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Lindsay Beer wrote a new post, The First Marks on a Blank Canvas 1 month, 3 weeks ago
It has been such an amazing experience to work with team Llama over the past few weeks. My teammates, Maddie, Azariah, and mentor Alex have been watching documentaries and discussing them weekly. It has been […]
Lindsay Beer commented on the post, #6 Seeking Common Ground 2 years ago
Hi Bernice!
This is a really great way to connect all of these concepts. I think that by you being able to break down this large topic into smaller ideas to the start from will be very helpful in the process of […]
Lindsay Beer commented on the post, #3 Interviews 2 years, 1 month ago
Hi Bernice!
It sounds like you have a plan set up for your time with What's the Story! That's great! It is awesome that you are talking to people already too. Continue with this great work!
I was also a little […]
Lindsay Beer commented on the post, #2 my point of view on Racism 2 years, 1 month ago
Hi again Bernice!
I think this post is so powerful. Racism is such a prominent issue that touches so many lives. I think you did a great job showing this personal connection. Sharing a personal experience can […]
Lindsay Beer wrote a new post, The Final Blog Post – Farewell 2 years, 5 months ago
Through this past year with WtS I have learned more about myself and the people I want to work with. I have had the privilege of working with many amazing people and I have learned more than words can express. I […]
Lindsay Beer wrote a new post, December Retreat Reflection A Busy Weekend 2 years, 11 months ago
This weekend has left my brain fried from all of the new thinking and things to think about. I have learned about film making, the rule of thirds, I learned about collaboration and why forgiveness is important, […]
Lindsay Beer wrote a new post, #8 Looking Back 3 years ago
Looking back:
I think I have been doing well since the kickoff to now sitting here nearing the end of the first retreat. I think I am Got It. I have created a pitch that to me, shared my ideas and issues of […]
Lindsay Beer wrote a new post, #7 My project 3 years ago
Link to my project preview clip here. What's the Story Project Preview
Hi Lena!
Thank you for your thoughts! I as well have not thought about this topic in the context I stated. I try my best to push myself to different levels. We learn a lot about open minds and this is a great […]
Hello Dana!
I agree with you completely. We hear a lot about educators opinions and thoughts but the students voices seem to be shielded at points. I am really curious on how the opinions relate or contrast those […]
Lindsay Beer commented on the post, #4 Pieces of the Big Picture 3 years, 1 month ago
Hello again!
In response to your question, I am thinking of focusing on both teachers and students. I think that the combined and separate perspectives could be really helpful in learning how to improve things. I […]
Lindsay Beer commented on the post, #4 Pieces of the Big Picture 3 years, 1 month ago
I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner! I really appreciate the questions you provided me. I have started to address these questions in attempts to move my thinking forward and it has helped me a lot, thank you […]
Lindsay Beer commented on the post, #5 People who believe what you believe. 3 years, 1 month ago
Thanks so much for the feedback!
I actually talked a little bit about personal learning in our Brainstorm last weekend. I mentioned that currently we are doing a little bit of that at school. I am also curious […]
Lindsay Beer commented on the post, #5 People who believe what you believe. 3 years, 1 month ago
Hi Katy!
I really appreciate your comments!
It helps me process what I want to improve upon.
Thank you for that!
Lindsay Beer wrote a new post, #5 People who believe what you believe. 3 years, 1 month ago
Find people who believe what you believe. A statement or idea that Simon Sinek brought up over and over again. The idea of not having people buy or do something from what it is but from the standpoint of […]
Lindsay Beer wrote a new post, #4 Pieces of the Big Picture 3 years, 1 month ago
Hi Katy!
I really appreciate your feedback. I will definitely focus on looking at the resolution before I maybe start looking at a problem. I will keep in touch!
Thanks again!
Lindsay Beer wrote a new post, #3 Swirling Thoughts 3 years, 1 month ago
After writing my last blog post, I questioned what topic really interested me and why. I figured out that part of the reason I was so inspired by the education topic I had interviewed my parents on was partly […]
Lindsay Beer changed their profile picture 3 years, 2 months ago
Lindsay Beer commented on the post, #1 Breadloaf Experience 3 years, 2 months ago
Hi James!
My name is Lindsay, as you may know I am in your small group with Lena Ashooh. After reading your piece I felt a connection to the way you think. I am someone who questions the reasoning of people […]
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No Responses to "Lindsay Beer"
I like this quote: "I am still going to have a very open mind."
Hi Kiera!
My name is Colleen and…I love cats, too! ha. Just wanted to give a shout out. I've been involved in What's the Story since it began, three years ago, and this year I am participating by being a blog reader. Don't worry about coming up with a topic–it will come to you, eventually. The kick-off day is always overwhelming and filled with tons of ideas. Some people feel inspired right off the bat, others think, "what did I get myself in to?!" If you're currently experiencing the latter, not to worry, you truly will find something that gets you excited, just give yourself some time to soak up everything for now.
Enjoy the process and I look forward to reading all about it!
Colleen Kiley
Thank you Colleen! I wasn't too worried about the topic because I also felt like it'd come to me but the pressure to find someone I'm passionate about is pretty heavy. I can't wait to find out what I want to wholeheartedly pursue!
Dear Brennan,
I'm Tom McKenna, an elementary school principal in Juneau, Alaska, and a communications helper with the Bread Loaf Teacher Network. I'm interested in your work in "What's the Story?" and especially interested to learn that you're a returning student, writer, researcher, thinker, and innovator. It's great to read your reflections about looking for more from yourself and the course processes in this next round. Please lean on me as a thinking partner. I'm sure I'll learn a lot from and with you!
Dear Brennan,
Very sorry about the typo on the spelling of your name. I don't see a way to get back in and edit!
Nathan, I've enjoyed reading your initial blog posts here immensely. In just a few short paragraphs, you've demonstrated your willingness to grapple honestly with your motivations, limitations, and objectives. Recognizing your own tendencies and realizing that your energy can produce more positive change when funneled intentionally is not only healthy, it's a real sign of maturity – as is your un-self-centered desire to raise social awareness for the benefit of others, including your family.
I'm sure you've been thinking a lot since Friday's kick-off meeting about what you might want to focus on for your What's the Story project. I'll be eager to read about how your thinking progresses throughout the fall and winter. By way of introduction, I work at the Bread Loaf School of English and contributed to last year's project as a blog responder as well.
With all best wishes,
Greetings, Maisie. I'm Dana Olsen, and I work for the Bread Loaf School of English. It's been thrilling to be a part of the What's the Story project since its inception, especially as a blog reader/responder. I love the way it offers me glimpses into the types of issues that absorb young people in my greater community. Your research and questions broaden my own perspectives and beliefs. So I look forward to learning more about addiction and autism, if this is the topic you end up pursuing. I find it so interesting that there are two organizations working to raise awareness of autism issues, with somewhat competing ideas of how best to meet that goal. What are the methods or objectives of each org that you most agree with?
I, too, enjoy writing stories about some of the everyday adventures I've experienced with my children, so I'm also eager to see how your passion for storytelling colors the way you approach, as you say, this slightly different 'branch' of storytelling: storytelling with a clear social purpose. I think you'll grow tremendously in your writing and thinking through this course, and I look forward to witnessing your growth throughout the year.
Very best,
My name is a Nate Archambault. i am an English teacher at Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans. I will be one of your blog readers throughout the course.
Your topic is one of great importance and great relevance. It is one that is near and dear to my heart. I went to school in a small rural elementary school in VT and know the struggles that schools face in this regard. I would be happy to help you shape ideas and make contacts with interviewees.
It was a pleasure to read a bit about you and your ideas!
Hi Gavin,
My name is a Nate Archambault. i am an English teacher at Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans. I will be one of your blog readers throughout the course.
I would suggest thinking about topics that you're passionate about. What makes you happy? What do you want to learn about? What bothers you in your community or your world? This is a real opportunity to do research into an area that you care greatly about. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Hi Eli,
My name is a Nate Archambault. i am an English teacher at Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans. I will be one of your blog readers throughout the course.
You have some very topical and relevant interests to pursue. is there a connection between the topics that you're interested in studying? Are there any patterns or trends that would allow you to pursue all three?
Please let me know if I can help you narrow your search or provide guidance in any way.
hi Kiera,
My name is a Nate Archambault. i am an English teacher at Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans. I will be one of your blog readers throughout the course.
I have two cats at home as well, Winston and Jezebel.
It certainly sounds like you have a passion for animals. There are certainly many ways that this could be worked into your your project. If I had to guess, I'd say that you enjoy creative writing? If so, how might you work this into your project? The options are endless!
Hi Lena! My name is Ella Nagy-Benson and I am so excited to read your blogs and get to know you better! I love how you can already define some issues within your community. That is the first step to creating change! Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you through this process. You are off to a great start, and I am positive that you will have a great year!
Hi Nigel, my name is Ella Nagy-Benson and I will be reading your blogs this year. It looks like you are already very involved in your school and community, which is awesome! It is very cool that you are a nordic skier, I am too! This class is such an amazing opportunity, and I am very confident that you will get as much out of this class as you can. What is one thing you hope to learn through What's the Story?
Hello, Lena. I'm Bob Uhl, a teacher at Tuttle Middle School in South Burlington, and I'll be another of your blog readers. I second Ella's remark: your awareness of the issues you mentioned is a good entry point for this course. I noticed that quite a few folks brought up the opiate crisis as a topic of concern; my feeling is a group will likely coalesce around it. Regardless, each of the problems stated in your entry is worthy of further investigation. I like that you bust the notion that, because a community is wealthy, it doesn't deal with significant social issues. I look forward to working with you this year!
Hi Megan! I'm Bob Uhl, a teacher at Tuttle Middle School in South Burlington, and I'll be a reader of your blog entries for this course. I'm impressed that you're taking WTS as a seventh-grader. I have a feeling you'll learn and grow a great deal as a result of it, and your writing and film-making skills will no doubt be put to the test! In your second entry, you mentioned child abuse as a topic of interest, and I agree that it can be difficult to approach; however, know that whatever topic you finally pursue, you'll have our support the whole way. Feel free to let me know if I can help in any way. I look forward to working with you!
Glad to have you back for another year, Brennan! The impression I get from this first of your entries is of a deeply reflective mind and a determination to challenge yourself. You're definitely in the right place. it's good to know your experience with WTS last year left you with the desire to return. Time remains to settle on a topic. I will say that several others have mentioned the drug problem in Vermont, specifically with opiate abuse. Should you decide to pursue this issue, you'll likely have company. Whatever topic you choose, though, don't hesitate to reach out for help or to bounce around some ideas. I look forward to working with you!
Hi Bryce. I'm Bob Uhl, a teacher at Tuttle Middle School in South Burlington, and I'll be a reader of your blog entries for WTS. I appreciate your honesty here in talking about your comfort zone. By definition, it's *uncomfortable* to leave that zone, and encouragement is often helpful. Chances are you'll be challenged this year to expand your comfort zone, as well, and it's my job to be there for assistance if you need it. Feel free to reach out with any questions or ideas you may have throughout this course. You may not have any specific ideas about topics to explore yet, but in time you will! I look forward to working with you, Bryce.
Hi Emily,
I was reading your post and noticed that Rex Ross also thought about doing mental illness. I think that you can have really empowering project this year and I can't wait to see what you project will turn out to be!
Hey Anna,
My name is Erik Remsen and I am one of the mentor teachers in this program. I'm excited to see that you have several ideas for possible research topics. They all have great potential and you're right, they all revolve around the idea of equality. As you continue to ponder them, I wonder if you see connections between your possible topics? Might there be a way to connect these different interests of yours? Would you even want them to become intertwined or would that become too bulky as a research project?
My name is Erik Remsen and I am one of the mentor teachers this year. I loved seeing your observation that "the world is everything at once," and not split into individual silos, such as those like English, social studies, or math, that you find at most schools. I think that realization will aid you in this course because whatever topic you settle on will require you to cross boundaries between disciplines.
Reading this post, I wonder about the possibility of looking at the intersection of music and writing and one of the other topics that interest you. For example, how do the arts (music, writing, etc.) influence, enhance, or change the discussion around gender equality or the environment? There are many other ways you could go, but perhaps there is a way to combine several of your ideas.
Hi Brynna,
I am the one who can't wait to get to know you better! I worked closely with a different group last year, so didn't get to spend much time with you–after reading your first blog post here, I know a bit more about what I missed. I can't wait to see what you are capable of when you get to dive into your passion. You seem like such a balanced person–our world could use a bit more of your willingness to listen, solve problems, and help others. I look forward to your posts this year!
Hi Kati,
I love what you wrote about your previous learning being drafts or simulations, but never the real thing. As an educator myself, this has become an obsession of mine–providing students with real tools and real tasks…that's where the real learning is going to happen. I look forward to getting to know you this year, and watching you learn!
Emily (one of the teacher-mentors!)
Hi Eli,
My name is Laurie and I will be reading your blog this fall. A little about me so it's not as if an alien dropped from the sky to be your reader: I'm a teacher in Burlington. I teach middle schoolers- they are my people and I celebrate their starts and stops as they negotiate awkward years. In the rest of my life you'll find me with friends and family.
The part of your first blog that resonates most is "every human to have their journey shared." If this is your strategy during this project it seems you will create compelling stories. You will put the person's story first – which will make it powerful. If your skill is in film and technology, I wonder what kind of people will help to make a good team for you. What skills will you be looking for in group members?
I also wonder how we can approach our subjects of stories and respect that we may have the mechanisms to tell the story, but our subjects have the power because they are living the story. How does that impact our work in this project?
Hi Eli.
I see some correlation in wealth inequality and drug addiction, as well as wealth inequality and the decline of farming. Perhaps these interests of yours are not mutually exclusive. I also think that thinking about a topic you love is critical. I worked with students with this project last year and without question in the middle of the work, really caring about the topic helped to keep students motivated and engaged during the hard part.
I am wondering if you have a specific way you are looking for topics to consider? Sometimes creative stewing needs a systematic way to begin.
Happy muddling.
Hi, Theo!
You seem to have many motives for your claims you brought up. Seeing this makes it exciting to see your future success with these project topics. I too, am interested in taking a path along the lines of mental illness and since you have the motivation of the people you love, it seems this topic can really take off. Along the lines of gender and binaries you seem to have a lot of experience with this and that also can help you with making a final decision of a project topic. I can't wait to read more about your WtS journey!
Your postings are great, Zachariah! love that fiery "Z", amazing visual effects! I'm really looking forward to reading your community action post! Thanks so much for interviewing me today!
Love, Grammy
Hi Greta,
I very much enjoyed reading your blog post. Your honesty about the challenges of integrating the various disciplines that you're studying into a cohesive whole with which to help change the world will, I think, help you navigate with focus and mindfulness.
As a musician, I share your love of music and the joy it brings to play. I'd encourage you to think about your piano playing as a way of sharing that joy by letting others hear you play. Most people, I find, love music and listening to someone play is often a great pleasure. I'd also encourage you to play music with others. There's a special joy making music together.
I look forward to reading and responding to your blog posts during the What's the Story? course.
Best, Shel
Hi Greta,
John Elder is a friend of mine. He and his wife, Rita, and I play Celtic music together. The name of his book is Picking Up the Flute. As an accomplished French Horn player, he decided to pick up the Irish flute later in life. His wife, a piano teacher, the concertina. Learning Celtic music is the framework of the book. But, it is only a framework, in which he writes and meditates about the environment, climate change, social justice and change, among other things. If you can find the book, it might be a helpful model for you as you decide on your topic. I'd also encourage you to interview him if you can arrange it. He's out of the country for the next week or two so don't expect a quick response. His email is email@example.com.
When I'm trying to decide on a topic, I find it helpful to ask a question and use that as a guide to see if I want to pursue it. For example, if renewable energy was something I'm interested in, I might ask "what would a successful energy policy for Vermont look like?" and let that take me in whatever direction seems appropriate. You may want to try some framing questions for any of the topics that interest you – feminism, renewable energy, school systems, etc. and see how they sit with you
Hope this is of some help.
Best, Shel
Hi Zachariah!
You did a great job summarizing what we talked about during the interview. Today I sent you more information about the affordable housing crisis on Martha's Vineyard. I hope you find it helpful. Often many families will live together in one home because the cost to rent or buy a home is so prohibitive. Many college students find themselves in the same situation when they come to the Island in the summer to work in tourism related industries.
Keep up the great work!
Love, Grammy
Hi Grace,
Meeting, working and collaborating with different people can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. As a teacher I used to collaborate with other teachers when creating lesson plans or trying new ideas in class. Now I get to collaborate with colleagues not only at Middlebury College but also from educators from around the world. Every day I am exposed to something new and learning is one of my biggest joys in life.
WTS is a great opportunity to explore new ideas and relationships. Congratulations on taking the first step. Looking forward to reading your blog and learning something new!
Dear Grace,
Mental health care, equal pay for women (i.e. wage gap), racism, environmental issues and improving access for intellectually disabled students are all issues that call for social action. As you have realized, the world is full of challenges that require committed individuals to tackle them. Researching any of these topics will broaden your worldview and help you grow as a person and as a member of your community. Since you will need to focus on one topic, reflect and think of what is dear in your heart, where you feel your help is needed the most and where you can have the most impact. Sometimes making a choice is not an easy task, especially when there are so many worthy causes, but deep down inside our heart helps us make a choice.
Looking forward to see where your reflection takes you,
Hi Elsa,
You've certainly done your research and are discovering, I hope, that good research leads to more good research, but not necessarily to definitive answers. The questions raised by your initial interviews are good ones. This is a complicated topic with many layers to peel back. Sometimes our initial thoughts get changed by the work that we do, and our initial opinions become mere memories. Isn't it cool to document your thought process here on the blog? By the end of the year you will be able to look back and see how your initial thoughts and ideas change over time. This is the essence of real learning, and you're off to a great start!
Hi Petra,
Having read your comment "All of the people I talked to want more education about this topic," I am curious to know if your school requires a health class, and if yes, how is the topic of addiction in Vermont addressed? As one avenue of research it might be interesting to compare and contrast both middle school and high school curricula across the state by asking other WTS participants about their educational access to your topic.
Your decision to interview two adults who could speak from their different work perspectives (school and hospital) also opens up possible areas of study (e.g. prevention and/or treatment). And a thread I noticed across the interviewees was the importance of awareness; as Amy Sayre noted in her interview, awareness was raised in the state and nation when Governor highlighted the rise of opioid addiction in his 2014 state of the state address. Also, I remember in your writing submission on your WTS application, you launched your essay about publicly displaying the Confederate Flag by citing the church shooting in 2015, so I thought you might want to read Shumlin's address in full as it definitely sparked conversation about the crisis.
The Governor was both commended and criticized for raising this awareness especially after Rolling Stone magazine covered it with a very controversial opening image:
One more media source regarding your topic is the documentary, The Hungry Heart, directed by Bess O'Brien. Anticipating the second part of the WTS where you and a team will create a media product of some type that can effect change, you might want to view the film for information as well as a sample of digital story-telling.
Finally regarding your mom's comment "the department of children services have a record high of children who are in foster care right now," I thought you might also want to read about what Vermont's DCF currently has in place to support pregnant women with opioid use disorders and how they have shared this work with a national organization
Inside the press release is link to a national publication that includes a case study that:
" . . .tells the story of the Children and Recovering Mothers collaborative of Chittenden County, known as CHARM. This Vermont initiative was included in the guide as a model of a community-based, collaborative and comprehensive approach to caring for families affected by opioid use."
Petra, I can't wait to read your next blog post! Don't hesitate to ask any questions about any of my comments that are not clear.
Best wishes,
Kate Carroll
Hi Lena,
I enjoyed reading your post. One thing that stands out to me is the folks you were able to interview: you certainly found a diverse and experienced few people to speak with.
I'm curious to know more about the animal cruelty problem you mention here. For example, how does it relate to Vermont's dairy industry? Do some or most dairy farmers typically mistreat or abuse cows, or is the practice of dairy farming somehow inherently abusive?
I had no idea Vermont was one of the top producers of veal in the US! It's such a small state, and you don't really see the factory farms that are prevalent out West. How is it, I wonder, that such a small state produces so much veal? And what is that process like?
Good job! Looking forward to reading more!
Hi Megan,
Nice work here, and I especially like your title. You've got the ball rolling on conversations about this important issue. I don't know how old Carolyn and Camille are, but if they have jobs, I wonder if they have experienced sexism at work–or if that's even an area of this topic that you're interested in covering. The scope of this issue is huge, as it affects women in all areas of life. As you think more about your topic, it may be helpful to consider whether you want to narrow it to focus on a particular aspect. But there's time for that. You're off to a good start!
Hi Brennan,
This is an interesting idea you're investigating here. Not being a native Vermonter, I can tell you that this state has something of a reputation for being perhaps more community-oriented than your average state. But that's not to say, of course, that there aren't problems, and perhaps this reputation is just part of the popular mythology surrounding the state. It's worth asking what makes a strong community, and what role volunteerism plays there. How come some communities have paid firefighters and others rely on volunteers? Is it a result of population? Budget? A combination of both? What happens, I wonder, if a community can't recruit enough volunteer emergency personnel? These are just a few questions you might consider should you decide to pursue this topic further.
Good work, Bryce. I want to highlight one thing you wrote. You said, "I've never looked into problems within our ecosystem before. Now I'm wondering what other issues are out there." This, I think, embodies the spirit of What's the Story: investigation and discovery of the world around us. I'm glad this topic has piqued your curiosity, as it's clearly an important one, as you indicate in your entry.
I agree with Anna in that you've organized your entry effectively; it was informative and easy to read.
I could be mistaken here, but I recall hearing that Lake Champlain was once polluted a great deal more than it currently is. Do you happen to know whether this is true? If it is, I wonder what caused that pollution in the past, and what was done to alleviate the problem. Would those methods be effective today?
To add on to Anna's question about what you might do to address this issue, perhaps it's worth asking what has already been, and what is currently being, done, if anything. Have you looked to see if any local organizations are addressing the problem? They might serve as helpful resources should you decide to pursue this topic further.
Well done!
Hello Brynna,
I, too, worked with WTS last year, but I worked with a different group. As you probably know, I am physically located in Arizona and we have had our fair share of drug problems for decades. Many blame our proximity to the Mexico border as the reason that there are so many drug problems here. However, I firmly believe that many of the core issues involved with drug addiction stem much deeper than geographical location. Don't get me wrong, geography can facilitate the opportunity to get drugs, but one must want them first. As I can see by your introduction, this is a problem in Vermont as well. Of course, you, too, are on a border. Does anyone ever blame Canada for the drug problem in VT?
I was particularly thrilled to see that you do consider yourself a social activist! Yay! Your video from last year may not have had the immediate response that you expected, but I would venture to argue that it has had an impact, and will continue to do so. Sometimes the work a social activist does is plant seeds. You may never know what fruits those seeds will produce.
I look forward to working with you this year.
I know you want to explore drug addiction and its impact on families and communities, but I want to know why. What about this "epidemic" drives you to inform others? In your introduction you mentioned that you would like to investigate the various issues related to opiate addiction. Are you interested in how individuals get hooked? Why they continue even when they know it is a killing them? I have always been intrigued with the psychological component of addiction. What about the physical component? How does the body respond physically to the drug. The mind and body often work in concert to keep a person addicted. Finally, what do you hope to gain from learning the stories of the people whose lives have been affected by opiates.
I come from a family and community where drug and alcohol addiction were quite prevalent. Only one of my family members ever became addicted to heroin and he always thought that he had "kicked" his habit. Unfortunately, he only traded heroin for alcohol. For whatever reason, he was unable to maintain sobriety for longer than three years at any give time. Sadly, he has died and I am not able to ask him any further questions. He was my brother-in-law and he was already a heroin addict when I first met him. I personally took him to treatment facilities nine different times before he gained his last year of sobriety. I may never know what killed him, but I do know that his mother finally received the call that she had been waiting for over thirty years to receive. How sad, huh?
Hi Eva!
I think it's so great that you've found a social issue and a cause that you're this passionate about. I watched your film from last year and I've got to say– wow. It's truly incredible. I can't wait to see where you take this project this year!
All the best,
Kati–Intense interviews. I was so moved by each person's stories and personal understandings of addiction. One of the things that really stuck with me after reading was the complexity of emotions for loved ones; there is so much sadness and grief, but that is balanced by anger and betrayal. This must be a really difficult combination to live with and hold onto as they are trying to navigate the addiction with their loved one. There is such a societal stigma around addiction–a disgust with the addicts. What your aunt wrote about underlying tragedies and difficulties helps to humanize the victims, because it seems that all of your interviewees, particularly the first two, see the victims within the terrible behaviors.
I wonder about these stories. I was moved by the words of your peer, and the anger he/she clearly has. I'm not sure I have heard the stories of the children affected by addiction, and I wonder if that is a direction you might consider. I know there is a term called "parentification," which is when children are forced by circumstances to become the parents in a relationship. This can be damaging for a variety of reasons, and is all too common in families with addiction. Might be interesting to explore this and what can be done to help these children make sense of their worlds.
Thanks for such a thorough post. I look forward to watching this project evolve.
Just read through all three of your posts. A surgeon who works for NASA! How cool would that be? Next time I see you I'll ask more about this. (Always interesting to me how people get interested in a career.)
I appreciate your observation that people sometimes resort to being negative about the world, rather than digging in and doing something to make the world more positive. It's a lot easier to sit in the peanut gallery, judging and critiquing those people brave enough to get in the ring to try to make a difference. I've found, though, that in the long run, even when I don't succeed, it's a lot more satisfying believing in and acting on what I think is right. One of the things I love about WtS is that it supports young people through the challenges (and thrills) of leaning in and trying to make the world a better place.
So glad you've begun engaging others in conversation about your topic. You've already begun wrestling with one of the predictable challenges for anyone seeking to make change: how focused or broad should I be? Really interesting to hear how this played out in your chats with people you know. On the one hand, if you focus on one specific aspect of mental health (eg, depression), you'll be more likely to find a particular audience whom you can influence. On the other hand, by focusing on one manifestation of mental health, you may limit the breadth of the impact.
Before deciding which way to go (specific or broad), it's a good idea to keep learning about what already exists (what others have already created to help). Sometimes peoples' eagerness to help others makes them move into action mode before they've taken the time to learn what others have already done / are already doing. My suggestion would be to talk to some professionals in the field of mental health to ask them about your dilemma (broad or specific), and to ask them: what already exists out there that I should learn about?
I've got a friend who's a therapist. His name is John Penoyar (email@example.com), and he's a great guy who might be good to talk with / pose these types of questions to. People who work within the field will have greater expertise, so they can help you get a better understanding of what's already out there. Before we can have a positive impact that makes a difference, we need to understand what's been done in the past and what's being done now. Only then can we act wisely.
Look forward to seeing how your thinking develops over time.
Just read through all your blog posts. Before I dive right into your topic search / interviews, I want to let you know that I've never had anyone self-identify as a "card thrower." I'm intrigued (and clueless). Do you throw them at targets? A cheating poker player? Something else?
Enjoyed reading through your approach to interviewing your parents and your mom's friend, Jeanne. One things for sure: there's no shortage of topics out there. There are a lotta ways to make a difference in our world, though it's key that you have some sort of fire / passion for what topic you choose. Otherwise, when the going gets tough, it will be hard to sustain your commitment to the work.
You did a good job describing what your three interviewees had to offer, though I couldn't tell from your post if you got any closer to choosing a topic. If you're still undecided, I'd recommend doing some reading about the topics you're considering. For example, in the current edition of Seven Days (Sept 21-28), there's an article title Ethical Eating (p 44), which describes how philosophy professors approach thinking about food systems. Moreover, a simple Google Search will provide you lots of reads related to all three of the topics you heard about during your interviews.
For most successful change agents, having a personal stake in the issue provides the passion I previously mentioned. Of the three issues your interviewees mentioned, which one hits closest to home to you? If none of them do, what is a topic that hits closer to home for you?
Two more thoughts. First, good to see that you cited these interviews. Even though we're early in the process, this is a good habit. Second, I'm glad that you're so excited to use the media kit to document / tell the story you settle on. These tools weren't available when I was your age, and I totally get the allure. What makes them a BLAST to use: finding a topic we care enough about so that we really learn a lot about it, before we begin using these powerful story telling tools. Gotta have a good story to tell, and gotta have a deep understanding of the story to leverage the power and fun of these tools.
Eager to hear about your next steps.
Bill Rich
Nathan, your post is a fantastic example of exactly the kind of mind-stretching that this week's exercise of interviewing was meant to ignite. The dialogue genre you've used here spotlights your moments of revelation really wonderfully, and handles these thorny issues in an approachable, unintimidating way. You have a gift for rhetoric that will be immensely useful as you craft persuasive messages, especially concerning charged topics where a writer/videographer can run the risk of alienating an audience. Your dialogue is an exemplar of how setting yourself up as the person to be enlightened is sometimes much more effective than pointing an accusatory finger.
Did speaking with your brother and mother raise your own awareness about biases you might hold without realizing it?
Until next week,
Maisie, what I find most fascinating about your post this week is the tension between your two interviewee's thoughts on how communities should be educated regarding interacting with and caring for those with disabilities. Your first interviewee seems to believe that communities can and should be taught a proper ethic, while your second seems to be saying that not only is there not a standard approach that is appropriate for all, but it is also not necessarily most appropriate for an entire community to be involved in establishing or following best treatment practices – rather, individual caregivers know best the highly individual needs of those with whom they work. It might be interesting for you to explore these divergent philosophies further, and to investigate how the institutional-care vs. community-care models address these questions differently. I imagine that the effectiveness of the latter type of care can really depend on how committed and concerned particular caregivers are. Could you locate some facts or other expert opinions about the outcomes of institutional vs. community care? Why is the community model better than the institutional? Such evidence would help undergird any argument you might want to make about access to the best care. Bravo for getting at some very substantial questions in such a short time!
Until next week,
I'm happy to be a guest responder to your blog! I work at the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College and was briefly at the kick-off meeting. I'm so excited that you chose to be part of this program, and I'm here to help you with your research and project in any way that I can.
Your topic about equity in education for ELL students and immigrants is so relevant today. Language is probably the biggest obstacle that an immigrant student would face in Vermont. I remember years ago there was a large influx of Bosnian refugees who settled in Middlebury. Were schools in Vermont prepared to help them then? Have there been any lessons learned?
I think it was a great exercise to imagine what it would be like for a student coming to Vermont with not only a language barrier but who is culturally different as well. Since this is rural Vermont, would you consider looking at some sort of cultural diversity training? Lots of great ideas to think about. Look forward to hearing from you.
Dear Anna:
Andrea Lunsford here, a long-time Bread Loaf faculty member and someone who is very interested in high school students and their opinions. I've read almost all of your posts, I think, and am very impressed at how thoughtful you are, how respectful you are of others, and how careful your thinking toward change it. Very impressive.
I have been thinking quite a lot lately about pronoun use and have written a blog post about it myself. In my own teaching, I've used "they" for a long time, though I also ask students their preferred pronouns. I've found that in the last decade students are more and more willing to have serious and open conversations about sexual identities and about how they are building their own identities, often a day at a time. High school and college years are a time when these subjects should be addressed directly and forthrightly and honestly, as you recommend. I hope that you and students at your school are making good progress on creating an environment that is not just safe but welcoming to all.
I also loved what you wrote about silence taking the side of the oppressor. That opening vignette is haunting and drew me right in and held me there, with you. Last night as I watched the presidential debate, I wondered why neither candidate talked substantively about poverty, and I was offended deeply with Donald Trump's millions (he says billions) that he has not used to help anyone but himself and his family. I live in the Bay area in California, a very affluent place and home of Silicon Valley: many people here who are in the middle class cannot afford homes; poverty is severe. Last week I heard a program being proposed by some of the CEOs in Silicon Valley and being debated around the country: since technology and automation are taking so many jobs (you can go to a restaurant here and be served by a robot, for example, and since this trend looks like it will only increase, we need to prepare for a day when there will not be enough work for everyone. Indeed, the CEOs say that day is already here. So what they are proposing is that the government provide funds for housing and food to everyone. As I understand it, they have a plan to raise the money that would be needed for such a project. Of course, other countries already do something similar, especially, I think, in Scandinavia. I'm wondering what you and your classmates think about such an idea for addressing poverty?
I look forward to more correspondence! In the meantime, I'm sending best wishes.
Hi Justin,
This is Amy Collier—I work at Middlebury and introduced the WTS folks to WordPress at your first meeting. I am excited about your topic and I'm curious to learn more about what strategies you are considering to help you learn more about the lives of migrant workers in Vermont. Besides interviews, what other strategies are you thinking about using?
I'm sure that, with your tremendous experience working with Daniel and on various animation projects, you have thought a lot about empathy. I'm fascinated with empathy. What does it take to help people to develop true empathy? How will you yourself work on your empathy throughout this project?
Hi Justin,
I really appreciate the way you sought input from people around you about your topic, and I appreciate your discretion in not naming some individuals with whom you talked.
As you explore your topic in more depth, I would be interested to see what Mexican migrant workers say about the role of language in their experiences. I say this for a couple of reasons: 1) I lived in Brazil most of my childhood and when I returned to the US for college and grad school, I began studying the effects of migration and repatriation (returning home). Language (the language of the home, the heritage language, the mixture of language in every day speech) played a role in people's identities and experiences. 2) I'm reminded of a famous ethnographic study by Shirley Brice Heath (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley_Brice_Heath) called Ways with Words: Language, Life, And Work In Communities And Classrooms. It's a different topic but Heath was instrumental in helping ethnographers to consider the role of language in lived experiences.
Your experiences of having lived in Mexico are an asset for your project. Keep reflecting on those experiences and using them to help you shape the ways you approach the project and the questions you ask.
I'm excited to keep following along in this project.
Thank you so much for the thoughtful response! It is much appreciated! Sorry my response is coming a bit late but at first I could not find your blog.
I believe you have addressed a very important and somewhat forgotten issue in our society. Especially as a girl I see this happening and still hear the phrase "Like a girl," being used frequently. There is a great commercial you should watch about this phrase…I will try and find the link for you.
I also think it's great you interviewed a variety of ages and genders, this is important for this topic in particular. Thank you for bringing up a very important topic! I think you will have great success and hope all goes well. See you in school!
Dear Anna: I am going to do more research on this idea and hope to find out more about concrete plans for funding it. I do know that a lot of people in the tech industry are very worried about losing many,many jobs due to automation and forsee a time when there just won't be enough traditional work for everyone. If this happens, we will need to shift our idea of what work is–jobs like helping elders, taking care of children, and providing "food for the soul" through music, dance, etc. may be much more important than they seem to be now. The last really great shift in work patterns happened during the industrial revolution, when the "machine age" made many workers redundant, put millions out of work, and completely transformed the world' economy. Something like that is going on again today: it's up to us to figure out how to respond to it and plan so that the suffering caused by the industrial revolution doesn't happen again. We have a lot of work to do!
All best, Andrea
Hi Sidney,
My name is Beverly Moss. I'm originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, but I've lived in Columbus, Ohio for the 28 years. I teach English at Ohio State University. These days, Charlotte is in the news for really tragic reasons. You're right that picking just one social problem is really difficult, but your family offered really thoughtful responses to your questions. I agree with you that education, or lack education, is responsible for many of our social problems, especially Islamophobia. I wonder how you can go about gathering information on the relationship between homelessness and lack education. Are there other social issues that you can link to lack of education? Your post has me thinking about what aspect of education that I'm passionate about? For me, it's access to quality education. Good luck with finalizing your topic.
Hi Brennan,
Greetings from Juneau. I enjoyed your musings about voluntarism. I appreciate how you are narrating your sense-making through these conversations. I'd like to pick up on one of the points Bob mentions here, too. I guess it's the chord that Harley strikes for you, and your eventual postulation, "Maybe we don't have a lack of people wanting to volunteer but instead a lack of the community."
This reminds me of a quotation from Kurt Hahn, the founder of the Outward Bound School. Hahn rather famously said, .."There are three ways of trying to win the young. There is persuasion. There is compulsion, and there is attraction. You can preach at them; that is a hook without a worm. You can say, 'You must volunteer.' That is of the devil. And you can tell them, 'You are needed.' That hardly ever fails." My wondering in connection to this Kahn quote is whether what you describe as "a lack of the community" above, could also be a lack of a feeling or perception of being needed. You don't feel needed when you respond to the stubbed toe, right? But maybe you don't also when you have a sense that someone else will do it if you don't?
In my role as a an elementary school principal, I'm struggling with getting volunteers for our Parent Teacher Association (PTA). I've just discovered an article about this specific challenge that suggests it's more than just being needed that draws many people to volunteer. One new insight to me is that it's good to to remember that many people volunteer to better develop a skill or talent. There's a nice little research synopsis of studies of voluntarism (through the lens of getting school volunteers) here: https://www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/article/5940-why-dont-people-volunteer
If you stay on this topic, I'd love to learn along with you!
Hello Eva!
I'm one of your blog readers for this year. My name is Carissa Brownotter. I work at COPE, a non-profit public health organization located on the Navajo Nation in New Mexico. You sound like a passionate individual. One who loves to keep things moving. Love it!
I am excited to read your future blog posts!
Hello Eva,
Love your passion! It can be felt through your words. You've focused on an important issue. As a former teacher in the public education system, I agree that the school system lacks substantial (if any) support to LGBT youth. Most schools (at least out here in the Southwest) don't know where to begin.
On the flip side, youth have a powerful voice that can rock these systems and create change. Yours is one of them. I look forward to reading more of your ideas and help you develop your thinking in order to create a more positive educational atmosphere for LGBT youth.
Hi Greta,
Certainly a lot to think about in your last post. It seems like you are exactly where you should be in the process. You've now narrowed down a huge number of possible topics to two: climate change in Vermont and the gas pipeline. Not that those two are small but you're getting closer to something more specific and do-able.
As you move along with whichever topic you decide to pursue, I'd encourage to think about two things: the costs and benefits of your topic and the distribution of those costs and benefits. For example, several years ago, the pulp mill at Fort Ticonderoga was planning (and did burn) used tires to generate energy with the by-product of really nasty pollution, mostly headed to Vermont. With the pipeline, the plant will be burning much cleaner natural gas with much less pollution that benefits Vermont, particularly Shoreham, Bridport and Cornwall. So, do try to think not only about costs but also about benefits. And how those benefits are distributed: if you're the pulp mill or live nearby, you're better off. If you have construction work by your house, digging up roads and property while the pipeline is under construction, you're worse off.
Also, ask yourself, who gains and who losses? How are the costs and benefits distributed. John Elder has done a fair bit of work on environmental justice and how it impacts the poorest socio-economic sectors of our society inequitably. Something that you might want to look into for Vermont. (See https://vtdigger.org/2014/07/13/vermont-law-rubin-fellows-look-environmental-justice/ as an example)
I'd also encourage you to engage in dialogic thinking – in this case, asking yourself, what are the counter-arguments to what I'm writing and thinking. Imagine you're on a debate team and the topic is the gas pipeline and let's assume you're opposed to it. What would you say if you had to argue in favor of it? This is a good way of strengthening your argument.
On a totally different topic, about 8% of men suffer from red-green color blindness. The color scheme of your blog makes it really difficult, at least for me, to read. I had to copy and paste your post into a Word document, so I'd suggest you consider changing it.
Hope this is of some help.
Cheers, Shel
Dear Kati,
Having experienced addiction across generations in my family, I found the responses of your aunt, your neighbor, and your friend moving and deeply engaging. The subject is broad and profound: I like Emily's suggestion that the stories of children affected by addiction might be a good option. These children are mostly silent, I think, but their experience has profound implications for them as individuals and for all of us.
It's early to think of outcomes, purposes, and products, but I'm struck by the dramatic potential of your interviews. The distinctive voices and themes pop.
I'm writing to you from Clemson, SC, about a month after a summer at Bread Loaf Vermont, where I've taught for many years and where the What's the Story? was showcased for the community early in the summer. I'm 85 with 15 great-grandchildren.
Life-long learner happy to be part of 2016 and 2017 What's the Story and to be reading and responding to your evolving inquiry.
Hey Eli. Hope you've had a good week. Sorry I was delayed getting back to you – it's been a crazy week in the Burlington School District. (Check out any news source if you want to find out what's going on.)
I appreciate how you chose your mom to discuss your ideas. It's interesting how one person's passion can make you reconsider something. I wonder if you have ever considered that farming is part of your legacy; if things had worked out differently you could be on the brink of a farming life. Perhaps being part of that legacy means focusing on young people like yourself who have to make a choice to stay on the farm or not. What kind of considerations do they have to take into account? What attracts them or pushes them away from the farm? A story like that would bring a protagonist that your audience could relate to.
Your other story idea of opiate addiction and its effect in Vermont is also powerful. I have taught 16 years; the impact of drug abuse on children alone is evident in our classrooms in Vermont today. There is no doubt there is a story here – the challenge for you I think is to winnow it down to the most compelling and engaging thread of the story.
To repeat myself (I am a teacher!) keep asking questions about your topics. The winner is going to be the one you care most deeply about and want to live close to for the next seven months.
Have a great week.
Just a note to say that I'm impressed with the quality of the responses to Anna's post: they are highly detailed and astute — very good analysis and very good questions/suggestions. A fine conversation going here.
I'm glad to see that you decided to go with this interesting topic. The organizations you researched seem to be making good strides toward inciting change.
There are also local organizations with this same mission. This article was recently in The Addison Independent: http://www.addisonindependent.com/201609bright-idea-kiernan-pairs-solar-arrays-and-bees
The final sentences of your blog get to the heart of what some would argue is currently our world's greatest security threat: "I believe that nature's problems are everyone's responsibility. We all should work to solve the issues of the planet. Responding to the natural problems is important because neglecting to do so threatens our future." I couldn't agree with you more, and what's great about this topic is that it zooms in on one of the very many issues that fall under the vast umbrella that is climate change. You are headed in a specific and tangible direction with this topic.
Dear Nathan,
You look at some deep questions here, and you are not afraid to confront them honestly. In reference to racial biases you've identified in yourself, you write, "It certainly wasn't something I was born with, and it's not something I'm afraid to admit now." I think this level of honesty will carry you far in your investigation and consideration of this topic — a topic that too many of us nervously dance around, rather than confronting it head-on.
Your thinking is headed in the right direction. You've identified the problem and the change that you would like to see. Better yet, you've begun to brainstorm ways to head off the creation of biases before they begin at early ages in a child's life. I think that mandatory anti-bias teacher training is definitely a start.
Last night at dinner I was talking with my husband and a very close friend about gender biases. We were saying that often times school curricula contain texts that address the struggles of marginalized classes in our society. The problem with these novels is that they mostly depict marginalized individuals who are experiencing a struggle. The intent is obviously to expose students to people from all walks of life, but perhaps an unintended side effect is that by analyzing, for example, a character who is struggling with gender identity, we are suggesting that someone who is questioning their gender SHOULD be struggling, therefore marginalizing them. I bring this up because I believe that mandatory training for teachers of young children is a good start, but perhaps we also need to see where biases should — or shouldn't?– be addressed in schools' curricula.
As I write this comment, I am re-reading my post and tweaking my language because I find myself nervous to be writing about sensitive topics in a public forum. You are pushing me, your reader, to consider these topics and talk about them in a space that is more powerful — because of its potential readership — than my kitchen table. Thanks for that.
As always, I look forward to reading more…
Hi Lena,
Very nice job on your fourth blog post. I learned quite a bit here, including the four strategies that Mercy for Animals advocates to address the issue at hand. I especially like that you've outlined the history of your topic and made the distinction between concern for animal mistreatment and animal rights. I'm also glad you discovered Peter Singer; I myself am not too familiar with his work, but it has the potential to serve as a resource to you throughout your pursuit of this issue.
Keep up the good work!
Hi Megan,
I like the way you begin your entry here, by describing your first impressions of Sinek: you heard first how he talked and then focused on the specifics of what he was saying. I, too, found him a compelling speaker. It seems like his message has had an effect on you! I'd be curious to know, as you continue your work on the topic of women's rights in Vermont, how the approach he suggests works for you. I think it's great that you're trying out re-framing your ideas with a new approach: that shows open-mindedness, flexibility, and a willingness to experiment, all of which will be of use to you in the coming months.
Keep up the good work!
Hi Bryce,
Nice work on blog post number four. It's clear how much of an effect Sinek's talk has had on you, and I think it's a good thing that you plan to keep some of his ideas in mind as you move forward. I also appreciate your straightforwardness in stating your values about purchasing products from companies. As consumers, it's important that we think about the consequences of our choices.
Good job looking at what nearby places are doing to combat your topic. And please, keep the puns coming.
Keep up the good work!
Dear Kati,
"I don't often get the chance to do something real during the process of learning. My previous work and assignments have usually just been practice for later on, it's always a draft or a simulation but never the real thing."
Your reflection on school work and assignments means a lot to me, as a way of thinking about WtS – and about other work that students, mentors, and teachers who're part of the Bread Loaf network are doing. Is it the real thing?
As I understand it, your inquiry and analysis will go beyond what you learn and understand to taking action that will make a difference. What you and your WtS collaborators produce will almost certainly include visual art and imagery, composition and design.An area where I find many of my strengths is visual art and design. That's another thing I'm learning about WtS that matters to me: that everyone has talents, passions, skills to bring to the table.
Dear Grace,
You definitely get at the heart of Sinek's message when you sum it up at the end of your first paragraph: "People aren't buying the 'what,' they are really essentially buying the 'why.'" This philosophy seems like it could be especially relevant for your topic. When people think of where they want our community's resources to go, innovative mental health supports and programs may not be on the top of their lists. However, when faced with the "why" of such initiatives, the need for change is much more appealing. You touch on some of these "whys" in your blog.
Open Dialogue (it seems like our country is turning to Finland for models of excellence in many areas of social needs these days) is an example of an innovative way of supporting those who struggle with mental health. You write, "Why this program is so clearly wonderful is that it takes away the heavy weight of stigma, makes it personal, unlike hospitalization or drugs and alleviates the worry of cost or coverage because it is free." Something that really strikes me about your summary of the program is that the focus is on words and collaboration as opposed to hospitalization and drugs. This has the potential not only for reducing stigma, but also for reducing the number of prescriptions that are written in our State, which I recently read is an initiative of our government.
I'm curious about the youth group Diversity Rocks. I wasn't aware that the group was connected to mental health issues. In further research I found a connection between the group and Spectrum Youth and Family Services. I am intrigued about how this group's initiatives and its social media productions tie in with mental health. This seems like it would be one possible starting place for you as you head into your investigations. You have a big job ahead, so I am excited to read that you "feel a sense of determination and excitement whenever I think of this topic and I am itching to get out there and start talking to people." I get the same feeling from reading your blog!
Hi Megan,
I really like this line that you pulled from Sinek's talk: "There are leaders, and there are those who lead. Leader hold a position of power or authority. But those who lead inspire us." Keep this in mind as you pursue this topic for which you clearly have a strong passion.
Also, I would push you to think further about the WHY of women's rights. "Women are just as important as men," is a great start, but I wonder what tangible examples you could offer your readers/listeners as to why/how equal opportunities for women could enhance our society.
Lastly, we chatted a bit about this the other day, but I'd encourage you to think about a specific topic related to women's rights. Some examples might include the wage gap, hunger/homelessness, violence against women, maternal/infant healthcare, paid sick leave or Roe vs. Wade.
It's fun to see your ideas develop.
Hi Justin, thanks for this incredibly thoughtful post. I appreciated your deep dive into the evolution of your perspective on what it takes to make change and how leaders can help move the needle on issues such as these. I'm reminded of Paulo Freire, a Brazilian activist and, eventually, Secretary of Education for a major metropolitan city in Brazil. In his seminal book Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Freire expresses the importance of liberation coming from the oppressed, as they are the only ones who truly understand the oppression they experience. It can be difficult for people who want to help but who are not themselves oppressed to understand the workings of an oppressive system. This is what we mean when we say that "white privilege" can be an impediment to social movements. Freire says "Attempting to liberate the oppressed without their reflective participation in the act of liberation is to treat them as objects which must be saved from a burning building…" Freire's words have been such an awakening for me throughout my career. This is what I think of when I think about leadership for social change. My question to you, then, is how might we ensure that we are helping people for whom change is intended to have an active and reflective voice in that change?
Dear Anna
thanks for blog #4, which I've read with great interest. I think this topic is a BIG and important one, and it's one that's meaningful to you and to everyone who has ever endured biting comments about clothing or body. Such comments sting, and we carry them with us for a long, long time. I take your point that dress codes should be applied equally to all — that's crucial. And I also take your point about leadership and leading requiring inspiration and dedication. What I wasn't completely clear on is the relationship you see between dress codes and hurtful comments. How are the two logically related? I think making that relationship explicit would be a good move. In the meantime, thanks for your very astute thoughts. All the best!
Hi Sidney,
I am struck by the passion in your post and especially your final comment about "doing the right thing." You're right, drugs have impacted almost all of us. I, too, have family members whose lives have been altered by drug use. It has destroyed families. Just this week, there have been numerous stories on the local news in Columbus about the rise in heroin overdoses in the area. Just in the past week, at least three people have died from heroin overdoses in the area, and many others are still in the hospital. Drugs are destroying our communities and families. I imagine that if you did an informal survey of local news outlets in Vermont, you will find discussions about drug epidemics. We have to do something.
Dear Kati,
Your focus on "social recovery" not "individual recovery" gives you an
excellent rationale for using documentary production to transcend the
usual message abput addiction that boils down to versions of "just say
no." Your challenge could be showing the stories of different people
(individuals) while showing that this happens in a social context – an
unwell environment.
Why produce this particular documentary? The way we currently handle
addiction is making individuals sick and society as a whole even more
What action will you take to make a difference? Make a full documentary
that that will sending a double message of individual AND social healing.
What will social healing or social recovery look like? I can see Vermont
communities struggling with rising problems of addition would be primary
audiences your doc for changing public awareness that leads to action.
I love the way your decisions about your topic give you the richest
possible opportunity for using your own strengths: visual art and imagery,
composition and design.
I've A important resource when it comes to doc production is evc.org. The
EVC director, Steve Goodman, is a Bread Loaf Teacher Network
Resource—well known to Tim and Bill Rich. Please check out the evc.org
website. Would you be interested in going to New York for a youth doc
workshop? Just dreaming, but….
Spreadable Media: Creating Value and Meaning in a Networked Culture by
Henry Jenkins et al is the best book of know of about how content spreads
via social media – a new form of social change. Might be fun to dip into
as you move forward. But evc.org and Steve Goodman are at the top of my
list of resources.
Maisie, I think it's wonderful that you're pushing yourself to think about exactly what you want your project to be, and how that "what" has the potential to create the change you want to enact. Sometimes, the simple act of allowing those who are marginalized to share their individual voices can be the most powerful rhetoric and lead to significant cultural perceptual shifts. To expose a segment of society that is typically ignored, to give your audience an opportunity to glimpse their humanity – these are the first, most important foundational steps in introducing a social problem to your community.
I admire your honesty in reflecting on your "why"s for pursuing this particular topic, and your post this week reveals that, in the end, you're motivated internally. That drive, combined with some further probing of "how," will surely lead to an authentic, relatable, and influential final product. In addition to the excellent sources of information and insight that you've already identified above, you might consider reaching out to local college and university disability studies faculty. Susan Burch, for example, teaches here at Middlebury College (see http://www.middlebury.edu/academics/amst/faculty/node/52261) and the renowned Brenda Brueggemann is on the faculty of the Bread Loaf School of English (see http://english.uconn.edu/brenda-jo-brueggemann/, where she teaches during the academic year). I know that Brenda is a great supporter of Bread Loaf Teacher Network efforts, so if you explain your connection through this course, she might be willing to offer some of her thoughts.
Wishing you an exciting week of further discovery,
Hi Maddie,
I'm so glad you are a part of WtS now! Your topic, the science behind drug addiction, is so important to Vermont right now. There are many other students here that are interested in related topics, but the angle you're taking is unique, I think. I look forward to seeing how you all begin to inform each other!
I'd love to know more about how you want to observe and connect with the community. Have you thought about how to go about doing this? Once you complete the previous post (the one with the informal interviews) you may have some more leads. I look forward to more posts from you so I can understand a bit more about your interest area.
Nathan, congratulations on arriving at some exquisitely sharp responses to the questions guiding your project: you've identified a clear, focused issue as one significant source of bias, and developed a finely-honed potential solution to that problem. Your surgical approach positions you perfectly to create a final product with genuine vision to which your audience can relate and a substantive direction for your audience to follow. When the trajectory is clear, the audience is not distracted by a diffuse message or multiple/vague calls to action.
How do you plan to push Vermont to mandate anti-bias training in elementary schools? It sounds like you are thinking of making your plea directly to legislators. Do you think you might also need to get broad-based community support to help make such legislation a reality? Do you see your What's the Story project as a video documentary that acts as a persuasive piece for one or both of these audiences? Or do you envision a video that documents your own efforts to meet with and convince legislators of the benefits of such a mandate?
Happy brainstorming,
Hello Keira!
Your post was so enjoyable to read! I'm glad you found a topic you are interested in exploring further. Do you know what area of nutrition you are interested in studying? It sounds like you're curious about nutrition and perceived health generation to generation, but I wonder what aspect of nutrition interests you most? Are you curious about food production? Food stability vs scarcity? There are so many interesting organizations in Vermont, like Hunger Free Vermont, whose mission is to " end the injustice of hunger and malnutrition for all Vermonters."
Where ever this journey takes you, I'm sure it will be insightful and well worth your time! I look forward to hearing more about your interest in nutrition and to see where this project goes!
All the best,
Hi Kati,
Your focus on the "why" is so important to capturing the hearts of your future audience, and I'm glad the Sinek talk inspired this for you! The change in your focus from the addict being the problem to society being a problem is such an important one…but also really really difficult. It's so easy to put the blame on the individual, as that lets us off the hook. We can say, "she needs to do this, " or "if only he hadn't…," rather than, "what do we need to do differently?" I love the focus of getting us to see that this is OUR responsibility through telling stories. Story is so important.
Thanks again for such thoughtful posts.
Bravo! What a great blog post…you really got at the heart of the topic and brought me along for the ride as you explained how you got there. Discerning what is important to you and how it will further your thinking will ultimately bring you closer to your end result—making a difference in your community about something that really matters to you.
I was impressed that you switched the paradigm to researching about ELL themselves and how they are assets to their school communities. You are researching credible sources—Education Week, Annenberg, NEA. Also, you introduced me to UP for Learning, which I was not familiar with. I can see that you have learned much by working with this group over the last few years. Another source you might want to subscribe to is The Teachers Edition (http://www.ed.gov/teaching/teachers-edition-archive) put out by the Dept of Ed. This article was in my email this morning:
Equal Opportunities for English Learners
The Department recently released new non-regulatory guidance on Title III of the Every Student Succeeds Act to help schools and districts provide effective services to English language learners. The guidance will help support services to the more than 4.8 million English learners enrolled in U.S. schools in grades K-12, as reported in the 2014-15 school year. The guidance is accompanied by the Newcomer Toolkit to help educators and other support staff that work with immigrant students. This work continues to build on the Department's commitment to educational excellence and ensuring equal access for all students.
This is an important and timely topic that you are researching. Syrian refugees will be relocating near Rutland (http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/2016/09/28/syrians-approved-rutland/91238678/). Transforming schools for English learners is a reality, and you are correct about the "importance about the right frame of mind." How this happens will be key and getting buy-in by the communities will be crucial.
Keep up the great work!
Dear Grace,
Of all the wh question words (When, What, Where, When, Why), why is the most powerful one and the most challenging to answer since it is based on people's worldview and beliefs. Your summary of Sinek's video is accurate but remember he is talking about marketing and commercial products that ultimately have to result in profit. Success in the commercial/business world is determined by profits and high stock values. Is this how society should think about mental health services?
As you discovered by researching mental health care, in Finland the services provided are free. You touch on that point by saying that this is "a major help to those who cannot otherwise afford it." It might be worth asking why in Finland these services are free but at home they are not. What are the socioeconomic conditions that allow for that to happen in Finland and what it would take to offer these kinds of services here. Your research has identified Diversity Rocks as a worthwhile program to investigate. It might be a worthwhile comparing the two.
Your posts are thoughtfully written and I am looking forward to your next one.
Hi Greta,
Sounds like you are persevering in narrowing down your topic and at the same time, open to all sorts of new and exciting possibilities. I don't know if it will help, but when I'm in these situations, I try and ask 'what would success look like?' What's my primary objective – is it learning, analyzing, teaching others, increasing awareness, creatively framing the question? And when all of the above seems to be the answer, to what do I give the highest priority?
If you can pinpoint your audience, what you'd like them to take away and how to most effectively present what you've discovered, it may help to further your thinking on how to move forward.
Cheers, Shel
So glad Simon Sinek's ideas worked their way into you during the week. Sometimes it take awhile for new ideas to sink and and take hold.
Also glad that you've been thinking about bias. Years ago I was introduced to a term that has been really useful. It's called confirmation bias. Here's the idea. All of our brains create models of the world, based on our experience. Those models are flawed. Those models make us EXPECT that world to be a certain way, so we tend to SEE the world that way, even when it isn't. So, we tend to see the world through our own lens, and this lens confirms our bias, which makes life simpler (at first, but then it catches up with us when we realize we were wrong). Anyway, I recommend that you google "confirmation bias."
I have two family members who suffer from mental illness. One of my sisters suffers from depression. About 4 years ago she fell into a debilitating depression that lasted almost a couple years. Terrifying, maddening, and sad. I also have an uncle who is bipolar and has suffered manic / depressive episodes throughout his life. I share this for two reasons. On the one hand, appreciate your desire to help the world have a better understanding of mental illness, though it may be that the people who need the most support are those with people close to them who are mentally ill. (Took me a long time to realize that my attempts to fix my sister were futile. I needed to be more patient and learn more about the disease.)
I encourage you, as you continue to explore your topic, to be on the lookout for ways to focus on a specific audience and purpose related to mental illness. One of the toughest parts of this class (and making change) is in order to make an impact, we need to get very specific about our audience and purpose. Last year's class really struggled with this (all of us do!), though everyone agreed in the end that being forced to get so specific about audience and purpose made all the difference. So, while I still think it's okay for you to be exploring far and wide, know that we're going to insist over time that you identify a specific audience and a specific purpose.
Hope this helps.
I love that you capitalized on the statement, "People don't buy what you do, but why you do it." This is truly at the root of all the work that we are doing for What's The Story?. The Vermont Migrant Education Program is certainly a good one and has been at the forefront as a champion for migrant workers. There are multiple resources for you as you continue this valuable work. I think your best bet will be to find the stories of the individuals affected and how their lives are impacted by even the smallest decisions. You're off to a great start!
This is a very thoughtful piece. It's great that you capitalized on the quote, "People don't buy what you do. They buy why you do it." Finding a personal connection is of the ultimate importance in work like the one that we're doing. You're right that there are multiple factors involved as to why young people are leaving VT in such great numbers. The big question, as you have discovered, might be how to maintain the "VT" way of life while also changing with the times to be more inviting to youth. Are our economic resources going into the right projects? I think you'll find some very interesting results and I look forward to your continued research.
I'm glad that you have found a topic that really works for you. How is your work progressing? Perhaps nutrition in schools in Vermont might be a topic that could prove fruitful? (No pun intended . Maybe a bit intended, actually. 🙂 ) There are multiple resources for this, and I know that this is a topic that is near and dear to Patrick Leahy. I hope all is going well and your research is progressing well.
Hi Anna,
It was nice to chat with you Sunday while we sat atop Mt. Philo. When I got home, I saw this front page article in the Free Press, and I thought immediately of you. I'm sending it in case you missed it:
Hi Courtney, thank you so much for sharing this link! It's really interesting to see how different schools are approaching this issue. So far in my reading, I've found many schools where students have protested, and the administration claims to be "making progress on a new dress code," but none have actually made any changes. The lack of actual, concrete progress concerns me, and that's where I hope to change things. Thank you again!
Hi Lena,
You've done an especially good job here framing this conflict as a struggle between these organizations. Your citation of Europe as a potential model for how we might address this issue here piques my curiosity, and now I'm interested in learning more about what they've done well and how we might follow suit.
I'll be honest with you, the issue you're exploring is one I know I've pushed to the back of my mind repeatedly when I really ought to sit down and come to grips with it. I love that you're facing this head-on, and I'm excited to see where you take this. I myself have some soul-searching to do on this topic, and I suspect many Vermonters (and people pretty much everywhere) could stand to do some, as well.
Hi Megan,
I think the specific issue you've identified here–women not being able to work because of the expense of child care–is an interesting one that's quite relevant to your broader topic. You've begun asking some useful questions, and, as the course unfolds, I encourage you to keep pursuing them. I also think the divisiveness you mention in this realm is quite real, and something that, perhaps, you may look for ways to help resolve moving forward.
Hi Brennan,
You've done some good work on the topic of volunteerism, but it's good to see you branching out, as well, and to an (at least) equally significant issue. I, too, noticed that several other folks in our course were interested in learning more about addiction, particularly to opiates, which seem to have infiltrated Vermont in recent years. You're right that many of us know people affected by this crisis, and I think having a personal stake in something can be one of the best motivators to work hard toward a goal. You've begun asking some useful questions about this, and I'm eager to see where those questions take you.
Until next time!
Good work once again, Bryce. I like that you've identified a few people and organizations who are some of the characters in this story. I'm particularly interested in a few of the other points you mention here, primarily that algae blooms are the result of phosphorus plus warmer temperatures. That makes me wonder if climate change could be influencing–or could influence in the future–the pollution of Lake Champlain. Also, it makes sense that 69% of the lake's pollution comes from Vermont, given how much of the body of water is in our state. (My guess is that the rest comes from New York and potentially Canada.) Of that 69%, I'm curious about how much comes from agricultural practices. Vermont is a state known for its farming, and lots of farmers use fertilizer that contains nitrogen and phosphorus. Unfortunate that some of the chemicals that help plants grow are also harmful to our water supply.
Until next time!
Hi Sidney,
Narrowing a topic can be difficult. I've been through that. Because drug addiction is so pervasive in our society and so complex, it's hard to get a handle on how to attack the problem and how to make your topic manageable. This morning, I watched a story on the news about the growing number of college students who are using adderall, a drug used to treat ADHD. The problem is that these students do not have ADHD. I think the story was on NBC if you want to check it out. I wonder if you might find some background information on drug abuse/addiction in Vermont high schools or Vermont colleges and universities. Maybe you can even talk to drug counselors at drug treatment centers. You started out mentioning that you haven't settled on a topic, but you are really passionate about focusing on the impact of drug addiction on families. I bet you are closer than you think to nailing down your topic. Good luck.
Hi Brennan,
This is an inspiring reflection on Sinek's Ted Talk, which I'm now inspired to watch. I love the theme of a leader inspiring others based on his or her own investment in the project/pursuit. Makes good sense to me.
I see I'm behind a post, and your next post is titled, "A New Topic," so I"ll jump ahead to that before spending time here.
More soon,
Hi Again, Brennan,
This new topic area, addiction, intrigues me, too. I agree with Bob when he says, "I think having a personal stake in something can be one of the best motivators to work hard toward a goal. " In fact Ken Macrorie, who wrote several books on the I-search process, counseled searchers to find a question that had real potential to change your life. I wonder if there's a question within this larger topic of addiction that might really change your outlook or your experience in life.
Quick anecdote… Just today I was talking with friend in a coffee shop. He was lamenting that he now has to lock his door in downtown Juneau—something he hadn't had to do in decades of life here. Our theft rate has gone way up due to opiate addictions. My buddy began to rant about how the city spends all of its money on the cruise ship infrastructure and it people would spend comparable money on "dealing with addiction," Juneau would a much better and safer place. As I walked back to work, I wondered what the city could do. I have heard of some innovative programs for heroin (such as that in Gloucester, MA http://gloucesterpd.com/addicts/) but I don't know if that's the kind of thing he had in mind. I'm still wondering where the best (and most cost-effective) methods of engaging addiction are, and what makes them effective.
Please do keep in touch. I'm learning quite a bit from already, and happy to be a sounding board if you want to think through some possible directions.
Hi Grace,
I can really feel your topic narrowing down in an organic way. You have been discussing alternative treatment for mental health related issues, but in this blog your focus feels especially strong and determined to me.
In regard to medication or hospitalization, you write, "This form of treatment may be the norm, but this doesn't mean it's right for everyone." You also point out that medication seems like the go-to solution for a variety of situations in our culture where people appear to be "different" than the "norm." I love the connection you made with Family Guy, and your description of the show — "This show often mocks or exaggerates stereotypes or current social issues in the world today" — was spot on. You are recognizing where your issue exists (in it's many forms) in our culture.
Your questions are excellent, too. As your reader, I see two possible avenues for further exploration blossoming:
1. You write, "…that is why I believe the awareness of these options needs to be increased." Your focus could be an analysis of alternative mental health treatment options and raising awareness of these options.
2. You write, "I would like to explore language and vocabulary related to mental health challenges and care, looking at the use and misuse of language and the labeling of people experiencing challenges and receiving care." This is a different but equally as compelling angle for your topic. When we chatted atop Mt. Philo on Saturday, I found myself stumbling over the correct language to use as I asked you questions about your research. Exploring developing terminology and an analysis of the risks/detriments of embracing dated/inappropriate language could be an extremely useful tool for the community.
It was nice to see you this past weekend.
Dear Nathan,
Much of your post this week echoes ideas from last week's blog post. I very much enjoyed the metaphorical narrative at the beginning of this post, and I would push you to specifically identify some of the factors that influence our culture — preschool teachers, police officers and every one else — to "look in the wrong places."
I both agree and disagree this is statement from your post: "Literally all we need is to train people not to make assumptions. It's not that hard, it's something we can push to become a reality." I disagree that a training session can simply "fix" the complicated and deep roots of racial profiling and biases; however, training is one unique idea and a step toward making progress toward solving this issue. I totally agree that we can push toward making this a reality, and I am excited that your work is going to be an important influence on this issue.
Maisie, I see that you're branching out into some interesting topics associated with mental health. Has delving into some of the programs you describe above helped focus your attention on a particular issue that you'd like to explore in greater depth through this project? For example, do you now want to narrow your aperture to investigate the problem of housing for those with mental health conditions in Vermont? Or do you think it would be more valuable to do a broad survey, exposing the range of issues surrounding mental health and differing abilities?
Until next blog,
Really appreciate that you accessed multiple sources to learn more. Also appreciate that you cited them, though I'm uncertain what the story is you excerpted at the opening (what a great extended metaphor: spider as self doubt / insecurity).
Here's what I'm thinking / wondering:
1. So great that you have a topic that moves you. If you feel the tug of ongoing interest and a sense that something must be done, then you're on the right trail!
2. One think we've learned from the last two WtS cohorts: the more specific the audience (the people you will contact and try to persuade) and the more clear you are about your specific purpose (what exactly the change is that you expect to make), the more powerful and effective the experience. Said another way, if students take on too big of an audience and don't focus on a particular change they want to make, then things unravel.
3. It's time for you to begin thinking more specifically: who is your intended audience? If it's anyone who ever has will experience mental health issues (or who knows someone who experiences mental health issues), then you're going to bogged down in the hugeness of that topic. Think more specifically. What is a audience / group you can target that is small enough that you can access / impact them?
4. It's also time to think more specifically about your purpose: what exactly will you change? Be specific. Rather than, "I want to make sure people are more informed about mental health issues", be more focused: "I want to make sure clinically depressed high school students are better understood by their schools and families." These are just examples, but they give you a feel for how focused you'll need to become in order to really experience the power and pleasure of getting traction with your audience / purpose.
So, feel free to keep exploring broadly, but know: you're going to have to make some choices about precisely who you're audience will be and what impact you hope to make on them.
One more thing. Art has an amazing way of helping heal people. I loved that piece of fiction, and wonder what kind of collections of literature and other types of art exist out there to help heal / inform people. Could be an interesting thing to learn more about. Maybe creating some kind of resource that collects art that heals / informs about a particular mental health issue could be an approach?
So excited to see how your ideas evolve!
Bill Rich
This is terrific, though I know you've already moved on to education, so I'm going to head to that post and reply to it.
And hey: so glad that you had completed this on time. Sorry it ended up in the wrong place, but that's the kind of thing that can happen when you're learning how to learn in a blended learning environment. It's expected! Glad we figured it out, and glad you're on track.
Enjoyed getting to know you and your mom some on the hike.
Bill Rich
Had two afterthoughts.
1. Blogpost #6 (making and posting a mind map) is a great place for you to explore all the possibilities that relate to mental health. Even though I encouraged you to get ready to be more specific about your audience and purpose, it's okay to make a mind map that explores all your options. (Unless you desire to dive into a more specific audience / purpose now).
2. Please consider contacting a mental health professional in the next few days to ask if you can meet with them in two or three weeks to share your vision and ask them a few questions: What services already exist for the audience and purpose I'm serving? Any recommendations for readings / resources that would help deepen my understanding of the story of the issue I'm wanting to influence? Who else would you recommend I speak with to become wiser about the issue / topic / story I'm pursuing?
I have a friend who is a practicing therapist in the Burlington area. He would be a good place to start, though maybe you know someone already?
3. Reaching and contacting people by phone and email to set up conversations can be intimidating, AND it's the lifeblood of WtS: making contact with the people / characters in the story we're pursuing.
Let me know what you think. You can email me (email@example.com) or post here. I think you should go ahead and draft a 3-5 sentence email (to send to whomever you decide to contact). Share it with me as a draft, and if need be, I can offer a couple pointers.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Bill Rich
It's not hard to tell when a learner begins to get the feel for a topic / issue that compels them to learn more. Great to see! Spent a week in South Dakota in September and got to watch bird dogs hunt, and reading your blogpost was something akin to watching a dog get birdy (all excited and twitchy and pumped up). I think you're getting topicy.
Terrific job both providing an overview of what you've learned so far, along with three specific conceptual and foundational belief systems that impact how people design learning. Loved how you threaded in your own experience, too–three schools that designed conditions so differently. Bingo.
Blogpost #6 is the perfect chance for you to map out your current understanding and thinking about this topic. As you're doing this, consider taking a couple other steps:
-WtS works closely with local, national, and international experts in the field of education, so it's worth making a list of your most pressing questions about your topic so we can help direct you toward folks who can provide the expertise you need. (And they might become characters in the story your pursuing / going to tell.)
-I'd recommend that you begin drafting a 3-5 sentence email (generic) that describes who you are, what you're up to, and why you're contacting whomever the person is. I'd be glad to read a draft and provide, if need be, pointers.
Reaching out and contacting people by phone and email to set up conversations can be intimidating, AND it's the lifeblood of WtS: making contact with the people / characters in the story we're pursuing. The mind map you do this week will help you determine what kinds of expertise you're seeking.
Keep hunting,
Hi Kati,
Again, I am so impressed by the thoughtful and thorough nature of your posts. I watched the TED talk and was so interested in Mate's approach to addiction. I was struck by his question (and yours) What's the pain? His thesis that addiction is a pain-killer makes sense to me, though I do wonder about the role of genetics as well. So many people who experience great pain or loss do not become addicts, so why is it that some do?
You write that we need to cure the life not the addiction. This matches your thinking from the last few posts–that our focus on society, on the external, may help address the internal. Unfortunately this is a huge topic! I get the sense you are getting closer to narrowing down your own focus, and I can't wait to see where you end up. Are you still thinking about a focus on the children affected by addiction?
Hope you're enjoying the fall!
Hi Megan,
I'm a dad of a child in a home daycare. We had a very difficult time even finding an open spot for our daughter. In talking to some daycare providers, I often hear that some of their biggest issues are regulations from governmental agencies that make it very difficult to run a childcare center from their home or otherwise. You're right that there are many facets to this issue, but it is an important and pertinent one for Vermont families. It looks like you're off to a great start.
It was great to get to chat with you a bit this past weekend on Mt. Philo. It certainly appears like you have done some quality research. You're right that this is an extremely complex issue with multiple layers and multiples parties with "stakes in the game."
Your question, "I wonder why Milk with Justice is only targeting housing, wages, and education? What sets these issues aside from food and health care?", is particularly relevant, and got me thinking about the same question. is the reason that these are the issues that are easiest to target? Are they the first issues that need to be addressed? Is this where the most effective change can be made?
I look forward to continue to read your posts. They are always thoughtful and extremely interesting.
This was a very interesting read. You write with a great sophistication and authority. This is not easy in writing, and I'm quite impressed with your efforts. Education is certainly a complex topic with a wide range of opinions. Your comment about the ancient Greeks reminds me of the root Latin origin of our word "education." To "educe" means to "bring out." Sometimes, it would appear, some people believe that the job of schools is to put information into students. Instead, we should all be looking for ways that their natural talents can be brought out. I'm sure you will find many different philosophies on education as you continue to do your research. I hope that they all will have this root meaning in mind.
You're off to a great start!
Dear Anna: Thanks for another very thought provoking piece of writing. I LOVE what you say about love and its ability to bring people together, whether it's love of a job, a sport, or a person. So I'm with you all the way so far. But I began to get confused a bit further on. You argue that young people have always wanted to wear less/show more skin than their elders and you give good examples (those Victorians and their hidden ankles, for example: and did you know that they covered the legs of pianos because they didn't want to be risque?!). But by that logic, wouldn't we eventually all just be walking around naked? Why not just show everything? For me, choice of dress like just about everything else is a matter of what's appropriate in what context and what choices I want to make to express myself. I think you'd go along with that, right?
I'm also confused, though, about what connection you see between dress codes and the incidence of rapes and sexual assault. I'm lost there. So I'd like to hear more.
In the meantime, though I am discouraged at the very low level of discourse about women in the Presidential race right now, I am hoping that it will lead to thoughtful discussions and to change in ways of thinking.
Seding all best wishes, Abdrea
Hi Andrea, thank you for your response! I believe that the historical trend predicts that someday, yes, we may devolve into a society that accepts nudity. However, I definitely agree that it's important to dress appropriately for certain contexts. For instance, if I'm going to a job interview, I'll wear clothes that appear professional, such as a nice shirt and jeans. If I'm going to dinner at my grandmother's house, I'll take extra care not to show bra straps or my torso, not simply to respect her opinions, but also because that's not the person I want to present to her. Contrarily, I'm not going to wear a fitted sweater and slacks to go to the beach with my friends. Context plays a big role in our choices, but the key is that it's our choice. I *could* wear a crop top and short shorts to a college interview, but most likely I would get rejected. I think that we, as teenagers and adults, understand what's appropriate for a certain situation and choose to dress in a certain way, considering the inevitable consequences of whatever attire we wear. We're smart enough to make appropriate choices. And maybe in high school, we're still learning what's okay and what's not, so we need to experiment with outfits to see what we feel comfortable in. If we're restricted, we never develop that natural intuition, so we're more likely to dress inappropriately in higher stakes situations.
As for the connection between sexual assault and dress codes, it's more about rape culture. In other words, by restricting the way girls dress in order to prevent the boys from being distracted, we're putting the responsibility on girls, when it's the boys who "can't focus" (sidenote: I don't believe that boys will get distracted by seeing bra straps, legs, or even midriffs. I have a whole anecdote about this but I don't want to make this too long…). We're telling girls it's up to them. Just as we tell girls that they must cover up in order to prevent being catcalled or sexually assaulted. It's the classic "she was asking for it." In both cases, we're manipulating female behavior, when we should be teaching men to deal with their distraction, or keep their hands to themselves. I feel like I'm not making much sense here… Okay, so starting in middle school, girls are asked to change, because "boys can't control themselves," but the boys aren't told to control themselves, because "boys will be boys." This tells girls that they have the responsibility to keep the boys' behavior at bay, and tells boys that they can behave how they wish, without consequence. Years pass like this, and now they're in high school. Suddenly people are thinking about sex, but the ideas that have been drilled into their heads from the beginning don't disappear. Boys, never having learned the importance of self control, still think they can do whatever they want. So if they want to have sex, they do. Obviously, most men will never rape someone, but the culture is there. The ideas are there. And when it happens? Women blame themselves, because they've forever been taught that they need to protect themselves by wearing appropriate clothing, staying sober, etc. This is just a long winded way to say that dress codes are placing the blame on girls and absolving boys from all responsibility, which translates into rape culture as we grow up.
Rape culture means that rapists have less responsibility than the victims. Rape culture is victim blaming. Rape culture is making sexual comments/advances on a woman who doesn't want to receive those comments. And I'm glad you brought up the issue of the Presidential race, because there's a perfect example of rape culture. The fact that obscene, sexual comments about women are viewed as "locker room talk" is a huge problem. It means that we're normalizing sexual assault, because whether it's verbal or physical, it's still. Sexual. Assault. And I'm going to try and abstain from offering up political opinions, but the fact that one of our presidential candidates has repeatedly sexually assaulted women, at least verbally if not physically, and is still being considered in the race, indicates something extremely negative about our country. This normalization of violence towards women needs to end. Right now.
Ahh sorry I wrote way too much and got off topic. I have so many opinions… I know I wasn't very clear in my explanations but I hope that gives you at least some clarification…?
Hi Clara,
I am Stacey Mitchell King, a teacher from Columbus OH. I signed up with Tim to shadow your posts this year. I have found some profound thoughts on your blog. Clara, you said, 'I am not always the most eloquent or articulate speaker, but given sufficient time to develop something, it is one of my skills. That said, I have a long way to go–one of the biggest things I've learned in regards to writing is how much I still have to learn.'
I completely agree with you. In person, I have no access to eloquent and academic language. I need time, and even then, I need to use the synonym finder.
As for the driven individuals with good intentions, what do you think about making sure those same individuals allow for creativity in all learners? I sometimes feel that I am imposing my views on my students–any ideas about how to keep this from being an issue.
I've enjoyed reading your latest post and how you are digging deeper into your topic. You've researched two ways which are aiding the ELL transitions in school communities. The cultural liaisons have the most direct impact for the family but not the overall school community. The tutoring is a wonderful way for students to have contact with ELL students but really is limited to only those students that do the volunteering.
I went back and reread some of your earlier posts and one thing that jumped out at me was when you spoke about how ELL and immigrants usually are seen as a problem when they can be seen as an asset. Is there a way to work collectively on a broad effort to show the benefits that ELL families bring to a school community?
Thanks for bringing up such a relevant and important issue. As more refugees begin settling in Vermont, this topic will be brought to the forefront. What type of impact could you see your social action group making?
Brynna, I am a bit surprised to read the shift you have taken in your research. However, I see many similar threads between invasive plants and marine life with the previous topic that you had discussed, substance abuse. I do applaud you for making the shift, however. The topic of substance abuse and addiction can be equally as overwhelming as invasive species in Vermont, but with a more emotional attachment that can hinder the researcher's ability to remain objective.
As you know, I live in Arizona where invasive species have been allowed to run rampant for decades. Currently, we are actively working on eliminating many of them, but as you mentioned in your blog post, this can be difficult and all encompassing. Which should we choose to focus on first and why? In order to prioritize, I believe it is necessary to look at which invasive species are the most dangerous – both to the ecosystem and to the public. For instance, buffel grass has created a severe problem in the Tucson region of Arizona. This highly invasive grass has turned the Sonoran desert, a virtually fire free environment, into a tinderbox. The end result is damage to the ecosystem and to human structures that are currently trying to co-exist in the environment. As a result, there has been a huge movement to remove the buffel grass, one blade at a time. This is not only time consuming and labor intensive, but it is also costly. Volunteers are now working to eliminate this invasive species, and hopefully soon, it will be a thing of the past.
I tell you the buffel grass story with the hope of helping you select an invasive species that you can work to eliminate. It has been my experience that if I narrow down my research, even if it is to one species, I am better able to manage not only the research, but also the management of a solution for the problem. Ultimately, I believe this is something you might want to focus on also. How can your research effect change in your community and your state? Since you are intrigued with marine life and would like to visit a maritime museum, perhaps this is where you should start looking for a species that you can attach yourself to (how's that for a pun?).
I look forward to reading more about your new topic and the ways that you will be approaching it.
Hi Greta,
I very much like the way that your recent post builds on your previous posts and gradually, as you think more on the topic of the environment, you are beginning to narrow down your focus to the gas pipeline.
While it may be a 'pipe in the ground', the issues that it raises are significant and transcend this one pipeline. I'd encourage you to think in terms of the costs and benefits of the project (and one of the benefits might be the difference in emissions from burning gas vs whatever the likely alternative would be: coal, heavy oil, wood, etc.) Also, think about the distributions of the costs and benefits: who is most heavily impacted? Who benefits the most? Are the negative impacts being imposed on those in society who are less able to defend themselves (social justice and equity). Finally, you'll need to define the lens through which you're looking. And you have the option of picking one or more of them. You can consider the costs and benefits from the local level, state, national or international.
Here's a link to an article about energy-related CO2 emissions and their reduction as the fossil fuel mix the country uses changes. It also notes the increased role of solar and wind energy generation. You might find it useful when looking from a national level:
From a more local perpsective, here's one about Burlington running entirely on renewable energy:
Like many issues, it's complicated and important.
Hope this is of some help. Good luck in continuing to focus
Hey Bryce! You're making really good progress on your topic! You have a lot of really good, specific information that will allow you to develop a solution. By identifying the two most harmful chemicals, you can begin finding a way to reduce these two chemicals, whether it's banning the usage of phosphorus in fertilizer or figuring out a more effective way to remove phosphorus from the lake. Unfortunately, phosphorus is a naturally occurring chemical so we can't eliminate it completely, but decreasing human contribution seems like it would help.
You've also identified a number of groups that are already working to improve Lake Champlain's habitat, and I think that's really important. Once you begin work on your project, you can reach out to them for information and assistance. It's also beneficial that our governor is interested in this issue, because he could be a resource for you as well.
Overall, I think you're in a really good place right now and I see you being able to succeed immensely with this project.
Hey Zachariah! Last I knew, you were struggling a little to come up with a topic so I'm glad to see you've found one, and a really important one at that. The declining bee population is a really big deal. Just recently, bees made it onto the endangered species list, which is a huge, unfortunate development, not just for them, but for us. As part of your project, you're going to want to spread information about how the extinction of bees will affect us negatively, because people either don't know or don't care, believing it doesn't apply to them.
From what you said about your sources, it seems that no one is opposing the idea that we have to save the bees…? No one is denying that this is a real and important thing, but they all have different ideas about what's causing it and how to deal with it. It will be up to you to gather as much information as you can, and decide which trail you want to follow. This is a really important project and I think you can have great success. From what I can tell, you're on the right track!
Hi Lena,
I'll also be reading your Blog for the next bit of time. A bit about me – I am a Language Arts teacher in Burlington, Vermont.
As you mentioned, this is a topic that literally affects us all. In thinking about the story and the characters involved, I wonder to ground the story if the Five Freedoms could become the spine of your work. This is a large topic as you mentioned. If you centered your research on examples – good and bad of each of the freedoms, it might give boundaries and form to your work. It might too, with your end product, give your readers/viewers a more holistic view of the possibilities of both poor treatment and excellent treatment.
I wonder if another excellent resource would be the college of Agriculture at UVM. They have an ecological agriculture minor. Here is a link
See this class: ASCI 122. Animals in Soc/Animal Welfare. 3 Credits.
Designed to heighten awareness and understanding of human-animal relationships in society, agriculture, and science. Prerequisites: Animal Science major; Sophomore standing.
What are future farmers thinking about this topic?
Keep up the good work,
Laurie Hickey
Hi Petra,
I was very engaged by your selections from your source materials this week, and I was particularly struck by Rawson's objectives:
"The first is figuring out how many people are dependent on opiates, for which he says there is no solid data. The second is taking a close look at the treatment methods being used and determining if they're working"
I wonder what other models there are for treatment methods other than the hub and spoke. Considering Vermont's challenging geography, my gut tells me our current method seems to fit, but what are the other options? I am also eager to see what his research reveals about Vermont's hub and spoke's current efficacy.
I am curious about your thoughts/understanding/questions regarding Rawson's comment:
"Understanding addiction not as something that should be treated in isolation but as a public health issue" (citation #2)
I took this to mean that individual doctors/treatment centers treating individual addicts will not solve the problem. I think his comment about treating addiction as a "public health issue" connects to your consideration of education's role in prevention and treatment. But I also wonder how other public health issues have been addressed as a way to consider how we might address addiction similarly and differently at a societal level.
Then just yesterday, I read the following essay that toggles back and forth between the writer's personal story of her Adderall Addiction and its origins, statistics, treatment, unknowns on a national level; as a teacher, I was particularly struck by how much the writer's desire to excel academically triggered her initial use :
I wonder if there is any way to track Rawson's research results before it is officially presented as your questions totally relate to what he is looking at. One sources that might be helpful is The Turning Point website.
Would it be possible for you interview any primary care/family physicians, so you could ask them about experiences treating patients with addiction.
Best wishes with these week's post. I look forward to reading your next installment,
Kate Carroll
Hi Brynna,
I love the direction of your new topic. As someone who likes to fly-fish, I got rid of my old felt-bottomed wading boots a few years ago because of the spread of invasives–interesting to hear from your interview that it didn't make a difference! Focusing on plants is probably a good idea, as it's still a huge topic, and being able to narrow it down even more over the next few weeks will be key. I liked Ceci's story about the buffel grass–very specific, and therefore more compelling. It could be interesting to not only focus on a single plant species, but also on a single source of its spreading. I will interesting also to see if there are ways that some of our local invasive issues are being addressed in other parts of the world.
Can't wait to read more!
Maddie–the focus on tension is excellent, I think. I love that as a center, and I look forward to seeing if you were able to make more sense of it and narrow it down even more with your mind mapping! I have been thinking about these tensions so much lately, and trying to determine which tensions are most compelling to me in my role this year. There are so many, as you know, but the one that keeps coming up in the high school is the tension between what we know about healthy learning and the pressures (perceived or real) from school requirements, colleges, parents, and other external forces. I think of homework as an example, as it's something I have become passionate about, but also the crazy expectations that HS students put on themselves (or we put on them) that prevents significant change from happening within our schools. I'm not sure where the breaking point is, but I worry many students are reaching it; and what happens when students push themselves to "play by the rules", load up their transcripts, build up their resumes…and it doesn't end up the way it was promised to them?
I can't wait to see your mind-mapping!
Nathan, I'd reiterate Courtney's thoughts and add that it might be useful to try to dig up some data on the efficacy of anti-bias training. Your case to Vermont legislators and/or public that teacher training is the first important step toward reducing bias in schools will be made much more powerful if you can point to statistics showing, for example, a reduction in police bias after training as evidenced by, say, a more equitable distribution of arrests across race.
Very nice, Lena! This is a clear, well-organized map that succinctly depicts relationships among many of the major ideas you've been writing about for the past few weeks. Even people unfamiliar with your work, I think, could look this over and get a strong sense of what it is you've been investigating. Well done.
Hi Brennan,
Good to see you continuing to investigate other topics. This one here has been an especially hot one, given the (seemingly never-ending) presidential campaigns. Although it's a bit hard for me to read the mind map due to the size of the photo, I can tell that you've identified some of the major elements of this issue. I admit I haven't personally thought much of illegal immigration in Vermont, but now that you bring it up, I'm sure it affects our state in some way. If you decide to pursue this topic, I'll be very interested to see where it takes you!
Bryce, this is a dazzling mind map. Well done! It is clear, detailed, organized, and effectively represents the investigation you've been conducting on this topic over the past several weeks. Also, as promised, you've worked another pun into your blog post. Puns plus work of this quality makes reading your entries very enjoyable. Keep it up!
Hi Anna,
I haven't commented here before, but I wanted to drop in and say WOW! What an impressive mind map! Keep up the good work.
HI Greta,
I haven't commented here before, but in scanning through these entries I just had to drop in and say how impressed I am with this mind map. A job well done!
Love the mind map, Clara! Well done!
Hi Keira,
I love this line from your post: "I can agree that our psychology has a symbiotic relationship with our nutrition. " Awesome. Seems like a great jumping off point to begin your research. And I like, through all your muddle-ness, you came full circle. In the beginning of your post you asked yourself "why" you care about this project. By the end you had created a great research question: "Can anyone explain WHY we eat?" I love it. You got this!
Dear Keira,
I'm so excited about your research. You've really seemed to find your niche from your original big wide topic of "food love." I started reading Podhaizer's article, and will have to finish it later (after some shuteye!). I wonder if Podhaizer would be a good person to connect with about your project? She could be a great local resource.
Anyways, this issue of food ethics really interests me; especially the idea of local food. One of my favorite books of all time (it's non-fiction and I'm including this as a favorite for non-fiction and fiction combined, so this is a BIG statement for me as an English teacher) is "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver. It recounts the year her family spent eating only food they could grow, raise, make, or buy locally within 100 miles of their home. From there I've read a variety of other "100 mile diet" books, sustainable living memoirs, etc. A few that even take a place in Vermont. There's so much info out there, as I'm sure you know, but let me know if you're looking for any additional resources.
I'm excited for you and the path you're on. Good luck!
I think your mind map is fabulous. The term "mind map" lends itself well to your topic. It's clear from your map that you've done a lot of thinking about how your topic breaks down, and about how these sub-categories are interconnected. It's a pleasure to watch your thinking unfold. Looking forward to seeing you again soon…
Hi Nathan,
It's neat to see how your topic translates into a mind map. I'm curious about the legislative branch of your mind map. Race is legally a protected class, but of course this doesn't prevent racial biases from manifesting themselves in schools. I wonder what type of legislation you're imagining, as this is a new element to your topic. I like that you have widened your target audience here to include more demographics of the school community. I'm also wondering if you have done any thinking about what types of activities or information would be presented at workshops, trainings, etc. I think you have the opportunity to present an old issue through a new or uniquely-nuanced lens. Now that you've targeted these audiences, it might be good to start brainstorming what key messages about racial biases you want to explore/promote in your pursuit of prevention.
Looking forward to seeing you soon,
This is a work of art! Your insightful thinking that I've enjoyed reading over the last few weeks has emerged into this beautiful creation. Your main points: Importance, Stories, Change—why is it important, what are the stories, and how can change come about? You've come full circle from the Simon Sinek video on "How great leaders inspire action." The section I loved the most was when you wrote: Power in…sharing stories; Power… in appreciating individuals' experiences. Your story has the power to make change and this project will continue to evolve and take shape as you move to the next phase. Great work.
Hi Sidney,
Your mind map branches point to the many aspects of drug use that one can research. You rightly raise questions about who uses drugs, why they do it, what is the impact of drug addiction, and how do people become involved with drugs? These are such important questions. Have you thought about contacting drug counselors who can talk to you about trends they see in who uses drugs and why? Maybe you can even interview school counselors about drug use in local high schools. Even gathering data about drug abuse among different age groups may help you narrow the topic. I think you will find that there's quite a bit of information about drug addiction in Vermont. As you continue to work on your project, will you focus more on why people begin using drug and its impact or maybe drug prevention. You have so many choices. Your work will be important to your community.
Hi Brynna,
Your map is so thorough, and the sheer number of resources you have found shows what a significant issue this is in our state and beyond. One of the challenges of your topic is that it's hard to see beyond "we need to educate people about this" as a solution at times. But that's difficult, because for most of us, invasive plants seem to have little to no impact on our daily lives. I was struck by the Importance section of your map and google doc, and seeing the list of ways the invasives effect people and the ecosystem; this seemed to me the area where you may find a "seed" of an idea to move forward. For example, seeing that there is a connection between Lyme disease and invasive plants may be what the public needs to care.
Thanks for your attention to detail!
Kati–cool mind map style. Did you find it helpful to your thinking? I am interested in the words that you put boxes around–are these more important, or more interesting to you? I wonder how they interconnect and inform each other? I am most curious about why you have "social media" boxed? Is this a new area of interest for you? How does social media affect addiction or treatment? I've never considered this perspective before and am interested!
Hi Maddie,
Really cool mind map! Your level of detail and organization is not only impressive, but shows HOW you're thinking as well as WHAT you're thinking. It might be worth your time to take one of the areas of tension that you think you're most interested in (i.e. Parent/child or Traditional/Innovative) and blow that up in its own mind map…
You're right about the change section–so difficult at this point to see how to make a change in such a huge system. Your challenge moving forward may be to choose one small component of this map (or the next) and then focus on how to shift mindsets in that area?
Here's a TED Talk that you might find relevant. It's about the parent tension: https://www.ted.com/talks/julie_lythcott_haims_how_to_raise_successful_kids_without_over_parenting?language=en
Thanks for your map!
Hi Justin,
This mind map is very interesting! I'm curious about which of these issues is most appealing to you as a topic for your project and why. How might you decide which direction to go? I wonder if it's possible to show this mindmap to a migrant worker, or to someone who does work with migrant workers, and ask for their input on the issues you've raised. They might point out interesting connections between issues or help you to identify resources on particular issues. By the way, I saw this article in The Campus (Middlebury's student newspaper) the other day and I thought about your project: https://middleburycampus.com/article/student-group-fights-to-free-migrant-worker/ Keep up the great work!
Wow, Maisie. This mapping reveals how expansive your reflection on this topic is. Which of these areas do you think have the most potential for communities to engage with, and in which do you think you might have the most potential to effect change through this project? I'm having trouble reading your entire map, but does that statistic at the bottom center say that suicide is the 3rd most common cause of death in America? Is that for a particular segment of society? That's a surprising figure, and one that should generate a sense of urgency regardless of whether it applies to America as a whole or to a certain population within America. I hope you can find a way to use that figure to help propel action.
Hi Brennan,
I see you have your mind map up on another topic, illegal immigration. I imagine migrant farm workers are the main source of illegal (and possibly legal?) immigrants into central Vermont. I'd be curious to know how they impact you, locally, and in particular how their legal or illegal status impacts you.
Like Bob, I had a bit of a hard time reading this tiny image. I'm available as a thought partner if you want to "talk" through any of this in writing.
I agree with Emily; you are well on your way. The information you have gathered so far is quite impressive. As I was reading the list of invasive plants, I was struck by finding honeysuckle on that list. I wonder how many people love having honeysuckle in their yard because it smells so heavenly when it is flowering. My husband is a master gardener and certified arborist and he always claims that one man's weed is another man's flower.
How might you change some people's minds? I also agree with Emily that education is important, but action is imperative. How might this knowledge be turned into action?
I thoroughly enjoy watching your thinking process play out. Thank you for letting me share this experience with you.
Nice job laying out some more of your thinking. The three outcomes you describe in your final paragraph are biggies. One of the challenges of this course is thinking big, while also thinking on a scale that is do-able in a year. Most students end up needing to refine their outcomes until they are specific and doable. At first this is hard, but as students learn a lot more about what's going on related to their story, it becomes more clear where they can lean in and make a difference.
For example, here in Vermont (home of John Dewey, an educator worth looking into!), there are large scale changes underway. It might be that, as you learn more about what's happening locally, you decide to target an audience that needs help understanding: How are schools making these changes? How should they be making these changes? How can parents and learners engage more actively in shaping how this plays out in Vermont?
One way that schools are often categorized: are they traditional or progressive? Here is a site (http://www.wingraschool.org/who/progressive.htm) that compares the two. Give it a look and see how it fits in the frame you've been developing.
Keep up the good work.
Bill Rich
Thanks for sharing theses additional resources / ideas, though I'm wondering where the slides are that this assignment asked you to make, to go along with your description?
Bill Rich
Hi Bill,
Sorry I didn't get back sooner. I was trying to create the presentation and I came across the problem of people not being able to view, but I trouble shot with some of my peers from school. I put the presentation link in my #8Refining Mental Health post which is up.
Hi Grace,
This is a wonderful mind map. It gives one a visual snapshot of the topic and its intricacies. It also highlights the challenges one faces when dealing with such an important topic. A good map will deliver you to your desired destination. Your map will help you choose your destination and the way to get there. Nicely done!
It's been a delight watching you build a case around your topic for the past month-and-a-half. In keeping with the directions for this post, you've provided a solid basis for a pitch that I look forward to hearing at our first overnight! I'm seeing a well-organized synthesis of your previous entries, and your passion for this issue really shines through. On top of that, your argument appeals both to emotions and reason. Most of all, I love your delivery of the line "hidden in a state that is inaccurately famous for it's humane farming industry." You frame your story here as a corrective to a popular but misleading narrative. Well done!
Hi Megan,
I can relate to your feeling, expressed in your opening line, about having a hard time explaining a topic because it feels so obvious. Sometimes the simplest things can be the most difficult to put into words!
In thinking about your pitch, I wonder if there is a story or anecdote you might be familiar with that could help capture the audience's attention. For example, do you know, personally, a mother who has had to choose childcare over working a job, or have you encountered a story like that anywhere? Leading with a hook like this could help draw in your listeners.
PS: You may want to check on your link; instead of taking me to a presentation, it took me to a Google image search results page!
Hi Bryce,
This post nicely combines much of the information you've gathered over the past several weeks into an effective pitch. Your passion for your topic is clear ("We can and will do it!"), and I like that you've incorporated some rhetorical flourishes into your writing such as the repetition of "I would rather" to close the last paragraph. Also, I appreciate your logical organization, dividing your writing into sections corresponding to the three questions. I look forward to hearing your pitch at our first overnight! See you there!
Oh, one more thing! When you can, Lena, would you change the share settings for your slides so that anyone with the link can view it? As of now I'm unable to access it. Thanks!
As a dad who has sturuggled, briefly, to find child care for my daughter when my wife and I both went back to work after her birth, I know this is a struggle for many Vermonters. Have you thought about looking at regulations placed on registered home child care facilities as a reason that some are closing?
This is a great map.
Hi Elsa,
Your map certainly looks comprehensive! I wasn't able to view it, though. I'd love to see it if the link works again.
Hi Kiera,
I like where your mind map is going. Have you thought about narrowing your focus to nutrition in certain areas or with certain groups? In schools? Early childhood? Nutrition for the elderly? There are many different directions to go, with many resources at your fingertips. Please let me know if I can help you in narrowing your scope to a specific group or situation. Then you can start focusing on individuals and the stories that they have to tell. That is where the best learning will happen.
It's clear from your map that you have thought of a number of different issues and complexities that arise in regard to your topic. It's true that education and how we learn best has long been a debate over centuries of study.
Are you able to articulate how you learn best? is it the same for all situations or subjects? How did you come to realize this was your learning style? I know that I struggle with these questions when I think about what's best for my own students. What change, if any, would you like to see in education?
Hi Grace,
I think you have a convincing pitch, and others will certainly recognize the importance of your issue. From the poking around I've done on our collective blog site, I see several other students are exploring issues that dovetail with mental health.
I know I've said this before, but I love the narrow focus of this idea: "Additionally, people need to be educated on the preferable vocabulary because many do not know what is correct or favored so they simply stumble around trying to phrase their sentence which may cause them and those they are speaking with to feel uncomfortable or awkward." I think even just this step is a lens for seeking tangible change.
I just requested access to see your slides, and I'd love to check those out before the overnight (for which I am getting quite excited!).
Take care, and I'll see you soon.
All the Best,
Hi Nathan,
This is great. I've requested access to see your slides, which I'd love to peruse before the overnight (can I be granted permission for a sneak-preview?)
You've stayed true to your topic throughout this blogging process. I'm wondering which other students' blogs you see your own topic possibly dove-tailing with? I have found a couple as I've poked around our collective blog space.
I challenge you to continue thinking about the logistics of your topic and ways to possibly narrow down your thinking in terms of exactly what types of biases you want to address and what tangible skills or knowledge you would like to pass on to teachers, students and the community.
Looking forward to seeing you soon, Nathan!
All the Best,
Nathan, I've also requested permission to see your slides – I'd enjoy the chance to give you some feedback on your presentation plans if you'd like.
In your response to question #2 above, you've demonstrated a keen awareness of one of the potential obstacles to your proposal for teacher and student bias training. If you haven't already, I would suggest undertaking a bit of research to learn more about the issues such people might have with the conversations that you think should be included in anti-bias educational programming. The more informed you are about opposition to your planned action, the better prepared you will be to develop counter-arguments or to define your proposal in a way that it can gain broader support.
Best wishes for the upcoming retreat – I'll be eager to hear how your presentation went!
Hi Keira,
Cool mind map! It will be interesting to see what sort of data you gather from the various perspectives or if you will find some sort of government data around nutrition. Like Nate said, it seems like you have wide and varied interests and I can't wait to see how you narrow this down.
Best of luck,
You have an exciting topic and the making of a really great pitch. You know a lot about your issue and now you need to think about what you would really want to see changed. Here's my quick recap of how I read your pitch: Your focus is Equity in Vermont Education. You therefore believe that the ELL students are not being treated equally and are being denied the same level of skills as a Vermont student. (How?) The barrier is that they speak a different language and must learn English first. There are some towns that provide support for ELL students and their families, but there have been reports of prejudice. You would like to raise awareness and the importance of diversity. You would also like to speak to those ELL students who have assimilated in the past and gather their experiences in public education. I think that is where the 'meat' of your story lies. One angle might be to think about a reflective practice or review of ELL integration and lessons to be learned. Are those school communities ready for the next wave of refugees entering the Vermont school system? Just some thoughts as you prepare for your next overnight. Good luck—I know that you'll do great!
Hey Bryce, this is a really good pitch! You used motivational language and illustrated the high stakes, so as listeners, we realize that this situation needs to change. I also like how you organize the post according to the key points, so it's really easy to understand. If you plan to deliver this exact text as a speech, I would try reading it aloud. I think that will help with the flow of it. I would also see if I could add some anecdote, personal or otherwise, to hook your audience and ground us in the reality of the situation.
I think you're going to succeed in gaining a group and making progress on your topic. Good luck!
Hey Zachariah, thanks for an informative and convincing pitch! You make this really persuasive with specific statistics, as well as a look at the big picture. You demonstrate this topic's importance and stakes effectively. I also like your slideshow – the graphics are great and contribute to understanding and enjoyment of the presentation. If I were you, I would add a few sentences to hook the reader at the beginning, perhaps an anecdote or a look at what the future would be like without bees.
All in all, this is an excellent job and I hope you get the support you need with this really important topic!
Hi Maddie,
Your ideas are still broad, as you wrote, but I actually think you are getting closer to a story. When I look back at your posts and your mind map and think of the conversations we've had, I see a few distinct possibilities that seem to be of most interest to you. The first is the tension between parents and students when thinking about ed reform–I could imagine an amazing "story" told through interviews of both parents and students, trying to get at the heart of their hopes and concerns. The second could be the story of Nexus, one which is being written as we type! In both cases, I'd love to see you tie in your interest in the brain and learning.
I'd suggest trying to commit to something narrow like this for your pitch, because if you come to the weekend unsure of your focus, I'm afraid your ideas might get lost. Challenge yourself to spend a few solid days figuring out if one of the above feels right. I'd love to chat about it if you want to hunt me down at school!
I'm excited to see what you choose to focus in on–that's where the actual change is going to begin!
Wow, Brynna! What a great post. Don't apologize for how long it is–it was so passionate and well-organized, and I was with you the whole time. Your passion is contagious, and some of your analysis was so beautifully written. One of my favorite passages: "I wish we could live in a world where there were beautiful Tatarian Honeysuckle and Yellow Floating Heart blooming all around us in Vermont, seemlessly blending with our ecosystems. But unfortunately as lovely as some invasive plants appear to be, and as insignificant and innocent as they seem, they create an imbalance that will directly affect the organisms in that ecosystem, which will indirectly affect us through a chain of different changes in that particular ecosystem." This is just great. So vivid and engaging.
Your slide show is excellent–so informative; but I think your gut is right to cut it some. You won't have much time, and if you present too much information, you could lose the audience. The puzzle metaphor works really well! That might be something to begin with? Or even beginning with a picture of Honeysuckle or Floating Heart and then sharing the above quote…leading so nicely into the puzzle metaphor?
I'm so impressed with your work, Brynna. I can't wait to see where you go with this!
Maisie, while I wholeheartedly agree that raising awareness about issues facing those with mental health problems is a worthwhile endeavor in its own right, I wonder if you might garner more interest from your peers in the TED-style presentations you'll be giving if you can additionally define an action – a specific area of change that might help solve the problems you've identified. People are generally most motivated to join a cause if they feel there's real potential to act and produce change. So if you were to introduce a possible way to, perhaps, help integrate into the community those who don't benefit from a strong social network, you might generate a more receptive, engaged audience. I would say that it is a smaller-scale, incremental solution that is seen as most achievable. And if people believe results are obtainable, they'll be more likely to invest their own resources in that solution.
Hope you enjoy the retreat. I'll be eager to learn what you thought of the presentations!
Dear Anna: Brava! I think you've made a much stronger connection here between dress codes and violence — good work. I especially like your focus on equity — that is on gender neutral dress codes. I would suggest stressing that a bit earlier than you do. And one other suggestion: should you introduce the topic of dress codes right up front? When I read this draft, I think that you are going to be talking about rape prevention and while you do connect the two, you need to let your readers/listeners know where you are headed early on.
Good luck with the presentation: wish I could be there to see and hear it!
I say go for it! I hope very much that you'll get an enthusiastic and good response.
Hi Greta,
I, too, very much like the way that you've framed your pitch. I think you bring up several issues of import. The one that came to my mind is the apparent lack of a voice of local communities in the pipeline process – it being determined more at the state and state agency level.
Here's a link to 'Regulation of Interstate and Intrastate Gas and Hazardous Liquids' from the Conference on State Legislatures:
One of the dilemmas here is how to give the local citizenry a voice and at the same time develop a state-wide (or even country-wide) framework to ensure safety, public health and the delivery of liquid natural gas. If every town and locality could come up with their own guidelines and regulations, it would likely be a patchwork of incoherent regulations and each town would have effective veto power over any project. So, there is an interesting trade-off here.
As for the pipeline itself, it is easy to say I want to protect the earth and am against the pipeline. People need energy and in northern climes, it needs to be reliable, easily stored and accessible. Many of the renewables (hydro, wind, solar) have storage and delivery issues, at least until better technology improves batteries and storage technologies. So, how do we supply needed energy with the least environmental damage? I think that's something you'll need to be able to answer to folks arguing in favor of the pipeline.
Here's a useful appendix to the Dept. of Energy's Natural Gas Infrastructure report.
That provides a lot of summary information about natural gas, pipelines and their role in meeting the energy needs of the country. Of particular relevance to your work:
"Climate and Environmental Implications. The growth in gas-fired power generation can reduce carbon dioxide and criteria pollutant emissions from power generation. Methane emissions contributed to roughly 10 percent of gross greenhouse gas emissions (on a carbon dioxide-equivalent basis) from U.S. anthropogenic Appendix B: Natural Gas Page | 2 sources; nearly one-quarter of which (or 2.5 percent of total U.S. carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions) were emitted by natural gas systems.a More than two-thirds of those natural gas-related emissions of methane emissions from natural gas systems are from natural gas transmission, storage, processing, and distribution"
In any case, I'm impressed with the way that you started from a very dispersed set of ideas for a project and then honed in on the pipeline, and the energy and thoughtfulness with which you're approaching the issue. Good luck with your pitch!
Hi Sidney,
I found your pitch really interesting. I like that you include a statistic about the number of people in the US who die from drug overdoses. It would be great if you included statistics about the number of drug overdose deaths in Vermont and in your local community. That could have a dramatic effect on your audience. I also wonder if maybe you can start your pitch with a story about a young person (or more than one) who died from a drug overdose or who have suffered greatly from drug addiction. Again, that would have a major impact on helping your readers visualize the problem. When we attach a name and face to a societal problem like drug addiction and overdose, it really makes it real for he audience. You can start with a specific story, move to statistics and then identify the problem and what action you want your audience to take–a kind of call to action. You have a picked such an important social issue, but it is a big one. I'm sure that you'll do great with your pitch.
Good luck,
Hi Erin,
I totally agree. Since we go to the same and classes and have talked about this many times. I still find talking to others across the world interesting since we live in such a small state and don't get to interact with others even though they live around just 5 minutes away. If it weren't for my topic I would join you and add to the conversation what I can, but from the point I'm at I can only really add some views from an outsider (get it). I'm wondering, since I really don't know much about talking over a huge gap to others how are you going to get the technology for communication from here to there? And you started talking about how we'd all have conversations with each other about different issuses, would this program your creating be for kids interested in politics or just for anyone to have a pen-pal to talk to. Some things you can try that I thought could help (you've probably thought this through) but you could start a go fund me or maybe to some extra jobs even though it might be considered child labor. Lastly you maybe do what we did in girls scouts and have bake sales (just relised you had a bake sale for the Kenya, I think, talk we had in 6th grade). If you think about doing the second one I'd be interested in helping you earn the money if you'd like.
Hi Petra,
I don't think I remember reading what prompted your interest in Vermont's Opioid crisis. I will try to find the VPR story you mentioned as it seemed to do for you as audience the next task you will have with your team members: creating a digital story that compels change.
I just looked at your slide show, and I really like how you start with a framing questions followed by the images. Also you avoided 'the trap' of have a presentation that is fully readable rather than slides that provide cues for your presentation content. I am curious about why you selected the order of photos. For example, why did you hold the bucolic image of Vermont until after the image of the child and the Rolling Stones article image?
I am most curious to see if you continue this topic after the peer presentations, but no matter what, I think you have done an excellent job of identifying the necessity of keeping this crisis in the forefront of our minds as Vermont residents as well as avoiding the trap of simplifying a very complex issue.
Well done, and I hope I can see your presentation in person at Common Ground next weekend.
Best wishes,
Kate Carroll
Hi again Greta,
I'm going to leave it to you to decide the points of your pipeline analysis and argument that you want to emphasize in the pitch. I would like to offer a couple of different ways of thinking about it though.
First, resources. Here are a couple of links that you may find useful.
How to create an elevator pitch (business oriented but you'll get the main suggestions):
Creating your elevator pitch:
And some tips on effective PowerPoint presentation:
Creating an effective PowerPoint presentation:
Designing Effective PowerPoint presentation, a quick guide:
As for the pitch itself, ask yourself what are the most important 3 things that you want your audience to understand. What points will you emphasize in your argument to convince them (be prepared to answer questions on counter-arguments). What do you want them to think about after they've left the room.
Another way to think of it might be as a short music recital. What mood do you want to strike? What's the rhythm and pace of your presentation? Does your presentation build to emphasize your theme? Does it come to a satisfying conclusion?
Hope this is of some help. – Shel
It's been very exciting to see your ideas develop over the course of these posts. It's clear that you are passionate about your topic and have done your due diligence in regard to planning. It's also clear that your work is coming from a place of compassion and humanitarianism. Is there anything specific that you would need for help to make this project work?
Hi Megan,
As Bob has said, personal stories are often the best places to start. It's much easier to understand a topic, this one especially, by hearing from the people who are directly involved. Do you know of anyone specifically who is facing difficulty finding adequate childcare in Vermont. If not, I'm sure we could help you find some people with some interesting stories to tell.
As I've written to you before, there certainly are many opinions about your topic. Some of the best stories will probably come from students, but there is a wealth of knowledge to be gained from the personal stories of teachers and administrators as well. Education is a profession that inspires a great deal of passion. Many involved, I believe, hope that they are working for the best interests of students. Sometimes student voices need to be shouted to be heard, though. Great work so far.
Megan, great job making this concise post. You cut right to the chase, and what you've written accurately reflects the writing you've done so far. I applaud both your commitment to your topic and your willingness to remain flexible as we move forward. I'm wondering, what might be some topics that you'd consider similar to this one?
Brennan, one of the things I've enjoyed about reading your posts is the variety of topics that have interested you (this year and last): dispatch cuts, volunteerism, and illegal immigration, plus your willingness to pursue another topic should that prove to be your best option. As I may have noted last time, Vermont is probably not a state that jumps to mind when thinking about illegal immigration, but that doesn't mean it's an issue unworthy of investigation. Is this the topic you think you'll pitch this weekend?
Well done, Bryce. As I said last time, I'm looking forward to hearing your pitch! One question for you: I'm curious about your thinking behind the decision to target an audience that wants to do something about the lake's pollution, as opposed an audience that doesn't. By no means am I suggesting this is a change you should make; I think your focus makes a lot of sense! I'm just wondering why you've made that choice.
One last thing: Could you change your sharing settings for your "script" so that anyone with the link can view? Thanks, Bryce!
Hi Brynna–Sorry it took a few days to get back to you here! I looked at the slide show again, and here are some specific suggestions based on your questions. First, keep in mind the difference between slides and notecards. You can have notes that you use when presenting that have all the information on them, but the slides are for your audience to view, and shouldn't have as many words. For example, in slide 7, consider just including the verbs (Educate, Study, Remove, Prevent) in bullets, and then you can have the full sentences on your note card. Give the audience the most important words, and fill in the others with your actual presentation.
The puzzle is such an effective metaphor, so I would consider starting with that (after a title slide, maybe). Maybe start with the question from slide 3 at the top of slide 4. That means cutting the first few slides completely! (remember you can say some of that stuff in your pres). Finally, I would suggest ending with the puzzle again–tying that into what you plan to do.
I love your topic, and I look forward to watching you become even more targeted as you continue!
Dear Grace,
Great opening slide that illustrates your approach to mental health care. The quotes provoke thinking and encourage reflection. As you continue to explore your topic, take a look at the comparison between the medical (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_model_of_disability) and social justice model of disability (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_model_of_disability). Another example of this different way of looking at mental health care that is highlighted in your slides can be found here: https://sendthewholebattalion.wordpress.com/2015/03/17/668/.
Looking forward to your presentation.
Please accept my apology for my delayed response. I have been up to my eyeballs in metaphorical alligators over here in the desert. I love the image of the jigsaw puzzle that you use in your presentation. Certainly one species of invasive plants can alter the environment, and when there are multiple invasives, then picture can alter permanently and radically.
When I was reading your message, I was particularly struck by this idea you present: "Nature is constantly changing and evolving, and I'm not in a position to delay the process of evolution whatsoever. However we've played a huge role in speeding up the process of spreading these harmful invasive plants without even being aware of it. It's already creating more of an imbalance then there would naturally be which is not good at all. " Nature is always changing, and as a result, we often change with it, without recognizing how these changes may affect our communities later. Many indigenous people live by the seven generation idea. What am I doing today that will affect seven generations down the road, or my great, great, great , great, great, great grandchildren. You get the picture. This is something we should all be asking ourselves.
Particularly impressive in your journal entry is that you recognize and understand that you cannot change the invasion of all plants, but that you can focus on halting or eradicating those plants that are brought to VT via traffic or recreational vehicles. Powerful!
Arizona has a beautiful climate, as you are probably aware. Many people moved here for health reasons and then when they arrived, they wished that they could bring their home lifestyle with them. As a result, many planted Bermuda grass and Mulberry trees to make themselves feel more comfortable in their new home. Guess what? Both of these species are not only high water uses, something the desert doesn't have a great deal of, but they are also air pollutants. Unknowingly, people were planting the very plants that promoted allergic reactions in individuals and that threatened our already limited water resources. Arizona has since outlawed the selling of and planting of Mulberry trees, and hopefully will follow suit with Bermuda grass. What do you think can happen in Vermont for those whose boats or vehicles are bringing in unwanted plant life?
I wish I could be at your retreat this weekend because I would love to hear the passion in your voice that I can read in your writing. You are really on to something here. Good luck!
I was blown away by the student slideshow. Such an amazing range of topics, but also very obvious patterns. I am so excited to see that WtS is expanding to other states.
Check out this article by Luc Sante. I can email you my annotated article if you like.
Living in Tongues
By Luc Sante
The first thing you have to understand about my childhood is that it mostly took place in another language. I was raised speaking French, and did not begin learning English until I was nearly 7 years old. Even after
that, French continued to be the language I spoke at home with my parents. (I still speak only French with them to this day.)
I think many of our schools like the 'idea' of equity in education. Until we can look at all of our students as bringing something important to the table, when language is involved, and accept our learners for who they are, we limit ourselves and our ability to improve ourselves.
This angle, you are looking for may indeed be a help to others.
Very good blog post.Really thank you! Fantastic.
Hi Greta,
Came across this article which has a somewhat optimistic slant and thought you'd find it of interest. Cheers, Shel
I am so happy to read that you found others in WTS to work with you on this topic that you have become so increasingly passionate about. Yes!!! This is exactly what forming a community of writers and like-minded thinkers looks like. I consider myself fortunate to see how your mind has worked as you have shared your journey through finding a topic, changing that topic, looking for something that you could "sink your intellectual teeth into," and then working to not only understand the problem, but also consider solutions to the issue that you are becoming increasingly invested in. Wow!
Since you have identified at least one major issue that contributes to the pollution problem, run-off of phosphates into Lake Champlain, and you know where and how these phosphates are entering into the lake, it will be interesting to see how you and your group will look for innovative ways in which to prevent or lessen the run-off. Is there any way that this run-off could be captured and repurposed? Additionally, how might you encourage the dairy farmers to become part of the solution?
The retreat sounds like it was just the connection you needed to move into the next phase of your research – finding solutions! YES!!!
I eagerly look forward to reading more about your discoveries.
Yep, your work has never been more relevant than it is at this very moment, and, if the news that's flooding my screens and coffee table are any indication, your work will only become even more relevant and crucial with each passing day. That is, until, who knows when…
My job last week was to provide you with some resources, and clearly I'm late to the game here. I think that your storyline is excellent. For the heck of it, I will post some neat links below, but you may have already found them on your own.
Like you, I'm fired up, too!
Grace, Thanks for sharing some tracks of your thinking. You are an important member of our group, and you're doing a great job of communicating. Do you think it's possible that you might have a rough draft of a short video to share at the next overnight retreat?