tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88852234934146646892024-02-02T06:05:33.763-08:00Activist!Confessions of a recovering cynic.
DISCLAIMER: This blog is an expression of my viewpoints and does not convey those of either organization mentioned hereKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-8303220911667119832011-10-15T12:01:00.000-07:002011-10-15T12:19:02.154-07:00I can't do it allThroughout college and beyond, I've made poverty my life. I studied international relations and economics, worked alongside single moms and immigrants, interned at a hunger policy organization, studied in a developing country (while working in an informal settlement), volunteered at a pregnancy resource center, and now work in an inner city school. When I wasn't making it my studies or my work, I was attending seminars, protesting the government, listening to sermons at Mass, or hearing more of my family's story. <div><br /></div><div>What does this mean? It means I take poverty issues very, very personally.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's gotten to the point where political discussions have a strong emotional component, where ally my conversations lead back to social justice, where I can't sleep because all this stuff drives me crazy.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, with the help of my fiance, I've realized something crucial. </div><div><br /></div><div>I just can't do it all.</div><div><br /></div><div>This isn't to say that I shouldn't make ending poverty the goal of my career or social justice a strong value of mine. This doesn't mean that I shouldn't try to make a difference.</div><div><br /></div><div>It just means that I can't continue to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders by myself. I can't save the whole world. To think that I can makes me an arrogant fool seeking an early grave. If I want us all to see each other as equal, human beings, who deserve fulfilling lives, I have to remember that I belong in that category. </div><div><br /></div><div>It means I also need time to take a breath.</div><div><br /></div><div>It means I need time to contemplate.</div><div><br /></div><div>It means I should simply enjoy the people in my life and have conversations without losing my head if someone asks me what I think about a certain policy.</div><div><br /></div><div>It means I should give time to other interests, like my music and my writing-both of which keep me sane.</div><div><br /></div><div>It means I should take care of myself, that I also need to have a good night's sleep, healthy meals, plenty of water, and at least a few minutes of fitness every day.</div><div><br /></div><div>It means that, in order to love each person, I must at least love myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I was training to work in rape crisis (before it became too much for me), my trainers made self care a crucial component. Often times, anyone who works in high need areas, especially under high stress conditions, has the tendency to neglect themselves. Mothers often do the same thing with their newborns. The problem with neglecting self care is that, of course, it makes you ineffective. Unfortunately, we also live in a culture that glorifies work and in a time where long hours of work are becoming more necessary to survive. We often glorify heroes while forgetting to think about their needs (as they, obviously, are not-that's what makes them heroes). We need to break this model. </div><div><br /></div><div>Consider it a call to action. As we obviously cannot do this work by ourselves, we could use some help. Today, I challenge you to pick up that hammer of service. Whether you sign up for a long term program, pick up the trash in your neighborhood, make meals for the homeless, do an act of advocacy, or simply thank those you know who serve in your community, even the smallest act can make the whole world better. You may not be able to give a year but five minutes is the world if it comes from your heart. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-4504191869865656312011-09-03T06:10:00.000-07:002011-09-03T07:02:04.322-07:00No offense, my TFA friends.............but I'm not a fan of Teach for America.<div>
<br /></div><div>I know quite a few people, both friends and colleagues, who are part of TFA. I'm not saying that they are not good people because they are. They have genuine hearts and strong minds and, like a lot of us in my cohort, want to give a couple of years in service (though unlike the rest of us, they're making salaries). A lot of them do want to impact children's lives and there are those who end up becoming good teachers because of it. Heck, I know some WONDERFUL teachers who started in TFA.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>However, TFA is a temporary program. Unlike other teaching programs, it's meant to have college grads, many of whom have never taught before, teach in inner city schools for two years before they start the rest of their lives. "No, I'm not going to keep teaching, I'm going to law school afterward," is a response I hear often. On top of that, they're placing these temporary teachers in schools that need consistency above anything else. With all of DC's restructuring, my students need someone who is going to stay. Someone who doesn't just know the kids, but takes time to know their parents, siblings, and community. Though I've only been in my school for a couple weeks, I've noticed that the best teachers are the ones who really take their time to get to know the kids, their friends (and whether or not it's a good idea to let them sit together), their families, their interests, and their needs. One who the parents can go to and know that this person cares about their child's education. One who knows the community and can use resources to help their kids learn. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Of course, all of that takes time. It's not easy to be a teacher, it's not something you can quickly master. If I've learned anything from my music teachers, it's that practice makes perfect all the time. Even if it doesn't make you perfect (though 10,000 hours should do the trick), it should make you better. It takes years to hone your craft. While there are people who show extreme talent in the beginning, even they have much to learn about their craft (hence, a child who's talented at singing is given MORE lessons and coaching, not less). Teaching is not easy, it actually requires supreme dedication and the willingness to learn as much as you can about your students. That doesn't happen in two years, even for the really good ones. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>So, is it really fair to use these kids in the inner cities or the rural areas as your experiment, while you take time (and a salary) to figure out if you're even up to the task? Is it fair to these kids, who desperately need someone who's willing to stay with them? Is it fair to these parents, who, like most other parents, want what's best for their kids, including education and opportunities that they themselves might not have had? Is it fair to the communities, who look to teachers as leaders and consider them vital resources?</div><div>
<br /></div><div>No. If I do become a teacher, something I'm giving some serious thought, I'm in it for the long hall. Even if I take time to go overseas, I'm always coming back. I WILL teach in the inner city because those kids have every inch of potential (and sometimes more than) that their well off counterparts have. I will shamelessly admit my bias and say that my students are awesome and they deserve someone who's willing to stay. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Oh, you're worried that I'm in an unsafe area? Puh-lease. We're as secure as the White House and the kids know us pretty well. What are they going to do, sneer at me? Oooh, I'm so scared! </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-1942921482104625262011-08-30T12:04:00.000-07:002011-08-30T12:25:29.602-07:00Our heroes aren't perfectWe all have our greats, our kings and queens that we honor, whose codes, values, and ideals we preserve in order to build up future generations. In the idealistic, progressive community I've become part of, some of these greats include Greg Mortensen of <i>Three Cups of Tea</i> fame, Nelson Mandela, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa, Gandhi, Wangari Maathai, and I'm only naming a few. To us mere, idealistic mortals, many of whose names will not go down in history quite like theirs, these are saints, near gods of the human spirit. They managed to overcome such obstacles to make even their enemies start to listen. They must be perfection.<div>
<br /></div><div>Yet we forget one thing about these heroes. Our heroes, above anything else, were human beings, subject to the same character flaws and temptations that so many of us struggle with. While they emphasize the importance of fighting them, they were not perfect and they did make mistakes. Greg Mortensen was recently accused of fraud and mismanagement of funds within his organization. MLK may have had extramarital affairs, apparently, Gandhi may have espoused racist views of his own. My own personal hero, Joan of Arc, would loved to have gone after heretics (and I have both Jewish and Protestant ancestry). Of course, I say may have because these are what I've heard from others but, because of their likely occurrences, I've seen people become disappointed, as if the entire cause is ruined. I'll admit, I've espoused similar feelings.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>How do we work with it? We have to remember that, regardless of their imperfections, the work they did was still important. MLK may have been unfaithful but his work and inspiration changed the course of history. Gandhi's message of non-violent resistance sparked an entire world's conscience, even if he had the same beliefs as his oppressors. Greg Mortensen encouraged so many people to consider the importance of education, not drone attacks, as a weapon against terrorism. Joan of Arc gave courage to a despairing country and especially stands out in history as a woman, a youth who grew up in poverty yet was still willing to take a stand. Our heroes were no angels, but they stood up when it was needed. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>There are no perfect heroes. There are imperfect human beings who, despite their flaws, can still turn their hearts, minds, and skills to right action. While this is not an excuse for bad behavior (it's bad for a reason), we should understand that their personalities aren't what destroys oppression. They may have the inspiration but it's up to each one of us to do the work. Our names may never be known like theirs are. That's no excuse. If we want a better world, it starts with us. </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-68403844936173532302011-08-14T08:16:00.001-07:002011-08-14T08:50:00.817-07:00Please don't ever tell me I'm awesome for doing this workSeriously. I don't want to hear it.<div>
<br /></div><div>One, service is a basic requirement in my belief system. Not just my religious beliefs, although, over 2,000 verses about the need to seek justice for the poor are pretty convincing. In my beliefs about humanity, service is a prerequisite for loving other people. This includes the small acts. How can you say you love your family if you're not willing to do things for them? Your friends if you won't even be there for them (there emotionally if not physically)? Your companion if you won't sacrifice for them? I choose to do more service because, well, inside, there's a spoiled little princess who does need perspective, who needs reminders that there are others who were not blessed with what I have and deserve to be seen as people, too. Serving others helps me realize my faults and my failures in loving those close to me and reminds me that I need to practice what I preach with the people in my life. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Two, I look at the youth of the Middle East, the youth all over who hunger and thirst for justice to the point of death. I think of figures such as Dr. King, Joan of Arc, Gandhi, Wangari Maathai, the guys who fought in the Easter Rising. Most of them were killed and Wangari Maathai, while still alive, faced government persecution. The youth in the Middle East risk their lives in protest and many have already died. Guess what? They all are taking much more of a risk than I am. I complain that I no longer have any disposable income and they're all giving up their personal safety. My sacrifices are pretty small compared to what others face in the fight for justice. So, I don't go out all the time and I work ten hour days. So, maybe my kids won't like me at first (or maybe they will). Compared to all those badasses, I'm not giving up that much. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Three, like I mentioned before, I have flaws. Trust me, I am no angel. I have the tendency to cut people off, get offended easily, developed quite a potty mouth in college, and I complain quite a bit. There is nothing I hate more than, "You're so much better than me, I could never do that." Um, yes you can. Or, if you're limited in time and resources, you can find something to raise your voice about. You don't want direct service, there's advocacy, fundraising, and a whole other slew of means to make change. Truly, there is something for everyone. If you're a parent, instill values of service in your kids. And, if you feel you need to curb some habits or change aspects of your life to do so, then do it. There's time as long you're breathing. Maybe you can't take a full year to do full time service. There are still many ways you can help your community while becoming a better person in the meantime. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I hate the, "you're awesome" or "you're the best" comments because I always feel there is room for improvement. I promise you, a diet and some exercise would be very good for my ego. Also, don't focus on me. I wouldn't do this if I didn't have a strong belief that this was required. In turn, I came from good parents, who never failed to remind me of my duty to humanity. Seriously, don't give me all the credit. Instead, I hope that what I am doing inspires you to figure out how you can improve yourself and your community. </div><div>
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<br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-84110740877431732952011-08-13T15:55:00.000-07:002011-08-13T16:56:29.155-07:00Privilege and GenderIn our training, we had to walk a privilege line. For those who don't know what this is, a privilege line is when you all stand in a straight line, side to side. A leader will ask questions and, if your answer is yes, the leader will ask you to either step backward or forward. For example, a question that would have you step forward would be, "Did your parents graduate from college?" A question that would have you step back would be something like, "Were you ever denied employment due to your perceived race/religion/sexual orientation/etc?" It was interesting because I saw that there were areas where I wasn't privileged and where I was.<div>
<br /></div><div>I am privileged in the sense that I was born white, with no disabilities. I am privileged in the sense that my companion is male and, as such, we face no harassment for expressing love to each other. I grew up with two parents, who, while they have not finished college, made sure that I could go and emphasized education in our house. My parents made sure that we did not go hungry, that we always knew they loved us, and did everything to ensure we could become the best people we could be. I've never encountered serious persecution for my religious beliefs or cultural practice. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>However, I had to step back quite a few times. One, I am a woman. As a young girl, I DID hear people criticize my desires for a career, asking about if I wanted a family. I developed early, I did face sexual harassment in school and I have been lucky to escape situations that could have ended in a horrible manner (trust me, peeps, I know I'm lucky, and I know others aren't). Further, I've known many women who were raped or forced to do things they didn't want to do. I know my companion gets nervous when I have to go home at night and is pretty apprehensive about my choice of work. I know I'll likely get paid less and I came of age to see politicians debating about whether my own health care is either a luxury or a right, and I'm not even talking about abortion. I learned it's normal to trivialize violence against women and teen pregnancy because, "she should have kept her legs closed/worn different clothes/yada yada." I learned it was normal to hate other women for physical beauty and to hate myself for the way I looked. I learned that having morals made me a prude while questioning them made me a whore. I learned that my cycle makes me unfit to be a world leader. I learned that I could get what I want by flashing my boobs or putting out. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Further, I learned that, while being a woman already deemed me unfit, being a woman of color, a woman of different sexual preference, who has a disability or anything like that, marks one as inferior in our society. We cry about sex trafficked girls in Russia but our own sex trafficked American girls (usually African American) are listed as prostitutes and sent to prison when they can't even consent to sex. Latina women are sexualized in the media all the time and are portrayed much like the Irish used to, constantly having kids and such. Lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered women (especially the last one) are marked for violence. Women all over lighten their skin, relax their hair and dye it various shades of blonde and red because they can't even see themselves as beautiful. Muslim girlfriends of mine, from all backgrounds, have faced everything from verbal harassment to physical and sexual violence simply because people fear their faith. Magazines sexualize girls as young as ten, yes, TEN and clothing companies think it's cute to write sexual innuendos on clothing made for three-year-old girls (just ask my aunt about that one). We rarely even hear about disabilities, there weren't even any questions about it, that's how little they're included. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Being a woman is already one strike against me. My privilege in other areas means I have an even greater responsibility to fight. We are all equal. Why should I be judged for anything other than either my merits or my character?</div><div>
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<br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-1222574880827609622011-08-13T14:03:00.001-07:002011-08-13T15:50:09.358-07:00What I learned from a former skinheadAt training the other day, we heard former skinhead Frank Meeink speak. He talked about his life, how he was horribly abused as a child by his stepdad and later bullied in school. The only one who reached out to him in his teens was his skinhead cousin, who ended up recruiting him into a movement of extreme hatred and violence. He told us about his times in prison and how he finally broke all ties with the skinheads when his employer, a Jewish man who knew his past, told him how capable he was. Mr. Meeink told his story to emphasize young people's need for role models, how a good one can mean the difference between creation and destruction. <div>
<br /></div><div>Can I tell you I'm not surprised? I'll be working with adolescents, the age very few seem to care about. No longer the sweet little ones who adore you and not yet confident adults, adolescents undergo a huge physical and emotional transition that leaves them feeling quite conflicted. They are extremely conscious of what others think of them and no longer want to be seen as little kids. So, what do they do? They act tough. They act bitchy. If they really have no guidance, they act out. If no one believes in them, they stop caring. If someone does, they'll listen. If that person happens to be the wrong kind of person (:cough: gang leader: cough:terrorist: cough:cough), well, then we have problems.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>We don't take youth seriously. They're just teenagers, bags of hormones, who don't give a damn about anyone else but themselves. Why should we care, the public cries. So some kid got into drugs, don't they know that drugs kill (never mind that maybe that's all that they have)? So, some girl got knocked up, she should have kept her legs closed (never mind that she may have been coerced or left with myths about and no access to birth control). They know right from wrong, they can make their own choices, even if it lands them in adult prison (never mind that their brains aren't as fully capable as that of an adult's). We particularly neglect the poor ones because either they'll pull themselves out if they care or they're weak (forget about our policies and institutions that keep them poor). And then we act all surprised when we hear that we still have neo-Nazis. Or flash mobs and race riots here and in Europe. Wake up, guys! Are you really that shocked?</div><div>
<br /></div><div>When we neglect our youth, we neglect our future. Chew on that for a moment. If one group is falling, soon we all will. </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-44924955448077909312011-08-08T17:19:00.000-07:002011-08-30T12:04:09.037-07:00Training, Team Building, and the Recovery of My IdealismFor the past week, I've been in training. Like any other school or work place orientation, training so far has consisted of me learning the organizational culture of this program. Most of the culture is based in the belief that a commitment to idealism can make a difference, not only in oneself but in the community and in the world. To my organization, idealism is not a naive belief in a world of "Kum Ba Ya" and rainbows. Instead, idealism is our own commitment to improving ourselves, our communities and our entire world. Far from being easy, it takes work.<div>
<br /></div><div>This non profit manifests its belief in idealism by encouraging a positive attitude in all its members. To encourage a positive atmosphere, we constantly engage in team building activities. For the last week, before we found out our service teams, we were all placed in teams with people we did not know, under the leadership of senior corps members (second year volunteers). We gained practice in not only getting to know each other, but in learning how to work with each other to accomplish simple tasks. In addition, we learned about unity rallies, which are basically like pep rallies and allow the entire corps to come together and fuel each other's energy. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Why is this important? It's not just so we can indulge in games. We actually have learned of serious issues, such as the low proficiency rates of DC's public school students in math and English, as well as the huge high school dropout rate. We've also discussed racial and economic justice and learned about the high rates of unemployment in areas such as Anacostia (one of DC's poorest neighborhoods). However, as I've learned from my Kenya experience, issues of poverty are difficult to deal with, especially on one's own. Further, the fight against poverty is a battle that seems endless. If we let the darkness in, it will overpower us. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>A united team and a positive attitude are what we can use to keep on fighting, even when the rest of the world gloats in telling us how useless it is. </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-77690879344814084262011-07-14T10:59:00.001-07:002011-08-30T12:02:38.777-07:00Man Plans, God LaughsSo, you know how I was supposed to go to Arkansas?<div>
<br /></div><div>Well, due to state budget cuts there and an opening in DC, my organization has decided to keep me in DC. I knew this about a month ago but have been fairly busy with trying to save money for a more permanent housing arrangement. I also haven't figured out what to call my blog, now that I won't be going "down South." </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I did feel very mixed when I heard the news. On the one hand, I'm pretty happy. I always felt like I wasn't seeing enough of DC, even though I've been here for four years. Now, I'll have my chance to see it, to be a part of it in ways I wasn't able to as a college student. I also don't have to consider the ramifications of a long-distance relationship, something that, while probably worth it in this case, would have added to stress and anxiety on my part. I can actually be a part of my church community in DC and take advantage of the city, now that I don't have to worry about paying rent while trying to make good grades.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>At the same time, I did feel a bit sad. I was starting to feel excited about a new adventure, in a city I hadn't experienced before. I was looking forward to seeing a part of my own country I really haven't been to for a long period of time. In addition, as many of my friends are heading for new places overseas and I really don't have a chance to go on vacation, I was a bit bummed that I'd simply be staying. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Yet, I realize that this too will be a new adventure. While I've lived in DC for four years, I haven't really experienced it. I always knew DC had its own problems, but I was largely hidden from them, nestled away in the northwest quadrant. Aside from internship and volunteer opportunities, I didn't have much of a reason to head out, except to go downtown for social events and tourist attractions. Now, I can participate in DC in a new way, not as a college student, but as a volunteer, a community member, and an activist. To me, that's quite exciting. </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-54133126408914582262011-06-09T07:23:00.001-07:002011-06-09T08:12:04.135-07:00Will I Join Peace Corps?This question has come up numerous times throughout my college career. As I have specialized in International Development, hold a deep love of travel, and have done a variety of service (domestic) trips in addition to my Kenya experience, Peace Corps seems to be the natural step. Multiple friends and professors have done it and my year in Americorps will make me more competitive for a stint in Peace Corps. Peace Corps not only gives one the opportunity to give back, it includes tons of benefits such as non-competitive entry for government job applications, loan forgiveness, and the possibility of scholarships for grad school, as well as a sizable readjustment package. I'd be silly not to jump on it, right?<div><br /></div><div>Wrong. </div><div><br /></div><div>While I am not completely ruling out Peace Corps, I have several reasons to hesitate before completing an application. One, I do not get to pick the region I go to. While that's not always a bad thing, I tend to change my mind about where I'd want to go to. Right now, I've got an Africa bias, especially toward Kenya. Or, I might want to go to some place in Latin America for a change and to finally put eight years of Spanish to the test. Peace Corps, however, could decide (for whatever reason) to send me to Micronesia, Eastern Europe or something. Also, I'd rather be in a city, especially if it's a country I've never been to before, but I would have no say in that either. Granted, I like the idea of trotting off to some remote place in the world, but if I am going to do work there, work that involves the quality of life for some people, I wouldn't want to go without prior knowledge of the area and at least minimal language skills. </div><div><br /></div><div>Two, I started the application before ending up in a serious relationship. Now, before anyone says anything, I am not putting my relationship before my career and aspirations and I did make a willingness to travel a deal breaker in mine. However, while other organizations are OK with taking on an unmarried couple (maybe with prohibitions about living together, which, as a Catholic, I'm OK with), Peace Corps is not one of them. Even if they were to accept us both, we'd likely end up in vastly different areas. In addition, we are already going to be long distance while I'm in Americorps and, while we're committed, it's still difficult. If it doesn't work out, I might consider Peace Corps a little more, but I'm not willing to throw away a good relationship if we have other options to travel together. Nor would I do something as foolhardy as to rush into marriage just to have my cake and eat it too. </div><div><br /></div><div>Three, I have enough issues with the U.S. agenda on matters such as foreign aid and assistance. While we have done great things with our money, we've also contributed to dependency, to increased poverty, and to the collapse of local markets (due to pushing our food products and clothes). An example is hiring someone to teach in a school. Yes, you'll have an English teacher for a year and people can retain skills but what happens when you lose that teacher? You'd have to get another American to fulfill that job. It's much better, in my opinion, to train local teachers and create a sustainable project. Further, we're expecting to make huge changes in two years. You can't change thousands of years of culture in two years. I'd rather go with an organization such as <a href="http://www.tostan.org/">Tostan</a> that does long term, grassroots outreach with local staff, where foreigners understand that they're providing temporary, logistical support. </div><div><br /></div><div>Four, much like my issues with where I am sent, I also do not have a choice about the kind of work I do. After Americorps, I'll be more qualified for Peace Corps' education and youth branches but I am not guaranteed those branches. They could choose me for an aspect of agriculture which I wouldn't mind. At the same time, there are definite interests I have and I want to be able to pursue and gain more experience with them. I understand that there's an aspect of needing to be flexible and innovative and that there's also training. However, if I am going to commit two years, I do want to have a say in how I spend them, regardless of who's paying. Once I'm in, I'm in, and I want to make sure there's no going back. </div><div><br /></div><div>These are just a few reasons for my skepticism. I am not completely ruling out Peace Corps and understand that I could very well change my mind in a year. I just want to make sure that this is what I want. I don't want to do it simply because everyone tells me to do it and because it looks good on my resume. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-53827903883185107792011-05-21T06:33:00.000-07:002011-08-30T12:03:12.556-07:00Blog has been revampedWhile my adventures in Kenya have passed, the journey continues. I will still use this blog to process thoughts I have about my Kenyan experience, to tell stories as they come and to rant about issues in foreign aid and development (Katie's FAVORITE topic :D). However, I thought I'd use this blog to chronicle a new experience. I have decided to commit to a year of service through a community service program. I will serve in Little Rock, AR and it looks like I will be tutoring and mentoring kids while also planning community events in low-income communities. I am very excited.<div>
<br /></div><div>This opportunity actually came through an email I received while in Kenya. I had discovered a passion for working with young people through my internship overseas and was debating over what to do post-college. This seemed too perfect, so I applied and did two phone interviews. Having only been in the American South on a couple of occasions (one week with the Cherokee in North Carolina and another in Disney World, which doesn't count), it will be an opportunity for me to see a bit more of my own country. The adventures continue!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Disclaimer: My friends debate about whether Arkansas is truly in the South. Some say it's more Midwest, others say it's more like the love child of the two. Since I am a Northeast chick to my core and was raised to believe that anything below the Mason-Dixon line is the South, AR counts in this blog. Also, it borders Texas and Louisiana. You cannot GET more South than that. I'm sorry if this offends anyone. I do not mean it as an insult. </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-79910641852477394742011-03-31T06:08:00.001-07:002011-03-31T07:08:27.148-07:00"But at least they're giving!!!!" Katie's head hurts........I rant about celebrities a lot. I think our society gives them way too much status as it is and I'm sick of their attempts to pass as experts on world issues. Where does this sudden rant come from? Well, I posted a <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/mar/30/madonna-malawi-charity">Guardian article </a> this morning that discusses a failed attempt of Madonna's to build a school in Malawi. Apparently, she and the government failed to recognize little things like land rights and, well, consulting the people. Of course, I posted this on my Facebook with a few things celebrities need to do before rushing to support a cause, like consulting experts and learning about basic economics, politics, world history, etc. Immediately, I got a response about how at least they're giving and should we all inform ourselves so heavily before we give to charity? Not to mention, why should we tell other people what they do with their money?<div><br /></div><div>Granted, I believe all citizens should be informed about work that their charities do. I believe they should think carefully before entering into commitments like child sponsorship (which can lead to divided communities, due to preference of one child over another). I believe our education fails us when it comes to a basic understanding of geography, history and cultures from anywhere but the West. Our culture also holds suspicion for the elite, which includes experts on things like politics, economics, etc. However, we do place high status on celebrities and that's where the problem lies.</div><div><br /></div><div>You see, most of our celebrities are famous for things like sports, acting, singing, dancing, or simply being born into wealthy families and doing stupid things. Whether or not they're even good at their crafts is debatable but they are good at getting attention. Of course, would I rather them shining the spotlight on poverty than on their own lascivious adventures? Absolutely. The problem I have is that, because of their status, people consider them the experts on issues of poverty and development. So they'll support things like HIV/AIDS treatment because it's sexy. Now, HIV/AIDS treatment is needed but not as much as prevention or treatment for things like diarrhea or pneumonia, which kills more children under the age of five than HIV/AIDS. However, no one's supporting that because it's not sexy. It's not in. No one reports on it so no one really knows about it anyway. Or, they'll do what Madonna did and build schools without consulting the people, which is a problem because it involves issues like land rights and property rights, which are already tenuous. Or, they'll adopt kids who actually have parents but make the argument that they can provide better, never mind that this encourages people to try and give their kid to any seemingly wealthy foreigner, which can open the door to evils such as human trafficking. Not to mention that there are hundreds of thousands of American children who age out of foster care and don't experience a loving home because adopting older American children of color or with special needs just isn't sexy. </div><div><br /></div><div>These people and their decisions have a huge sway on a populace that may have good hearts but still are uninformed. People may say, "But this organization FEEDS people!" without realizing that it's killing local farmers because they can't compete with free food. "But this organization sponsors children who need our help!" Yes-if that child is lucky enough to be sponsored. What about organizations that offer services to people, but at a small price (enough for people making under $1 a day), so that they value the service and the organization sustains itself? Nope-not fair, all aid should be free. What about organizations that help people start small businesses? Becoming more mainstream-but not as sexy as starving kids!!! "But Angelina/Bono/etc have BEEN to Africa!!!!" OK, first, where in Africa because each country's different. Second, they go on short trips and go back home. I lived in Kenya, one out of fifty-four countries, for one semester and I STILL feel like I don't know anything. </div><div><br /></div><div>If ending poverty is truly your fight, it requires intensive study and, at the very least, a lot of self education. It requires extensive work with communities who are finding ways to address their own ills but may need/want backup/someone to truly learn and understand what issues are at play. It requires a life of challenging the status quo, of making sure that the people who deal the cards deal fair hands and give people the tools to play them well. It requires strength to commit to a lifelong battle. Poverty can't be solved with a pretty face and a check going who knows where. It requires generations committed to fighting for a better world and it requires everyone. </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-26883220278324684502011-03-21T11:21:00.000-07:002011-03-21T13:55:45.920-07:00I Hate Slum ToursMuch like eco-tourism, slum tours have become part of a growing trend to "understand and see" poverty as well as an attempt to hopefully "encourage income generation" for the residents. OK, now that I've made my disdain for these disgusting displays of objectification fairly obvious, here's the <a href="http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Opinion/Poverty+as+entertainment/-/440808/1129596/-/9qgkgyz/-/index.html">link</a>. This article, from Kenya's Daily Nation, show what a disgrace slum tours are. From intruding on a resident's childbirth to filming acts of defecation to taking pictures without so much as an attempt to ask for permission, I see a scary trend. Slums are becoming the new zoos. <div><br /></div><div>People, taking a tour of a slum does not make you more enlightened. Intruding on the most base and private of human conditions with a camera does not make you more aware of foreign affairs. Yes, slums are full of poverty. Yes, they are a testament to a huge disparity of income (the one I worked in was next to my university, a school where wealthy Kenyans and foreigners attended). Yes, there is a lot of poop. They are also full of human beings. People who, despite stereotypes, go to school and get an education. People who are aware of the world. People who try their damned hardest to make something for themselves and their families. People who have feelings, who have dignity. People who are my friends.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to help the world, educate yourself. I've got a million and one sources for you. Give to organizations that invest in local businesses and help raise employment. Learn about the charities you support. Legislate and advocate. And, if you're going to a developing nation, pick a program that honors the people and actually develop relationships once you're there. But please, please, please, do not go on a slum tour. People are not objects you can photograph to show others that you've "experienced" poverty. Poverty won't end until we see people as people. It certainly won't just because you toured a slum. </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-59054500225200714992011-01-25T10:53:00.001-08:002011-01-25T11:09:48.070-08:00"Let's talk about Kenya!"Some days, I can't stop talking about Kenya and some days, I don't want to talk about Kenya. Some days, I can't say enough about the people I worked with and the things I saw and did. Other days, if I have to hear another, "How was Africa?" or, "Let's talk for five hours about Kenya," I may have my own version of a "youth uprising." It seems to be cyclical for me. I understand people are curious and want to hear, want to know. At the same time, there are more things to me than just Kenya. I may want to talk about my Youth and Conflict course, my rediscovery of my musical passions, or how I actually like my job this semester. Or my Peace Corps application. Or how I'm back at St. Thomas and I love it even more. Or, how I'm thinking of starting a band.<div><br /></div><div>I'll admit, the "How was Africa?" has always been a pet peeve because I only went to one country. If I went to Europe, it would make more sense to ask, "How was Europe?" because I'll likely have gone to a bunch of different countries. Yet, maybe due to ignorance (because we only learn about other countries when it concerns bad things or beautiful celebrities), we have to assume Africa is a monolithic continent and all Africans are the same. So it does make me cringe a bit. Also, where do I start? I experienced A LOT in four months, I can't put it in one nice little sentence.</div><div><br /></div><div>And then there are days where everything out of my mouth is, "Kenya, Kenya, KENYA!!!!!!" Like, I'll respond to statements in Swahili, talk non stop about the good, the bad, and the ugly, and go on and on about every tiny little thing I did. Those are the days where everything relates to Kenya somehow and I must talk at great length (surprise, surprise) about it. I can't stop those days and it takes a friend to tell me to breathe before I can shut up.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wonder if this is how new mothers feel, sometimes? Some days, they want people to ask them about something other than the baby and other days, they can't stop talking about their baby. At any rate, this is how I feel about Kenya. Please bear with me. </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-86091062434084472262011-01-11T19:42:00.001-08:002011-01-11T19:59:25.133-08:00I Feel Guilty......One of my buddies told me reentry was going to suck. First, thanks buddy (remember, sarcasm means I care). Second, while it actually does not suck (I am happy to be back to my life in the District), I will admit to having a few difficulties adjusting to life back in the U.S. Kenya did change my mindset and force me to question values I held dearly (such as my faith) as well as behaviors I rarely gave much thought (such as, throwing as much away as I do). Being away for so long made me realize relationships that I needed to reestablish, especially because I kept in touch with few people on a regular basis and it's hard to really give them an accurate depiction. Mainly though, there is a ton of guilt.<br /><br />Given my ancestry and my religious tradition, guilt does not surprise me. It seems built into my bloodstream along with a side helping of stubborn. But this guilt is different. I feel the guilt of leaving someone behind, a beloved. I feel guilty for all the cultural gaffes and mistakes I made, for the relationships I could have developed but didn't. I feel guilty for not being able to do more, especially being as privileged as I am. I feel guilty for all the things I took personally when no offense was meant. I feel guilty for the opportunities I didn't take. Mainly, I just feel guilty for leaving. I felt I left so many behind.<br /><br />I know that I am not completely responsible for this. I know that some of it was personal growth I needed to undergo so that I can do this again. I know that I was really busy (going to school, having an internship, plus a four hour daily commute) and I couldn't do all that I set out to do. I know I needed to give myself a break. I know that I needed to make those mistakes I had made, in order to learn and grow from them. I know that I can only own up to the things I did do wrong and move on. I know I can't save the world.<br /><br />Still, I feel it. Even more than guilt, I feel sad. I miss it. I miss them. As much as I love my life in DC (and I do), I don't go through a day when I don't wish I was still there on some level. I miss my colleagues, my friends, the kids....I miss it. I feel that, while my body is in America, a piece of my heart is somewhere in Kenya. I'm not going to lie, it hurts.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-26711396580975625992011-01-03T13:51:00.000-08:002011-01-03T14:22:10.765-08:00Celeb Causes-A Perspective<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl-aV1oT0DZ6cmhgWQzKUv2HcoVpL2pueI9TPp5kdGfdUV6QMYNZBE8ef2OehXuTSH6ZRtAdVFt-KjP0o4eK1xzp98IAO86961u_X2Zf3pSGpTlyUFCdLdpxq6yvH5atIzK33UwDyvtI/s1600/P1010021.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl-aV1oT0DZ6cmhgWQzKUv2HcoVpL2pueI9TPp5kdGfdUV6QMYNZBE8ef2OehXuTSH6ZRtAdVFt-KjP0o4eK1xzp98IAO86961u_X2Zf3pSGpTlyUFCdLdpxq6yvH5atIzK33UwDyvtI/s200/P1010021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558088463316483154" /></a><br />According to <a href="http://www.thirdage.com/news/brangelina-extends-goodwill-2-million-donation_1-3-2011">this article</a>, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie made their first huge donation to charity of the new year. They have donated $2 million to a wildlife sanctuary in Namibia (by the way, dear journalist, it's Nam<i>ibia, </i>not Nambia). This sanctuary takes care of injured animals and protects threatened species. A heartwarming cause, right?<div><br /></div><div>I've never rolled my eyes so much in my entire life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Look, I don't know the hearts of Ms. Jolie and Mr. Pitt. However, there are a couple things that irk me. First, this so called Namibian sanctuary is not even run by local people. While that doesn't automatically make it a bad organization and I've known several that have the goal of transitioning to local management, I have also known several organizations that ARE run locally, do amazing, sustainable work and don't even get half of the recognition of an organization run by white people. I worked with a wonderful organization that helped over 200 young people get trained in computers in the slums and learn how to manage their own businesses despite odds of lack of education and insecure property rights while also founding a medical clinic. They get NONE of the recognition as an organization that also happens to run a luxury guest house (as seen <a href="http://www.naankuse.com/guesthouse/guesthouse_suites.html">here</a>). While Naankuse may be a good organization, all I'm seeing currently is an excuse for white tourists to do a small act of good while living in style. I'm not seeing a true impact.</div><div><br /></div><div>Second, it seems that issues are only worth mentioning if they've got a pretty celebrity on the cover. Never mind that local people working on these issues may know a little more than Ms. Jolie does (considering she gets to fly home in luxury the next day), never mind that there are so many complexities to the issues of poverty and oppression, never mind that money isn't everything, as long as Angie's looking pretty and holding a cute African baby, the world is saved. While I know celebrities can at least shine a light on certain situations that would have been ignored (and, I'll admit, my pull to Africa started with a U2 obsession), there is a reason they are actors and entertainers, not development economists or environmental experts. It is a sad day when they get more recognition than those struggling and fighting to improve their countries and their situations.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you really want to help, give your money to organizations that aid people to stand on their own but may not get that kind of recognition. The Acumen Fund allows people to invest in entrepreneurs in developing nations (examples: those selling malaria bed nets, thus creating a sustainable livelihood while also combating a major infectious disease). Global Giving allows others to give to local projects that may not have received attention (including a few projects by Seed of Hope, an externship site for one of my Kenya mates). Amani ya Juu is a business that creates amazing jewelry and products for people all over the world, products created by refugee women who are currently picking up their lives and making a living, thanks to this business. Finally, I must put in a good word for Alta'awon Youth Trust, a Kenyan organization that helps youth in the slums gain access to technology and entrepreneurship training, thus building their own livelihoods and gaining a leg to stand on (contact me for more info). </div><div><br /></div><div>So, what's my consensus? Celebrities, to their credit, help make us aware. However, beware of what they endorse, lest it sound as glitzy as themselves. As mentioned, celebrities are only experts of their own craft (and sometimes, that's debatable). They also are extremely disconnected from the developing world and have the ability to escape from it (in their designer clothes and private jets) any time they want. What about those who stay behind? When will it be time to give them THEIR voice? </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-56363552638252734992010-11-28T02:37:00.000-08:002010-11-28T03:21:10.335-08:00African Babies: How the West Objectifies Children in a Quest to Do Good<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn367sa4z9xRtBhl7MCar3erhTMQ55GrIBFSDKQ7epdqYpsHVnJ2DPJSLvNdyEYFNjhz77pEFud682MAdqtCovoUPxNpZI9leEZ6wj-Dn4T66SifzS2o0efOXztxBqp55dCJ2FJNSBep4/s1600/P1010490.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn367sa4z9xRtBhl7MCar3erhTMQ55GrIBFSDKQ7epdqYpsHVnJ2DPJSLvNdyEYFNjhz77pEFud682MAdqtCovoUPxNpZI9leEZ6wj-Dn4T66SifzS2o0efOXztxBqp55dCJ2FJNSBep4/s200/P1010490.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544558916979670658" /></a><br />We all have seen pictures of starving children in Ethiopia, children in refugee camps in Darfur, AIDS orphans and other pitiful looking African children in the news. We also have heard tales of Angie's and Madonna's adoptions of African babies. Many Christian missionary groups will take opportunities to work at orphanages in Africa. Let's face it, African babies are trendy. Who can resist those chubby little babies with smooth brown skin and big eyes framed with long, thick lashes? Who can resist when a parent hands you a baby, asking you to please take that baby to America and give it a better life? Here's the problem. In our quest to save the world, we tend to objectify these little ones, treating them as nothing more than trendy accessories. What it has left is a wake of harm.<div><br /></div><div>Now, I'm not against helping the children and I don't doubt that many Westerners come with the aim of objectifying them. However, there are many issues that arise. For example, let me point out the aforementioned adoptions. Madonna adopted a little boy from Malawi a few years ago. This was not a boy without parents, in fact, he had a father. His father was actually reluctant to put him up for adoption and Madonna practically begged to take him, saying that she could save his life. I don't doubt this is true, at the same time, I have a problem with this. Madonna basically said that, white Westerner that she is, she has more of a right to parent this child than the child's own father, simply because she's rich. Of course, a white woman with a cute African baby looks like she's the Holy Mother (gotta live up to the namesake, right?). Not that I think foreign adoption is bad, I have two cousins adopted from Russia and China (who truly didn't have parents/futures there) and I think my relatives did good things. However, taking a child who already has parents? Maybe some families struggle on $1 per day but it doesn't make them horrible parents. Also, no one ever remembers the African American children we have in our country, those who live out their lives in foster care and never know what unconditional love looks like (guess they're not as lovable as an "exotic" "tragic" African baby).</div><div><br /></div><div>Next, the orphanages. I won't deny that there are those who do wonderful things. Some are genuine and provide a loving haven for children with truly no place to go. At the same time, an article from <i>The Guardian </i>(found <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/nov/14/orphans-cambodia-aids-holidays-madonna?CMP=twt_gu">here</a>) shows how many of these orphanages prey on these missionaries by deliberately exploiting the children. Often times, they'll take children away from families and trick them with the promise of better lives for the children. Then, they'll keep them in deliberately squalid conditions so that Westerners, wracked with guilt, will donate lots of money as they pity these children. So, the staff makes bank and these children languish. What a nice, loving, Christian concept. Not to mention that strangers end up with complete access to them. Would you want someone having access to and touching YOUR child without your permission/consent? </div><div><br /></div><div>This brings me to other points of exploitation. Street children will come up to a white person and ask for money. Usually, theses children are exploited by adults who, again, want to make bank off the Westerners' emotions. Many times, these children are told that the white man or woman is a generous person. Of course, this leaves them vulnerable to another cruel form of exploitation: human trafficking. People will traffic children from all over the world for sex or forced labor. So, by giving them money or tricking parents to give you their child, you may be either perpetuating a bad situation or leave other children vulnerable to a worse one. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you really want to help the children, here are my suggestions. Donate to a local organization (after researching the hell out of it and making sure it's legit) that provides for the education of children, economic empowerment of women (usually, a child is not far from their mother), employment development for teens and increased legal protection for street children/survivors of trafficking (a great international organization for that is <a href="http://www.ijm.org/">IJM</a>). Help children in a sustainable way, providing them with the tools to build their own lives as they grow up. Learn about and advocate for the rights of children (check out the Convention for the Rights of the Child while you're at it). Finally, appreciate the rights of all children, not just the ones who are cute, exotic, and "tragic". Children everywhere need help. They don't need to be accessories to the Westerners' needs to feel like heroes. </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-41441174668152656972010-11-17T06:54:00.000-08:002010-11-17T07:43:48.365-08:00Money is SO Complicated..........Every day, it feels like, I will have someone ask me for money. Children on the streets try and ask (but we avoid them since giving them money can actually be child exploitation-they're often used to beg). Families will ask for sponsorship or for a school uniform for one of their kids (even though public primary education is free, it's up to the family to provide the uniform). Others will ask for tuition, visas, and other things. Because I'm white and foreign, it's assumed I have millions of Kenyan shillings waiting to be spent. It's difficult, because most people are not malicious. Many of them are merely desperate, trying to provide for families on less than a dollar a day. They know Americans and Europeans make more money, so why shouldn't they try when they have the chance?<div><br /></div><div>The thing is, it really is complicated because I know that giving someone money won't solve anything. First, it's not sustainable, the money will be gone and I don't believe people should depend on handouts from me to survive. Second, if I give money to one person, everyone will hear about it and try and get some. If you don't give an equal amount to everyone, a fight could start (for real, there was an issue with stipends at work the past two days). Third, if I give all my money away, I am of no use to anyone. Fourth, I'd be fostering the ideal of "The White Man's Burden", of proving that it's our duty to save people. No, people need to be taught to save themselves, though they may need access to resources in order to do that. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another reason why it's so complicated is because people here have no comprehension of what life is like in the U.S. How could they? All they see are the magazines and movies that show fabulous white people wearing designer clothes, drinking champagne, and hanging out with beautiful people. They see Barack Obama, a man they consider their own, become President simply because he had the good fortune of being born in America. They hear that Americans make tons of money, much more than they'll ever see. Naturally, when they see an <i>mzungu</i>, they think, "Oh, she's loaded! Maybe she can help me!" </div><div><br /></div><div>As a result, I've ended up in so many conversations about how, actually, I am a student and only have enough money this semester to eat and do some things I may want to do (travel, bring things back for family, all of which they encourage me to do). They become very shocked to hear how much things in the U.S. actually cost, how a teacher's salary in Kenya is my rent for a month. Or how, due to the economic crisis, it's now difficult to get jobs and there are those in the U.S. who live in poverty. How university education is now so expensive, families go in debt to put a child through and students themselves spend years paying it off. How I myself have to work as a waitress during the academic year to pay for things like my rent and my groceries. They don't believe it because they've never experienced.</div><div><br /></div><div>Americans can't really comprehend the level of poverty here until they see it. One dollar a day is just words on a paper until you see people living in their own filth. Likewise, when faced with so much poverty and knowing that Americans will make more money (in numbers), it's hard for quite a few Kenyans I've met to understand the situations Americans face. The problem is, it's difficult to fix economic disparities simply because we have these misunderstandings.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why money is complicated........ </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-86052298985964447872010-11-17T01:11:00.000-08:002010-11-17T01:41:35.648-08:00American PrejudiceWhile commuting to work this morning, I listened to the news on the radio. Apparently, a British couple was released from Somali pirates after a long period of captivity. Over the summer, when it came to Somalia, we all heard about how warlords threatened harsh punishments for all who watched the World Cup. In addition, everything we hear about Islam, the religion of the majority of Somalis, is about terrorism. There was even question about whether President Obama, thought to be a Muslim, would make a good President. What does this have to do with my work? Everything. Why? Most of my colleagues are Muslim and my supervisor is a Kenyan Somali, as are many members of the community I have come to love. <div><br /></div><div>I'm writing this because I want to make one thing clear. These Muslim Somalis I know are not the "fanatics" you see on the news. They are not committing acts of terrorism and many find it abhorrent to support it. In fact, the people at my organization worked on peace building efforts in the wake of post-election violence. What are they doing instead? They are dedicated teachers, working to educate the children of the community (some of whom are orphans). They are administrators, overseeing the work of the organization and allowing it to run smoothly. They are youth mobilizers, recruiting young people to take action in positive ways, such as learning entrepreneurship skills, speaking out on HIV testing and prevention, working for female equality in terms of reproductive health and good governance, continuing education. They are good parents, working to instill values of hard work and education in their children.</div><div><br /></div><div>In addition, while Alta'awon is Muslim in origin, our staff is diverse. I am a Catholic, as is one of my colleagues. Another is Baptist. Many are Muslim, but some of the teachers are Christian. Some of the students at the primary school are Christian and many community members who take part in Alta'awon's services are of differing religious and ethnic backgrounds. Alta'awon does not seek to proselytize ANYONE. Rather, they would like to translate their faith's principles of charity into action, to create change and empowerment for the community. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sadly, I often hear so much anti-Muslim sentiment back home. I hope Americans realize that the majority of Muslims are like any other person, of faith and of no faith. They simply want to live their lives, pray as they wish, raise their families, aspire for better, celebrate their holidays, and, for those strong ones, enact change throughout their communities. Many DO speak out against terrorism occurring in various parts of the world and proclaim shame at sharing faith or ancestry with them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let's not give ammo to those who wish to destroy us. Let's not allow them to divide and conquer. Instead, let us embrace each other as brothers and work to bring justice on this earth. </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-12108187346120152472010-11-16T19:49:00.000-08:002010-11-16T19:56:22.651-08:00Word of AdviceIf you go to an equatorial country (unless you're in the mountains), you may have the impression that it's always hot.<div><br /></div><div>Not always. First, at least in my experience, our short rainy season means it can be quite chilly. Second, nights are cold, especially because there's no heater. Third, it may be hot during the day, but cold during the early morning, when you're leaving.</div><div><br /></div><div>Advice? Bring a sweatshirt for nights, when you're in the house. Buy some cute shawls for during the day. That way, you can wear shorter sleeves but still keep yourself warm in the morning. This also works for modesty, as it is unacceptable to show your knees and shoulders most places (even in places where it may be acceptable, you may attract double attention if you're white). Also, you'll have something cute from Kenya. </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-86582604923835877122010-11-13T02:16:00.000-08:002010-11-13T03:08:02.319-08:00Everybody's Got a Hungry HeartOf course I'm referencing Bruce, when do I not? Though U2 is my favorite, I grew up with Bruce. He was my first inspiration and I find myself playing with his style in terms of music (started by inverting the rhythm and chords of "Atlantic City"). He's what I revert to when I need to feel adventurous, like I did riding in my dad's car at seven years old, going fast, listening to "Thunder Road." I also relate to him quite a bit, particularly with this particular line, "Everybody's got a hungry heart." Because you know something? I have one. Like my stomach, my heart likes being full. The problem? Mine feels like it's never full enough.<div><br /></div><div>I never am satisfied. Not with easy answers, not with a stable, comfortable, never-changing life, not with papal documents, and not with myself. I always feel I'm pursuing something. I just can't put my finger on what it is. Once I go after one adventure, I'm already after another one. You tell me to run a mile, I'll run ten. "You give it all and I want more."</div><div><br /></div><div>Kenya is making me realize this in some big ways. I am busy during the week. Busy as in, a four hour commute each day (two each way) to either USIU on Thika Road or to Alta'awon in Korogocho). Most of my week is tied up with commuting, class, homework, internship work (which is fun, but I can't be as involved as I want to be) and then the weekends, I've been trying to go out and do things, then catch up on sleep and school work. Right now, I have a grant proposal draft due Wednesday, a project due in less than a month, a short paper and a quiz coming up, two term papers, the final grant proposal, then all of my finals. And then, I'm trying to plan some final trips (like one more to the Maasai Mara, since a friend of mine hasn't been yet and also to see some friends I made while up there). Then, we have a final trip to Mombasa and we're gone!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>I feel like my time in Kenya is too brief and I've rarely had a break to consider what all of it means. Working with the kids and youth of Korogocho is rewarding but, at the same time, I'm sad that I can't get to know them better or get more involved with the really cool youth groups in the area (by the way, check out Blue Cross and Miss Koch on Facebook). I wish I could consider going to Uganda, like a bunch of my classmates did this weekend. I wish I could hang out with my Kenyan friends more but we're all so busy. I wish I wasn't limited by time. </div><div><br /></div><div>I need to remember that I have had some truly amazing experiences. I've done things I didn't expect to do before 30, much less before graduating from college. I've hung out at the UN complex, smoking a cigarette with a dear friend of mine. I've spoken with UN evaluators on various projects. I visited a school run by a Maasai Catholic priest for nomadic children and learned a bit about the Maasai culture. I went to a Hindu celebration. I lived in rural Kenya for a week, met a Gospel singer who lives in Nairobi, talked with an American missionary, and peed in the bushes. I spent the night in Huruma, another slum, with a friend and her family. I went to a site where the most ancient human fossils were found. I went to a music lounge to celebrate Heroes' Day and learned to dance like a Kenyan (albeit, I still can't). I met people from the German Foundation for World Population. I rode motorcycles to school, got hit by moving vehicles, met religious leaders, learned about Kenyan primary education, and played my guitar in random events. I questioned my faith and politics more than I thought I would and I made amazing friends.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, I want to do more, see more, and act more. I want to come back. I want to do more work with children and youth. I want to do more with music, not only as a musician but as someone fascinated from a cultural, economic, and social perspective. I want to do more with Africa, to learn more about the history and diverse cultures and nations that reside on this continent. I want to do more with economics and business, to figure out how to work with the market forces and give people access, so that they can improve their livelihoods. I want to learn how I can contribute to the world. </div><div><br /></div><div>Kenya didn't quench my thirst. It put salt on my lips. I want more.</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-59959395706873892442010-11-12T22:16:00.000-08:002010-11-12T22:29:19.488-08:00I know they need jobs, but........I don't like having a housekeeper. Cleaning gives me a measure of sanity (something about cleaning kitchens is calming). Also, it's really awkward to be sitting in your PJ's at the computer when someone just comes in and starts cleaning.............Like what's going on right now.<div><br /></div><div>I know these women need jobs. I know that unemployment is high in Kenya. I know some of them have been through horrible things and need a respectable way to earn a livelihood. Or they have babies to feed. At the same time, I don't know about giving someone that access to my life. </div><div><br /></div><div>It could also be that the culture's different. Even though people have maids in America, it's usually for the very rich. While I am considered one of the "very rich" here, I'm certainly not in the U.S., so that's an aspect that takes getting used to. In America, we tend to grow up with our mothers telling us, "This isn't a restaurant," or, "I'm not the maid," to encourage us to be responsible for our messes. In addition, I tend to be EXTREMELY independent, so I take pride in cleaning my own house, taking care of myself, getting myself to where I need to be (which is why I find it a huge turnoff when a guy calls me Cinderella and tries to romance me by playing a hero. Dude, I'm my own hero. Shut up). I guess the housekeeper thing is another aspect of my own personality. To me, having a maid makes me feel spoiled in a bad way. Like, I need to be coddled with kids' gloves. As a white person, as a female, people always treat me like that and it's one aspect that I will never really like. </div><div><br /></div><div>I like that people are willing to watch out for you. I just hate being babied. To me, it feels like people think I don't work, that I'm not strong, etc. It just makes me feel very impotent. Maybe it's selfish. But I think that's why I'm so adverse to having a housekeeper. I know they need it. I know all of what I've written probably has nothing to do with my initial statement. It's just what I feel and how I feel. </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-68071075378922324932010-11-12T11:08:00.000-08:002010-11-12T11:25:09.840-08:00It's. A. Slum.I love academia. At the same time, academics fight over useless shit. We can't say, "Third World" anymore, let's say "developing world" (though, in my opinion, the West is still "developing." We certainly don't have all the answers). We can't say "tribe", it's "ethnic group" (though I notice the people who want to ban the word most are rich white people?). Now, it's not a "slum", it's an "informal settlement" (bullshit, even the UN calls it a slum. I mean, c'mon!). <div><br /></div><div>OK, guys. Can we get real? I'm all for not sounded racist or condescending but is fighting over a word going to save people? Is calling it an informal settlement going to erase the fact that there's shit everywhere you put your foot down? Or the fact that you can have eight people in one house with two rooms and typhoid-water, if there's water at all? Or the fact that they're at risk for cholera and they very likely will mourn the death of at least one child? Or the fact that people have no claim to their land and that their government does not give a rat's ass about securing their rights? Or that women will find themselves pregnant and desperate enough to OD on toxic chemicals or perforate their cervices because they have no way to feed themselves, let alone a baby? Or that, even for those fortunate enough to earn a university degree, their future may still lie in selling fruit on the road side because they lack political connections to get a good job? Or that, if something bad happens, you have no recourse to go to the police because you're pretty much an illegal resident? Or that corruption hurts them the most? </div><div><br /></div><div>Why are we worried about how nice or PC the word sounds? Shouldn't we be more worried that people have to live in their own excrement and that their government treats them like the refuse that fills their neighborhoods? </div><div><br /></div><div>I mean, get real. </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-41127796873007072202010-11-12T06:26:00.001-08:002010-11-12T07:45:32.936-08:00ViolenceIn Kenya, we see intense poverty that just does not compare to the U.S. The government provides very little in terms of public services (lack of good roads, access to secondary education, sanitation, a justice system that's actually functional and ethical, I could go on). Moreover, due to corruption (a level that would make the Mafia blush), most private companies do not want to risk investing in Kenya. As a result, 66% of Nairobians live in slums and a good portion make less than a dollar a day. Unemployment is high, especially among young people. Guess what? Young people make up 70% of Kenya's population. In addition, the government uses ethnic tension to its advantage and even sponsors massacres on various populations. Yes, you guessed it. Kenya is actually pretty violent.<div><br /></div><div>Before you worry about my safety, remember a few things. First, I am a <i>mzungu</i>, a white person, so people leave me out of various ethnic difficulties. Second, I live in Westlands, a wealthy and high security neighborhood in Nairobi, where all the diplomats, business people, and other expats live, so they have every reason to keep violence away from us. Third, my program has strict rules about us traveling at night and, if we want to leave the city or spend the night away from our apartment, we have to text our country director. Fourth, even though we work in slums, our program monitors the areas we're in. They'd never put us in Dandora, for example (Dandora being the most violent of the slums, with high rates of Mungiki activity, Mungiki being a local terrorist group). In addition, I live in a high crime city in the U.S. and have managed to stay away from most of it. So, I'm OK.</div><div><br /></div><div>At the same time, Kenya has rates of violence that are extremely disturbing. Those who speak out on corruption or for the rights of the people have a rate of "disappearing", of being found dead in mysterious, yet brutal circumstances. In addition, the government will play a role in covering up the crime, in hosting investigations that are slow moving if at all, in inciting violence across ethnic lines, and in ensuring that memories are silenced from the national consciousness. Many acts of violence, such as ethnic massacres (due to protests over land rights, for example), usually take place upcountry, away from the city so that they can go virtually unnoticed. The corruption I mentioned earlier aids in the silence, as Kenyans know that the police are not to be trusted. Because of this, Kenyans will also deal with crime via mob justice. For example, if someone is caught stealing a cell phone, a mob will go after that person and beat him to death. Violence permeates much of the society.</div><div><br /></div><div>It seems almost contradictory. Losing your temper in public is much more taboo than in the U.S. and Kenyans place a high value on greeting people, smiling, and showing politeness. Their ties to their families are strong and, if they love you, they give you everything-literally, everything-to convey this. Religious faith is perceived as strong and even students in public schools receive not only religious education but pastoral instruction (depending on which clergy they need) on how to be a moral and upright person. At the same time, there is intense competition for power, for money, for survival and, in some cases, life actually is not valued as much. Friends one week can instantly turn into foes, should something happen. Rather than secure the rights of the people, the government violates them, divides them, and uses their corpses as pawns for political gain. It's disgusting. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, we have a population of youth who are idle, unemployed, and have a government that completely screws them over and runs on ruthless ambition. Many are educated and have the potential to turn the tide. However, if things continue as they are, I fear that one strike of a match could send this country up in flames. </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-92196976628022255632010-11-10T04:15:00.000-08:002010-11-10T05:17:02.418-08:00"No, Really! I'm OK" and Other Cultural MisunderstandingsI mentioned earlier that most Kenyans I know are extremely generous people. Due to the issues they face, both agricultural, urban, and ethnic, they tend to be more community minded. In fact, the motto of Kenya is <i>Harambee</i> or "Let's pull together" and this became the rallying cry for the start of self-help groups and business cooperatives that formed post-independence under Kenyatta's regime. I find it wonderful. However, at times, it takes getting used to.<div><br /></div><div>Like food. When I stayed in rural Kenya, I got fed a LOT. Of course, I could never finish my plate, which would provoke concern about my "fear of eating" (of course, any American who knows me knows that this is patently untrue). Or statements about how skinny I am, which, due to some body image hangups from my childhood, I find more than a little bit annoying (at least they're not like some Americans who told me my body would break if I attempted to have children. Don't worry, Dante and I had a talk. They're going to the twelfth circle). It's really sweet but sometimes, it feels a little forceful. "No, really! Eat more! Can I add you? Why not?" I swear, they give the Italians a run for their money (and I thought we were food pushers). Or when people offer to buy you a soda or milk. When you refuse, they always tell you it's no issue and that Africans are big on generosity. It doesn't occur to them that you really don't want either and are cool with your water. You still are made to feel bad if you say no thank you. Or you have to go into an explanation about how your doctors told you NOT to drink soda or whole milk and, even if it's true, you still feel like it's just an excuse. </div><div><br /></div><div>Or compliments. In America, you tell someone you like their shoes and it's just a compliment, a way of saying, "You look nice today." In Kenya, you tell someone you like their shoes and they take them off and give them to you. Or they buy you a pair. It's awkward because you weren't asking for the shoes, you just wanted to be nice. And, if you wanted them, it wouldn't have been an issue to just buy them yourself. At the same time, it's rude to refuse, like you're rejecting their generosity. I've had to learn to not say, "I want xyz" or "wow, that's a really nice xyz" just so I wouldn't be put in that position. </div><div><br /></div><div>Or needing to pamper the <i>mzungu, </i>especially if she's a woman. "Wow, are you sure you're OK with walking this far?" as we walk the five blocks from one matatu stage to another. "Dude, I walk much further in the U.S.!" Or worrying about me because my pants got stained in muck. "Look, it's a STAIN! I'll be FINE!" Or the need to escort me all the way to my hotel room (which feels even more awkward because, to me, it looks very improper if I'm not "with you" with you). I'll admit, this one isn't just awkward or a little strange, it's frustrating. I have always prided myself on my independence, on my ability to carry heavy things, take care of myself, bring myself home, walk long distances (by the way, I'm in VERY good shape, if I do say so myself) and never wanted to be treated differently because I have boobs. I do appreciate concern if I seriously need it. But worrying about me because I get a little dirty or have to walk from a sidewalk to a door ten feet away? After paying my own rent, doing 30 hours of manual labor a week while going to school full time (and still making awesome grades), not to mention flying here by myself, I think I'll be OK with a little shit on my shoe (yes, it's actual shit, not making that one up). </div><div><br /></div><div>Really, I do like the generosity and I find a lot of kindness in my friends here, a willingness to share that puts me to shame. At the same time, I'm really not used to it. I've been such an independent individualist all of my life that I'm just not used to being helped with the tiniest things. And, in America, if someone offers you something, you're supposed to say no out of courtesy. So I'm not used to people insisting so much on treating you to things. It's just not what I'm used to. And yes, some of it does annoy me, simply because I don't like being babied and I never have. </div><div><br /></div><div>Nevertheless, everyone can use some cultural awkwardness. It's good for the soul. It means you've learned something about someone and about yourself. So, even though it does frustrate me at times, I'm glad because it means I'm learning. </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885223493414664689.post-65945770201740410282010-11-02T11:51:00.001-07:002010-11-02T12:25:00.432-07:00Ideology Questions-Obituaries of Young GirlsMany who know me may recall some strict pro-life convictions on my part. For the most part, I still believe human life begins at conception. I believe that pregnancy is not a measure of character and that motherhood should not determine a woman's employment or reputation. I believe that all should be done to allow babies and mothers to thrive and I never really liked the idea of abortion. At the same time, a few troubling questions have come up, especially since my stay here.<div><br /></div><div>Abortion is actually legal in Kenya under the old Constitution. However, it's legal under strict circumstances and guidelines. In addition, stigma is still attached to the procedure and it remains extremely inaccessible to most Kenyan women. Even though the new Constitution was merely clarifying, NOT adding new policy, the Catholic bishops of Kenya still felt the slightest mention an outrage and urged others to vote no, despite the multitude of other positive changes (that fall more in line with Catholic values than how the government is currently run) present. Basic health care still remains out of reach for many so, even if abortion was not so heavily stigmatized, it would still be inaccessible.</div><div><br /></div><div>What does this have to do with my viewpoint? I started realizing the problems lack of access can cause. What really catalyzed this was the presence of obituaries in The Standard. Some of them were for young girls who passed away from illegal, back alley abortions. One in particular had procured one (by OD'ing on drugs) after becoming pregnant by her secondary school teacher. I never felt so angry.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because of a man's abuse, a young girl is dead! By the way, so is her baby. Rather than save both lives, both were extinguished. Both extinguished before they ever really began. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't think abortion should be birth control. I think every effort should be made to reduce the need for one. This includes giving young women and men education and resources. This includes removing stigma of unwed pregnancy, of women in the work force, and of young motherhood. This includes providing opportunities for job training, connections with employers, and chances for education. This includes providing family friendly policies that allow women to earn a living while taking care of children. This includes making sure men and fathers are accountable and responsible for the children they beget and the women they are with. This includes making health care a priority. Finally, it includes making sure any abortion is done in a doctor's office, with qualified supervision and sanitation.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't like abortion. I'd like to see it rare. I'd like to see a need for it reduced. However, I must also value the mother's life. No teenage girl should have to die alone with her child due to some man's greed. No woman should have to leave little ones behind because she can't afford another one. No mother should feel she has nothing left to lose if a pregnancy puts her life in jeopardy and her child is unlikely to be viable. </div><div><br /></div><div>Restricting abortion to this extent isn't saving anyone. Rather, two lives are lost at once. For what? </div><div><br /></div><div>I wonder what those bishops would say if they had daughters. </div><div><br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029838844637790295noreply@blogger.com0