Camp Scully Pictures

AIDS Walk 2008

On Sunday, I participated in the AIDS Walk 2008 and our team name was the Strolling Saints! We raised $650 which will be donated to the Albany Damien Center which we walked past during our walk. It was about 2 miles long in and around Washington Park. It felt like I was walking forever but I had fun and lots of laughter. There were a lot of people from all different walks of life. There was food, condoms, water, goody bags, etc. It was a great event and I look forward to doing it every year. I lost family members because of HIV/AIDS and it made me feel good at the end of the day. FYI: World AIDS Day is December 1st!

R.I.P. Uncle George Lee

Watching the "Debate"

Watching the debate amidst a group of students ranging from politically active (borderline psychotic) to those apathetic and seeking extra credit was a custom experience. Once I had acquired a small pile of food and a soda, I was shaking, reverberating with excitement for the first match-up in a political race that had permeated my every day functioning. I was checking CNN updates twice, three times daily-- relishing in any change that might push the decision my direction. After watching the debate however, I was disappointed, left rather empty by the performance of the candidates.
You see, I think the problem is that I am expecting miracles here. With the stock market having crashed twice in the last two weeks (1929 was certainly for wussies!) and all the social injustice that interrupts my sleep pattern on a daily basis::: what is it that I expect from these candidates? I can't expect Obama to emerge Batman, with his superhero cape and magic solution for everything... McCain is not actually Superman under the boring business attire. This election is not the key to getting this country back to the level it once was.
Talking with Niko and Camille (Italian and French exchange students) it was clear how great of a plunge this country has taken, from being a beacon of hope, shining brightly, to sinking on the level of corruption and injustice rivaled by Gothom City. I swear if I see the Joker running around I wouldn't even be surprised.
I look forward to the following debates, and will have adequately prepared myself for more avoidance, more meaningless bashing banter and of course, a relatively low level of understanding just how deep this country is in it.
I hope they have potato chips and twizzlers again. Delicious!
-Leah

This I believe... Dependency

I had never considered myself a dependent individual. In high school, I was the one that tried vainly to prove that ‘love’ was just a series of neural firings, a perfect chemistry of adrenaline, endorphins and serotonin. I fancied myself some hybrid of Nietzsche’s ubermensch; one that has her own values, independent of others, and affects and dominates others’ lives that have only ‘herd’ instinct. I didn’t separate myself completely from everyone else, and did possess underlying compassion, but I was determined to live my life devoid of emotional dependency.

Maybe it was this that made Russia look so appealing. It was the ultimate challenge, the ultimate adventure. It was a culture so raw and unmoving, and it echoed of Raskolnikov from Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, one of my personal favorite ubermensch antiheroes.

I was thrown into this cold, dark land without any friends. I flew alone, landed alone and had to learn the language on my own. My program consisted of strangers who, I regret to say, I didn’t create many lasting bonds with. I spent nearly every moment outside of class alone, exploring the city with a vigor that was unrivaled by anything I had ever attempted before. Although I was living the dream, conquering the ultimate challenge I had launched myself into… my journal entries reeked of a stagnant loneliness. For all I was learning, for all those I fooled with a brave face, I came to realize that no man is an island, and no woman for that matter.

It was when I became sick that I realized that I could no longer live completely independent of others. The exact moment was when I lay emaciated on the white sheeted bed and took to staring out the bar-laden windows to the foggy street outside. My right arm was connected to an IV. My left was turning blue to the botched search for a vein large enough to support the needle. I was around 40 kilograms in weight, shell-shocked from two surgeries without anesthesia and warned my kidneys were going to fail if they didn’t evacuate me from Russia. I lay in absolute solitude with the exception of nurses that came in to recheck my vitals once every 3 hours. As the room spun in and out of focus and I grew delirious with pain, the realization of not having family or friends and of being truly alone reverberated inside my feverish head. This was what I had always wanted. I was the ubermensch. I was going to die.

My small Nokia phone vibrated showing a jumble of numbers unfamiliar to me. When I heard my mother’s voice I was overwhelmed with the love I had tried so hard to disprove. I couldn’t croak out ‘mommy’ without reeling with the intense longing of home, the longing for my family and friends and the familiar. “You’re coming home sweetie.”

I came home from Russia physically broken-- but emotionally I was whole, completed by those that cared for me, those I depended on.

Debate Watch 9/26/08

On Friday, I first was in Saga for the Presidential Debate Watch in the west room which was full of people. It was a good turn out and I did not think that so many students were going to show up. Some of them had no choice such as Bonner Leaders and students that had to take notes for their courses. I end up watching the Debate in the Multicultural Lounge on the nice comfy couches with a couple of friends. This was the first time I ever watched the Debate because I usually was not into politics until this campaign that will make history! McCain and Obama both had good points and I am going to leave it at that. After the Debate I went to Saga for the questions, comments, answer period. It was very short because a lot of people had left and the ones that were left were mainly bonner students. You guys know that being in Americorps we really can't say and feel our opinion which kind of sucks. That was my viewpoint on the debate. See you all on thursday for the next debate with the vice presidents! 

Debate Watch

So let me start off by saying that I honestly was not looking forward to the debate watch since I had a lot of homework to do Friday night because I was traveling away on Saturday all day for a rugby game... but I actually left the debate feeling glad that I went.
Since I've never voted before, I really have never been too interested in the actually platforms of the presidential candidates of the past. I feel that attending the debates gave me a better idea of what each candidate stood for, rather than just applying their stereotype of Democrat or Republican.
I was kind of turned off by Obama, only because he kept calling John McCain the wrong name, and to be honest I think he was only doing it to insult him and make McCain look unimportant to the viewers. I could be wrong, but it just made me look at Obama slightly differently.
Overall though, I am glad I got to experience my first true debate watch with my fellow Bonners, and I am actually not dreading the next one!

debate watch

First I want to start by saying that I am glad I attended last night because it got me to really think about a lot of things that are going on around us. There were multiple issues that I felt were explained well and there were also many that just confused me more. I felt like both candidates tried to beat around the bush on particular lead questions such as on their plans for our current economic situation. I am looking forward to the final debate which is the town hall style. I feel it will be more direct and the questions are going to be concerns of the majority of the population. I also thought the moderator was a great fit for the position.

Hey Guys!

     So i started the first steps of my service today.  I'm working at the Mohawk & Hudson Humane Society.  When I first got there on Tuesday I had no clue what to expect.  First we looked at the animals and then I sat through an informational session for people who want to volunteer.  They had one dog that really caught my eye.  There was this beautiful three year old boxer named Bitsy.  She was almost all white with a little patch of brown on her face.  And she was deaf.  Seeing her reminded me of how much i miss my dogs at home.  

    Today was a lot more crazy.  I got a tour of the whole place.  You would never believe how many cats are behind all those different doors.  The people who work at the shelter are amazing.  They are all so friendly and devoted.  While i was there today Bitsy got adopted.  She was so excited to be out of that cage and was wagging her tail and jumping every where. I go back tomorrow and I can't wait.  For now i'm just getting adjusted and trying to figure out where i'm going to fit in. 

Bonner <3

-Mel

Debate Watch

Hi All,

I wanted to give you some things to think about going in to the debate watch on Friday night. First of all, for many of you (all I think) this will be your FIRST opportunity to vote in an election. Please keep in mind just how incredible that is! This debate watch will give you an opportunity to listen to where each candidate stands on the issues that effect you every single day. We call events like this "civic education".

Please be respectful of everyone who attends, bonner and non-bonner, and please keep in mind we will be focusing on the issues and not the candidates. Regardless of where you stand politically, take some time before the debate watch to do a little research about the issues that concern you and see what the candidates have to say about it!

I look forward to seeing each of you there.

-Nicole

Camp Scully, Community Partner Meeting & Other Volunteer Stuff

On Saturday when we went to Camp Scully, I had a lot of fun raking the trail. I watched Kim and Theresa plant a tree and realized that was too much work for me. After we left Camp Scully, I took a nice shower and went to sleep. That was a good workout and it was a beautiful day. 

Today, I had a meeting with my community partner, Boys and Girls Club and I will be starting on Tuesday. I am so excited. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm to 9pm I will be at the Boys & Girls Club on Delaware Avenue if you ever are looking for me. I am going to be developing a college preparation program from high school students and working with them. I also will be working teenage girls about girls issue. So its going to be a lot of fun.

On Saturday afternoons, I am going to be a mentor for the Big Sisters Big Brothers program. If anyone is interested call Jim at 518-782-6144. His office is 215A Foy Hall, its the first office to the right as soon as you come into the builiding, you can't miss it. The program is from 12-4 or 1-4 on Saturdays(Americorps hours!hint! hint!).

This coming Sunday, I will be participating in the AIDS Walk. Can you guys help me raise $100 by friday? That will be so nice:-D The National AIDS Fund will contribute $1 for every $2 I raise. So by just giving me a dollar will help out a lot. The funds are going to the Albany Damien Center which provides support groups, mental health counseling, HIV testing, healing therapies and other health enriching programs. Thanks.

See you guys around campus!

-Tai

All Bonner Meeting

This past Thursday, we had our weekly meeting. Tim and April organized a game which was pretty fun. We were assigned our committees, and I am a part of the policy committee with Kim, Caitlin and Louise. It should be fun. We took a survey/questionnaire thing where we had to state whether or not we agreed, strongly agreed, disagreed or strongly disagreed with several statements. When we broke up into our respective groups, we spoke about our ideas and then the different groups talked about the issues. It kind of got a little heated a few times, and I felt myself getting sort of mad at some things that people were saying. I think that it was a great excises for us to do though, because it showed us that people can take things in many different ways, and none is particularly correct. Also, it helped us to see that we need to be tolerant and accepting of people's personal beliefs, even if they are completely opposite of the beliefs that we hold. All in all, it was a great meeting, except for the fact that we freshmen had to sign our lives away! :]

Last Week

I forgot to write about my experience with the North Albany Academy, so I will do it now. I loved working at the parade and community day. I felt a little out of place, because I had never been to anything like that before. While people were eating lunch, I sat down at a bunch of different tables and spoke to some of the kids there. Most of them very very receptive, but one table of 5 kids just gave me attitude the entire time that I was trying to talk to them. They asked where I was from, and when I said Connecticut, they immediately began to question my motives and intentions of being there. I told them that I go to Siena and wanted to help out around the community, and one girl said something to the extent of, "Why do you even care? You're from rich Connecticut, and you don't even know anything about my community." I tried to explain that I wanted to learn about it, and that I wanted to get involved, but none of them really wanted to hear it. So I moved on to another table, feeling pretty discouraged, but luckily I spoke to a group of kids that were really nice. I was trying to introduce myself to one girl, and she kept looking around and not really paying attention to me, so I started talking to her friend. Then they started signing to each other, and I realized that the girl was deaf. Her friend translated for us, and we communicated back and forth for a little bit. They taught me a few words and how to say my name, which I thought was pretty cool. It was a great way to bond with the kids, and it helped me to realize that not everyone there was wondering about our motives. I can't wait to go back and help out again soon.
I was looking forward to going to Camp Sully this weekend, but I was sick all last week, and on Friday I went to the health center. They told me that I have an upper respiratory infection, and gave me 3 prescriptions. Friday night while I was doing my laundry I got really sick, and my friend actually went to get the RA's because she was so worried because I was feeling so horrible. So needless to say, I wasn't able to go on Saturday, but I heard that it was a lot of fun. I'm sorry that I had to miss it, but I know that there will be many more opportunities to do things like that.

Camp Scully!

Sunday was soo much fun! It felt really good to be able to get out there and do something that other people will appreciate and benefit from. It was the perfect day to do it too, it was gorgeous out! It was a good change from being stuck inside all week in classrooms and the library! Just being outside working in the dirt and woods made me feel like a littl kid again! hahaha
When we first got to Camp Scully the nature trail that had just been built was a little rough in some areas. Within the first hour everyone working on it had made a huge difference! The weeds and roots that had covered the path were completely cleared away! And of course Hannah did an amazing job sawing down all the over hanging branches! :-D I didnt get the opportunity to work with the tree planting group but it looked like the transplanting was successful!
By the end of the day i was exhausted but i felt extremyl pleased with all our efforts. To be able to create a place where kids can go and enjoy themselves was very very rewarding. I hope we can return to Camp Scully in the future to see the trees grown in and the path still cleared. It was a great experience and i look forward to continuing to do things like this!

Publicity Ahoy!

Hey Everyone!
Tim, April and I will be meeting soon to discuss methods of publicity for the Bonners... so if you all have any ideas or suggestions to toss our way, that would be awesome!
Right now we have a plug in the Promethean newspaper, and we hope to get our names out there by offering service opportunities to club. Siena College mandates that 75% of every club's members must complete 3 hours of on campus community service and 3 hours off. If we approach club leaders, maybe we can offer their club members their community service and promote our cause on and off campus. We're a driving force, but the more the merrier!.
April has a love affair with Microsoft Publisher, so we are in the midst of designing a newsletter to send to the school. We'll have to think of snappy titles to put in the Subject box so people don't immediately delete it. (Don't worry, we won't choose embarrassing photos to send to the whole school!)
So don't be shy, we've got the energy, but I am sure you all have some sweet ideas of your own! Drop us a line, or comment on this entry. This is our club and the WORLD will know it.

I'm so Gung-ho about it! Woo!

-Leah

Although this was an assignment (reflection on Catholic Charities article) given to us only in the past week, I have been thinking a lot about poverty in New York State since mid-August. There were a series of articles about poverty rates in Rochester, the city I grew up in, in our local newspaper. One of the articles gave the statistic that 1 out of every 4 (26%) of Rochesterians live in poverty. They also gave 5 zip codes in the city in which large percentages of people live in poverty (at least 40% of people in area living under the poverty line). One of the zip codes was where I grew up until I was 13 and one of the other ones was the zip code that my elementary school was in. A lot of my father's family still lives within the zip code and so does my best friend's family. Although, like everyone else, I was emotionally affected by the statistics given by the article by Catholic Charities, seeing these places where I had lived and still have such an attachment to down as some of the poorest areas in New York State, really caused me to step back and think about my own life, what I am doing in Bonner and at Siena, and what I plan to do after school. It really does help to have connections with the people we read about and are working with through Bonner, which is why the NAA community day was awesome. If you know the people and the area you are working in it really drives you to do whatever you can and to do the best job you can do. I hope that I get to know the people in the zip codes, counties, and neighborhoods mentioned in the Catholic Charities article as well as I know the areas and people in the zip codes in Rochester. It definitely makes it more real and important to me.

All Bonner Meeting 9/18

Yesterday's meeting was fun. I like the game Tim and April picked out for the meeting Happy Family. It was hilarious that Tim was St. Francis. Everyone had forgot that was one of the names in the hat. Thanks to Nicole for the pizza! It definitely did not come from Saga! 

Next we went through one of our training sessions and that was very interesting. It definitely opened up everyone's eyes that we are all different people not just based on our where we come from or our race but we have different viewpoints. We need to be open minded to everyone's "opinion". Situations where there are disagreements can happen when we are working with our community partner. As in example, if you are working with children you can't say to them its my way or no way and that my way is right regardless of what you think and how you feel about it. So its good that we start working with ourselves before we go out into the community. 

The Admissions committee is off to a wonderful start and we are working on diversifying the Bonner program and spreading the BONNER LOVE! We are going to need help from the publicity committee to help us in recruitment.

I'm so excited to start working at the Boys & Girls Club next week! Its going to bring back so many memories of when I was when in the Boys & Girls Club...tear...lol

I shall see you all(well freshmen lol) on Saturday for the Community Service Day at Camp Scully. The rest of you guys see you around campus!

-Tai 

Reflections on Poverty After NAA Homecoming

Most people have developed some kind of picture in their head of what poverty looks like and what it does to those who fall into its cycle. In most cases, it’s a rather simple portrait, a two-dimensional design that neatly accounts for all the risk factors of poverty as well as the typical traps into which these unfortunate individuals have fallen.

Is the person from a low-income family? Check!
Are the parents abusive, violent, criminal, negligent, and/or otherwise unfit? Check!
Member of a minority? Check!
From a community with low graduation rates and patterns of violence and drug abuse? Check!
Exposed to limited educational opportunities? Check!
And the list drags on…

This idea of poverty that we create in our heads is quite cut and dry, inspired by the statistics thrown our way from concerned citizens and knowledgeable experts. Overall, the numbers do a good job of recording the truth. But they don’t usually inspire any widespread, deep-seated discomfort and outrage. Several days after coming across these statistics, the average individual is not left quaking with indignation or yearning with compassion for those who live the reality of poverty everyday. The average person has moved on in her comfortable daily routine, head under the sand as she tries to take over first place in the rat race called life.

But for every handful of people who cling to their indifference, there is someone who remains unsettled and bothered by those numbers. That person moves beyond the numbers to their source and inspiration. Such a person possesses the will to uncover the truth and fill in the gaps between the statistics. That kind of person becomes an advocate and an activist who dedicates herself to building a three-dimensional understanding of what it means for a child’s future and that of his two siblings growing up in Albany in a single-parent household struggling to make ends meet with $19,500 per year. The numbers become messy and the picture transforms into an exhaustively complicated reality where that child, his two siblings, and his mother all have names and faces and stories that have been entrusted to you. When that happens, the numbers take on life and the reality of poverty in Albany and anywhere else is validated within its full human context.

This past Saturday, Siena’s Bonner class consciously (albeit a little apprehensively at first) removed their heads from the sand and took a look around at the people who inspired the studies of poverty. What’s more, is that they interacted with those people and started filling in the gaps left by those statistics. There’s still more work to be done—by all of us—as we mold ourselves and each other into responsible and compassionate advocates and activists. However, this past Saturday was a telling example of what is to come. And how powerful it could be…

Capital Region Study on Poverty Reflection

The information that I just read from this study was highly disturbing and unsettling to me. I was horrified to see the statistics of poverty in the area surrounding me, while I am sitting inside my nice dorm on a beautiful, and sometimes secluded campus in ritzy Loudonville. I literally felt bad that I am able to come to such a wonderful college, yet I am extremely grateful at the same time. If it were not for my scholarships and grants, I would not be able to afford this college, or any other college for that matter. I live with my single mom, and I know what it's like to have struggles with money. Thankfully, I have never known the poverty that was displayed in this study, and I can't even begin to imagine what it is like for the people living that reality day after day, just trying to make ends meet.
I was also very bothered at the statistics that were displayed about how Wealth Disparity in Upstate New York has changed in the past two decades. Why is it that the gap between the wealthy and the poor is growing at such a rapid pace? There is no need for the top 5% of average upstate New York income to have grown 104.7%, while the bottom class and middle class only grew 19.7% and 35.2%, respectively. The margin should either stay around the same area, or shrink, not increase at such high percentages.
The graduation rates in this area are terrible, and very sad, seeing that without a high school diploma it is difficult to get a half way decent job these days. When I saw that Albany has a 38% graduation rate, my jaw literally dropped. There are some major issues in this area if only a little over 1/3 of high school students graduate. I hope that we can do a lot in this community to make it change for the better!

Capital Region Study on Poverty + North Albany Academy Homecoming

As I read the Capital Region Study on Poverty I noticed the poverty rates in Albany. I think it's awful that the percent of children living in poverty is double the overall poverty rate, bring it to nearly 50%. I have grown up in a suburb just outside of Albany and I never realized just how many people were living in poverty in Albany County. Another fact that I found disturbing was that a mom makes $27432 less a year than the Economic Policy Institute says is the minimum a mom with 2 children living in Albany county could survive on. The fact that I have lived so close to this without every realizing the seriousness of the situation bothers me.
Just like everyone else I was not looking forward to getting up Saturday morning and once we got there it seemed like they might not even need our help. Once the parade had ended it was clear that we were in fact needed and we all found jobs to do. I handed out the Oreos (it's suprising how many kids don't like oreos!) and was happy to interact with the kids as well as talking to some of the parents as they passed through the line. Overall I think our first group volunteer day went really well and it turned out to be pretty fun.

Reflection on Study of Poverty in Capital Region

When I read the study on poverty in the capital region I was so shocked. I actually had to re-read many of the statistics that were presented in the study. I thought I knew a lot about poverty but I was surprised to realize that I knew next to nothing. I found it so shocking that a person with two children can make under $15,000 a year from minimum wage when it costs $42,432 a year for a parent with two children that live in Albany County. With that being said, the poverty line is set at just over $17,000, making an average person that makes minimum wage way below poverty.

The graduation rate in Albany is the craziest thing I have ever heard of. I mean I know what it is like to live in the city. I lived in Jacksonville, FL for a good portion of my life & I am sure that these statistics also existed there. I was so unaware. This really opened my eyes to more of the world around me.

As for the NAA... =( I am sorry that I couldn't make it. The Mets game was fun though... they lost. Go Yankee's. ha ha I am really sorry that I didn't make it actually. I am glad to hear that you all had a very good time.

Bonner LooooVe

Aprilll

Homecoming and Capital Region Study on Poverty

I feel guilty admitting this but when last Saturday came I had no desire to wake up and get out of bed. I wasn't exactly sure what we would be doing so I had no idea what to expect. When we finally got to the school I felt as if they really didn't need our help. It wasn't until the parade started that my day began to turn around. When the parade ended and they began delegating jobs, I knew then that this was going to be a fun day. I got the job of manning the jumping castle. Even though some of the kids were a little rough for the most part they all had such a great time. It definetely made my day seeing the smiles on all their faces. When it was time to go I was a sad leaving all the kids and I realized what a mistake it would have been if I didn't go to this event at all.
After reading the Capital Region Study on Poverty, I had to sit back a moment and think about everything that I just took in. All the statistcis and facts were absolutely devastating and made me realize how naive I really am towards the world around me. I found it shocking that a person with two children can make under $15,000 a year off of minimum wage when the costs for a parent with two children living in Albany County for all thier necessities is $42,432 a year. The most upsetting part of the article for me, was when they talked about children in poverty. I couldn't believe that in some cities one third or more of the children are living under the poverty line. It's sad because so many people feel we have an obligation to be helping poorer countries around the world, but they don't realize how much devastation lies within our own borders.

Capital Region Study and NAA

I was shocked when i began to read this study. There were many eye opening statements and statistics that seemed to be unreal. I believe its one of those things that you would never believe its happening where you live but in reality this is the situation in many parts of the United States.
One thing that stuck out the most was how if a person gets paid minimum wage (7.15) they make $15,000 a year but the poverty line is $17,170. How could this line be set? The minimum wage jobs mostly go to people who dont have an education and have a hard time finding a job to match their skills or understanding. If you make $15,000 a year how are all of your expenses going to be paid and what if you have a family?
The graduation rate in Albany school district also took me by surprise. That is less than half the school graduating. How are these kids going to obtain a job and make above minimum wage? I would like to know why arent these students passing and graduation from high school? I come from a public school where in the upcoming years, their goal is for 100% graduation rate. I think as a student seeing this goal set, you would want to help contribute to it. What if Albany or other schools tried to achieve a goal even if it was 50% because that would be an improvement and intrigue more people to join in.
On our visit to North Albany Academy, I was excited to see what we were going to be doing. I was a little weary when they told us we would be marching in the parade but it the end it turned out to be a lot of fun with the chants and cheering. I was also very amused during the BBQ session watching the kids interact with their peers and teachers.
On our way out, I felt like we were needed there after all the schools staff consistently thanked us and showed how much the appreciated us being their and apart of their homecoming. I walked out knowing I helped make the homecoming fun and enjoying.

Statistically Speaking...

This article and it's troubling statistics reminded me a lot of a book I read in Foundations freshman year: Nickel and Dimed. A woman decided to do some rather wussied-out detective work by going undercover working minimum wage jobs, one of which was at Merry Maids. She wrote about the people she met, and how it was for them to afford food, pay their rents and simply get by day to day. Once you factor in rent, and health care, over 50% of the minimum wage budget is gone.
In addition, Dr. Levy and the Siena Research Institute just completed a study concerning the incomes of the people in new York. Now this was not just Albany, as the research article we reviewed was, but it probably contained a significant sample from the area. Some of his findings correspond to the stresses that low-income families have and were surprising just how many people live below the poverty line, or are straddling it warily. Down the street, right down route 9, there are homes without running water, power or electricity. It's the year 2008 and we're supposedly the great power in the world stage. What makes these conditions, considering of course the statistical information in the article (that's enough to make your jaw drop), justifiable in America?
I am glad that the Catholic Diocese are willing to help out people in the way of education... with the graduation rate around 38%, and the fact that 53% of people who live in poverty never graduated... that makes the determinant number of those "destined" to live below the poverty line about: 33% (32.86%) of people in Albany right off the bat, are in poverty. That certainly doesn't seem fair. The more that education is promoted, the most fundamental problem to eradicating such a high percentage of people in poverty can be adequately addressed. There are of course other factors and programs that can certainly be implemented... but that's where we come in.
Daunting though this article is, it's important to get a good idea of scope of people that we will immerse ourselves in. The distribution of wealth has so much influence on the ways people live, and the actions they take. As soon as we can open ourselves up to understanding, we will be effective at critically solving problems that are in dire need of addressing.

-Leah

NAA & Reflection on Poverty in Albany

Getting to work in Albany with not only children is something that I love. It's important to see the dynamics of a family when working in any situation if you want to help make change. The highlight of my day was certainly meeting one family that started with one cute little boy, but unfolded to be an amazingly loving and energetic couple of parents with more than seven children!! I love being able to relate all the things we learn in our classes and from programs like Bonner to real life experiences like this.
For example, in the reading about poverty in Albany we learned about the importance of education straight through to adulthood, effects of health care in early childhood, and even hunger in children. It may be easy for students like us to think such things are happening just down the road from us, but we heard board member nominees fighting for such causes for NAA.
Something that truly surprised me was when I learned that more than 10% of families in Ablany are living under extreme poverty. I once had to create a budget based on a four person family getting paid minimum wage and even if every government program and some private programs are utilized it is impossible to live a "normal life." To pay rent, pay bills, and purchase food become daily worries that are impossible on such a budget. As it said in the reading about 30% of the income goes towards rent and 25% to childcare for those under the poverty level.
It seems as though it's very important for us to be aware of such conditions as we work with such populations, but not make it the most important. I could have thought about the conditions that some of these children are going through, or I could have had fun with them!! Clearly the second option was the better option.

Blogging for Good

Hey All!

As you guys are getting more comfortable with blogging I want to introduce you to just how important blogging is becoming in our media-crazed world.

Listed below are links to some blogs that focus on social change and service. There is some awesome information in them.

Have Fun Do Good

Global Giving

Change Blogger Network


The web is really great resource for information (as you all know-- hello Wikipedia) but have you guys ever stopped to think about how using the web the right way could further social and policy change?! Here are some other websites for you to browse that really address the work you all are and will be doing:

Service Nation-- Blake made reference to this briefly in his blog post about what McCain and Obama had to say about service. This summit brought together some of the most influential politicians in our country. See what it's about and see how it effects YOU. (I promise it does)

World Changing-- and online magazine with all things Change.

Idealist.Org-- For those of you who are thinking about your future, this is the website to visit.

So Just-- If you are leading reflection at an All Bonner Meeting-- this is a collection of quotes/speeches etc...

One -- Just an example of the kind of global campaigns out there for you to learn about.

Please remember I'm not advocating the policies of these websites or bloggers-- I'm just offering you some resources to help you begin to form your own thoughts about our world.

I encourage everyone out there to post their own resources as you come across them.

I'm really proud of you guys for seeing the need for service and being so excited to get out into the community. I look forward to all the great conversation that is to come!

See you all soon.

-Nicole

Reflection on Homecoming and Captical Region Study on Poverty

Hey everyone! I hope you all enjoyed last Saturday as much as I did. It was awesome to see how excited the organizers were to have people from Siena there and being involved. I think even if we felt at times our help wasn’t really needed, our presence at the homecoming showed that we are dedicated to helping others. I was excited that I was able to take some great shots of us all doing service and it was a good way to get to know our fellow Bonners and community members! The article was really interesting, the statistics alone made me realize that even just food pantries help so many in-need. I think one of the statistics was that the Schenectady Inner City Ministry provides food to over 11,000 kids! Also its really interesting for me, because one class I’m currently taking discusses current health care systems and one major issue we are talking about is how people you have low economic status have a much higher risk of needing hospitalization and yet do not have access to medical care. It was interesting to read how ministries are trying to provide families with a lower food budget so they can afford other things like medical care. I look forward to see you all soon!

Sarah

Study on Poverty in Albany

So I guess what I'll say first is that I am sorry couldn't be with you guys for the Albany Homecoming event this past weekend, it seems like you all had so much fun. I'm jealous that I had to miss out on what seems like a rewarding experience.
After reading the study on poverty, I was definetly surprised. I was reading the posts, and like Tai said, there are many areas with poverty on Long Island, and I actually used to live in one of those areas when I lived in Brentwood for a few years. It's not that I didn't know that there were people living in such poor conditions, because I've had exposure to these sorts of facts before, but I think no matter how many times you read things like this, its going to be shocking.
The main thing in the article that affected me was how hard it is for people at minimum wage to be able to survive. I guess what I felt was angry at the fact that the salary at which the government considers a person in poverty is no where close the the salary a person needs to be making in order to have a house, food and pay for childcare.
On a lighter note, what I took out of the article as a whole was an eagerness for us to begin volunteering in communities around Albany who need our help. I can't wait for this weekend's volunteering event, and I am even more excited for when we all get our community assignments and can truly start our service.

Study on Poverty and Homecoming

Saturday morning arrived and I dreaded getting out of bed and going to do service.  I really wanted to sleep in.  When we first arrived at the school, I was a little unsure of what we were there for.  Did they really need us? But soon enough we were marching in the parade and then getting assigned jobs.  The time flew by as i handed out chips and interacted with the little kids.  It was refreshing to see the rest of the Bonners doing the same.  I had the chance to talk Theresa and Hannah the most as we stood helping out.  It became clear that our help was much appreciated as we were thanked over and over again.  It only excited me more for what is to come next. 

After reading the study about poverty i was shocked.  I know poverty exsists, but I have never seen poverty close enough to understand how severe it is.  The numbers that are there make me want to make a difference.  I know that saying this is cliche, but I don't know how else to put it.  One of the statistics that really shocked me was the graduation rates in local places.  Only 38% in Albany! Education is really important to me and there has to be a way to help change these statistics.

Reflection on Capital Regents Study on Poverty

First of all just wanted to say im sorry i missed out last saturday. It sounds like you guys had a really great experience!
After reading the study on poverty it took me a while to digest what i had read. It's amazing how sometimes we get so caught up in the aspects of our own lives that we forget about the people around us. This article opened my eyes to the reality of how serious poverty in American truly is. A lot of the statistics were very upsetting.
Probably what upset me the most was the sections about child poverty. From the beginning their lives are headed down a difficult path. One statistic stated that 55% of kids in New York State whose parents don't have high school degrees live in poverty. Its hard to imagine that these innocent kids are brought into the world and have to face so many obstacles at such a young age. Many are doomed to live the same lives their parents are stuck in.
However, it was great to read about the catholic schools that are helping to provide scholarships to students who's parents cannot afford the tuition expenses. This made me realize how eager i am to start my own community service! I can't wait to actually get out into the community and try to make a small difference in someones life.

Homecoming & Poverty in the Diocese of Albany

On Saturday, was our first Bonner community service event and it was a blast! At the Northern Albany Academy Homecoming it was kind of similar to my hometown's homecoming with the parade through the neighborhood, the banners, etc. I almost had a tear fall from my eyes as I reminisced about home. It was a learning experience for all of us and we were able to spread the bonner love. I felt good at the end of the day when the staff repeatedly thanked us for our efforts.

Reading the Poverty in the Diocese of Albany, the stats were nothing knew to me because back on Long Island we have towns that have similar stats. I also have family that are living in poverty and making $11,000 a year or less with 5 teenagers. I know that when others in the Bonner program read about the issues of healthcare, housing, and education that hopefully it opened their eyes a little more. 

One time I had over heard someone say that no one in the United States is poor. That statement upset me to the point I was going to speak up and say something but I decided not to. That was that person's opinion. Therefore I wish that more people were able to see the reality of the world. Being in the Bonner program is going to be beneficial to all of us and its going to be a fun fulfilled 4 years!  

Homecoming

Our first project together as Siena Bonner Leaders went so well! Not only did we get to interact with members from the school and its community, but we continued to grow closer together as a team.
At first, I was skeptical if our help was actually needed. However, when all of our small efforts were combined, we provided BIG assistance to this North Albany school. We recieved many "thank you's" from faculty and staff for facilitating their 2nd Annual Homecoming festivities!
After witnessing how successful our first service project was, I cannot wait to share our Bonner love with others.

-Louise

Reflection of the North Albany Homecoming Event

Our first Bonner Project, a day of volunteering at the North Albany Family Day, certainly merited some trepidation on behalf of Bonners young and old. It of course, didn't help that it was about four thousand degrees out on arguably the most humid day in recorded history. The show must go on however, and that it did.
We started by marching a parade down North Pearl Street to the American Legion for a barbecue. The parade was a rather short procession, but it was a lot of fun. Luckily I was there, because Tim needed reinforcements on the whole banner holding process, and our banner: New York-Europe connection was stable and fundamentally sound. The spirit that was contained within the parade, "I don't know but I've been told..." resonated through the neighborhood and I was pleased to notice that everyone was able to relax and have fun together. Screaming, "One, two, three, four... NUMBER ONE!" seems to do that to you. By the time we reached the Legion, I felt less as if this was pulling me away from all the really "important" things I had to do, but more drawing me into something that was really important.
Once we scattered effectively into our various tasks, (I had the amazing job of watching people apply Ketchup and Mustard to their hot dogs, and making sure those little tykes that needed help received it in a swift, effective manner), I felt that not only were we connecting with the community, and receiving a taste of what lies outside our comfortable gated bubble of Siena College, but we were also enjoying the company of one another.
I had the opportunity to get to know some of the freshmen, exchange mildly aggressive banter with Blake, watch Theresa interact so well with children and even see some faces that I recognized. The community's basketball coach ran a summer camp for the kids at Siena, where the basketball team would help with lessons during the day. Having lived the dream here at Siena over the summer, we became friends, and he told me that he "wasn't surprised to see me again, especially at something like this." To drive his point home, he probably ate five hot dogs, all of which brought him back to my station.
I am no stranger to Albany, Arbor Hill and North Albany areas, having spent the last 3 years living here, but I never ceased to be amazed at how much fun I have when I venture out of the comfy and familiar and just allow myself to get caught up with working with new people, laughing, joking and smiling *cue violin music*... The community really appreciated it and so did those who organized the homecoming event. Not only were we having fun, but we were being rained upon with thanks and praise for doing it. Somehow, this seemed like a way better idea than procrastinating homework, lazing around and going to brunch at Siena.
I may have internally grumbled at the thought in the beginning, but I was shown that this was not only fun, but it made me feel a million times better than if I hadn't gone.
I am looking forward to participating in more community projects with the Bonners.
Bonner LOVE.

Feeling Good

You have got to feel good when both (not just the usual democratic one who we should all be supporting but not on AmeirCorps time and I will post about some other day) of our nations presidential candidates get on the same stage and in a bipartisan manner praise the work of our nations volunteers! That's us everybody, talk about Bonner LOVE!

McCain said that the PeaceCorps and AmeriCorps don't receive, "sufficient recognition" and he would be, "glad to reward them as much as possible."

Obama (aka THE MAN) went on to say, "Part of what makes America work is the fact that we believe in individual responsibility and self-reliance, but we also believe in mutual responsibility, in neighborliness, in a sense that we are committed to something larger than ourselves."

For some reason all of this seems to be ringing bells of familiarity... sounds a lot like the commitment each and every one of us has made and will continue to make to our communities. If that doesn't make you feel good, then come visit me during office hours and I'll try and cheer you up!

Bonner Family, pat yourself on the back, you deserve it!

B-Love,

Blake

P.S. I am such a loser for writing this on a Friday night!