To start off I would like to just
say not just for myself, but I am sure for my fellow fellows as well, being
able to visit the Vera Institute of Justice was truly an honor and we are all
very lucky to have been afforded the privilege to be guests there. It is one
thing to read about Vera or talk about it in class; it is another thing to be
at the place where all the magic happens.
This past week has been truly
exceptional for me personally. Along with the visit to Vera, this week my
mentor Danielle and I were able to attend a workshop through a partnership of
ThoughtWorks, Parsons School of Design Strategies, and Blue Ridge Foundation
that helps non-profits develop a vision of how technology can help extend their
program’s reach, lower costs, or add significant new capabilities to existing
models. There were around 70+ different non-profit organizations represented at
this workshop and it was really exciting to simply be in the room with so many
ambitious people striving to achieve so many admirable goals with their
respective organizations. It was also eye opening to see the sheer number of
non-profits represented in that room alone.
I had a conversation with Professor
Waterston as we were leaving Vera on Thursday about how it is truly incredible
the amount of exposure we are gaining to the non-profit world through this
fellowship, a world many of us knew little to nothing about prior to becoming
fellows. Between the visit to Vera and my experience at the workshop I
attended, it seems to be becoming more and more apparent to me that there is so
much more opportunity for us in this world than I could have ever known before.
The biggest takeaway I therefore have from this fellowship so far is that an
entire world has been opened up to us through this program and, as Nick Turner
said, it is vital that we make the most of these opportunities. Recognizing how
incredible the opportunities this fellowship is providing us are, I am thrilled
to continue to move forward in this program and ultimately see where these
opportunities take each of us.
With this being said, I would like
to ask you all what have been some of your biggest takeaways from this
fellowship so far? I feel the visit to Vera yesterday provides an excellent
opportunity for reflection and I am very interested in any particular lessons
you have all learned so far, whether it is through your internship, at the
visit to Vera yesterday, or in the classroom. I look forward to hearing from
you all.
Thank you,
-Michael Segnan
14 comments:
I just love your post, Michael. What you said...
Between the visit to Vera and my experience at the workshop I attended, it seems to be becoming more and more apparent to me that there is so much more opportunity for us in this world than I could have ever known before. The biggest takeaway I therefore have from this fellowship so far is that an entire world has been opened up to us through this program and, as Nick Turner said, it is vital that we make the most of these opportunities.
... summarizes the dream that Herb Sturz and Jeremy Travis had when they created program. Our students come to us believing that the criminal justice world is very narrow. Some even seem convinced that there are only two jobs in that world: defense attorney and prosecutor. We are thrilled if they come to your conclusion after a full year; imagine how we are feeling to know that your mind is already spinning a new narrative. I cannot wait to hear what your fellow Fellows have to say.
Thank you for your thoughtful post, Michael. I would like to second your thanks, not only for being able to visit Vera and engage in critically analytic discussions in the classroom, but simply for having been accepted into this program. Of course, many of us probably heard about how great it was from previous fellows, but to be able to agree to that notion on a personal level is simply amazing.
Thus far, our discussions in the classroom have opened my eyes to many ideas I would not have even contemplated beforehand. Before our visit to Vera, I commentated to Professor Stein the level of critical thinking in our seminar was comparable to my masters courses, which is admirable. I walk into the classroom adamant about one thing and walk out either feeling enlightened, confused, or both. But, that's what learning is all about, opening your mind to other ideas, all the while being able to defend your own.
As an intern of Esperanza, which primarily focuses on rehabilitating youth who have prematurely encountered the criminal justice system, I've been able to look more closely at the NYC public school system. In terms of the youth we serve, I cannot help but sometimes feel helpless because how does one go about changing a system that has been in place for so long? I often question myself, could I ever be an agent of such change? The semester has only begun and I hope to learn so much more and equip myself with the skills necessary to possibly one day, bring about such change.
As you all may recall, our visit to Vera highlighted the importance of diction in the social justice and non-profit world. Do you all feel there is a difference in saying "help" versus "serve"? Is there a sense of privilege in the person utilizing the word help when referencing the target population? I think about this all the time and try to be as aware as possible of my word choice. Please let me know your thoughts.
I look forward to reading your posts.
-Ana Paredes
Of course I can't agree more that Vera has been a blessing for me and that I am very thankful to be among the positive energy.
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The biggest take aways I am getting from exploring the non-profit realm is how genuine you can be as an employee as compared to my past work in big for profit corporations. There's something about the non-profit industry that mandates you to be honest about your work due to the needs of the constituency whom your serving. From the honest perspective of not being such a great intern in 1995 from Nick Turner to the raw feeling and sometimes explicit expressions of Jenny Kronenfeld's uncompromising attitude, I realized that you do not have to strip your personality down to fit into a working environment as I once thought. I was glad that the round table of professionals did not feel all too different from our classroom conversations.
Shameeka, one of my supervisors at Common Justice, emphasized how critical honest interactions are in our circles with harmed and responsible parties at our site. Being around this environment where discussion is vital, I am happy to see that no one loses themselves while engaging in professional and respectful dialogue. To answer Ana's question in this regard, I feel as though getting caught up in the rhetoric of word choice is not nearly as important as the honest intent of the help being given and how it is being presented by the person giving the service.
In conclusion, I learned that I fell in love with the realness of a non-profit and how important genuine concern is in conveying your message as an organization from the Vera Foundation.
- Spencer Washington
It was wonderful to see the mother (Vera) of all of our agencies on Thursday. I think one of the biggest takeaways from this fellowship so far is the people I’ve met. Starting from my mentor Michael Dunne, the staff at FedCap, and the people we help daily at the agency. Our visit to the Vera institute reminded me of my mentor Michael Dunne and his usage of language. At the Vera Institute, Shameeka from Common Justice talked about “harmed parties” and “responsible parties.” My mentor, Michael is constantly congratulating all of the newly hired individuals because he says he wants to uplift their view towards a better life. Also instead of saying “ex-offender” he will say “Re-entering adults” or “re-integrating adults”. He told me that repeating terminology such as “ex-offender” will only remind the listener of a crime which they cannot help and it does not leave one feeling as though the issue(s) is over and done.
Good afternoon all.
In the interest of not being redundant, I would simply say well said all. All of my experiences so far, including our classroom discussions, my internship at URI and our visit to Vera, have been excitingly dizzying. In our intimate environment of the classroom, we are truly free to be open and honest about our experiences, thoughts etc. The respect that is shown to each of us from our professors and classmates alike and that is given from each speaks to the caliber of the Vera Fellowship. Our experiences are remarkable and priceless. I enjoy my internship immensely and look forward to hear about my fellow classmates experiences.
With this exciting opportunity, my appetite has been whet. I learn about some of the work of other non-profits and realize that I am not as open-minded as I once thought myself. This experience is helping me to see the world in a very different light. I am understanding issues that I was once closed-minded about.
At our visit to Vera, Jenny Kronenfeld advised that it was very important to "stay grounded" and remain true to "underlying philosophies" and it was very refreshing to hear that some non-profits like Esperanza are able to do just that. After having read our assigned readings and having our class discussions, so many ideas and thought-provoking questions and comments are raised by professors and students alike. As a result, there are times when I think that it's all just a gigantic circle and wonder how much of a difference is being made especially at times when organizations' hands may seem tied due to the restrictions that may be imposed by donors or other policies. Having visited Vera, hearing from each of the panelists, hearing my classmates excitement and comments about their internships, my internship experience and seeing the difference that non-profits have made in the lives of so many, are reminders to Herb Sturz's vision and his comment to the effect that something must be done, we cannot or should not just sit idly by.
Everything is important and that includes the language used. Our words shape us and some words definitely have a negative connotation. I was once told about the power of positive thinking (I think there's even a book by the same name), I will extend it to say the power of positive speaking is also essential.
This a once in a lifetime opportunity that so few people ever have. We (not just this year's fellows but those that went before us and those to follow) are very blessed to be a part. I, and I am sure that my classmates as well, have every intention of heeding Nick Turner's advice and make the most of these opportunities. I've often heard it said and I've realized it to be true, that our experiences help to shape us into who we are or would become. I believe this experience will transform our lives,our futures and the lives of many.
Thank you for this opportunity.
As everybody else has already mentioned, there are huge takeaways from this fellowship that I think none of us expected. I have always thought that I had a pretty good understanding of prevalent issues in society and how it is dealt with (or not!). Every time we come together as a class and discuss readings or experiences as our internships, I am confronted with the realization that there is so much more to learn and understand! We all come from such different backgrounds, and we all have a special perspective on issues that force everyone to reevaluate their own ideas.
As an intern at CVS, I am amazed all the time at the comprehensive knowledge that the staff seems to have in regards to issues that are often times met with ignorance. Growing up, I was always aware of the amount of ignorance the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community faced (mostly by individuals in professional settings!) so to have this completely fresh experience with a professional setting that set out to completely understand etiquette and the culture of this community is eye opening and has helped me understand that there is an entire world out there that have people who are just as committed as I am to breaking down ignorance in this field.
Sitting at Vera with all of the speakers and Nick Turner opened my eyes to the world that we are all in now, and I'm glad to be sharing these experiences with you my fellow Fellows!
Reading this thread has been inspiring.
After Thursday’s meeting, I was convinced that if there is one thing I have learned from the fellowship thus far, it is this: the ambitious mandate of changing the world is real and attainable. This Vera cohort is going to change the world--of this I am sure.
Vera has exposed me to two important features of the non-profit world, namely, strategy and attention to detail. My work at Vera is also helping me grow as a student and as a professional. Specifically, I am learning how to be thorough in research as well as how to present information in a clear manner for a target audience. When I am not engrossed in my research assignment, I also observe the management techniques employed by my mentor, who directs the program under which I work. This helps me appreciate some of the concepts I have learned about in my Public Administration courses.
I think that Ana’s question on diction is an excellent segue into this week’s readings. Certainly, language matters, but as Spencer notes, the broad goal of doing good outweighs any concern with semantic issues. With that said, it may be useful for us to consider the ways in which language can either aid or undermine social justice work.
In closing, I want to thank Michael for this beautiful post that has rekindled my sense of gratitude and thanks for the academic opportunities I have enjoyed since my arrival at John Jay College.
- James Williams
For me, every Vera class and reading has shocked my consciousness more and more. So many things from our discussions resonate with me and I find myself thinking about them constantly in my every day experiences.
Last week, I was fortunate enough to be able to join the staff of ATP at a protest by the U.N. assembly, demanding that leaders take responsibility for trafficking that occurs within their country's borders.
At Safe Horizon's ATP, I've been able to witness people invest their lives into an issue that not many people realize the prevalence of. The staff at ATP, including attorneys who do pro-bono work, take on as many cases as possible and help the victims in cases which law enforcement does not pursue because they are "single-victim" cases and are not work the resources spent. Much like the other Vera agencies, as I learned on our visit last week, their work does not stop after the workday is over.
While Safe Horizon tries to fill in the shortcomings of government and provide relief for the victims,they work on changing the policy as well. They conduct training sessions and presentations for the general public, students, law enforcement, attorneys, social workers, health professionals, and so forth. While it may be an almost impossible task to work in a non-profit without somehow feeling complicit in reinforcing the unjust system, such a program seems to be the perfect balance of "charitable" work and policy advocacy that all non-profits should aim to achieve.
Michael, thank you for your thoughtful post that has allowed us all to put our experiences into perspectives. Thank you Professors Stein, Waterston, and Reitz, for consistently challenging us and facilitating though-stimulating lectures.
One of the great delights in teaching is having such engaged students (the others would be June, July and August). And one of the signs of engagement is that you anticipate the next step or stage of a conversation. Here, in your post-mortem of your trip to the Mother Ship, you have anticipated this week's upcoming conversation about the politics of/politics and the English language. You have already seen, if you received/read the journal assignment I e-mailed out on Friday, that we will take up some of these same points about language and labels (i.e. "harmed/responsible parties"). But I want to underscore James's provocative point here about "the ways in which language can either aid or undermine social justice work." As Orwell argues, our emphasis on language is not just about inter-office e-mail etiquette, or Writing Center clean-up jobs about run-ons and sentence fragments. The way we use/abuse language has a real relationship to social justice. If this is not clear on a first reading (the essay has many levels), treat yourself to a second reading. There aren't too many finer essay writers in the English language than George Orwell.
Hello All,
After visiting the Vera institute on Thursday, I have viewed my path differently. I realize that the path which, I planned for myself may not be the ultimate path for me. I came to this realization by listening to what Jenny and Shameeka said. Both women started out with very different backgrounds but were able to explore different options that have placed them in the positions they are in today.
I am working with Cases (Center for alternative sentencing and employment services) and every day learning something different and realizing how much I like it. At Cases, I am working with the educational arm of the project known as Next Steps. I never thought that there were different sides of education. I thought knowledge was fluid but education stagnant. As I become more involved in the field, I come to appreciate that education is just as fluid as knowledge.
The most thought provoking part of the “meeting of the minds” at the Vera institute was that Jenny and Shameeka gave an insight on the inner workings of the programs. It is one thing to read about the work in the classroom and discuss the theories that go into the projects but another to get a first-hand account of the process. One thing that resonates with me is the term that Shameeka uses, “harmed party” when discussing the participants who, in the vernacular are the “victims.” By using such jargon, the people that are seeking the services of Common Justice are not burden with blame as if they brought it upon themselves.
Lastly, Jenny made me think about reevaluating the way of offering help to people. The inability to walk in someone’s shoes will make them less receptive to one’s help. One must create alternatives and situations where the people feel like they are human. Jenny’s philosophy of “Think, Plan, and Do” is essential the way one can offer help to others in a more humanizing way.
Thanks so much for your post Mike. I agree, I too did not realize how much opportunity is really out there and that there is still room for creativity in this world. For example, Common justice is a completely unique program that allows justice to be served in almost anyway the harmed party sees fit. Personally, I thought of this type of program while I was a child but not in the form of a social justice program, but as something that would make a good movie. In my young mind I knew it was a good idea but did not think the world had room for such creativity. I thanks Herb Sturz for keeping the doorway to creativity open. I thanks Esperanza, Common Justice and all for showing that you are only limited to the boundaries you set for yourself.
Anthony, it is funny that you say that you imagined Common Justice's restorative justice approach as a kid. I first learned of this in terms of pre-school education when a teacher friend of mine said that they used it in her classroom. Normally, when there is a fight amongst toddlers, the offender gets all the (albeit negative) attention and the harmed party is kind of left alone. My friend would instead turn to the harmed kid and say "What do you need?" This simple change in the way that they handled problems in the classroom changed the whole atmosphere.
Just checking in to say I've been reading your comments with great enjoyment. I also love the energy palpable at Vera, in hearing about the spinoffs and demonstration projects, and in your enthusiasm.
James's comment also struck me (the same one noted by Prof. Reitz)--about the ways in which language can aid or undermine social justice work. I wonder if we might pick up on this on Thursday. What are some specific ways this happens? A related question is: in what ways does language play a contributing role in social control and in what ways does/can language play a role in political activism and resistance?
I always feel like warning our students: Do not fall in love too quickly! For no sooner do you praise an idea, than one of the professors seems to knock it down. Charity is good… no bad… no… huh? Social entrepreneurship utilizes the free market in service of worthy goals… wait, no… it supports entrenched systems of oppression. .. or does it? The motives of everyone in the non-profit sector are pure and angelic… I’ll let you stew on why that is not a verifiable “truth” either.
I hope that you are getting the flavor of the seminar message that things are not black and white. There are truths on every side and on no side and, as In a Grove demonstrates, we may simply never know. Living with this ambivalence is difficult but appreciating it produces real scholarship.
Keep this in mind on Thursday, when I will be arguing that there are problems with always substituting what appear to be more supportive words for what are perceived as judgmental or pejorative ones (survivor v. victim, reintegrating adult v. ex-offender, differently abled v. crippled). I’ll even argue that Mairs and Orwell (if he had lived to see the triumph of political correctness) would agree. We are in for a good ride. See you Thursday!
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