This blog will serve as journal of activities I will participate in as an intern in the Public Service and Public Policy Field. I will intern with NAACP Maricopa County branch as well as dipping into other activities such as...ASA, Legislative District 12, the African American Caucus, and etc so stay tuned...
Friday, December 10, 2010
Internship Reflection
I am glad that I had the opportunity to intern with the local adult branch of the NAACP. I was able to see some insight on the organization. I don’t feel negative about the organization but I feel as though I have come into the truth about the local operations of the organization and I don’t feel compelled to continue my active membership. It seems as though it is a rubber stamp. Maybe I am missing something or I wasn’t with the right people but I don’t feel motivated at all. I genuinely care about the national organization and all that it has done for people but it seems as though the local chapter is using that as a recruiting device when in fact I haven’t seen them do anything that affects people my age and college education. Maybe in a different state or city things will be different. I do plan to see what is happening with the NAACP in Birmingham and Mobile, AL where I am from and will be moving to for graduate school.
ASU NAACP Executive Board Decision Making
This current semester I did serve as the 3rd Vice President of the ASU NAACP. I felt that since I was interning with the Maricopa Co branch and Mesa Community College Chapter. That since I was an active member I should be on the executive board so I could have a voice in the direction of the chapter and its operation. However, I did resigned after 2 months because there was too much drama and emotions involved. Every time I would make suggestions it was perceived as “Kristen always has something to say”. I feel that if something has my name on it or I am openly saying that I affiliate myself with an organization, I am going to have some say so about local activities and etc. I think that the biggest issue was power to be honest. I don’t like being a part of an organization and it’s a dictatorship and its volunteer. I like when the leader can switch between legislative and executive decision making. During legislative decision making, it is not one person making all the decisions but it’s democratic and collectively decision making. On the other hand, it’s where the leader makes all the decisions. I understand that in major companies and payroll is included then the leader, CEO should be able to make executive decision but when its just a student organization, the executive board collectively should make the decision not the President alone.
Career Services Tempe Campus Appointment
I went to visit the career services during their “drop in” hours just to ask some questions regarding CV and resume, where to look for jobs, and what jobs I could get with my majors. The guy that I met with was very helpful even under the circumstances. I checked the website to see when their drop in hours was and I went during the time that was stated on the website. The receptionist told me that they didn’t have any…I was upset because I drove all the way from Surprise! I explained that to her and they were able to work something out. So I was appreciative of that. Anyway back to the guy that saw me. He gave me some great pointers and looked over my resume. He told me the difference between a CV and a resume…so for my upcoming jobs and graduate school applications I will submit a resume. I am thinking that I will submit the chronological resume since that is the one that recent graduates use. As far as great places to look for jobs he suggested that I do research on whatever field that I was interested in and focus on those companies. He also recommended Sundevil career link. I told him that I would probably move to Birmingham, AL and he suggested Hoover.com database and access it through asu library since ASU pays a subscription to it. The last thing that he suggested was identifying what exactly I wanted to do and not focus on what I can do with my majors. He was really helpful, wish I could remember his name….
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Finals Breakfast
Finals Breakfast is an annual tradition that takes place on reading day. Reading Day is the day after the last day of classes. There is free breakfast at all of the dining halls as well as other free fun activities and free giveaways. This year it took place, yesterday Wednesday, December 8th from 9pm-11pm. I wondered why the time was soo late and it’s because they give students time to study and unwind before diving into final exams. It set under the pretense that students will be studying all night and morning that they serve breakfast. It was a fun event as well as motivating students to study and do well on finals.
World AIDS DAY 2010
World AIDS Day (WAD) is always celebrated on Dec 1st to bring awareness of HIV and AIDs in the community. Usually, the Black and African Coalition (BAC) at ASU host an event on Hayden Lawn to commemorate HIV and AIDS in the Black community. How this event work is that organizations within the BAC come out and table on WAD passing out literature, condoms, lubrication and candy. African Americans have the highest cases of HIV and AIDS and amongst the African Americans the women have the highest cases. It is caused by: needles—the sharing of infected needles and mostly from men having sex with men—heterosexual relationships amongst African Americans which results in the “Down Low Brothers” giving it to their straight wives.
Since my time here at ASU, the ASU NAACP always help out with this event. I have no idea why there wasn’t any representation this year because this is an annual event that has been going on since I’ve been at ASU. It could be due to lack of sincere support of the NAACP at ASU, just a thought.
Since my time here at ASU, the ASU NAACP always help out with this event. I have no idea why there wasn’t any representation this year because this is an annual event that has been going on since I’ve been at ASU. It could be due to lack of sincere support of the NAACP at ASU, just a thought.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Arizona State College Chapters NAACP Umbrella
In the beginning, the National College Chapter Advisor of the NAACP college chapters decided that we should create an environment where all the college chapters of the NAACP can come unite and exchange ideas to better their chapter. This could also work as planning meeting and learning of other’s events and supporting them. The idea of this umbrella would help student leaders in the NAACP. However, we have only had 2 meetings since August! As I have mentioned, I would really like for this project to take off. Things that could help with the progression of this project are: establishing a general meeting time…whether it’s the 2nd Sunday or Saturday of each month at the same time. Second, establish some type of leadership amongst the student leaders and tasks. That way all the responsibilities are not left up to one person or the college advisor. If the college advisor has to be absent the meetings can still take place…therefore progressing the organization.
NAACP National Convention!!
In the meetings that I have attend, there has been a big push to get everyone involved in going to the national convention. This year 2011, the convention will be held in Los Angeles, CA. I think it would a great opportunity to learn more about the organization, its operation, as well as a networking endeavor. However, head leadership in the adult branches are motivating people to go for their own selfish reasons—that is to look good to the national organization. It seems as though it is a numbers thing. Sine Arizona always has low attendance at the national convention. Now since the convention is on the west coast and so close, they are pushing for high attendance at the National Convention. For information on the National Convention visit naacp.org
Leadership within the Maricopa Co NAACP
In my opinion, the leadership in the Maricopa Co branch of the NAACP has lacked substance. I think that they are all good people and perhaps leaders but I haven’t seen any changes or accomplishments from the executive board that has been repeatedly elected. I did receive a letter in the mail announcing the new board members. For the most part the same people were elected but some in different positions. There was one difference and I hope she can make a difference. Perhaps, the same people get elected because you do have to have a lifetime membership before being on the board. It cost nearly $500. So money could be an issue or people just don’t care about this organization. The organization isn’t what it use to be. Leaders are just there for the fame and not performing their duties. I think that the culture has to change in order to make change in the community.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
ASU NAACP Meetings
I was a very active member in the college chapter of the NAACP at ASU since I have been enrolled. Over the 2 years period that I have been involved, the organization is diminishing. I know that all organizations have problems and etc but it seems as though everyone is there for altruistic motives. What happened to people being apart of something for the cause? Or being motivated because of the organization’s mission? I feel that the leader has no intention of making the organization better. She is content with the way things are…I asked her what were her plans and how do she expect to get other people involved. Her reply was to give out stuff. Such as T-shirts, food, and memberships. That is costly!!! From my understanding the organization has about $150 in its account and she is using other resources to ask for money and there isn’t any programming going on. I know that this organization is in need of a lot of help. It needs the right people to do it. How does an organization get over changing the culture? Getting the right people on the bus if the right people aren’t there in beginning or at the head of the organization? I guess my frustration is showing…but something needs to be done.
Arizona State Collge Chapters NAACP Meetings
As I have stated. That I was helping with creating an umbrella organization for all the college NAACP chapters in the Phoenix area. It started off well. Since our inception, we had 2 meetings. This idea was brought up by the NAACP College Chapter Advisor. I would have liked to see this project launch. Unfortunately people just bite off more than they can chew. I think for future references we have the meetings setup so that if the national college advisor isn’t present then the meetings can still go on. I thought the meetings that took place were successful. It had substance, it was organized, it brought people together, and we learned things about the national organization and current events. I was really pumped about interning for the NAACP Maricopa Co/ MCC Branch but I feel as though there needs to be some type of structure. I mentioned in an earlier blog about passing the torch. In this case it makes me wonder if people just want to stay in control.
Next semester, I hope that we can continue this project because it has good intentions. Unfortunately, after this semester I have no idea if I will continue to be an active member.
Next semester, I hope that we can continue this project because it has good intentions. Unfortunately, after this semester I have no idea if I will continue to be an active member.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Fund raising in Student Organizations is a hassle!!!
I am in need of fund raising ideas. I am in charge of raising funds to go to nationals. My first thought was to do concessions at ASU. The thing is that we need insurance in order to participate. Obtaining insurance from our national headquarters means we have to pay $150 and think that is for one time. The other idea I had was to propose to major corporations. The thing with corporations is that we must have a 501 C3 status and we have a C4 status so that makes us ineligible. We can’t put on any social activities because we must have money to sustain us and then hopefully gain that money back plus some. If anyone has any suggestions please post on this blog. I will greatly appreciate it.
Recruiting--SMCC Starting a Chapter
As part of my internship I am responsible for starting new college chapters. I attended a Black Student Union (BSU) meeting at South Mountain Community College (SMCC) back in September. I stated to them what the organization was including history, focus, purpose, executive board, and local facts. It puzzled me at first because they had a ton of questions for me. After I attended the meeting I felt as though they were not going to become an affiliate of the NAACP. I was thinking that I had failed my mission. Then I realized that it was out of my control. Local community chapters do not follow up. They only show up once you are charted or you are not in compliance. As I have mentioned in earlier posts. There is a gap and just because a national organization approaches you to be apart of them doesn’t necessarily yield benefits. To my understanding, they didn’t want to be just another number to make Arizona look good but they wanted to reap benefits.
Lack of Motivation
In my experience with this internship, I feel a sense of lack of motivation in furthering my participation with this community adult chapter of the NAACP. I feel as though everyone has their hands out for financial support but there aren’t tangible benefits for people my age. I sense that there is a lack of organization and substance. The meetings are entertaining but what business and results are we seeking? Are the right people in the right places and positions of the organization? I feel that community sections should offer scholarships, leadership training, money management, and etc to already college students. I feel that there is a gap and that everyone is concerned with their own well being and trying to compete with other branches. I can understand why the community isn’t necessarily supporting the local NAACP. The only program is the Backpak Drive that takes place every July for children of the South Phoenix Community. The youth council is very productive because they have a state representative’s wife pretty much running the show and having her daughter step in as the President of the youth council. So that doesn’t really count. I wish the college chapters have more hands on coaching.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Rivalry Between 2 Community Branches of the NAACP?
This is just my own opinion but I feel that there is some type of rivalry between the Maricopa County Branch and the East Valley Branch of the NAACP. I attended the Maricopa County Branch meeting and as part of the meeting they read the mail. One of the pieces was a invitation from the East Valley NAACP to attend their freedom fund dinner that took place in October. The letter head of the invitation had certain Eastern cities such as Awahatukee, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and etc. The President made a remark as “they need to stop putting these cities on their letterhead”. I’m thinking…why does it matter? They are both trying to reach the same goals they just probably have a different approach. Just because its called Maricopa County doesn’t mean that everybody has to go to this branch meeting. Maybe they live in one of the cities that is listed in the letterhead and want to attend that branch meeting. Who cares? We are about the advancement of Colored people not competing amongst colored people. LOL I think it is petty and it’s a shame that high school things are still going on when you past 50 years old.
Maricopa NAACP Meeting
I attended the Maricopa County Branch of the NAACP on Saturday, September 25 at 10am. The meeting was located at the South Mountain Boys and Girls Club Center on Alta Vista and Central. The meeting was structured. You could definitely tell who was in charge and running the meeting. The President, Rev Oscar Tillman and the Secretary, Lynnette Campbell was sitting at the front of the room at a table facing the audience or members and visitors who attended the meeting. This particular meeting they were accepting nominations for the new executive board for the 2010-2011 year. They also discussed having a local walk to duplicate what the national organization was doing in Washington, DC or New York on October 2nd. I felt that was a lost cause. You can’t expect something to be great and well organized if you are bringing it up to the genera l body a week in advanced. I don’t think that it even took place. FYI at least bring it up a month in advance. I thought it was cool that they had two meetings. The 10am meeting lasted an hour and was the executive board meeting. At the 11am meeting was for general members. Overall I think the meeting was ok. It wasn’t as informative as I would have liked. There was also a great amount of officers missing so we didn’t get to hear the officer’s report. Which I think is irresponsible on the absent officer part. If you know in advance that you will be missing then send in a report so that the organization isn’t held back because a report is missing. They also encouraged recruiting because they are in need of funds. I understand the recruitment is needed but there aren’t any tangible or direct benefits from joining.
The Maricopa County NAACP meetings usually take place on every 4th Saturday at the South Mountain Boys and Girls Club at 10am for executive board meeting which is open to the public and 11am for general members meeting.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
College State of Mind
The College State of Mind was an informational fair. It was a chance for community college students as well as high school students to come out and learn about the different Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) that was present, transfering and applying to a university, and learning about the Phoenix College (PC) NAACP.
This event was a collaboration between the PC NAACP and the graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Inc. Delta Beta Omega chapter.
This event was a collaboration between the PC NAACP and the graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Inc. Delta Beta Omega chapter.
Career Services--Resumes and Cover Letter Workshop
This was an informing workshop. I attended the workshop that was sponsored by the National Council of Negro Women, ASU chapter (NCNW ASU) and guest speaker Maryjo Douglas Zunk. In this workshop she discussed the difference between a CV and a resume, the different headings of a resume. It a great workshop since I am anticipating graduation in the Spring. The most important thing that I got out of this workshop is "create a treasury". A treasury is something that is filled with action sentences of everything that you did or learned. She also noted to use objectives from previous classes syllabus.
Here is the link to the facebook event that was created by NCNW
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1433490620#!/event.php?eid=155328637834334
For information on NCNW here is our facebook group link and our website
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1433490620#!/group.php?gid=110632643121
Career Services
http://students.asu.edu/career
Here is the link to the facebook event that was created by NCNW
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1433490620#!/event.php?eid=155328637834334
For information on NCNW here is our facebook group link and our website
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1433490620#!/group.php?gid=110632643121
Career Services
http://students.asu.edu/career
Super Saturday Scholars Program
We have just a few more dates for this semester to help kids from the South Phoenix area. Please check below at the description of this event.
This is a "Family Affair" filled with Educational Enrichment and Tutoring
The dates are Saturdays of each month starting with: Sept 25, Oct 9 and 23, Nov 13, and Dec 11....we will be preparing all 4th, 5th, and 6th graders for the AIMS in math and science
For information call 480.705.6557 or email: communityeducationservices@gmail.com
Here is the link to the facebook page for this event: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1433490620#!/event.php?eid=152602321427311
Here is the Community Education Services website:
http://cesinc.weebly.com/
This is a "Family Affair" filled with Educational Enrichment and Tutoring
The dates are Saturdays of each month starting with: Sept 25, Oct 9 and 23, Nov 13, and Dec 11....we will be preparing all 4th, 5th, and 6th graders for the AIMS in math and science
For information call 480.705.6557 or email: communityeducationservices@gmail.com
Here is the link to the facebook page for this event: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1433490620#!/event.php?eid=152602321427311
Here is the Community Education Services website:
http://cesinc.weebly.com/
Saturday, November 6, 2010
1st Annual Hip-Hop Community Town hall "Hip Hop and Poltics"
This is a past event that took place last Saturday. This event is under the umbrella coalition that I am developing. Check out the description.
On October 30, 2010 at 7:00 PM the Phoenix metropolitan community will experience the 1st Annual Hip Hop Town Hall presented by the Phoenix College NAACP/BSU. This event will engage young adults in meaningful dialogue about current issues which are important to them in a format which is appealing to them and in a genre which many enjoy and value. The 2010 theme is “Spotlighting Hip Hop and Politics”. The purpose of the Hip Hop T...own Hall is to provide a platform for people to develop an awareness of and dialogue about issues which are germane to them and their communities. Hip Hop has a huge voice for many people, regardless of region, race, religion, class, etc. This Town Hall will provide a platform for the often unrecognized positive impact of Hip Hop through education and debate on community issues.
Partnering with the Phoenix College NAACP/BSU are the Black Entrepreneur’s Association, Inc., Peace Fest Organization, and Queen YoNasDa, hip hop artist, the National Director of the Indigenous Nations Alliance-Millions More Movement, and the initiator of Hip Hop 4 Haiti.
Students are dialoging and Hip Hop songs and videos are addressing current topics, such as immigration, ethnic studies, affirmative action, mosque placement, use of the n-word, etc. For those who may not find other venues appealing, there is a need to provide a platform for intellectual dialogue and to listen to all sides of these issues. In addition, many people are indifferent or unaware of current issues, and this forum aims to instill in them the need to exercise their citizenship through being fully informed and voting.
The 1st Annual Hip Hop Town Hall "Spotlighting Hip Hop and Politics" will bring overall awareness of past, present, and future pieces of legislation. The meeting will discuss how these laws affect or unite the community. Both local and national political leaders and hip hop artists will be presenters at the Town Hall which promises to be a very engaging and thought-provoking evening. For more information about this event, please email queenyonasda@aol.com or camilla.westenberg@pcmail.maricopa.edu
On October 30, 2010 at 7:00 PM the Phoenix metropolitan community will experience the 1st Annual Hip Hop Town Hall presented by the Phoenix College NAACP/BSU. This event will engage young adults in meaningful dialogue about current issues which are important to them in a format which is appealing to them and in a genre which many enjoy and value. The 2010 theme is “Spotlighting Hip Hop and Politics”. The purpose of the Hip Hop T...own Hall is to provide a platform for people to develop an awareness of and dialogue about issues which are germane to them and their communities. Hip Hop has a huge voice for many people, regardless of region, race, religion, class, etc. This Town Hall will provide a platform for the often unrecognized positive impact of Hip Hop through education and debate on community issues.
Partnering with the Phoenix College NAACP/BSU are the Black Entrepreneur’s Association, Inc., Peace Fest Organization, and Queen YoNasDa, hip hop artist, the National Director of the Indigenous Nations Alliance-Millions More Movement, and the initiator of Hip Hop 4 Haiti.
Students are dialoging and Hip Hop songs and videos are addressing current topics, such as immigration, ethnic studies, affirmative action, mosque placement, use of the n-word, etc. For those who may not find other venues appealing, there is a need to provide a platform for intellectual dialogue and to listen to all sides of these issues. In addition, many people are indifferent or unaware of current issues, and this forum aims to instill in them the need to exercise their citizenship through being fully informed and voting.
The 1st Annual Hip Hop Town Hall "Spotlighting Hip Hop and Politics" will bring overall awareness of past, present, and future pieces of legislation. The meeting will discuss how these laws affect or unite the community. Both local and national political leaders and hip hop artists will be presenters at the Town Hall which promises to be a very engaging and thought-provoking evening. For more information about this event, please email queenyonasda@aol.com or camilla.westenberg@pcmail.maricopa.edu
Passing the Torch
In my culture, I have heard on numerous occasions that it is time “to pass the torch”. Meaning the future leaders will take responsibility and step up to lead the next generation. The question that remains is “Are we ready to accept the torch?” I feel that our generation, generation Y or Millennial generation are not concern with continuing the legacy but are caught up with our own selfish needs. I think that if the elders prepared a layout or at least trained us in leadership or showing us the ropes we would be somewhat prepared. Also, we say that someone was investing in us we would feel somewhat obligated to continue the legacy and accept the torch.
FAQ--Color an Issue when joining the NAACP
I think it is somewhat ironic that the organization has had a white president for over 30 to 40 years and when I approach different people to join they have the expression “I’m not Black” look on their face. I think that if people took the time to give an organization a chance or possibly come out of their comfort zones this organization could be better than what it is. As I have mentioned in an earlier post, that the organization was founded by a multiracial group of people.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
What is the NAACP?
The NAACP is an acronym for The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. It was founded by a multiracial group of people who wanted to promote anti-lynching. The organization was founded on February 12, 1909 in New York, NY. The founding group included: Sociologist, Dr. W.E.B. DuBois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Mary White Ovington, William Garrison, Henry Moscowitz, and others. Future members of the NAACP were Mary Church Terrell and Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.
Since its inception the organization has been fighting for equality for all. The organization is made up of community chapters, youth councils, and college chapters across the nation.
The NAACP is today focuses on Human Rights. Which is the focus of the President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin Todd Jealous and Chairwoman, Roslyn Brock.
For more information on NAACP please visit: naacp.org
Since its inception the organization has been fighting for equality for all. The organization is made up of community chapters, youth councils, and college chapters across the nation.
The NAACP is today focuses on Human Rights. Which is the focus of the President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin Todd Jealous and Chairwoman, Roslyn Brock.
For more information on NAACP please visit: naacp.org
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