Here's a link to the video:
CRC SEED BLOG: The online space for our community to grow, learn, and dialogue!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Responding to the Bill
Here is a collection of the 16 people that submitted their free writes in response to the "Budget Repair Bill":
The budget bill affects me most because my Mom was appointed back in August to a be a Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge, meaning that she is a state employee. We have great healthcare paid partly by the state which is important because my Dad just got done with one of his treatments for for his second form of cancer in the past decade. The healthcare we have allows us to get the best treatment for him and we without it we wouldn't be able to afford the same quality of coverage or be able to help in an emergency if it worsens. We also are a relatively liberal family who watches the Jon Stewart and Colbert Report frequently. We were not happy with Walker's election and the beginning of his term because we believe this bill is an attack against the middle class as well as our immediate family.
My dad works for the private sector. My mom is a homemaker. As far as I know, this bill does not change my dad's income, benefits, status of pension, etc. That being said, this has not stopped my parents from making phone calls, writing letter and emails, and doing what they can to stop this bill. I know it may sound stupid to say that this bill has caused me sleep deprivation, anger, and extra stress because my parents are not effected. Yet I have been at the capitol almost every day, because 1. I am opposed to the bill. I feel it strongly contradicts not just my political beliefs, but my morals. When something contradicts your morals, you do something about it. I go to the capitol for me. 2. My teachers, nurses, and family friends cannot be here. So I go for them. 3. I love the UW. I chose this school because of the quality of education I knew I would receive, its history with research, etc. My education is being compromised- I have not been to my classes in a week. I go for my TAs and professors to show I value them, myself, and the importance of education. 4. This is a great learning opportunity. I go to educate myself. 5. Finally, I go because I believe in democracy. I see democracy and rights being taken away. I will do what I can to stop that from happening. My "class"- my family situation- is not being effected by this bill. But my friends and acquaintances are. There are many people in classes lower than mine and people who share my class who are being effected by the bill. I know cuts must be made. I am okay with that. But I want the cuts to be made in the right way- and I want the bill to be passed in a democratic way. I encourage everyone to research and learn all they can about the bill and the events at the capitol. Oppose the bill. Support the bill. I don't care. But don't be ignorant. Recognize this as a moral issue. The best part in this experience so far for me is hearing stories. Standing next to a stranger at the capitol, I learn they are a teacher at West, a policeman off duty, a professor of French for the University. Perhaps everyone is there for a different reason. Yet it is inspiring to see different people uniting. This is a great lesson for all of us in democracy and differences (we can see people's beliefs and passions who may be different from us)- let's take advantage of this, whatever "side" we may be on.
My mom just finally got a raise. She's employed at a school. Now my family's income is dropping 16%. Great. It's not about the money, though. It's about the fact that the hard work my mom did to go back to school got her nowhere. She's always been my family's breadwinner since my dad didn't go to college. We've always used her healthcare. We have great benefits and healthcare. I'm thankful for them. I think my family could afford an income cut, sure. But I'm scared that if this bill goes through my mom could lose her job to someone else who doesn't cost as much to the school district. Especially because she just went back to school. I worry that I don't know enough about this bill to make the right decision about my own future. Should I become employed in a different state? Class matters because.... I don't know why class matters. But sometimes I like it because it's a way to for me to identify myself. Like, a way to say, "Yeah, I'm that. I'm fighting because I'm that. I have a reason to be mad because I'm that class." Or, as a way to say, "ummmmm nooooo, I'm not THAT class. I'll never be THAT class."
This effects UW because it effects it's teachers' unions. Taking away the bargaining rights of unions is a way of capping how much the teachers get, because unions are the ones that push for higher salaries, more benefits, etc. I can understand why teachers would be upset by this, but I still think the bill should be passed. Unions are defending crappy teachers that don't care about their job, which I think is evident by how many teachers called in sick to protest, leaving their students and their families to somehow learn the info on their own. This bills effects me in that my teachers aren't going to be unionized, and I support that. It also effects me in that the bill provides for tax cuts, and decreasing overpaid teachers' and public workers' salaries will help the state afford these cuts. Class matters because it is definitely a brick in the building of who we are. Being born into a certain class may give you more privileges than being born in another class. It also may give you different perspectives than if you were raised in a different socioeconomic state. Being raised and being accustomed to a certain class may effect what class you would like to belong in for the future, such as what education and jobs you want to pursue.
The budget repair Bill affects my family far less than it affects me because my family doesn't live or work in Wisconsin. Although a precedent could be a scary thought for the future of other states This affects me and other UW students so much because of the aspect of teachers' unions. The thought of something that has taken up to 50 years to establish being destroyed to easily is scary. With out collective bargaining rights there will be less to draw professors (and grad students/TAs) to our school and even to keep incredible professors we already have. This directly affects be through what will happen to the quality of a UW-Madison degree. though my classes and experiences here may not change much at all, the prestige and reputation of this university could potentially be ruined and then my degree wont be as highly valued. If you ask me, something that took so long to establish definitely deserved more than three days' debate and discussion before it was voted on.
The attempts at substantial effects on the working class and the impoverished. Therefore, this reform has become an extremely controversial and important issue. I believe that reform is being done to increase the gap between the rich and everyone else, which would include the working class and the poor. Since my family fits within the working class and pretty much everyone I know also fits within this category it has obvious negative effects towards us. The majority of the motion is made up of the poor and working class so our power is in our numbers. Collective bargaining is an attack on this power. The only way we can retain and obtain rights is through showing our strength in our numbers. However, if we are divided then it ruins everything for almost everyone. This would lead to essentially a dictatorship with the country being run by a select few.
I have some mixed feelings on the bill that is trying to be passed at the capitol. I have come to understand that the main reason people don't want it to pass is because it will mean unionized workers (many teachers at UW) will have to pay for more of their health care and lose their ability to do collective bargaining. The only thing I am really worried about is whether my tuition will go up or if the quality of my education will go down. I am not really sure about my stance on unions. Overall I think they have more benefits than costs because they help and give power to the employees. This bill would be an attack on unions and what they stand for. I think that collective bargaining should not be removed. I would say class matters because of its undeniable correlation to wealth and privilege in the world. It seems to be true that class defines peoples lives and determines who they are.
Im conflicted. My boyfriend is already subject to conditions like this bill and does just as valuable work for a private company. My sister however wants to be a teacher and it scares me how frivolously it seems we are treating our teachers and gov. workers.
The bill affects me because it affects OUR present and future. Even if I am not a member of a union, there are many individuals who are, and it's important that we look out for each other. It's just too easy to think this bill is not an issue if you are not directly affected, but that is how I believe many problems are created in this country - through a lack of caring for one another. People need protection, and this bill is one way that we would take away protection from people, which is wrong. It's really triggering to have so many people speaking up and sharing their concerns for why they believe this bill is wrong, and to feel like your voice is echoing off walls through the responses of Walker and his associates. I hope that we can continue fighting this bill, and not give up, because it's not easy when the government can pressure individuals into submission and the affairs of daily life (bills, kids, etc) continue and demand attention amidst the rallying. I hope it doesn't become one of those moments in history where an event occurs, and CNN broadcasts coverage of the event like crazy the first 24 hours or so after the initial blast or 911 call...and then as the days pass by it just seems to die away as people get tired of hearing about the event and return to their regular routines. But our regular routines are not going to be the same if this bill passes, which is why this is such a big issue.
This Budget Repair Bill affects not only all of the students on the UW campus; it also affects the entire nation. Whether or not the bill is passed, drastic changes will occur. One thing Chancellor Martin has offered to Scott Walker is having UW-Madison split away from the other UW schools. If this were to happen, tuition will increase in the near future, which will affect me. If Governor Walker’s bill gets passed, a lot of state workers, including teachers and teaching assistants will lose their jobs and some professors might even go to different universities for a higher salary. In my opinion, this bill is a double-edged sword because it will affect everyone, and downfalls will occur regardless of whether or not the bill gets passed. Also, other states are considering mimicking Walker’s bill, which makes Wisconsin the “guinea pig” that other states will follow if the bill gets passed. In addition to discussing how the dispute over the budget repair bill affects me, we were also asked to discuss why class matters. In my opinion, class matters because if different social classes did not exist, people would not have the drive to work or compete in order to move our economy forward.
The changes brought on by Walker have the potential to interfere with my chance to obtain an education from UW-Madison. I admit that I am not that politically involved, however I have a general understanding of what this bill has the the potential to do in my life. WIth a school social working and a city employee financing my academia, my funds are in jeopardy. Altering my parents right/access to salary will complicate my future. My mom has been facing cuts in her district for years--support staff (along with the arts) seem to be the most disposable positions. Her colleagues have been dwindling in numbers and if the school's budget is suffocated, or moral is hurt she faces unemployment. This bill could ultimately leave us with one steady income, one that is also expected to lessen with budget cuts in local governments. It is frustrating that money has so much power. And that power of government and money could force me to change my academic plans. I intend to graduate from UW-Madison in approximately four years, however if my family's financial contributions decrease, I may have to find a cheaper, less prestigious college to attend, or try to find more jobs for myself. This changes my aspirations to enter the helping/service fields greatly as well. Will the occupation "school psychologist" even exist? Do schools matter to this state? Will I be able to support myself if I work for a school? It's discouraging to have to think about politics and logistics after I have found a calling- to help others. I want to be able to live comfortably, support myself, and feel meaningful in my work. It bothers me that I have to consider schools as unstable work places now. To me, education is premier. Although this bill seems to be an attack on bargaining rights, schools are closing, teachers are outraged and students are worrying about the future of education. I am extremely worried and cautious about my future. Class factors into everyone's starting point. Like in the activity, people are not allowed to start from fair positions in life. Class advantages some, and hinders others. The ideal of a "just world" will never achieved with class distinctions. It is just another mechanism to secure social hierarch and establish power. It matters, but it shouldn't, but it always (?) will.
1. How does the bill affect you? My mom is a Madison teacher, so the bill will affect her job, my family's income and access to healthcare. My degree prepares me for many state jobs, which I previously considered. I will most likely not consider working for the state of WI if this bill passes. I am seriously considering leaving the state as well as the country to find a more hospitable place to live, probably a socialist nation. I am afraid that my degree will be worth less because the quality of education and research at UW-Madison will greatly suffer if it does pass. I'm concerned that this bill is aimed to lower the middle class and reduce the number of educated people in our state while strengthening the power of the rich minority. 2. Why does class matter? It doesn't. What matters are the divisions between classes, the privileges that one class has over another. These inequalities lead to environmental degradation and human suffering.
I don't know a lot about this dispute. I've heard that if this bill is passed tuition will increase dramatically. This upsets me because one very important reason I chose to go here is because it was a good school in state. I have many siblings so I had to consider the perks of an in state school. I do not really understand what the incentive would be for people who lived in WI to stay here for university if the tuition was the same as going out of state. I also think it is important that teachers have the right to collective bargaining. I've argued with several people about this topic because I think that the protesting has been drain out. I also feel that it is really immature for the democrats to leave the state. I understand that they think this will prolong the vote, but it is there job to work in WI for WI, not to get up when the going gets tough and flee the scene. I think about the message this sends young children. What I would get out of it, is that if you make a scene, refuse to work, throw a "tantrum" (with the use of offensive signs comparing Walker to Hitler/ Egyptian leaders) you can get what you want if you persist. Instead I think people should write letters to the government officials and the democrat leaders of WI should rally for their people in meetings.
in the event that the bill passes so many things are going to happen. if tuition sky rockets like i expect it would if this bill passed then i would probalby have to get a job because my college funds wouldn't be enough to cover the costs of attending this college. . . which might in turn mean that i may need to transfer or take out a loan. or go to my parents and beg them to pay for my incredibly expensive secondary education also the passing of this bill would effect the general quality of education here at this university (and in turn all around the state). part of the reason madison is one of the best universities in the world is because of the fabulous teachers assistants who are attracted to the benefits like health care which they receive. several of my ta's from other classes explained that the whole reason that they've come here was because they wanted health benefits (which makes sense). in the event that these benefits are slashed, madison would lose a lot of it's basic educators and so the quality of education would take a hit. clearly the passing of this bill would be a bad thing for anyone associated with the university.
Although I still don't understand how the bill will directly affect me, I strongly disagree with its purpose. From my understanding, the bill is essentially taking money from teachers and labor unions in order to balance spending on a completely unrelated part of the state budget. If the bill does pass then I think every American citizen needs to question the democratic integrity of the government. The bill could theoretically affect my quality of education because the state wants to spend money on something else. The governor's idea of class needs to be questioned as well as his intentions. I disagree with the idea of taking from the lower class with the intention of helping the greater whole. The people affected by this bill are just caught in the middle of the governor's move to complete his ulterior motive.
Increase in tuition = less money available for other things. Changes in spending re-entrench social status. Less teachers available = less education = less awareness of higher opportunity. I may have to transfer schools and move back to Chicago. Bill could spread to other states. My dad is a union worker. My mother works for a school. My little sister may need to work harder to get more scholarships toward tuition. Could increase net debt in family.
The budget bill affects me most because my Mom was appointed back in August to a be a Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge, meaning that she is a state employee. We have great healthcare paid partly by the state which is important because my Dad just got done with one of his treatments for for his second form of cancer in the past decade. The healthcare we have allows us to get the best treatment for him and we without it we wouldn't be able to afford the same quality of coverage or be able to help in an emergency if it worsens. We also are a relatively liberal family who watches the Jon Stewart and Colbert Report frequently. We were not happy with Walker's election and the beginning of his term because we believe this bill is an attack against the middle class as well as our immediate family.
My dad works for the private sector. My mom is a homemaker. As far as I know, this bill does not change my dad's income, benefits, status of pension, etc. That being said, this has not stopped my parents from making phone calls, writing letter and emails, and doing what they can to stop this bill. I know it may sound stupid to say that this bill has caused me sleep deprivation, anger, and extra stress because my parents are not effected. Yet I have been at the capitol almost every day, because 1. I am opposed to the bill. I feel it strongly contradicts not just my political beliefs, but my morals. When something contradicts your morals, you do something about it. I go to the capitol for me. 2. My teachers, nurses, and family friends cannot be here. So I go for them. 3. I love the UW. I chose this school because of the quality of education I knew I would receive, its history with research, etc. My education is being compromised- I have not been to my classes in a week. I go for my TAs and professors to show I value them, myself, and the importance of education. 4. This is a great learning opportunity. I go to educate myself. 5. Finally, I go because I believe in democracy. I see democracy and rights being taken away. I will do what I can to stop that from happening. My "class"- my family situation- is not being effected by this bill. But my friends and acquaintances are. There are many people in classes lower than mine and people who share my class who are being effected by the bill. I know cuts must be made. I am okay with that. But I want the cuts to be made in the right way- and I want the bill to be passed in a democratic way. I encourage everyone to research and learn all they can about the bill and the events at the capitol. Oppose the bill. Support the bill. I don't care. But don't be ignorant. Recognize this as a moral issue. The best part in this experience so far for me is hearing stories. Standing next to a stranger at the capitol, I learn they are a teacher at West, a policeman off duty, a professor of French for the University. Perhaps everyone is there for a different reason. Yet it is inspiring to see different people uniting. This is a great lesson for all of us in democracy and differences (we can see people's beliefs and passions who may be different from us)- let's take advantage of this, whatever "side" we may be on.
My mom just finally got a raise. She's employed at a school. Now my family's income is dropping 16%. Great. It's not about the money, though. It's about the fact that the hard work my mom did to go back to school got her nowhere. She's always been my family's breadwinner since my dad didn't go to college. We've always used her healthcare. We have great benefits and healthcare. I'm thankful for them. I think my family could afford an income cut, sure. But I'm scared that if this bill goes through my mom could lose her job to someone else who doesn't cost as much to the school district. Especially because she just went back to school. I worry that I don't know enough about this bill to make the right decision about my own future. Should I become employed in a different state? Class matters because.... I don't know why class matters. But sometimes I like it because it's a way to for me to identify myself. Like, a way to say, "Yeah, I'm that. I'm fighting because I'm that. I have a reason to be mad because I'm that class." Or, as a way to say, "ummmmm nooooo, I'm not THAT class. I'll never be THAT class."
This effects UW because it effects it's teachers' unions. Taking away the bargaining rights of unions is a way of capping how much the teachers get, because unions are the ones that push for higher salaries, more benefits, etc. I can understand why teachers would be upset by this, but I still think the bill should be passed. Unions are defending crappy teachers that don't care about their job, which I think is evident by how many teachers called in sick to protest, leaving their students and their families to somehow learn the info on their own. This bills effects me in that my teachers aren't going to be unionized, and I support that. It also effects me in that the bill provides for tax cuts, and decreasing overpaid teachers' and public workers' salaries will help the state afford these cuts. Class matters because it is definitely a brick in the building of who we are. Being born into a certain class may give you more privileges than being born in another class. It also may give you different perspectives than if you were raised in a different socioeconomic state. Being raised and being accustomed to a certain class may effect what class you would like to belong in for the future, such as what education and jobs you want to pursue.
The budget repair Bill affects my family far less than it affects me because my family doesn't live or work in Wisconsin. Although a precedent could be a scary thought for the future of other states This affects me and other UW students so much because of the aspect of teachers' unions. The thought of something that has taken up to 50 years to establish being destroyed to easily is scary. With out collective bargaining rights there will be less to draw professors (and grad students/TAs) to our school and even to keep incredible professors we already have. This directly affects be through what will happen to the quality of a UW-Madison degree. though my classes and experiences here may not change much at all, the prestige and reputation of this university could potentially be ruined and then my degree wont be as highly valued. If you ask me, something that took so long to establish definitely deserved more than three days' debate and discussion before it was voted on.
The attempts at substantial effects on the working class and the impoverished. Therefore, this reform has become an extremely controversial and important issue. I believe that reform is being done to increase the gap between the rich and everyone else, which would include the working class and the poor. Since my family fits within the working class and pretty much everyone I know also fits within this category it has obvious negative effects towards us. The majority of the motion is made up of the poor and working class so our power is in our numbers. Collective bargaining is an attack on this power. The only way we can retain and obtain rights is through showing our strength in our numbers. However, if we are divided then it ruins everything for almost everyone. This would lead to essentially a dictatorship with the country being run by a select few.
I have some mixed feelings on the bill that is trying to be passed at the capitol. I have come to understand that the main reason people don't want it to pass is because it will mean unionized workers (many teachers at UW) will have to pay for more of their health care and lose their ability to do collective bargaining. The only thing I am really worried about is whether my tuition will go up or if the quality of my education will go down. I am not really sure about my stance on unions. Overall I think they have more benefits than costs because they help and give power to the employees. This bill would be an attack on unions and what they stand for. I think that collective bargaining should not be removed. I would say class matters because of its undeniable correlation to wealth and privilege in the world. It seems to be true that class defines peoples lives and determines who they are.
Im conflicted. My boyfriend is already subject to conditions like this bill and does just as valuable work for a private company. My sister however wants to be a teacher and it scares me how frivolously it seems we are treating our teachers and gov. workers.
The bill affects me because it affects OUR present and future. Even if I am not a member of a union, there are many individuals who are, and it's important that we look out for each other. It's just too easy to think this bill is not an issue if you are not directly affected, but that is how I believe many problems are created in this country - through a lack of caring for one another. People need protection, and this bill is one way that we would take away protection from people, which is wrong. It's really triggering to have so many people speaking up and sharing their concerns for why they believe this bill is wrong, and to feel like your voice is echoing off walls through the responses of Walker and his associates. I hope that we can continue fighting this bill, and not give up, because it's not easy when the government can pressure individuals into submission and the affairs of daily life (bills, kids, etc) continue and demand attention amidst the rallying. I hope it doesn't become one of those moments in history where an event occurs, and CNN broadcasts coverage of the event like crazy the first 24 hours or so after the initial blast or 911 call...and then as the days pass by it just seems to die away as people get tired of hearing about the event and return to their regular routines. But our regular routines are not going to be the same if this bill passes, which is why this is such a big issue.
This Budget Repair Bill affects not only all of the students on the UW campus; it also affects the entire nation. Whether or not the bill is passed, drastic changes will occur. One thing Chancellor Martin has offered to Scott Walker is having UW-Madison split away from the other UW schools. If this were to happen, tuition will increase in the near future, which will affect me. If Governor Walker’s bill gets passed, a lot of state workers, including teachers and teaching assistants will lose their jobs and some professors might even go to different universities for a higher salary. In my opinion, this bill is a double-edged sword because it will affect everyone, and downfalls will occur regardless of whether or not the bill gets passed. Also, other states are considering mimicking Walker’s bill, which makes Wisconsin the “guinea pig” that other states will follow if the bill gets passed. In addition to discussing how the dispute over the budget repair bill affects me, we were also asked to discuss why class matters. In my opinion, class matters because if different social classes did not exist, people would not have the drive to work or compete in order to move our economy forward.
The changes brought on by Walker have the potential to interfere with my chance to obtain an education from UW-Madison. I admit that I am not that politically involved, however I have a general understanding of what this bill has the the potential to do in my life. WIth a school social working and a city employee financing my academia, my funds are in jeopardy. Altering my parents right/access to salary will complicate my future. My mom has been facing cuts in her district for years--support staff (along with the arts) seem to be the most disposable positions. Her colleagues have been dwindling in numbers and if the school's budget is suffocated, or moral is hurt she faces unemployment. This bill could ultimately leave us with one steady income, one that is also expected to lessen with budget cuts in local governments. It is frustrating that money has so much power. And that power of government and money could force me to change my academic plans. I intend to graduate from UW-Madison in approximately four years, however if my family's financial contributions decrease, I may have to find a cheaper, less prestigious college to attend, or try to find more jobs for myself. This changes my aspirations to enter the helping/service fields greatly as well. Will the occupation "school psychologist" even exist? Do schools matter to this state? Will I be able to support myself if I work for a school? It's discouraging to have to think about politics and logistics after I have found a calling- to help others. I want to be able to live comfortably, support myself, and feel meaningful in my work. It bothers me that I have to consider schools as unstable work places now. To me, education is premier. Although this bill seems to be an attack on bargaining rights, schools are closing, teachers are outraged and students are worrying about the future of education. I am extremely worried and cautious about my future. Class factors into everyone's starting point. Like in the activity, people are not allowed to start from fair positions in life. Class advantages some, and hinders others. The ideal of a "just world" will never achieved with class distinctions. It is just another mechanism to secure social hierarch and establish power. It matters, but it shouldn't, but it always (?) will.
1. How does the bill affect you? My mom is a Madison teacher, so the bill will affect her job, my family's income and access to healthcare. My degree prepares me for many state jobs, which I previously considered. I will most likely not consider working for the state of WI if this bill passes. I am seriously considering leaving the state as well as the country to find a more hospitable place to live, probably a socialist nation. I am afraid that my degree will be worth less because the quality of education and research at UW-Madison will greatly suffer if it does pass. I'm concerned that this bill is aimed to lower the middle class and reduce the number of educated people in our state while strengthening the power of the rich minority. 2. Why does class matter? It doesn't. What matters are the divisions between classes, the privileges that one class has over another. These inequalities lead to environmental degradation and human suffering.
I don't know a lot about this dispute. I've heard that if this bill is passed tuition will increase dramatically. This upsets me because one very important reason I chose to go here is because it was a good school in state. I have many siblings so I had to consider the perks of an in state school. I do not really understand what the incentive would be for people who lived in WI to stay here for university if the tuition was the same as going out of state. I also think it is important that teachers have the right to collective bargaining. I've argued with several people about this topic because I think that the protesting has been drain out. I also feel that it is really immature for the democrats to leave the state. I understand that they think this will prolong the vote, but it is there job to work in WI for WI, not to get up when the going gets tough and flee the scene. I think about the message this sends young children. What I would get out of it, is that if you make a scene, refuse to work, throw a "tantrum" (with the use of offensive signs comparing Walker to Hitler/ Egyptian leaders) you can get what you want if you persist. Instead I think people should write letters to the government officials and the democrat leaders of WI should rally for their people in meetings.
in the event that the bill passes so many things are going to happen. if tuition sky rockets like i expect it would if this bill passed then i would probalby have to get a job because my college funds wouldn't be enough to cover the costs of attending this college. . . which might in turn mean that i may need to transfer or take out a loan. or go to my parents and beg them to pay for my incredibly expensive secondary education also the passing of this bill would effect the general quality of education here at this university (and in turn all around the state). part of the reason madison is one of the best universities in the world is because of the fabulous teachers assistants who are attracted to the benefits like health care which they receive. several of my ta's from other classes explained that the whole reason that they've come here was because they wanted health benefits (which makes sense). in the event that these benefits are slashed, madison would lose a lot of it's basic educators and so the quality of education would take a hit. clearly the passing of this bill would be a bad thing for anyone associated with the university.
Although I still don't understand how the bill will directly affect me, I strongly disagree with its purpose. From my understanding, the bill is essentially taking money from teachers and labor unions in order to balance spending on a completely unrelated part of the state budget. If the bill does pass then I think every American citizen needs to question the democratic integrity of the government. The bill could theoretically affect my quality of education because the state wants to spend money on something else. The governor's idea of class needs to be questioned as well as his intentions. I disagree with the idea of taking from the lower class with the intention of helping the greater whole. The people affected by this bill are just caught in the middle of the governor's move to complete his ulterior motive.
Increase in tuition = less money available for other things. Changes in spending re-entrench social status. Less teachers available = less education = less awareness of higher opportunity. I may have to transfer schools and move back to Chicago. Bill could spread to other states. My dad is a union worker. My mother works for a school. My little sister may need to work harder to get more scholarships toward tuition. Could increase net debt in family.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The D-Squad and PREA present |
Friday, February 11, 2011
Excellent way to learn more:
YOUTUBE 90 Sec. TRAILER: http://youtu.be/kVhxuitrEyo
YOUTUBE 90 Sec. TRAILER: http://youtu.be/kVhxuitrEyo
What: "THE MESSAGE": True Accounts of Diversity Efforts & Being A Black Student On A Majority White Campus DEBUT SCREENING
When: Wednesday, February 23, 6-9pm
Time: 6pm-9pm - COMPLETE WITH SCREENING, LIGHT DINNER & DISCUSSION
Where: Witte Hall – Linne Lounge
DOCUMENTARY DESCRIPTION:
Emmy Award Winner Martinez White, a 2010 UW-Madison alumnus, in his debut documentary film explores and investigates diversity efforts & Black students' experiences on the BIG TEN University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Through objective interviews complimented by a subjective storyline, the filmmaker gives the audience a personal peak into his internal thought processes as a Black Badger on the UW campus. This film takes a profound approach to determining how students of color's experiences on campus and in the classroom impacts their academic performance and feelings of inclusion being college students at a PWI and the implications those feelings have for the quality of the higher education system in the United States.
Through 15 convincing student interviews from Black & White students and 7 interviews from university administrators, which includes UW's Dean of Students, Chief Diversity Officer, Teacher Assistants, Professors and Department Chairs, this provocative, yet smart project is sure to spark healthy conversations about diversity on predominantly white campuses across the United States and how Black students are charged to succeed despite such circumstances.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Our Community Aspirations
Together we commit to our best efforts to achieve the following community aspirations:
* express truest feelings
* open dialogue - we agree to be offended gracefully
* don't use language with intention hurt
* what is said here stays here and what is learned here leaves here
* responsibility to share our disagreements
* meet people where they are at - be careful of judgement
* lets have fun
* ? ("group therapy esque style issue . . .")
More on this next week. Thoughts here heartily welcomed.
* express truest feelings
* open dialogue - we agree to be offended gracefully
* don't use language with intention hurt
* what is said here stays here and what is learned here leaves here
* responsibility to share our disagreements
* meet people where they are at - be careful of judgement
* lets have fun
* ? ("group therapy esque style issue . . .")
More on this next week. Thoughts here heartily welcomed.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Responding To Triggers
This article, also available on the Learn@UW course page, offers questions at the bottom of the article. We may not get a chance to discuss these questions in class, so you may use this space to share things you may want to discuss.
Here are the questions they pose in that article:
• Which responses are most typical for you when you are triggered? As a targeted group member? As an advantaged group member?
• Are there differences in how you respond to triggers depending on the ism?
• Which responses would you like to add to your repertoire?
• Which responses do you use now and would like to stop using or use more
selectively?
• What blocks you from responding to triggers in ways that feel more effective?
• What can you do to expand your response repertoire?
Of course, some of these questions may be more for self-reflection, but sometimes people just want to be able to put out what's on their minds, and see what developments might come from it!
Discuss!
Here are the questions they pose in that article:
• Which responses are most typical for you when you are triggered? As a targeted group member? As an advantaged group member?
• Are there differences in how you respond to triggers depending on the ism?
• Which responses would you like to add to your repertoire?
• Which responses do you use now and would like to stop using or use more
selectively?
• What blocks you from responding to triggers in ways that feel more effective?
• What can you do to expand your response repertoire?
Of course, some of these questions may be more for self-reflection, but sometimes people just want to be able to put out what's on their minds, and see what developments might come from it!
Discuss!
Habits That Block Conversation
You can find this interesting and helpful reading at the Learn@UW course site.
It's interesting to me (A.J.) how the article hits home on habits that I know I suffer from, but also things that frustrate me about conversations I've had. I don't know about all of you, but I also see the type of habits that block conversations happening at a larger scale as well, in politics, news articles, and on campus.
For some personal conversations, I sometimes want to hold many truths at once for a while. This is for honoring multiple perspectives, but also because I'm just not ready to claim one truth over another. I find that this doesn't always work very well. The other participants in the conversation often don't tend to understand that I'm not trying to advocate for a certain point, but that the topic of conversation itself is what I'm after. I find that with some extra effort though, I can use my knowledge of these habits, or tendencies to engage in real, authentic conversations. And, I find it rewarding and refreshing.
Leave a comment if you want to share your own thoughts on this article.
It's interesting to me (A.J.) how the article hits home on habits that I know I suffer from, but also things that frustrate me about conversations I've had. I don't know about all of you, but I also see the type of habits that block conversations happening at a larger scale as well, in politics, news articles, and on campus.
For some personal conversations, I sometimes want to hold many truths at once for a while. This is for honoring multiple perspectives, but also because I'm just not ready to claim one truth over another. I find that this doesn't always work very well. The other participants in the conversation often don't tend to understand that I'm not trying to advocate for a certain point, but that the topic of conversation itself is what I'm after. I find that with some extra effort though, I can use my knowledge of these habits, or tendencies to engage in real, authentic conversations. And, I find it rewarding and refreshing.
Leave a comment if you want to share your own thoughts on this article.
Course Survey Update: 21 of 23!
Hi folks!
As of right now, we have 21 responses, of 23 expected on our first class survey!!!
If you are one of those last two, please check your email for the link to the survey, or contact one of the facilitators for the link, so you can fill that out this week!
Thanks!
As of right now, we have 21 responses, of 23 expected on our first class survey!!!
If you are one of those last two, please check your email for the link to the survey, or contact one of the facilitators for the link, so you can fill that out this week!
Thanks!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
First Day at CRC SEED!
Welcome to the course everyone! It was a great first day, and as many of you reflected, a very unique start to a course here at UW-Madison.
During the first session, we got to know a lot more about this course and what is expected of the community.
We had a fabulous opening (which began a lot of the technical difficulties) where Asia shared this video:
Then, we got to meet each other, and talk about where we might want to visit if we could go anywhere.
Next, we talked about food and had a family-style meal together. It was excellent to get to know each other a bit better, and share some family culture.
After dinner, we did an activity called "nine corners" where we walked around the room, and discussed different questions related to aspects of our identity.
Then, we shared our hopes and fears for the course. We also made ourselves a little vulnerable with Adrianne's "take in another person's humanity" exercise. Looking at the person across from us for 30 seconds at a time in silence, was a powerful experience for the group.
Finally, we went over parts of the syllabus in a really creative way.
If you want to share any comments about this first day, go ahead!
During the first session, we got to know a lot more about this course and what is expected of the community.
We had a fabulous opening (which began a lot of the technical difficulties) where Asia shared this video:
Then, we got to meet each other, and talk about where we might want to visit if we could go anywhere.
Next, we talked about food and had a family-style meal together. It was excellent to get to know each other a bit better, and share some family culture.
After dinner, we did an activity called "nine corners" where we walked around the room, and discussed different questions related to aspects of our identity.
Then, we shared our hopes and fears for the course. We also made ourselves a little vulnerable with Adrianne's "take in another person's humanity" exercise. Looking at the person across from us for 30 seconds at a time in silence, was a powerful experience for the group.
Finally, we went over parts of the syllabus in a really creative way.
If you want to share any comments about this first day, go ahead!
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