Activism Log # 1

Seabury Stoneburner

Professor Nina Perez

WST 3015

15 February 2010

Activism Log # 1

Activism:

One week is down in our service-learning project. Since it was the first week and our proposal was still being accepted, the activism part of the project was a little limited. We were able to establish a great contact with our community partner. She informed us what exactly the program was and what needed to be done. She stressed the importance of getting people to become foster parents of animals and any sort of donations. Once we were aware of all that needed to be done, we quickly jumped on the case and passed out jobs among the group. Katelyn and I met up in the library on Wednesday to get the ball rolling with possible places for venues. We also thought of where we could hang fliers, table, and meet up with our group members. Since our schedules are not working well with overlapping, we decided to make some sort of “chat” email so everyone can keep up to speed and throw out ideas. On Saturday, I volunteered to table outside the dog park on the corner of Dean and Colonial with Animal Safehouse. We were there for a little bit due to weather conditions but at least I was involved. Thus far, everything seems to be coming together rather nicely. I have faith in our group that we can keep the teamwork up!

Reflection:

The first week of the project was really about organizing and getting everyone on the same page. As I was trying to think of ideas and how exactly our group should approach the problem, I kind of related it to the “Steps To Taking Action” section from Fight Like A Girl (Seely 19). This article contains a twelve-step method, which became quite useful when discussing about exactly what we want to accomplish this semester. Through teamwork I believe the accomplishments will be met at the end of the semester if we stick to our plan.

Reciprocity:

Even though it has only been one week into our projects, I have already learned how much commitment one must have to make a difference. One must feel strong passion for the awareness to stress the problem greatly to the public. Through helping out Animal Safehouse, I was able to talk to a few girls who worked with the program and I was amazed with the dedication they had to the program. Listening to them talk to park visitors really opened my eyes to the true meaning of the program and has inspired me to give it my all to help these women and animals. I am willing to incorporate this in my daily life and make it aware to family and friends how much help this program needs.

Seely, Megan. Fight Like a Girl: How to be a Fearless Feminist. New York and London: New York UP, 2007. Print.