Epic Huggles

Dec. 3 Reflection

This past semester was a great experience, and the hands-on, interactive activities were a great learning tool as well.  I feel that our blog group really came together throughout the semester, which made for interesting group discussions.  Community Involvement created the opportunity for a wide variety of learning techniques that can be used in a variety of job outlets.  This class was a great introduction to the real world and how to work with others.  It also introduced me to how my peers are very involved within the Virginia Tech and Blacksburg communities and made me look at myself in a new way and how I can become more involved. 

I really enjoyed our final group presentations.  It introduced me to a lot of different local organizations, and the variety of opportunities that are to become involved.  I think everyone did a great job and seemed to be very involved and knowledgeable about their topic.  I also enjoyed having the YMCA directors come in and give a real-life talk about grant writing; the logistics, detail, and creativity that goes into grant writing was more in-depth than I thought.  Community Involvement was great exposure to many different learning networks and outlets;, that I know I will be able to apply in the real world.

December 3 Reflection

The most recent class was the perfect way to us to bring together all the ideas, principles and techniques taught throughout this semester and apply them for a very real world purpose: receiving a grant.  I truly enjoyed learning about our specific community organization, the YMCA at Virginia Tech, and gaining a deeper understanding of not only who they are and what they do, but how they operate and why.  The YMCA applies for grants on a fairly regular basis for the various programs and goals they have, so doing the same for our final presentation made me feel like we were almost contributing in some way, shape or form to the YMCA.  I also thought it was great to have actual staff from the YMCA, who we interviewed multiple times, to come see our presentation; it only furthers what this class has studied - community involvement.

The highlights of this class are the guest lectures, particularly the gentlemen from Virginia Tech News and Information, Mark Owczarski, the field trip to Shadowlake Village and the interesting and thought-provoking in-class blog group discussions.  I have had many people ask me about this class and what we actually studied, and although I think it is hard to accurately summarize is a just a few sentences, I believe I have gained a considerable amount of useful knowledge that I can use not only in my professional career, but in my everyday life.

Final Reflection

Wow can't believe this semester is soon to b over. Last class seemed to be a perfect wrap up for the entire class this semester. For our presentations we had to draw upon abilities we have gained throughout the semester in order to prove that organization was making a difference in the world. I was a little bummed that I didn't get a single vote, but then again I would have voted for someone else as well. I really enjoyed the fact that the structure of this class really didn't follow the traditional lecture-notes-PowerPoint format and that we were allowed to openly discuss and debate the topics for the week. This will definitely help us down the road in many of our careers, and will we'll probably be all-around better leaders and agents of change for it. I just want to wish everyone in Epic Huggles good luck on exams and look forward to seeing a few of you in class next semester.

PS...Still not sold on Co-Housing

Alex

Last Class Reflection

I was a little bit skeptical about all the group presentations, I didn't know what to expect!  It was really interesting, though, to hear about everyone's different issues.  It seemed like every group had a different way of presenting their topic, but they were all pretty effective.  It was nice to hear from the YMCA people about what a grant proposal hearing (if that's what you call it) is really like. 

This class has been a lot of work on a tight schedule.  It's been great, though, to hear from a lot of different people on a lot of different topics.  My favorite classes were probably the speaker from VT Public Relations and CoHousing.  We have seen a whole spectrum of stuff, some of it friendly and some of it kind of provocative. 

More than the different topics, I'm excited about the methods and processes we've learned for getting people involved.  I think I want to work in the non-profit or public service sector some day, and I expect to refer back to this course and it's ideas.

I've enjoyed talking with y'all and getting to know you some.  Good luck next semester! 

Reflecting on 12/3

The last class was really neat to see everyone's presentations. All the groups did a great job. As Krista said we could really see the evidence of everything we learned this semester. We pulled at the heart strings, presented methods of dialogue and aspired to better the community and the world. It was good to get a feel for grant proposal presentations and what they are really looking for. As ridiculous as Prof G's impression was, it was probably pretty accurate and good to experience it. It was also neat to hear what the guests from YMCA had to say about their experience asking for grants and awarding them. Throughout the course I have really enjoyed our in class blog group meetings. Good luck to everyone in all that you do in the future!

12/3 Final Reflection Post

I’ll have to admit, after attending this class for the first day back in August, I was ready to drop the class, but after thinking long and hard I decided to stick with the class and now I’m actually glad I took the course.  This class actually help improve my people skills more than any other class I’ve ever taken, plus learning how to write effective memo’s and power points is just another key for success.  Those three elements alone will take anyone far in their career.  Also, the tools for public engagement in our communities or in our future jobs will give us an edge for getting tasks done effectively.  I really believe that these aspects will help me out a lot in my future career and I feel prepared for what lies ahead.  I really enjoyed my blog group and the discussions we had throughout the class on the different topics and I wish everybody the best of luck on conquering their future goals in life.

Reflection 12.3

Last class we were board members of the hokie bucks foundation and evaluated groups as they presented project ideas as if they were applying for a grant. Each group did a great job with their presentation. I found this to be another very beneficial exercise along with many of the other activities we've done though out the semester. It was great to get "real" practice before we enter the real world. It's refreshing to know that all of you are so passionate about great things and I really hope, despite all the challenges we know lie ahead, that nobody will forget why they do what they do. I learned a lot in this class and I enjoyed getting to know a little about all of you through your blogs and though our discussions in class. Best of luck!!

12/3 Reflection

This week's class was a great culmination of everything we learned this semester. Everyone's presentations showed how we have internalized everything we have learned to become more involved in our community.  While on one hand it may seem like getting involved is difficult and there are a lot of challenges ahead, but the satisfaction one gets from accomplishing something that you set out to do makes you feel on top of the world. That feeling helps push organizations into creating new goals and programs.  Each group showed how their organization could get more people involved to make a difference not just in our own community, but around the world.  This was an informative class that helps you focus on what your personal involvement goals and interests are and will help me in my future career and life goals.

Reflection for 11/19

I guess the major thing I learned this class period was to not invest all of my energy into one project just in case it does go wrong. As I'm sure I've mentioned in class and in my group reports, I've run into a little letdown with the organization (Leadership Tech) I was involved with this semester. The year began with promise and with what seemed a solid direction for the program, however the organization currently is fading fast down the stretch. Students and mentors alike continued to drop off the roster and on;y a few more dedicated students remained. I joined this program in order to be able to share some my experiences as a leader in the field of environmental sustainability. I was under the impression that others in group were seeking the same goal, but sadly this wasn't quite the case. I won't ramble on here why the program is faltering as of now, but  a lack of committed leadership and guidance is a major concern.

I tend to get too involved with these kinds of organizations. I extend too much energy trying to set up community service opportunities with both the EC and my fraternity, but when no one shows up it gets me a little down. I feel as if service in the community has gone by the wayside, especially if the only projects you can arrange take place on our ever valuable weekends. Maybe I'm being cynical, but I have the sinking feeling that maybe its just too much to ask some times. Its hard to put forth your own personal time to reach out to the community and not really see a response from your peers. However, next semester I'm going to branch out. I was recently selected as the Co-Chair of Ytoss? and I recently attended a very inspiring meeting of the NRV Chapter of the Sierra Club. Have I been in the wrong organizations? Or have I just needed that positive reinforcement that people still seem to care about their local communities? Anyway, this new found sense of service and stewardship have really given me the kick in the ass I needed. Hopefully, I can begin to positively infuse this feeling into my other organizations as well.

Nov. 19 Reflection

Having the three activists come to class last Wednesday was a great way to relate to the readings to real life.  I liked hearing how their threshold person embodied something that they are representative of today.  However, I had more fun within our blog groups.  Alex led a great discussion group, and I would have enjoyed more time for both group discussion and a more personal question/answer with "our activist," Dave.  We had a very personal group discussion, which was a great way to see how our peers react to a situation, live, learn, and move on.  I also really enjoyed Alex's question of "if we have had a transitional revelation in our lives" (or something to the affect): it was a chance for us to look within ourselves.  I final group discussion for Community Involvement was a very deep and personal one, one that would not have gone as well at the beginning of the semester.  Over the semester our blog group has come together to discuss a variety of topics from a variety of perspectives! 

Reflecting on 11/19

more snow in Blacksburg!! :-D

So anyways.. Wednesday's class was not my favorite. However, it was neat to hear hear the stories from the activists. I am not particularly interested in environmentalism or environmental activism, although I do what I can to reduce waste and recycle and I love the outdoors. Anyways, I think it would have been neat to have an activist on the panel that wasn't all about environmental activism. And I guess, Dave (I think.. on the far Left, that joined our group) wasn't just an environmental activist, but I didn't really get a good picture of what he does, other than at the last moment of our blog group time. I thought Alex did a good job leading the discussion and he certainly came prepared with enough to talk about. In general I thought the strategic planning assignment was really neat, I actually wish we were able to devote more time to creating it last week, and assessing it with our guest this past class. I particularly found our discussion about the "comparison group" pretty interesting. I think its a little harsh to label anyone as "the comparison group" because it sounds like they are doing nothing, but really most activists probably fall into that group (even probably our guests). I think it almost impossible to not burn out at some point or at least get discouraged. And again, not everyone has to be, or can be, a super devoted activist at all times. Thats about it.. I hope everyone has a restful thanksgiving break!!

11/19 Reflections

Wednesday’s activists were intriguing to listen too, in how they see the world and how their communities at early childhood shape their lives into becoming activists.  A lot of their answers had to do with community engagement, and how they sought to make a difference in the world by their inspirations.  Then our group discussion with Dave had some interesting talk involving the strategic plan and the book common fire.  It’s hard to try to get somebody to agree with our opinions so persuasion or even lying at some point occurs.  After viewing the activist points on certain situations, I now have a better understanding for what they do to help others understand the importance of those issues.

Reflection 11/19

I think Wednesday's class with the 3 activist presenters was a great way to get a new perspective on an activist, since the typical idea is someone who is a fanatical nutjob. We were able to see three different perspectives and how each dealt with certain issues pertaining to their cause.  Our discussion also continued to discuss activists within the book Common Fire.  I definitely agree with what our group came up with, that not everyone is meant to be an activist. You need to have some who sit on the sidelines, either in supporting/complementary roles, or even just as Homan describes as inactive supporters. Dave was our guest speaker and his straight-forward approach to his causes may put some off, but to others it may be the perfect thing to get their causes to come to fruition.

Discussion for Nov 19th

Wow, soo much work to do before break! Better late than never, right?

I would  have to agree with the book and say that threshold people and hospitable spaces together have enabled me to "act positively and dwell with confidence in the midst of all of life's confounding richness". The book mentions that threshold people and hospitable spaces often work together and that is definitely true for my life. The threshold people in my life have consistently been my parents and siblings and the hospitable and safe space has been their home. Both of my parents have always been interested in doing their part for the world and serving the people around them. My dad is a clinical psychologist and my mom is a registered nurse. Their lives have been devoted to service, serving their clients and patients, and their family. Home has always been a place where trust is nourished, "hospitality is practiced and the wider world is present". Growing up we often had people visiting from out of town and my parents have opened their home for many people to live at one point or another. My grandmother, my cousin, a foreign exchange student, an exiled Pakistani pastor are examples of people that have lived with my parents for a time being. Family dinners often included long talks about religion and politics and the state of the world in general. My two older sisters both work for non-profits and I have interest in non-profit work as well. Growing up in that hospitable and safe environment with my parents as threshold people has definitely shaped who I am today, my awareness of global inequity and passion to make a difference in the world.

Nov. 19 Discussion

As demonstrated in "Common Fire," our lives are defined by the people and places that we surround ourselves with.  I feel very fortunate to have a handful of close threshold people in my life.  Coming to Virginia Tech I have met many people who have had a positive impact on my life, in particular my best friend, Catherine.  We met our freshman year, and although we lived on the same hall, we did not become friends until the end of September, after a dinner 'date' with my roommate, RA, and Catherine.  Ever since then, she has been a great friend and has indirectly taught me a lot about myself.  She is a strong person and passionate about life, which she has reflected onto me.  She is a great person to confide in, and uses her past experiences, whether good or bad, to help me view a situation from a more objective point of view.  Over our four year friendship, she is someone who has shaped my life for the better.

Like a threshold person, a hospitable space is equally as important.  This space would be my hometown; however, I did not realize this until recently.  Driving home one weekend this past semester I realized how much I had taken it for granted and focused in on the wrong things; a crisp fall day, with the smell of peanut fields, and being surrounded by the James River can realign your point of view.  My hometown is my hospitable space because it is where I feel most comfortable and worry-free (more or less).  I am surrounding by my family and good food, with familiarity that adds a sense of security.  Although I do not plan on moving back home immediately after graduation, it is somewhere I know will always be there for me whenever I need to re-energize and surround myself the familiarity that reminds me of who I am.

11/19 Discussion

Since I've come to Tech, there have been multiple people and places that act as Threshold People and Hospitable Places for me. The most special person that still act as a threshold person for me in a lady from church (everyone else just moved away.) She is a mother figure in my life. Base on "Common Fire," she acts as a mentor who really challenges, supports, and inspires me to be a better woman, citizen, and stronger in my spiritual life. From her, I was able to learn more about not just how to be a good student, but also the skills that will help me as a wife and a mother later on in my life. She's been there with me through many crisis, willing to let me come whenever  I need to or offers incredible advices. 

19 Nov Discussion Question

A hospitable space where I got to develop was the Center where I went to high school.  In my public school district, each school had a "specialty center" in which students could concentrate in certain subjects --Leadership, Math and Science, Foreign Language, Engineering.  I went to the Humanities Center.  We (my class of about 30) took English, History, and a Humanities class all together and the rest of our classes in the regular high school.  The Center had it's own wing of the high school in which we could move more freely than students could in the rest of the school.  In the Center we focused on interdisciplinarity, the arts, discussion, and reading.  It had the hallmarks of a hospitable space mentioned in the book including the cultivation of group interaction, provision of time and space for reflection, and work to draw the world into everyday experience.  There was an emphasis on participation. 
Learning in the Center helped me to become comfortable being in dialogue with established ideas and the greater world.  It also gave me experience working in groups and bringing lots of different elements together to find multidisciplinary solutions. 

11/19 Discussion question

Someone who stands out as a threshold person in my life is my family.  We lived out in the middle of the mountains by ourselves; we had only a couple of neighbors that lived within a mile of us, so I basically relied on my family and no one else.  My family raised me in the outdoors, taught me right from wrong, and told me a college education would take me far in life.  So growing up all I did was hunt, trap, and fish by myself which kept me out of a lot of trouble; therefore, after high school I went straight to college and now I’m going to graduate this December.  When I first went to college, I basically I had no one too rely one for advice, so I pretty much relied on myself, and did not depend on anyone else for anything.  After four years of college I still rely on myself and I’ve definitely learned a lot fast growing up, so it should help me out in the long run.  In a way I’m thinking that learning to be independent is good because when I get a job in my field it will require mostly if not all independent work, but it could also be bad in a way if it requires quick adaptation to other people’s environment.

November 19th Discussion Question

                       

Common Fire introduces two main ideas that are easily extracted and applied to our individual life. Those ideas are (1) threshold person and (2) hospitable places and I am fortunate enough to say that I have had both in my life.  When trying to pick one of each, I tried to determine who and what places have had the greatest impact upon me. Although I feel like many people have served as a threshold person to me throughout my life and various places could easily be classified as hospital places, there are clear ones that have been most significant in my life.

A recent and current threshold person in my life is a good friend of mine here at school, Chris.  As members of the same social service organization, Chris and I met early in our college careers.  I have always greatly respected him for his values and code of ethics he follows, but also for his steadfast dedication and commitment he has for all he knows and does.  Throughout the past 3 years, our relationship has grown deeper to where we feel comfortable sharing our thoughts and beliefs with one another.  He has always encouraged me to "get out of your own backyard" and think about the world around us.  Helping me to see things in a different light and without predisposed prejudices and opinions has allowed me to improve my thought process and in turn, maker better decisions and become a better person. 

Throughout my life, as I have said, many places have served as hospitable, according to the definition provided by Common Fire. One of the most prominent examples I can think of is what is called the German Club Manor.  This is the home of my fraternity and is a place that is where trust and hospitality are practiced.  More importantly, it is the place where we learn about ourselves, each other and the life in general through the meetings, events, and programs we hold there.  The Manor is a place that I call home, especially when away from my family, where I will always feel comfortable being myself.

Discussion Questions for Wednesday's Blog Group

I'm the discussion leader for tomorrow's blog group if we have time for one. Its basically a few questions about the readings from Common Fire. I put the page numbers for further reading.

Questions and Issues: Discussion on Community Leadership and Fostering a Commitment to a New Commons

I would like to make a quick note before we delve into the discussion today. Most of the questions I’ll be asking are personal in nature and ask how you became more in tune with the “new global commons”. 

I will be asking for certain events, individuals, or periods of emotional or intellectual awakening that lead you to where you are today. We are all interested in Community Involvement because we are here this evening. Some of us may be here because this course is “required” or its “filling a core area”, but I like to believe that we’re here to make a difference and something on a deeper, more personal level caused our paths to lead us here.

If you don’t feel like fully conveying these things that is understandable, but I ask you respect the stories of the others in the group.

Issues to Discuss

Leadership

The Eroding of the “Commons” and the Emergence of the New Global Commons

Threshold People and Hospitable, safe Places

The Trap of Tribalism and Encounter with the “Otherness”

Marginality

Questions

1.       Leadership

a.       What is leadership?  What are the qualities a community leader should possess? Who are the leaders in your community at home? Here at school? Think of the leaders within the organizations you’re involved with. Do they possess the qualities of an effective leader? 

b.      Leadership involves living in a state of possibility, making a commitment to a vision, developing relationships that lead to collective action and sustaining a high level of character and integrity. Effective leadership takes place in the context of community grounded in the shared values of people who work together to effect positive change for the betterment of others, the community, and society.

2.       Global Commons and Commitment to the Common Good

a.       From the readings in the first chapter of Common Fire, what does the term “a new global commons” mean to you?

b.      Common Fire describes some of the reasons behind the inability of some individuals to become immersed in the new global commons. This includes individualism, busyness and consumerism, cynicism, and Tribalism. Which of these societal “traps” most concerns you and seems to keep the majority of individuals disconnected with the “global commons”?

                                                               i.      Individualism: pg. 10-11

                                                             ii.      Busyness and Consumerism: pg. 11

                                                            iii.      Cynicism: pg. 11-12

                                                           iv.      Tribalism: pg. 12-13

c.       Do you see yourselves as members of the individuals considered to be “Committed to the Common Good” or the “The Comparison Group”?

                                                               i.      Commitment to the Common Good: pg. 15-16

1.       What does the “common good” mean to you?

2.       What groups, people, and concerns have you committed yourselves to? How do these concerns translate into the “survival and prosperity of the whole earth community”?

                                                             ii.      The Comparison Group: p. 16

1.       What can be done to prevent us from “burning out”?

2.       Why do you feel overwhelmed and unable to grapple with today’s complex issues?

3.       Threshold People and “Hospitable” and “Safe” spaces

a.       Who stands out as a “threshold person” or “hospitable space” (pp. 52-53) in your time at Tech or hometown life before you got here? How did these individuals, groups, places affect you and push you towards becoming more connected in the new global commons?

4.       The Trap of Tribalism and Encounters with “Otherness”

a.       “You have to change individuals and change society. You have to deal with both if you want real progress. It’s important to change an individual who thinks there is no hope, and it’s important to change the system that destroys hope.”(p.57)

                                                               i.      Where do you see yourself? Do you tend to focus on the “individual with no hope” or the “system that destroys hope”? In which way are we helping society progress more or do we need to focus on both like the author says?

b.      “The single most important pattern we have found in the lives of people committed to the common good is what we have come to call a constructive, enlarging engagement with the other.” (p.63) It is at this point that individuals become committed. 

                                                               i.      Do you believe that this is the most important characteristic of those “committed to an inclusive common good”? Why and if not what is the most important characteristic?

                                                            ii.      When was your encounter with “Otherness”? (p.65) Was it in the form of a single, constructive engagement or was it a “moment of feeling instead? Or was it a pattern of engagement?

                                                            iii.      Have you experienced this encounter with “Otherness” yet?

5.       How will you continue to foster this commitment to the common good in the future?