Sorry this is a bit overdue, I've been swamped with exams and work. Thank you to everyone who made it out last Sunday morning and for everyone being so flexible with the location/ times- you all are the best! I know this is a lengthy email so bear with me.
Here is what we went over in our pre-trip meeting last weekend:
IceBreaker
Each participant gets a Starburst, and depending on the color they get, they had to tell either an embarrassing moment, favorite holiday, favorite summer memory, or best halloween costume ever.
Discussion about the podcast, This American Life
- Some were very shocked that the National Guard was shooting at people in the neighborhoods
- Reflected on the idea that people were stealing items to help out others in need; media portrayed them as looters
Root Causes of Poverty & Racism
Root causes (roots of a tree):
- Lack of education, confusion, upbringing, prejudice, generalization/ stereotypes, government policy, politics, gentrification, gaps in social classes, money
Possible solutions (branches of a tree):
- Community outreach, programs to promote meeting/ mingling of different classes, immersion program to force people to interact, more jobs created, money
Thoughts: America now is more of a "tossed salad" rather than a melting pot.
Differences in Terms
We discussed the differences between the terms fixing, helping, and serving
Fixing: Implies that something is "broken" to start with, makes it sound like they need us to fix their problems, sounds like we expect something in return- as if we're doing a service for them that requires some sort of payment, change the nature of whatever was originally there
Helping: Having a new mindset going into a situation, not expecting anything in return
Serving: Not about us, but about them, looking at their needs, not expecting anything in return
Dates to Remember:
- Initial $75 deposit fee should already be in your donation page!
- Waivers and Health forms need to be in ASAP! Please turn them into the LCSL office in STAMP (there will be a box you can put them in)
Directions to LCSCL office: Basement floor where the food court is. If you're looking directly AT Capital One Bank, make a right turn and it's the office at the end of that hallway with the glass doors.- Keep updating the blog if you haven't done so already! The invitations to edit were all sent out- Check your SPAM box if you didn't get one.
- Keep adding yourself to the FB group if you're not in it- If we haven't added you it's because we can't find you! Look up "AWB New Orleans '13"
Monday, November 12: Scholarship applications need to be in by 5pm! Here is the link again: http://thestamp.umd.edu/student_involvement/lcsl/involvement/alternative_breaks/participant_information
Look under "Scholarships" under the tables - There is a download link
Tuesday, November 13: Alternative Break Letter-A-Thon from 4-8pm in the LCSL office in STAMP! All envelopes, stamps, and templates are provided. Just bring yourselves and a list of addresses you wish to mail the letters to! This is a GREAT way to fundraise for your trip. Past participants who have done this have gotten their entire trip covered through donations! Come and go as you please! (For directions to office, see above)
Saturday, December 1: ALL TRIP MONEY IS DUE!
I know this is a short timeline until our actual trip and there seems to be a lot, but get pumped guys! It's going to be an amazing trip and Tom and I are super excited for everything leading up to it as well.
Thank you all for reading and see you guys soon! Have an awesome weekend (:
Jen&Tom
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