Cause of the Month: Water for People

Did you ever stop to think about water, and exactly how important it is to sustain all living things? In America, water is as common as a terrible singer on a popular reality show. We take it for granted. Big time. Are you aware of exactly how desperate some countries are for potable, sanitary drinking water? I would say that access to potable, sanitary drinking water is a basic human right. Wouldn't you? Unfortunately, it is not a reality for many people of the world. People in countries like Bangladesh, Ethiopia and India mostly drink, bathe and urinate/defecate in the same water source. It is utterly despicable that some people must live this way - can you imagine drinking sewage with your dinner? It is also a major source of disease - cholera being a big one. Cholera is a nasty, nasty disease and a shitty (literally) way to suffer and die.

Luckily, there are agencies out there that are trying to bring potable drinking water to undeveloped nations so that the people can be free from the water-born disease, and enjoy a human right that we should all have. I introduce you to PlayPumps! Water For People and Case Foundation are working with PlayPumps International to tackle the world water issue. I learned about PlayPumps during my undergrad and I must say, I think it is SUCH a fantastic idea! 

How PlayPumps Work

• While children have fun spinning on the PlayPump merry-go-round (1), clean water is pumped (2) from underground (3) into a 2,500-liter tank (4), standing seven meters above the ground.
• A simple tap (5) makes it easy for adults and children to draw water. Excess water is diverted from the storage tank back down into the borehole (6).
• The water storage tank (7) provides a rare opportunity to advertise in outlaying communities. All four sides of the tank are leased as billboards, with two sides for consumer advertising and the other two sides for health and educational messages. The revenue generated by this unique model pays for pump maintenance.
• The design of the PlayPump water system makes it highly effective, easy to operate and very economical, keeping costs and maintenance to an absolute minimum.
• Capable of producing up to 1,400 liters of water per hour at 16 rpm from a depth of 40 meters, it is effective up to a depth of 100 meters.

Genius idea, I think! 

The PlayPump is a great school/clinic option. Water For People begins implementing this solution in 2010 as a way to improve school water solutions. A spinning merry-go-round pumps water out of a borehole and up into a tank. Great for hand-washing and serving  part of a community, this will first be implemented in Malawi as a means to create full coverage in a community. This is one of several options available for communities.

Check it out in action:

Major donation options available!

Cause of the Month: The Girl Effect

I started the Cause of the Month post after the lovely SocialWrkr24/7 started a monthly meme featuring a Cause a Month, where she speaks about a cause that represents her work in the field (child welfare) or something she is passionate about. Be sure to check out her blog! I've learned a lot from her.

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Please take a moment to watch this video before reading the post.

Being a woman, an activist, a humanitarian and someone who wants to empower young women, this video gets me every time. I honestly do not remember how I came across this amazing message, but is definitely a message that we all need to hear. Females are very lucky in the United States of America. In fact, most of us do not know how good we really have it. Despite our equal opportunities here, we still see discrimination, and the so-called "glass ceiling" effect.

In many countries around the world, women have no voice, and even though we had to fight for it here, women elsewhere sometimes literally face death in such a fight. Situations have changed and continue to change in a lot of countries, but females have a long way to go. It is unfortunate that so many people do not realize the value of females, aside from their baby-making abilities. Yes - that is a major and very important piece. But they have so much more to offer, as the video above describes.

The Girl Effect is an interesting and inspiring organization.

"The Girl Effect is the powerful social and economic change brought about when girls have the opportunity to participate. It’s an untapped force in the fight against poverty, and it’s driven by champions around the globe: the Nike Foundation, the NoVo Foundation, the UN Foundation, the Coalition for Adolescent Girls, CARE, Plan, the Population Council, ICRW and the Center for Global Development – and many others."

Why Girls?

Because there’s poverty, and war, and hunger, and AIDS, and because when adolescent girls in the developing world have a chance, they can be the most powerful force of change for themselves, their families, communities, countries, and even the planet.

But while those 600 million adolescent girls are the most likely agents of change, they are often invisible to their societies and the world."

• Girls really are an untapped resource. In developing countries, there are usually no identifying documentation, so a girl doesn't know her age, and cannot protect herself from child marriage, vote, open a bank account, find a job.


• 70% of the world's school-aged children who are not in school are GIRLS! Girls have the human right, just as much as boys, to be educated and given a chance to make a better life for themselves!


• Child marriages are the norm in many countries because women's bodies aren't considered their own! Many adolescent girls die from childbirth. This is a major violation of body and soul!


• Girls can be educated about HIV but it is not enough. Until they don't risk the chance of rape the minute they leave their home, or have a voice when it comes to sexual relations, no amount of education will help.


• Girls can learn the skills for economic independence! They need to be given the tools, the education, and the respect first.


• A girl is said to reinvest resources within her community at a much higher rate than a boy would. Girls are better investments.


• Girls are a distinct category. They deserve this distinction when it comes to aid, education, sports, civic participation, health and economics.


• Girls need US - YOU and ME - to speak up for their human right to live a life of their OWN! We all have a stake in the future of these young ladies. Their future is our future.

Source: The Girl Effect

So what can you do about that?

Join the movement: A million people can make a lot of noise. Help make girls visible. Stand up and be counted by becoming a fan of The Girl Effect, and getting your friends to do the same. Tell the world that you think the 600 million girls in the developing world deserve better – for themselves, and for the end of poverty.

The Revolution will be led by a 12 year old girl.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever does.”

This powerful quote by Margaret Mead directly applies to Social Work Lobby Day. April 6, 2010, was a day full of exposure, experience and excellence. I have never been more proud of my profession as I was this day. More than 630 social workers and social work students gathered in the Florida state capitol in Tallahassee to advocate for social justice; to speak for those with no voice. The School of Social Work gathered outside the capital and sang a song for the rest of the Social Work Lobby Day attendees. Amanda Evans, NASW-FL President, stood on the steps and presented us with empowering message: We are the change, we are the future.

During the training provided by NASW-FL, we learned more about the bills being advocated for by the agency and the impact the budget cuts will have on the services. The high-profile bills focused on Autism and Developmental Disabilities (HB 107/SB 214), Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment and Crime Reduction (HB 1189/SB 1140), Crimes against Homeless Persons (HB 11/SB 506), Juvenile Justice-Offenders 9 years and younger (HB 7181/SB 1072) and Transitional Services for Youth (HB 627/SB 1356). We also learned about how to build relationships with our representatives, as building human relationships is a core value for social workers. While I was not able to make an appointment with my representatives to voice my support for Adoption Equality (HB 3/ SB 102), other attendees were able to speak up about this concern with their representatives. I attended a meeting with classmates who were advocating for Medicaid money for Disabled persons. I was also able to sit in the Criminal & Civil Policy Council as they passed or denied bills on the agenda. Some of my classmates were able to attend meeting and advocate for Foster Kids Transitioning out of the system, as well as changing the statute language to better protect "vulnerable" adults, just like they protect children.

Unfortunately, about 9 AM I spoke with my mom and received a serious blow of a message regarding a family member. It kinda had my mind wandering around for the next few hours and I wasn't really concentrating on why I was there. That being said, it was still an invigorating experience and I will go next year and prepare myself more. Aside from the lengthy bus ride, the trip and experience were memorable and proud moments for all of us.

Social Justice Challenge for March: Domestic Violence and Child Abuse

The Social Justice Challenge for March is one I’m familiar with. I am concentrating on Children and Families in my Social Work program, and I also come from a family rampant with both forms of violence.

• What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of domestic violence and child abuse? My family, and my clients. Children, women, men. Humanity.
• What does domestic violence and child abuse mean to you personally? I come from a family with multiple generations of abuse. My maternal grandfather was beat with chains. He in turn ruled his house with an iron fist – literally. The abuse, in some form, has trickled down throughout my family. Half of the women in my family have endured domestic violence relationships, multiple times. I am not sure how I escaped all of this. Some of it was personal choice, some of it was having a mother who made different choices. Now, my mother wasn’t perfect. I mostly remember her ridiculous temper (very common character trait in my family) and her 5’ tall self scared the crud out of me growing up. But, she loved me so deeply. So unconditionally. I think that makes the difference.
• What is your current knowledge of domestic violence and child abuse? I am not all knowing, but I’m learning a lot about it. I do know that is prevalent, and while we strive to make changes in how people handle personal turmoil/conflict/stress/anxiety, it is a VERY difficult thing to eradicate. Some of it's learned, some of it's personal choice. Some of it's not knowing how to handle situations properly.
• Are you aware of the resources available for men, women and children who find themselves in domestic violence and child abuse situations? In my area, yes. There are also multiple internet resources, which lead to local resources.
• Have you chosen a book or resource to read for this month? I desperately want to read Push, but I don’t own the book yet. I’ve seen The Burning Bed and The Color Purple, but never read the books. I am going to check out http://www.breakthecycle.org/, because I would ultimately like to work with adolescents on these very issues.
• Take some time and think about what potential action steps you could take. (I’ll have a post dedicated to this shortly). Continue working with my clients, and educate those around me as much as possible.

Fair Adoption. Let's get on with it!

I am going to be participating in Florida Lobby Day this year. Social Work students from all of Florida's universities head to the state capital to advocate for issues that we deem important. It gives us a chance to speak up for the groups of people that we support and assist, groups who don't have much a voice in the political realm. Last night, I attended Advocacy Training at school on how to speak to your officials and how the government branches work. The day before Lobby Day, we will meet with NASW in Tallahassee, who will give us more in-depth on the issues and approaching our reps.

I've decided to advocate for Fair Adoption in FL. The Florida Adoption Statue is so ugly. Statue 63.042(3) reads: No person eligible to adopt under this statute may adopt if that person is a homosexual. It is no secret that FL sits high on the anti-gay meter, as this population of people receive no rights in this state. It is also no secret that this particular bill has been submitted numerous times, and it is continuously dismissed. This legislative session most likely will be no different. However, the sponsor of the bill, Florida Senator Nan Rich and Florida Representative Mary Brandenburg, has been putting the issue in front of the committees since 2007. Someone realizes its importance!

I learned that Anita Bryant mucked things up in 1977. She lead a campaign to repeal the prohibition on the basis of sexual orientation in the name of the Save Our Children. Her conservative Christian beliefs regarding the sinfulness of homosexuality led her to ridiculous thoughts of homosexual recruitment of children for molestation! In case you did not know, homosexuals are allowed to foster children in Florida, but not adopt. So, let's say a parents' rights are terminated. The child, who has likely been in foster care (there are other options, of course) for some time, and may have bonded with the foster parents, cannot be adopted by them! This law has done significant damage to children in foster care by not allowing the best interest of the child to be considered on a case-by-case basis. And this came next: Curtis Peterson, the lead Senate sponsor, said upon passage of the ban, “We’re trying to send [homosexuals] a message. We’re really tired of you. We wish you’d go back into the closet.”

Obviously, this was 33 years ago and society has progressed. However, many of us are still stuck in paleolithic thinking. We need to think about the thousands of children who bounce from foster home to foster home, and the thousands of parents who could be their new family. We are not thinking about the best interest of the child. We are letting our unfounded biases interfere. It is NOT fair. And don't hand me that "life isn't fair" line. This is 2010 and we are no longer wearing loin cloth. WE ARE ALL HUMAN. We all deserve the opportunity to parent, and we all deserve the opportunity to be cared for by loving parents.

We need serious change here. I am only one person, but I will speak for many.

http://eqfl.org/fairadoption/

http://eqfl.blogspot.com/

Water: It's what's for dinner.

Did you ever stop to think about water, and exactly how important it is to sustain all living things? In America, water is as common as a terrible singer on a popular reality show. We take it for granted. Big time. Are you aware of exactly how desperate some countries are for potable, sanitary drinking water? I would say that access to potable, sanitary drinking water is a basic human right. Wouldn't you? Unfortunately, it is not a reality for many people of the world. People in countries like Bangladesh, Ethiopia and India mostly drink, bathe and urinate/defecate in the same water source. It is utterly despicable that some people must live this way - can you imagine drinking sewage with your dinner? It is also a major source of disease - cholera being a big one. Cholera is a nasty, nasty disease and a shitty (literally) way to suffer and die.

1. What is the first thought that comes to your mind when you think of Water as a social justice issue? I immediately think of women living in refugee camps, such as those who have been displaced due to genocide in their country. These women may have to leave the safety and security of the camp to walk for miles to fetch water (although the main thing they collect is firewood) which puts them in terrible danger of being raped/slaughtered by militia. I also think of the many women who have to travel miles and miles for one bucket of water and loose valuable time that is needed to keep their villages alive!
   
2. What, if any, exposure have you personally had to a water shortage? My only exposure would be due to a hurricane, and we had to drink/bathe from bottled water for a few days. This is not exactly a shortage though, in the real scheme of things.
   
3. What potential action steps can you think of that relate to this month’s theme of Water? We all need to do our part to conserve water. Did you know that it takes 3 plastic bottles full of water to make the one plastic bottle? Ridiculous, I know. One way you can help conserve water is to not buy bottled water, and instead buy a stainless steel container to refill, and a filter for your tap, or a filtered pitcher. You will also be saving the environment buy producing less plastic, which is not biodegradable! As far as the global water crisis, educate yourself and others! http://water.org, http://www.globalwater.org, http://activewater.org, http://www.fh.org/.
   

January 2010 Social Justice Challenge

The Social Justice Challenge topic for January is Religious Freedom. Here are the questions posted on the website. What are your thoughts? Mine are below.

What knowledge do you have of present threats to religious freedom in our world today? Everything is centered around Religion - Abortion, Gay Marriage, Terrorism. People obviously feel that their beliefs are threatened, or there wouldn't be such constant global upheaval. I feel like people worry way too much about others, when it is really none of their business (unless, of course, they are in some way harming others, etc). For example, it is ok if you do not personally agree with abortion. You have that right. However, you should not have the right to impose your belief onto another. (Honestly, separation of Church and State is the biggest piece of bullhonkey they ever taught us in school!) If we could all just accept each other as being different - and stop being AFRAID of those that are different - then we might just have a better future. TOLERANCE and ACCEPTANCE are the name of the game. We don't have to be the Stepford Wives to enjoy this life we live. In fact, our differences are what make living so damn interesting!

Have you chosen a book or resource to read for this month? I think I will check out the Persecution.com website. Looks VERY interesting.

Why does religious freedom matter to you? In all honesty, religion doesn't play a role in my life. I'm not religious, and neither is my husband. We were both raised in Christian environments, but our families didn't practice the religion. I am very curious about the unanswered questions we all have, but I do not dwell on trying to figure them out. I sometimes consider myself Agnostic, but that isn't very accurate either. However, I am VERY interested in learning about religions though, and I have always enjoyed talking to others about their beliefs. I find the religions of the world so very interesting. That being said - I DO believe all people have the right to safely practice and believe in their religion. There is just no reason that it cannot be this way.

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of religious freedom? The freedom to practice and believe in any religion of the world, in any place of the world. The ability to choose what activities, holidays, events and everyday norms you will participate in. The choice to refrain from an activity, such as the Pledge of Allegiance, if it does not honor your religion.

This post is all very much my own opinions. Please let me know yours - in a civilized, non-threatening manner, of course.

International Human Rights Day

I wouldn't be me if I didn't post about International Human Rights Day, which is December 10. Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted on December 10, 1948, that set down the basic principles at the very heart of the human rights movement. The UDHR has enabled remarkable progress in human rights, inspiring international human rights standards, laws and institutions that have improved the lives of many around the world.

All humans deserve a life free of torture, violence, rape, murder, injustice, oppression. Wouldn't you agree?

A current issue that strikes me as imperative is the "conflict minerals" that are being used to make cheap cell phones. Many of these minerals come from war-torn regions, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and FUND the exploitation, torture, murder and rape of women and children. John Prendergast, co-founder of the Enough Project, and one of my personal heroes, posted his thoughts on the matter. This situation is just like Blood Diamonds. Boo on Blood Diamonds too.

More information on conflict minerals. Of course, the Enough Project, has an entire website dedicated to the Raise Hope in Congo effort. And John Prendergast even explains the conflict materials for us.

All it takes is a bit of smart consumerism on your part, and maybe a short email or 2. Who will you tell?

And to tie it in to Social Work - here ya go! http://www.socialworkblog.org/pressroom/index.php/2009/12/10/human-rights-day-%E2%80%93-december-10-2009/

Amazing Initiative to bring Education to girls in Sudan.

I met the creator of this program, a "Lost Boy of Sudan," back in Tampa during my anti-genocide advocacy days. He is pretty awesome and I'm so pleased his organization to bring education to the females of his country is moving full steam ahead. It looks like one of his team members is heading out to Sudan to make some dreams come true.

http://neseiblog.blogspot.com/

International Literacy Day

Yes, Literacy. Something I think we all take for granted in the U.S. However, I had the opportunity to tutor reading skills to children at the Boys & Girls Club while I lived in Tampa. I was appalled at the skills these children DID NOT possess. While the U.S. may be on the forefront of industry and technology, our country still suffers from many of the same situations of the 3^rd world countries. Literacy is only one of the many. Literacy is a HUMAN RIGHT! All human beings deserve to be able to read. Without this skill, a person can never truly be independent and care for him/herself.

According to the C.I.A., over two-thirds of the world's 785 million illiterate adults are found in only eight countries: Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Of all the illiterate adults in the world, two-thirds are women!! Around the globe, 72.1 million children are out-of-school and many more attend irregularly or drop out. Many of these children are girls. These extremely low literacy rates are concentrated in three regions, the Arab states, South and West Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa, where around one-third of the men and half of all women are illiterate (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2103.html)

September 8 was proclaimed International Literacy Day by UNESCO on November 17, 1965. It was first celebrated in 1966. Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. On International Literacy Day each year, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally. Celebrations take place around the world.

Teen Pregnancy, Part Deux

Next poll!

What do you think the consequences of addressing and not addressing Teen Pregnancy are? Here's what I have so far.

• Addressing:

• Adolescents will become educated about the risks associated with engaging in unprotected sex.
• Society benefits through more controlled population growth, less expenses in the health care arena, etc
• Less babies are lost due to lack of prenatal care that is common among teens [Side note: Did you know infant mortality is especially high among African American teens? Why do you think that is]

• Not Addressing: Teen pregnancy is a major factor that is affecting our society as a whole and the consequences for not addressing this national issue are vast:

• The financial cost for teen pregnancy is astounding. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2009), “preventing teen childbearing could save the United States about $9 billion per year.” 9 [Side Note: Need to find out where the costs are coming from - Medicaid? Emergency room? Adoption and Foster care? Any ideas?]
• The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (2006) stated that "teen childbearing...in Florida cost taxpayers (federal, state and local) at least $481 million in 2004" (The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, 2006, pg. 1). "Between 1991 and 2004 there have been more than 354,100 teen births in Florida, costing taxpayers a total of $8.1 billion over that period" (Ibid.).
• The social cost for teen pregnancy is enormous. According to the March of Dimes (2009), “teen mothers are more likely to drop out of high school than girls who delay childbearing, [as] only 40 percent of teenagers who have children before age 18 go on to graduate from high school, compared to 75 percent of teens from similar social and economic backgrounds who do not give birth until ages 20 or 21.”
• In accordance to the lack of education, teen parents are not offered as many opportunities and may not possess the skills and/or knowledge to find and keep a job that provides enough income to support the family. This may lead the teen parents “to become financially dependent on family or on public assistance” (March of Dimes, 2009).

What do you think the urgency behind this societal problem is? All I have for this is the ECONOMY and the emotional health of teens and their children.

What do you feel the emotional appeal is behind this societal problem? [I am really not sure what the question is trying to get at, honestly. In this country, the life expectancy is much higher so teenagers are still considered children. We don't want our children having children because they are not yet prepared emotionally, mentally, financially, etc.] What do you think?

Thanks for your input!

Teen Pregnancy

So, I'm writing a grant proposal for class (HATE IT!) and I've decided to ask for money to start a county-wide program to help with TEEN PREGNANCY!

Polling the crowd: What are causes of teen pregnancy?

Here are some responses some of my colleagues and myself came up with. What are your thoughts?

· Lack of adequate and correct information about sexual health and birth control

· Lack of parental guidance and open communication on the topic of sex and healthy sexual decision making

· Lack of adult mentors and guidance on how to properly deal with peer pressure

· Drug and alcohol use

· Sex in the media and the misogynistic nature of popular music

· Biological changes, including a surge in hormones

· Low self-confidence and drive

· Religion

· Cultural differences (i.e. cultural perception of teen pregnancy)

· Low accountability for actions

· The need to receive unconditional love from a child because they may not be receiving it themselves

Girls on Our Streets

I'm a fan of Nicholas D. Kristof, an op-ed columnist for the New York Times. He's done a lot of writing about Darfur, but he also focuses on the troubles in America. Lately, he investigated the unfortunate and overwhelming number of teenage girls who are selling their bodies to stay alive. I really agree with his statement: Solutions are complicated and involve broader efforts to overcome urban poverty, including improving schools and attempting to shore up the family structure. But a first step is to stop treating these teenagers as criminals and focusing instead on arresting the pimps and the customers — and the corrupt cops.  YES - they need to learn the law, but we need to quit throwing them in the system. We all know that our penal system is NOT the rehabilitative environment it should be. What they really need is HELP fighting their inner-demons, so to speak, and assistance to get off the streets.  

This statement is even more true: If a middle-class white girl goes missing, radio stations broadcast amber alerts, and cable TV fills the air with “missing beauty” updates. But 13-year-old black or Latina girls from poor neighborhoods vanish all the time, and the pimps are among the few people who show any interest. What is up with that? Why does this country turn a blind eye when something happens to a minority? Why are we still turning our noses up to these populations? It makes me sick. People feel as though these people are a dime a dozen, and good riddance to the ones that pass on. Frees up resources, right? One less mouth to feed. One less sick child to be taken into the emergency room with no insurance, which jack up everyone's health insurance. One less pimp on the street. One less drug addict. One less prostitute. One less. 

What people don't take a moment to think about is that most of these minorities are stuck in the endless loop of poverty. In fact, most grow up experiencing nothing else. All they see is drugs, sex and violence. It becomes their culture, their distinct set of values and beliefs. Yea. Seems crazy to value violence, huh? But what if it's all the person has ever experienced? 

Can you un-learn your culture? I dare you to try.

And don't even get me started on how our capitalist, oligarchical economy only exacerbates the poor's situation. Or how we have this Just Deserts mindset. Or Cumulative Oppression. Or how we point the finger and blame individuals instead of looking at the broader systems and policies that are not in place, which then exacerbate a situation! We can't expect people to pull themselves up by their friggin boot straps anymore. Not in today's exorbitantly priced world. We need to GET OVER that mindset! 

Do not misinterpret my opinion. I obviously believe that criminals should be punished. However, we are going about it in the entirely wrong fashion, and have been for a long time. And no, I don't have a solution, I just know that our social and penal system really, really, needs an overhaul. However, how do you change a complete system as ginormous as these? pfft. The answer I feel everyone has on the tips of their tongues is: You don't. And that is the sad part...

(I totally ranted and went off on a tangent. Score!)