Change Lab Reflection
At the beginning, our group went around and shared some volunteer projects we have taken part in, and specifically what we have an interest in. Multiple members expressed an interest in environmental issues. Due to this, as a team, we discussed what environmental concern we wanted to address. We decided on water because it is a major issue being seen now in California, with the drought, and overall around the world. We narrowed it down to specifically water quality and accessibility in America. Our stakeholders became every member of the country because water is needed for everyone, and no one can be immune from the consequences. Overall, compiling all our information we created our final presentation which looked into water deeper. It gave basic facts about the water crisis, and caused others to think critically from big questions. Also, we then mentioned who has a part in this issue and why it’s so important. We concluded with a PSA to further express and motivate others on why this is an issue, and why it needs to be addressed.
It was very insightful to really see the facts relating to this issue. Although, I knew the severity of the problem the facts made it seems more real and horrible, causing my desire to fix this issue to be stronger. This demonstrates the importance of education to really understand the issue. One of the criticisms of volunteering we discussed was lack of education and knowledge on the project. This issue is an example of a service project that would require knowledge and research first to ensure that the work being done is appropriate and most effective in helping this issue. A critical component is the need of community development. Everyone is effected by water and the need for everyone to have it is important. As a community, especially in a low water area, the combined effort to conserve and provide water to all can be done as a community. With an effort of the whole, progress can be seen. This can correlate to the need for active citizens, active citizens in this situation would feel a desire to contribute by conserving, and with a community wide effort it would very productive. The solution does not always have to be hard and complicated, it can be easy as a community movement. Again stressing the importance of ones role in community, and the power of community development. One of the frustrations in this project was my desire to expand past our “we believe statement” and go broader on the topic. However, I realized this would be less effective in presenting our issue, and to cause a desired change it is more beneficial to start in one specific area, moving to broader variety after the education of the first is understood and changing.
Our change lab project was on water. It specifically looked at how drinking water is not accessible to everyone, even in America. Throughout a few classes, the group had to think critically on water, creating a “we believe statement”, ask big questions, address stakeholders, and potential solutions and more on the overall issue. This project was done to address a social issue and “unpack” it. The change lab was able to impact me in the way I could address social issues, looking more critically on the issue. We based our presentation off of an issue that was of interest to our group, so the more I learned on this issue is a good possession. The issue is related to service because much service can be done in order to improve the water quality and allow the goal of giving equal access to drinking water. Also, relating to many essays in class specifically about community development, this can be very applicable. Water is an important necessity in every community, and with the desire to work together and improve the community then progress on water can be address and bettered with factors from the community as a whole. I think that with the contribution of community a huge difference could be seen in this issue. Specifically, what would be the impact? If communities partook in self-development then the results could be witnessed. I feel very passionately about this issue and I want people to be able to change in order to make the difference this issue needs to see. This is again another example we have discussed in class on the importance of community development and involvement, because the community has the power to make a difference. I always understood the importance of water, and how widespread it was. However, I did not realize how many, in America, do not have access to drinking water, or enough water to supply their needs. The change lab was a good opportunity to dive deeper into an issue that interests me, providing me the opportunity to learn more and think more reflectively. In the future, I can implement some solutions to help reduce my water usage, and help educate others in order to cause change. How can this issue really be changed? I believe with proper education, awareness, and support the water issue in America can be drastically improved. I am definitely interested in studying this topic further and to develop more knowledge and understanding on raising awareness, and what specifically I can do. Experiences that caused me to expand my knowledge and create a desire to help this issue.
It was very insightful to really see the facts relating to this issue. Although, I knew the severity of the problem the facts made it seems more real and horrible, causing my desire to fix this issue to be stronger. This demonstrates the importance of education to really understand the issue. One of the criticisms of volunteering we discussed was lack of education and knowledge on the project. This issue is an example of a service project that would require knowledge and research first to ensure that the work being done is appropriate and most effective in helping this issue. A critical component is the need of community development. Everyone is effected by water and the need for everyone to have it is important. As a community, especially in a low water area, the combined effort to conserve and provide water to all can be done as a community. With an effort of the whole, progress can be seen. This can correlate to the need for active citizens, active citizens in this situation would feel a desire to contribute by conserving, and with a community wide effort it would very productive. The solution does not always have to be hard and complicated, it can be easy as a community movement. Again stressing the importance of ones role in community, and the power of community development. One of the frustrations in this project was my desire to expand past our “we believe statement” and go broader on the topic. However, I realized this would be less effective in presenting our issue, and to cause a desired change it is more beneficial to start in one specific area, moving to broader variety after the education of the first is understood and changing.
Our change lab project was on water. It specifically looked at how drinking water is not accessible to everyone, even in America. Throughout a few classes, the group had to think critically on water, creating a “we believe statement”, ask big questions, address stakeholders, and potential solutions and more on the overall issue. This project was done to address a social issue and “unpack” it. The change lab was able to impact me in the way I could address social issues, looking more critically on the issue. We based our presentation off of an issue that was of interest to our group, so the more I learned on this issue is a good possession. The issue is related to service because much service can be done in order to improve the water quality and allow the goal of giving equal access to drinking water. Also, relating to many essays in class specifically about community development, this can be very applicable. Water is an important necessity in every community, and with the desire to work together and improve the community then progress on water can be address and bettered with factors from the community as a whole. I think that with the contribution of community a huge difference could be seen in this issue. Specifically, what would be the impact? If communities partook in self-development then the results could be witnessed. I feel very passionately about this issue and I want people to be able to change in order to make the difference this issue needs to see. This is again another example we have discussed in class on the importance of community development and involvement, because the community has the power to make a difference. I always understood the importance of water, and how widespread it was. However, I did not realize how many, in America, do not have access to drinking water, or enough water to supply their needs. The change lab was a good opportunity to dive deeper into an issue that interests me, providing me the opportunity to learn more and think more reflectively. In the future, I can implement some solutions to help reduce my water usage, and help educate others in order to cause change. How can this issue really be changed? I believe with proper education, awareness, and support the water issue in America can be drastically improved. I am definitely interested in studying this topic further and to develop more knowledge and understanding on raising awareness, and what specifically I can do. Experiences that caused me to expand my knowledge and create a desire to help this issue.