Service Learning Activism Log

1.       I finally got a chance to table an event with Animal Safehouse. I volunteered last Saturday at Veg Fest. We passed out fliers and informed people about the organization; we also raised some money for Animal Safehouse.  I have also talked to Abigail about doing some other small projects for Animal Safehouse such as making headbands, passing out fliers and possible having a supply drive at the Starbucks I work at, where I will collect dog food, treats and any other supplies AS might need.

2.      This week in class we were reading about Violence against women. Some of the facts and statistics  we learned were startling,  but it’s nice to know that there are organizations like Animal Safehouse that are there to help out these women in need.  After tabling that event and talking to Abigail I feel like there is a lot more things I can do to help this organization, I just need to get out there and talk to people.

3.      In volunteering with this organization, I am getting the satisfaction that I have helped someone make a better life for themselves.  As an animal lover it is comforting knowing that there is an organization that cares for the animals as well as the owners.  They attend many different events in the community and educate people on domestic violence and the steps they can take to get help.

Service Learning Activism Log

1.       Activism: I have been emailing Abigail to try and volunteer at some of the events, one of the events was cancelled and the other one I didn’t hear back about, but I will be volunteering at Veg Fest tomorrow. I also am very interested in transporting the animals; I emailed Abigail my number so hopefully I will get a call to help out. Also I might try to set up a table at Publix to raise money and awareness for Animal Safehouse.

2.       Reflection: Raising awareness about domestic violence is something I strongly believe in. I don’t think people realize just how many people this actually affects. We were discussing Women’s sexuality in class this week and it made me think about how there is a double standard for men and women when it comes to sex and how some guys have that “take whatever they want whenever they want” attitude that can possibly turn violent. Heterosexuality is prescribed or natural for women and men, men are the initiators and heterosexual encounters, and men’s sexuality is assertive and in need of regular release. (Kirk and Rey, p.150)

3.       Reciprocity: I haven’t been able to help out with any of the events yet or help transport animals but I know that this organization is constantly helping victims of domestic violence and it makes me feel good knowing that I have the opportunity to help them in their constant battle to raise awareness and to find homes for these animals.

Works Cited:

Kirk, Gwyn and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Women's Lives Multicultural Perspective. New York: McGraw Hill, 2010.

Service Learning Activism Log

1.       Activism: I have been emailing Abigail to try and volunteer at some of the events, one of the events was cancelled and the other one I didn’t hear back about, so hopefully I will volunteer at the upcoming Veg Fest. I also am very interested in transporting the animals; I emailed Abigail my number so hopefully I will get a call to help out. Also I might try to set up a table at Publix to raise money and awareness for Animal Safehouse.

2.       Reflection: Raising awareness about domestic violence is something I strongly believe in. I don’t think people realize just how many people this actually affects. We were discussing Women’s sexuality in class this week and it made me think about how there is a double standard for men and women when it comes to sex and how some guys have that “take whatever they want whenever they want” attitude that can possibly turn violent. Heterosexuality is prescribed or natural for women and men, men are the initiators and heterosexual encounters, and men’s sexuality is assertive and in need of regular release. (Kirk and Rey, p.150)

3.       Reciprocity: I haven’t been able to help out with any of the events yet or help transport animals but I know that this organization is constantly helping victims of domestic violence and it makes me feel good knowing that I have the opportunity to help them in their constant battle to raise awareness and to find homes for these animals.

Works Cited:

Kirk, Gwyn and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Women's Lives Multicultural Perspective. New York: McGraw Hill, 2010.

Women's Health

1.      According to the CDC 20 million people are currently infected with HPV (Human papillomavirus) and is increasing by 6 million people per year (CDC.gov). Though not a life-threatening disease on its own, HPV is a leading cause of cervical cancer in women (CDC.gov). There’s a preventative treatment through vaccine, Gardisil and Cervarix, though costly it is the only treatment currently available.

2.      On a macro-level this reality exists because the treatment cost is prohibitive because it’s a new drug and the patent hasn’t expired and other drug companies cannot produce it. Also the insurance companies are only allowing girls ages 9-26 to be covered under insurance for this vaccine. Many parents of younger children do not want their children to get this vaccine because of its sexual connotations; they think that by getting it their children will become promiscuous because they think they are “immune to STD’s”.

3.      In my opinion there are not enough women in executive positions in the drug companies, insurance companies and government so that women’s issues are pushed to the bottom of the pile. There is research that has shown that HPV vaccines may be effective up to age 45 in women (Merck News), because of the cost of these vaccines ($120 per shot, three shots are the recommended vaccination) insurance companies will only cover this up to age 26 in women. If we had more women in government pushing for insurance and healthcare reforms, this vaccine might be more accessible to women of all ages.

4.      To make this plan a reality we need to get out there and support our female candidates, and healthcare bills that would affect us.  We also need to teach young women about taking more control in their reproductive health.

Works Cited:

CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/hpv/

Merck News: http://web.archive.org/web/20071112010855/http://www.merck.com/newsroom/press_releases/product/2007_1105.html

Service Learning Activism Log

I was going to be doing my service learning hours with YWLP, but I am now going to be volunteering for Animal Safehouse, which is an organization set up by Leandra Preston and cares for the animals of victims of domestic abuse. They also help reunite women and their pets post-shelter.

1.       I have been e-mailing Abigail Malick, who is the service learning coordinator for Animal Safehouse. She sent me a list of events that are taking place in October of which I will probably take place in at least three of them. I have also e-mailed her my number so I can help if they need to transport any animals to a foster home.

2.      My activism project relates to what we are discussing in class because it is an organization that is helping women make the transition from an abusive relationship.  According to the Animal Safehouse website,  50% of women do not leave abusive situations for fear her pet will be injured or killed. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (www.ncadv.org), there were 113,123 reported cases of domestic violence and 180 domestic-violence related homicides in Florida in 2008.  If women know that their loved ones including pets are being taken care of they can concentrate on making a better life for themselves without feeling overwhelmed. We were just learning about Women’s Bodies and Women’s Health in class and getting themselves out of an abusive situation is the best way for a woman to improve her mental and physical health.

3.      In volunteering with this organization, I am getting the satisfaction that I have helped someone make a better life for themselves.  As an animal lover it is comforting knowing that there is an organization that cares for the animals as well as the owners.  They attend many different events in the community and educate people on domestic violence and the steps they can take to get help.

Works Cited:

http://www.animalsafehousebrevard.org/

Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa- Rey. Women's Lives Multicultural Perspective. 5th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2010. Print.