was not until my junior year in college that I started appreciating the position and place that I am in life. Though I said I never would, I am now certain that I will pursue a Master’s degree.
Something else that has brought me closer to knowing what I want to accomplish with my life is the great opportunity I found with YWLP. It is a program of college women that have partnered with middle schools to mentor 7th grade girls. Although I don't see myself working with youth, it has been a great opportunity to sit one on one with someone and be their mentor. Even after the semester my little sister and I have remained close. The best way for me to be able to mentor women and create a difference is for me to become a leader first. This is more than a class for me. In a sense it's a workshop for my future career. I am very excited to learn and see what this class has to offer.
Leadership to me is taking action. You don’t have to be the leader of a movement or head of an organization. I believe it is personal because the ideas and opinions you have come out through your actions. People around you see your purpose and the things you do. Doing so inspires others. Something that completes my definition of leadership is what we were already able to discuss in class. To complete the definition it is important to acknowledge that the actions you take only make you a leader if they are for the good of others and not just the self. Any woman can be a leader, though, it becomes increasingly difficult for a woman than it would be for a man to become a leader in the public/corporate sphere.
I have read, understand, and agree to the terms of the course syllabus and the blogging protocols.
In all honesty, I stumbled upon my minor, but I could not be more grateful for the path that led me into Women’s Studies. I do believe this is where I needed to be. I have always wanted to be involved in a career that I can be in constant communication with people and help provide opportunities that are not provided to them. Starting out with "Intro to Women Studies" I really felt empowered. I know now that I want to be the one to empower and provide opportunities to women of all walks of life. Surprisingly, I do not like going to school (or better said I used to not like school). It was not until my junior year in college that I started appreciating the position and place that I am in life. Though I said I never would, I am now certain that I will pursue a Master’s degree.
Something else that has brought me closer to knowing what I want to accomplish with my life is the great opportunity I found with YWLP. It is a program of college women that have partnered with middle schools to mentor 7th grade girls. Although I don't see myself working with youth, it has been a great opportunity to sit one on one with someone and be their mentor. Even after the semester my little sister and I have remained close. The best way for me to be able to mentor women and create a difference is for me to become a leader first. This is more than a class for me. In a sense it's a workshop for my future career. I am very excited to learn and see what this class has to offer.
Leadership to me is taking action. You don’t have to be the leader of a movement or head of an organization. I believe it is personal because the ideas and opinions you have come out through your actions. People around you see your purpose and the things you do. Doing so inspires others. Something that completes my definition of leadership is what we were already able to discuss in class. To complete the definition it is important to acknowledge that the actions you take only make you a leader if they are for the good of others and not just the self. Any woman can be a leader, though, it becomes increasingly difficult for a woman than it would be for a man to become a leader in the public/corporate sphere.
I have read, understand, and agree to the terms of the course syllabus and the blogging protocols.
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