Looking Forward

Classes like this one have me wanting to be out in the community as much as possible. And not just the University community, but out with the people whose reality not academic pursuits live in Eugene. This recent inner push to talk to people and volunteer as much as possible was in a way kicked into full gear as the presenter from Peace Players was rapping up his talk. He told us that it didn’t matter what we did locally, nationally, or internationally as long as we could “just do something.” For me this took a lot of weight off my shoulders. Lately I’ve been feeling the growing sense that I need to start building connections, get some impressive internships under my belt, and try to stand out in the PPPM department. But it’s come to my attention that keeping my eye on a dream job while planning what I’m doing today isn’t going to get me many places. Instead of continuing to look for the perfect internship, this summer I plan on simply volunteering and helping a few different organizations with any projects they need help with, whether it is directing Eugenians to needed services, helping coordinate events, or even loading food in and out of trucks at a local farmers market. I need and want the experience, but mostly, I want to start doing whatever I can for other people, even if it is something really small.

What I like about being in the PPPM department is that I rarely do research because an assignment is due. Throughout the term I’ve been spending a lot of time looking at nonprofit websites, third sector blogs, and talking to friends and family who work in the sector about their experiences and stance on things I’ve blogged about. I’m usually a pretty hard worker but in this class I’ve felt responsible for figuring out all of the issues I don’t already understand (which trust me was a lot). The exciting part is that once I sifted through texts about foundations, the education system, and environmentalism to name a few of the toughest spots for me, I was able to join the conversation and begin to form my own opinions about reform. It was most exciting to begin to see all of the potential that is already being acted on in social services. I’ve been taught that social services can only do so much because of systematic problems and structural disparities between people. And though its a valid point, this class has made me aware of all of the organizations who have thought of ways to “make it work” so to speak.

In previous blogs, I’ve asked questions like “How do we best serve people in the areas we care about?” After exploring culturally specific nonprofits and community development corporations for my final paper, I’ve formed a basic answer that works for me. With confidence, I’d say that it's not the large-scale government funding, far-reaching policies, and national nonprofits that can have the greatest impact. But instead it’s nonprofits who can give a group of people directed and individualized services based on an understanding of what's needed and better yet, what will be needed. The most inspiring nonprofits I’ve found (Hacienda CDC, Native American Youth and Family Center, Healing Roots, Q Center, World Pulse…) are ones that are not looking at people’s problems but at their unique strengths. To me, this is the path we should have always traveled because—people want to be engaged. It doesn’t matter how much people need a service, in order to know how to access it and have the motivation to get the most from it, organizations need to involve culture, motivational interviewing, and exciting opportunities as a part of outreach.

A couple days ago, I sat down for about an hour with a homeless man who I could tell didn’t want much more than a conversation. He was desperately trying to apply the lyrics of a 1971 hit, “knock three times on the ceiling if you want me, twice on the pipe if the answer is no…” to his situation. From what I could gather, he was confused about why even when he had metaphorically “knocked on the door” of shelters and services, no one had answered. Now, I’m not sure what doors he knocked on and how willing he was to accept their services and advice, but he did remind me why I want to keep finding new ways to solve timeless issues in order to prevent people from feeling that hopeless.

I’d like to end by thanking Sarah, Bob, and everyone in class for making this an exciting learning opportunity. I hope to see many of you in future policy classes and interspersed throughout the sector.

Thanks for reading,

Sarah