Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

           The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as “Food Stamps,” was established in 1964 when the Food Stamp Act (see Appendix 1) was enacted. In 2017, SNAP served 42 million people, including almost 70% families with children, with $63.6 billion in benefits (FY2017). SNAP also provide nutritional support to low-income senior, minimum and low-wage working families, as well as people with disabilities living paycheck-by-paycheck or with no income at all. In this paper, we will address SNAP as a social issue, its goals, and effects. Furthermore, we will provide possible alternatives to make SNAP more accessible to individuals.

SNAP AS SOCIAL PROBLEM

SNAP is one of the main sources of support for those with earnings less than 50% of the poverty line (Pathways: 2015), and it is considered by the USDA as the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net due to providing nutrition assistance to millions of low-income individuals and families. To be eligible for SNAP, applicants must meet work requirements including registering for work or accepting a job opportunity when offered, participating in employment/training programs (if assigned by the State), and not reducing hours or voluntarily quitting a job. However, some restrictions may apply for those not subject to those requirements, for example, children, seniors, pregnant women, people with a disability or mental health issues.

Another requirement to apply for/or maintain your SNAP status is income. With the exception of households with a disable or an elderly member, the gross monthly income of the adult-applicants must be at or below 130 percent of the poverty line, this is $2,213 (about $26,600 a year) for a family of three (see Appendix B). However, this does not indicate that everyone could be eligible if s/he meets the requirements, like in the case of undocumented immigrants and most college students. Another social issue linked to SNAP is that when it comes to having a job, some employers, such as retailers, do not guarantee hours to employees, which means that if a person works over 20 hours within a week at Market Basket (per say), s/he can find that her/his hours were cut for the following week. This not only could have a negative impact regarding SNAP requirements but also could affect their household and lead to other social issues such as food insecurity.

In 2017, the Trump administration’s budget proposed cutting $193 billion or 25 percent from SNAP with the goals of tightening eligibility and work requirements. Although Congress has not yet voted on this budget, this action could increase the percentage of households and individuals who are facing or could face food insecurity. About 15 million households were food insecure according to USDA data in 2017. Although the USDA points out that the number has declined from 12.3 percent a year earlier, the Center for Poverty Research claims that, in a study made in 2011, a comparison was made between birth outcomes among children born in counties that were early adopters of the Food Stamp program and other counties that adopted a few years later. The study found that among all families who received Food Stamps, “the incidence of low birth weight was about seven percent lower for White infants and about three percent lower for Black infants.” This is one of the goals or purpose of SNAP in the first place.

POLICY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

From its beginning, the primary goals of the Food Stamps Program was to allow individuals on relief to buy ‘orange stamps’ (which were used to buy any food) for an equal value of dollars, and to receive $.50 towards blue stamps per each time they used $1 worth of orange stamps (which could only be used to buy surplus food determined by the Department of Agriculture). In 1964, the program became permanent per the request of President Johnson who urged Congress to pass legislation on a law which objectives were to provide better-quality nutrition among low-income households regardless of race, national origin, religion, or political beliefs, as well as to strengthen the agricultural economy. The department named this law as The Food Stamp Act (1964), even though, the program became available nationwide in early 1975 (in the case for Puerto Rico).

THE FOOD STAMP ACT OF 1964

Public Law 88-525

88th Congress, H.R. 10222

August 31, 1964

 [An Act] To strengthen the agricultural economy; to help to achieve a fuller and more effective use of food abundances; to provide for improved levels of nutrition among low-income households through a cooperative Federal-State program of food assistance to be operated through normal channels of trade, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that this Act may be cited as “The Food Stamp Act of 1964”

Nowadays, the goal of SNAP is to increase food security and reduce hunger by increasing access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education for low-income Americans. In the same way, the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council include that SNAP goals are “raising the level of nutrition among low-income households and maintaining adequate levels of nutrition by increasing the food purchasing power of low-income families.” Another goal the National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine states is that SNAP purpose is increasing resources for the purchase of food for a nutritious diet in order to alleviate hunger and malnutrition.

POLICY EFFECTS

             Like many policies, SNAP has its positive and negative effects in our society. One of the negative effects of this policy came after some crimes committed throughout the years. To exemplify, between 1981 and 1983, federal taskforce discovered up to 1,390 indictments of food stamp fraud nationally -that when the term ‘Welfare Queen’ was born. Nowadays, the idea of people claiming that groups of ‘welfare’ recipients are “ripping off the American taxpayer by claiming benefits for which they aren’t eligible, claiming more benefits than those to which they are legally entitled, and by selling off food stamps to buy other non-food items, such as guns or drugs,” as TIME reported.

Stigmas and misconceptions are also big barriers for individuals who need the nutritional assistance but are ashamed or afraid of using their EBT card on the public. This is a social problem that has been known by the USDA. Feeding America relates the story of a person named Dawn who have struggled with the stigmas around SNAP. In the entry, Dawn explains that despite having worked full time the entire life, Dawn was laid off when the economy fell and, “I could not afford to feed my family.” Dawn decided to apply for SNAP, but one day, while waiting in line at the grocery store, Dawn heard a woman complaining about "all these losers and their food stamps… I could never eat as well as these people and I work for a living.” Ashamed, Dawn leaves the line and the lady told, “Well you don't look like you're on food stamps!" Sadly, stories like Dawn’s keep showing around the internet and across the country.

On the positive side and as a response or fight to the stigma around the Food Stamp Program, the USDA changed the program’s name to SNAP. In the same way, the department changed the food stamp coupons to an electronic card named “Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)” that looks and works like a debit card. Participants of SNAP, Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC) can use the EBT card. Additionally, the USDA created strategies to help prevent program fraud, like the SNAP Fraud Framework which combines “innovations in the use of analytics with concepts and practices from industry in order to more effectively detect potential fraud and improve administration and oversight.” Moreover, the department recognizes that “fraud is not a static concept and one size does not fit all.”

Safety net like SNAP not only helps cutting poverty by half but is also attached to health benefits. A 2016 study found that the “availability of food stamps leads to more food consumption and thus one clear channel is through an increase in nutrition in the critical in utero and early life period” (Hoynes: 2016). The study concludes by stating that this safety net has a positive effect on its consumers or participants, as it helps in the strong, “long-term improvements in health.” Another outcome is that SNAP helps bridge the gap between the need for food and the ability to purchase it.

IMPLICATIONS

For the most part, SNAP depends on federal funding since ‘day one.’ The 2000 Congressional Research Service Report for Congress claims that amendments to the 1977 [Food Stamp] Act during the early 1980’s “significantly restricted eligibility and benefits but beginning in the mid-1980’s and continuing through amendments in 1990 and 1993, program benefits were generally increased.” However, funding and benefits have been shifting. For instance, CRS report that the 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (P.L. 104-193) “incorporated the most extensive changes in the program since the 1977 rewrite of the law,” and lowered expected spending by an estimated 13 percent, over $20 billion through FY2002. Unfortunately, this era is not an exception when it comes to such cuttings.

Trump administration had a new proposal to replace half of SNAP benefits with a box of canned or packaged foods. This can be considered as taking away the ability of a SNAP participant to choose her/his meal/food. In the same way, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities claims that Trump’s 2019 budget proposes to cut the SNAP by 30 percent or over $213 billion within the next ten years. The Center express their concern in how this cut would affect 4 million people, “the unemployed, the elderly, and low-income working families with children would bear the brunt of the cuts.” (see Appendix C for more details on Trump’s 2019 budget proposal). With news like this is inevitable for one to ask ourselves why? why basically taking away the opportunity for the supplemental nutrition of millions of individuals who are living with wages under poverty?

SNAP not only support families but also our macroeconomic spending and production. According to a USDA report, “ERS research has estimated a multiplier of SNAP benefits on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 1.79, that is, an increase of $1 billion in SNAP benefits increases GDP by $1.79 billion and results in an increase of 8,900-17,900 full-time equivalent jobs.” Furthermore, the study states that each dollar spent on SNAP stimulates US economy by adding $1.73 in economic activity.

ALTERNATIVE VALUES

SNAP should be seen as a nutrition program, not linked to the stigma attached to the word “welfare.” Throughout years, people who benefit from safety nets such as SNAP have been exposed to misconceptions, bullying, and rude behavior. This has been part of my life as well, as a single parent who benefits from SNAP because my income does not allow me to be nearly as independent as I wish. Just like my case, many other lives depend on SNAP; for that reason, this social issue should not be taken in a light manner. I agree with some restrictions such as the work requirements for able-bodied individuals who are capable of work and become more self-efficient; however, how do we successfully recognize who is consider an able-bodied person? On another note, I wish SNAP recipients who are also college students could have the opportunity to use their EBT card at their school marketplace. Even further, I would like to see more efforts made on creating a program that gives the students to SNAP the access to hot meals in the dining halls. Meanwhile, we ought to keep on being a voice for those who do not have one.

“Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice” -Nelson Mandela

Works Cited

Hoynes, Hilary et al. 2016. “Long-run impacts of childhood access to the safety net.” The      American Economic Review. 106(4): 903–934. http://dx.doi.org/10.1257/aer.20130375

“Safety Net” (pp. 38) in The State of the States: The Poverty and Inequality Report 2015.

Pathways. Stanford Center on Poverty and Inequality.

APPENDIX A: THE FOOD STAMP ACT

APPENDIX B: SNAP INCOME

Household Size	Gross monthly income (130 percent of poverty)	Net monthly income (100 percent of poverty)
1	$1,307	$ 1,005
2	$1,760	$1,354
3	$2,213	$1,702
4	$2,665	$2,050
5	$3,118	$2,399
6	$3,571	$2,747
7	$4,024	$3,095
8	$4,477	$3,444
Each additional member	+$453	+$349

Source: US Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. FY 2018

APPENDIX C: TRUMP’S CUTS

The President’s budget would also expand the reach of a stringent three-month time limit under the existing program.  Currently, SNAP participants age 18 to 49 who are not raising minor children cannot receive benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period unless they work 20 hours a week.  States can exempt particularly vulnerable individuals, such as those in high-unemployment areas.  But the President’s budget would make qualifying for those exemptions much harder.  It also would raise the maximum age for those facing the time limit to 62 beginning in 2021, exposing 2 million more individuals to the limits, including older Americans who face additional obstacles to work.

Text and Table (below) Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

TABLE 1
SNAP Cuts in the President’s 2019 Budget
Proposal	Ten-Year Federal Savings from SNAP Cuts
Cut SNAP benefits and shift a portion to food boxes		-$131.7 billion
State administrative costs for distributing food boxes		$2.5 billion
Restrict categorical eligibility		-$30.6 billion
Limit time-limit waivers		-$17.8 billion
Apply time limit through age 62, and change “elderly” definition to begin at age 63		-$5.9 billion
Eliminate “15% exemptions” from time limit		-$3.2 billion
Eliminate minimum benefit		-$2.7 billion
Cap large households’ benefit		-$1.7 billion
Eliminate Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)/Terminate the SNAP-LIHEAP Connection		-$13.1 billion
Impose standardized utility allowances across states		-$10.2 billion
Cap state administrative expenses		-$9.8 billion
Eliminate SNAP nutrition education		-$4.7 billion
Mandate the National Accuracy Clearinghouse		-$1.1 billion
Eliminate state performance bonuses		-$480 million
Interactions/effect of other budget proposals on SNAP*		about $17 billion
Total		-$213.5 billion

* The savings for individual proposals exceed total projected savings because some of the provisions impact the same households.  This line captures the difference between the reported ten-year savings and the sum of the individual proposals, which we believe represent interactions between proposals and the indirect effect of proposed policy changes in other areas on SNAP.

Source: The estimates of the size of the cuts throughout this paper are based on the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget of the U.S. Government at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/ and the “Explanatory Notes” the Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides to Congress, available at https://www.obpa.usda.gov/32fns2019notes.pdf.

Social Policy and Gender: Subsidized Child Care

Photograph by Getty Images

The differential treatment of a person or a group due to their gender is known as gender discrimination. Discrimination based on gender has been rooted in US history until the present time. Whether it is the social movements on making sure LGBTQ+ members enjoy the same rights and privileges as someone who does not identify as such to the never-ending fights for women’s rights, gender discrimination has been addressed across the nation and beyond. Women, in particular, have been facing gender discrimination even at the hiring process. According to Pathways’ State of the Union 2018 Report, women face a penalty when they have children, with callback rates declining from 6.6 percent for women who are not parents to 3.1 percent for women who are, because “mothers are perceived as being less committed and less competent” (Pathways Magazine, 2018: 35). Furthermore, mothers face challenges in a more difficult level than men who are parenting children by themselves, especially when it comes to women of color.

During our Social Policies and Inequality class, we learned how policies can promote equality among groups and individuals, but how they can also disproportionally affect individuals based on their genders and sexualities. In her book, Under the Bus, Caroline Fredrickson (2015) argues how some policies have failed to help many low income/women of color/immigrant/working women, especially women who need child care in order to work and become more self-efficient and/or independent. Although we recognize that the child care system in the US is a challenge for all parents, these challenges are noticeably high for women of color as well as for working women. In this paper, we will discuss how child care policies have contributed to gender discrimination since this type of aid originally provided support to a group over other. Finally, we then will talk about what changes have been implemented to make sure our government provides equal treatment and opportunities for all, regardless of one’s gender. 

CHILD CARE AS A SOCIAL PROBLEM

In the United States, 42 percent of families with children have women as the household’s primary breadwinner; many of them cannot afford to pay for childcare, which leads to challenges affecting working-class women, Black, and Latinas, especially (Vogtman, 2017). The author of Under the Bus, Caroline Fredrickson (2015) claims that one of the easiest ways to fall from poverty into destitution is to have children and that one of the biggest challenges for families in the US is taking care of their children while working towards a better future for their families. Fredrickson also discusses how many women, who don’t have access to childcare or who don’t count on someone who they can leave their children with, have (1) dropped out from college due to the cost of day care being more than their tuition and fees, (2) missing work (2015:173) or been fired,  and (3) forced to leave their children unattended.

The Nation shared the story of Tasheva, an 11-year-old girl who was left alone with her four younger siblings in her family’s New York City apartment. After throwing water balloons out of her window onto their neighbor’s terrace, the police were called. When the police came to the apartment and found Tasheva and her siblings were home alone taken to the police station and then put into foster care. Three years later, Tasheva was raped by her foster-care brother for a period of two years. Although Tasheva’s story primarily focuses on how the child-welfare system is like the criminal-justice system, by devastatingly pulling in poor people whom the majority are people of color, the story can also be interpreted from the stance of not having child care options.

So, what’s the issue?

The child care system is a challenge for all parents regardless; however, the risks are worryingly high for working-class women as well as for 70.7 percent of Black women who are their household’s main source of income. The average weekly cost of full-time (40 hours per week) daycare is approximately $196 per child (about $10,000 per year). Anne Branigin states, “America’s current child care system does more to exacerbate inequality than it does to alleviate the struggles of the working class or offer assistance and nurturing to the children who need it the most,” especially when “affordable care means that low-income families increasingly rely on relatives or unlicensed caregivers” (2018).  

The first federal program Child and Dependent Care Credit was created into law by President Gerald Ford, in 1976. Four years later and under the Reagan administration, the federal child care funding shifted, causing the growth of for-profit child care often unaffordable by low-income families who ended up receiving some aid from the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), passed in 1990. Despite this safety net been designed to allow or, like Fredrickson said, “to force mothers to work” (2015:171), there is no guarantee that eligible children will be supported and, if they would be taking care of, poor families would have to spend 30 percent of their income to pay for child care (177).

POLICY OBJECTIVES

The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), then known as the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, came after the Congress “acknowledging the need for expanded child care to support a welfare-to-work plan…combined along with several smaller programs, into a single block grant” (Michel, 2011). In November 2014, the reauthorized CCDBG offered a framework for states to better allowing parents to go to work or school, encouraging children’s healthy growth, and improving child care assistance programs in order to help families access safe, reliable, affordable child care, for the first time since 1996 (Matthews, 2017). To be eligible for child care assistance, families must have income below 85 percent of the state median, working or engaged in an educational activity, and have a child under 13 (or under 19 if the children have special needs).  

This policy is considered as the primary federal grant program that funds child care quality initiatives through vouchers or certificates that can be used by parents for the provider or program of their choice and that provides child care assistance for low-income, working families, especially single mothers (Child Care Aware of America). The CCDBG Act of 2014, under the Obama Administration, included four primary goals:

• Enhance the quality of child care and the early childhood workforce (including required training and professional development for caregivers, teachers, and directors working in child care)
• Help parents make informed consumer choices and access information to support child development (including the posting of monitoring reports, an easily accessible website, and best practices in child development)
• Protect the health and safety of children in child care (including comprehensive background checks, health and safety training, and monitoring of child care providers)
• Provide equal access to stable, high-quality child care for low-income children (including strengthening payment rates and practices to promote access to care and minimum time periods of child care assistance to families)

POLICY EFFECTS

As a larger scope of this policy effects, in Fiscal Year (FY) 2014, the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), part of the CCDBG, provided child care assistance to 1.4 million children (nearly 64 percent of infants and toddlers) from nearly 1 million low-income working families in an average month: 40 percent of whom are Black children and 32 percent Latinx (Administration for Children and Families; Child-Care Aware of America). Another long-term effect is that low-income parents receiving government aid will be receiving more stable assistance as they work toward economic independence. Furthermore, parents can receive up to 12 months of assistance before re-applying for childcare while keeping their child care aid as long as they are searching for a job. On the same not, a positive short-term effect is that background checks will be implemented to child care providers, which could bring a piece of mind to parents whose children benefit from child care and it will ensure them that their children are taking cared in a safe environment.

Matthews (2017) states that when Congress reauthorized CCDBG, they did not provide enough funding to support states, forcing them to use funds from other federal safety-net such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), not only to meet the new requirements on spending, consumer education, and comprehensive criminal background checks, but to ensure children and families don’t lose access to child care. Fredrickson (2015) uses the example of a single mother whose daughter was benefiting from child care, and when her job gave her a raise of fewer than 50 cents per hour, she found out that she was no longer eligible because her income was now “too high to qualify” (173). Moreover, in numerous cases, parents who have access to childcare vouchers must cover a portion of the costs, which can lead to economic struggles for many low-income families.

Not surprisingly, throughout American history, Fredrickson (2015) mentions how people tend to have a sentimental view of white mothers who stay at home but a judgmental view of Black mothers who do so. She states that this was also the case during Nixon administration when “hypocritically and cynically” demanded that poor women, pronominally women of color, “keep working while they have young children or lose important financial support for their families” (Fredrickson, 2015:178). So, choosing to stay at home to take care of your children was never a ‘good option’ -for Black mothers. Therefore, the lack of funding is the primary obstacle for states being fully acquiescent with the policy and disproportionately harmed marginalized genders, such as low-income, Black and Latina women.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

Many studies have shown that children, especially children from low-income families, who participate in high-quality early care and education programs are “more likely to perform well in school, complete their education, be in good health, and achieve financial security than their peers who did not participate in such programs” (Vogtman, 2017:16). Childcare not only benefits children and parents but the economy at large by providing nearly 30,000 jobs and generating $1.5 billion in gross receipts.

Although having access to childcare is considered “one of the most effective policy instruments to facilitate low-income individuals’ transition from welfare to work” (Herbst 2011: 901), as Fredrickson (2015) claims, “the lack of good childcare has long-term implications, and the children of teen-mothers, parents without a high school diploma, and those who do not speak English suffer the worst consequences” (177). Hence, this policy interacts with the forces affecting the social evolution of human being, especially with low-income families.

Our hopes are to have more comprehensive policies when it comes to the requirements for accessing child care because, when parents have peace of mind that their children are in a nurturing child care, with a safe environment (in combination with benefits such as maternity leave and paid sick time), they are more likely to be productive at work, and possibly advance to a position with higher pay.  

ALTERNATIVE POLICIES

Last year, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA) introduced the Child Care for Working Families Act (CCWF). The new legislation attempts to set down a strong marker for what is truly needed to make improvements to the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) across the nation. Some of the CCWF provisions include:

• Increase mandatory federal funding to ensure that no family under 150% of state median income pays more than seven percent of their income on childcare and establishing a sliding fee scale for families from 75 percent of SMI to 150 percent of SMI to assure that no family pays more than 7 percent of their income for care.
• No co-payment for families earning no more than 75 percent of SMI or families eligible for Head Start.
• Help all Head Start programs meet the new expanded duration requirements and provide full-day, full-year programming.
• More than doubles the number of children eligible for child care assistance and ensures all those who are eligible have the ability to enroll their child in a quality program.
• Build more inclusive, high-quality child care providers for children with disabilities, and infants and toddlers with disabilities, including by increasing funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Although this Act has only been referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, on March 23, Congress passed the FY 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which included a $2.4 billion increase for the CCDBG. We have still a long road to walk; yet, as Oprah states, “The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance, and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning.” We will continue fighting for our children, especially for those within low-income families.

Works Cited

Branigin, Anne. 2018. “The Future of Child Care: How to Create a Fairer, More Equitable

System for Working Women and Women of Color.” The Root. Retrieved November 12, 2018 (https://www.theroot.com/the-future-of-child-care-how-to-create-a-fairer-more-1824129090).

Fredrickson, Caroline. 2015. Under the Bus. New York, NY: The New Press.

Herbst, Chris M. and Tekin, Erdal, 2011. “Do Child Care Subsidies Influence Single Mothers’

Decision to Invest in Human Capital?” Economics of Education Review. Ed. 30. Pp. 901–912. Elsevier. Retrieved November 9, 2018. Doi: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2011.03.006

Matthews, Hanna, et al. 2017. “Implementing the Child Care and Development Block Grant

Reauthorization: A Guide for States.” The Center for Law and Social Policy (Clasp). The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC). Retrieved November 10, 2018 (https://nwlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/final_nwlc_CCDBGUpdate2017.pdf).

Michel, Sonya. 2011. “The history of child care in the U.S.” Social Welfare History

Project. Retrieved November 9, 2018 (http://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/programs/child-care-the-american-history)

Pathways Magazine. 2018. “State of the Union: The Poverty and Inequality Report”. Stanford

Center on Poverty and Inequality. Retrieved November 9, 2018 (https://inequality.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/Pathways_SOTU_2018.pdf).

Vogtman, Julie. 2017. “Undervalued: A Brief History of Women’s Care Work and Child Care

Policy in the United States.” National Women’s Law Center. Washington. Retrieved November 9, 2018 (https://nwlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/final_nwlc_Undervalued2017.pdf). 

Coexist: Working Towards Inclusion & Mutual Respect

“Motivational Poster” https://www.popartuk.com/motivational/coexist-pp34096-poster.asp  

Inclusion, as the act of taking in as part of a whole, was first coined with the goals of providing advocacy, awareness, and support for individuals with disabilities who have been socially excluded merely based on their impairments. Inclusion, however, does not stop with the social injustices within people with disabilities. According to community psychologists Nelson and Prilleltensky (2010), “Inclusion is becoming an organizing principle that applies broadly to people who have been discriminated against and oppressed by virtue of gender, sexual orientation, ethnoracial background, abilities, age, or some other characteristics” (p. 137). The authors of Community Psychology: In Pursuit of Liberation and Well-Being, claim that inclusion can be conceptualized in three levels, individual, relational, and societal level. At the individual level, Nelson and Prilleltensky (2010) state that inclusion demands regaining control of a positive personal and political identity; while, at the relational level, inclusion means welcoming and supporting communities and building relationships within the same. In the same way, at the societal level, inclusion is advocates for the promotion of equity and access to social resources that are known for being denied to minorities or oppressed people.

Why inclusion is important? When we do not promote inclusion, whether it is in our community, school or work setting, and at a personal level, we are allowing oppression to take place instead -especially, psychological oppression. Psychological oppression affects individuals’ self-esteem by creating this false idea that they are undeserving of social and community resources, and to have low expectations on themselves (Nelson and Prilleltensky, 2010). How can we implement inclusion? The authors claim that one way of building community and inclusion is emphasizing similarity rather than difference, but having in consideration that these differences can be constructed. Either way, Nelson and Prilleltensky (2010) encourage community psychologists to not only work with organizations that fight for inclusion but also to work with underprivileged and diverse groups to find some balance between the wide-ranging methods towards the goal of inclusion; in brief, to coexist.

Your values, Our values

At the University of Massachusetts Lowell, we embrace inclusion and equity. As UML mission statement states,

“Diversity makes us stronger, and a community that values equity and inclusion enhance the educational experience…We are committed to cultivating a just community and sustaining an inclusive campus culture. We embrace diversity in its broadest forms and believe academic excellence and diversity are inseparable.”

I’m a proud UML alumna, now working towards my goals of becoming a double River Hawk. I also work for the university as a Graduate Assistant at the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA). This was the first year that they took the initiative to hire graduate students from the Community Social Psychology Master Program instead of taking the same path of hiring someone from Higher Ed… and I can’t complain about it! At OMA, I have a variety of duties, from advising and advocating for cultural or spiritual clubs, helping them with event planning and implementation, to unifying and leading or hosting OMA’s annual series, “Invisible Identity Series,” focused on hidden identities that exist in the UMass Lowell community.

The first of this year’s series, “Coexist: Mutual respect and understanding across different ideologies,” was hosted in October. We invited students from all the different religious or spiritual communities within our student body. Students who consider themselves as Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, and Catholic, joined us to talk about their experiences about discrimination and oppression based on their identity. Hate had No Home there.The room was filled with respect, love and understanding and, most importantly, with empathy. I love this job because it allows me to employ what I have been learning through my personal and academic experiences, and it promotes and supports the principles that we value the most, our values.

University Resources:

Have you been the victim or witness to an incident? You can anonymously report here: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UMassLowell&layout_id=10

UML Diversity Portal: https://www.uml.edu/diversity/

Reference

Geoffrey Nelson, Isaac Prilleltensky. (2010). Community Pasychology: In Pursuit of Liberation and Well-Being (2nd ed.). New York: Palgrave MacMillian.

Coming Out… in the name of God

 NakedPastor/files/2012/03/gay-or-christian.jpg

Coming Out… in the name of God

Throughout history, many individuals who identify themselves as part of the LGBTQ+ community have been facing discrimination, hatred, and bigotry. In the 1950-60s, as an example, some therapists focused on malicious practices to “cure” male homosexuality, such as forcing patients to see pictures of naked men while giving them electric shocks or drugs until they vomit, to then making them go on a date with a young female nurse. In the same way in 1968, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) listed homosexuality as a mental disorder, and it was not until 1987 that this concept was removed from APA’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community is ‘one thing,’ but being a religious person and ‘gay’ would bring even more disapprovals and hate to the table. Some people not only have an ‘issue’ with these community but also with the [heterosexual] religious leaders who preach love regardless sexual orientation. Although our first amendment states that we all have the right to freedom of religion and speech, it seems like this not necessarily applies to gays or any other gender aside from heterosexual. But, what are the values of a person who chooses to come out in the name of God?

Community Psychologists and LGBTQ+

Psychologists Nelson and Prilleltensky (2010) claim that the three ‘core values’ for community psychologists are: values for personal, relational, and collective well-being. The authors of Community Psychology: In Pursuit of Liberation and Well-Being promote a series of values such as caring and compassion, respect for diversity, and social justice, as well as questions that community psychologists should ask to themselves to better aid communities, including the LGBTQ+ one. Nelson and Prilleltensky (2010) state that, “When collective factors such as social justice and access to valued resources combine with a sense of community and personal empowerment, chances are that psychological and political well-being will ensure” (2010, p. 65). In the “Report of the American Psychological Association Task Force: Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation,” the APA reports that although some religious values, beliefs and practices have changed over time, “reflecting evolving scientific and civil rights perspectives on homosexuality and sexual orientation… [some other religious groups including some religious-based colleges] perceive their religion and their sexual orientation as incompatible, because in some faiths homosexuality is perceived as sinful and immoral” (American Psychological Association 2009, p. 20).

As community psychologists, it is our responsibility to continue aiding and defending disadvantaged people and promoting social justice. It is equally important to recognize that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Transsexual, Questioning/Queer, Intersex, and so forth also form part of these groups who have been so marginalized and oppressed throughout history and across the world. Working towards inclusion and providing a sense of community, are some of the values and principles that community psychologist should keep on mind to address the LGBTQ+ community; particularly, to keep on deconstructing the idea that a person cannot describe him/herself as gay and religious because it is widely considerate as a contradiction to many religious people’s beliefs. Why is so difficult to show respect and being ethical towards a person whose chose to follow God’s amendment of loving our neighbors like ourselves (Mark 12:31)?

References:

Geoffrey Nelson, Isaac Prilleltensky. (2010). Community Pasychology: In Pursuit of Liberation and Well-Being (2nd ed.). New York: Palgrave MacMillian.

American Psychological Association. (2009). Report of the American Psychological Association Task Force: Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation. Washington, DC.

#UML #CommPsych

#YoTambien; #MeToo

Via HelloGiggles

#YoTambién… #MeToo

Entre tantas noticias sobre feminicidios, acoso y/o abuso sexual, violencia de género, y la lista sin fin que los medios recalcan, es casi imposible el no detenerme a cuestionarme, qué yo haría si algo tan enfermizo le pasara a uno de mis hijos? En especial, Amber Sophia, ya que según los estudios indican, cerca de 1 de cada 5 (18.3%) mujeres y 1 de cada 71 hombres (1.4%) son víctimas de violación en algún momento de sus vidas (The Testimony Project). Pero, según las tradicionales opiniones que circulan por nuestra querida isla, República Dominicana, ¿a quién realmente le ‘echamos’ la culpa?

He aquí tres de los tantos casos, de esos muchos que he pasado por alto, y de unos pocos que aún no he podido suprimir. Yo solía usar frenillos -me los colocó una muy buena ortodontista quien viajaba cada miércoles (o jueves) desde la ciudad vecina hacia Puerto Plata. Para la cita de limpieza clínica de los mismos ella, estratégicamente, recomendaba a sus pacientes que se atendieran con el dentista que compartía el local (cuyo quedaba a solo unos pasos desde mi hogar). Varias citas venían e iban; todo en orden… hasta ese día que este “dentista,” en medio de limpiar el agua que su máquina dejaba en mi boca, acercó su rostro junto al mío y me dio un beso en los labios. Ahora, imaginen el tan incomodo momento de mis labios sedados y yo, entre el medio de rabia e impotencia, solo se me ocurrió decirle, “¿usted está loco?”  …no volví más (ahora necesito colocarme frenillos nuevamente).

Como segundo ejemplo, cuando estaba empezando el bachillerato, acorde el juntarme con una amiga en la biblioteca de la misma para hacer tareas. Cuando terminamos, la acompañé hasta dos esquinas hacia ‘arriba’ para que ella tomara el autobús público de regreso a su destino. Una vez ella abordo el vehículo yo, a punto de voltearme para iniciar mi caminata hacia el mío, cuatro jóvenes con uniforme de escuela pública y visualmente/físicamente mayores que yo me empezaron a agarrar mis nalgas -mientras me decían lo “rica” y “buena” que estaba… Empujé a uno de ellos; salí corriendo a casa… avergonzada por el qué dirán mis padres si les dijera que solo pude defenderme de uno solo.

Tres… ¿Qué edad tenía en la siguiente situación? Unos once… De camino a uno de los tantos indeseados mandados para el mercado local (cerca de donde vivo), un ‘hombre,’ manejando un carro maltratado y blanco, me seguía desde la esquina de la Cardenal Sancha (ya que con frecuencia evadía pasar por la ‘esquina de Martha’ [Calle El Morro] en donde los acosos estaban a flor de piel). Me percaté de la lenta velocidad que este hombre iba al notar que no era diferente a la mía, mientras llevaba una mirada perdida, emitía gemidos y, simultáneamente, intercambiaba sus manos… con una manejaba el auto; con la otra, su erección. No miré lo que él quería enseñarme, cuando insistía que me acercara a su carro para enseñarme ‘una cosa que te va a gustar.’ Detuvo su vehículo, yo asustada buscando con la mirada los lugares que podía correr, me preguntó ¿Cuál es tu nombre?

“María.”

“Que buena estas, María…”

Se levanta de su asiento, sin salir del vehículo, justo para mostrarme su miembro lleno de una sustancia blanca que yo desconocía.

Terminé mi mandado. Me fui a casa… avergonzada… con miedo… y muchas preguntas que asumía que no iban a ser respondidas y que nunca sabré si así lo seria.

Más de un millón de niñas y adolescentes son víctimas de violencia sexual en América Latina, y 25% de las niñas de entre 13 y 15 años reporta haber considerado seriamente suicidarse (El Comercio). En nuestra isla, el acoso sexual, la violencia de género, y al abuso sexual son comúnmente visto como algo que es ‘parte de nuestra cultura,’ así como recientemente lo dijo el procurador general de la República, Jean Rodríguez, quien también destacó el famoso refrán y la mala práctica de que, “en pleito de marido y mujer nadie se debe meter”(CDN).

“Pero es que ya no se puede decir un piropo…” o, “Solo te re-victimizas, debiste defenderte…” son solo dos de “Las 5 idioteces que debe oír una mujer acosada” (Metro RD).

#NiUnaMas,

#NiUnaMenos

No nos podemos quedar calladas.

Nunca, pero nunca es demasiado tarde; hasta que lo es.

Cuando Éramos Tres

Solía ser débil pretendiendo ser fuerte
Solía ser víctima, mil veces masoquista.
Solía colocar un selfie por cada lágrima
Solía así gritar ¡Ayuda! sin ser escuchada.

Solía llorar, callar y añorar.
Solía temblar; oír sin escuchar.
Solía sufrir en silencio mientras era el sustento;
Solía saber todo ésto, pero continúe con mi reto.

Que quizás mañana todo cambiaría
Que con mi amor propio no bastaría.
Que un día estamos y que al otro nos vamos,
Que un día cambiamos y, quizás, mejoramos.

Cuando éramos tres
Deseaba el cuarto
Suspiraba por uno
...Mas soñaba con cero.

Cuando éramos tres
Pensaba por seis
Lloraba por uno
...Mas soñaba con cero.

Hoy somos cuatro
Tres más uno; ahora
Uno más dos, ya luego
Mas hoy -al fin hoy, tuve un sueño.

Cuantos Mas? #PrayForHumanity

Image via Fionna Writes

Cuantas muertes mas tienen que pasar a causa del Odio? Este año ha estado lleno de odio y de personas que se ofenden por nada. No saben coexistir ni respetar: no hay tolerancia hacia los individuos sin importar su idiologia y/o creencia religiosa.

Por ejemplo, si tanto usted como yo creemos en Dios, esto no indica que vamos a juzgar (y hasta matar) a todos los que no creen en El, en otra o ninguna creencia. A cada quien que crea lo que quiera, pero que respeten, y den paz y amor en vez de odio y muertes.

En cuanto a los que llaman "lambones" a quienes estan utilizando la bandera de ‪#‎Francia‬ en sus perfiles, por que en vez de estar criticando, no optan mejor por transformar esa critica en algo constructivo: educar a los que SI estan subiendo esta imagen por "moda," y a los que no saben u obvian el hecho de que estas situaciones pasan a diario en diferentes partes del mundo.

‪#‎PrayForFrance‬ ‪#‎PrayForSyria‬ [...] ‪#‎PrayForAfrica‬  ‪#‎PrayForAsia‬‪  #‎PrayForAmerica‬ [...]

‪#‎PrayForHUMANITY‬

Middlesex Community College: Class of 2015

PublicFriendsOnly MeCustomUMass Lowell* CercanosPhi Theta KappaSee all lists...* Bff'sMiddlesex Community College* Conocidos* Otros / Compañías* FamiliaFamilyRevere, Massachusetts AreaWaltham, Massachusetts AreaMiddlesex Community CollegeMiddlesex Community CollegeMiddlesex Community CollegeMiddlesex Community CollegeLawrence, Massachusetts AreaColegio Carlos Maria HernandezGo Back

YouTube: https://youtu.be/kmkAOYYKv2k

Good morning President Mabry; distinguished guests, faculty and staff; proud families, friends and fellow graduates.

First, I would like to thank God for giving me this opportunity to share part of my journey with you. I would also like to thank my children Michael and Amber Sophia who are my every-day inspiration. They inspire me to work hard, move forward, and to never give up hope. And of course, thank you to my mother and father, Gloria and Luis Manuel who have encouraged me from the Dominican Republic. I must mention that right now my Dad is in complete shock to see me on stage, as my mom and I neglected to tell him I would be speaking today.

Just like a caterpillar, I have struggled with some transitions in my life. I’d like to start by telling you about one decision that changed my path and is the reason why I’m standing here before you... feeling... like a butterfly.

In 2011, after learning that I was having my second child as a single parent, my father gave me a piece of advice that I would never forget: he said, “ Don’t worry, take your son Michael, leave everything behind, move to the United States and start from zero.” He purchased a one way ticket for me and my son from Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, to Boston. For a few weeks, I lived with my sister Evelyn in Revere, but due to some family and financial issues, I was not able to stay with her. That’s when the superintendent of her apartment building recommended I go to the Department of Transitional Assistance in order to get support. This same building manager allowed me to stay in one of the empty apartments while waiting for the date when I could move into a shelter. That summer I spent 2 weeks sleeping on the floor with only a blanket for me and my son. During the day we would eat at a local park where a public school provided free lunch for expectant mothers and children.

Once we moved to a temporary shelter in Waltham, I began to worry about my son’s education, particularly his inability to communicate in English. Many single mothers who lived in the shelter were in the same situation. In a short period of time using my basic English skills, I became their voice. I would ride the bus with them to point out the supermarket, the hospital, and other community offices. As time progressed, I also volunteered as an interpreter at a child care center which came to the shelter two days a week to educate the children. Thanks to their support, my son started to communicate using English.

After 11 months living in the shelter with over 90 other families, I moved to Lawrence, under a program called HomeBASE. This move helped me begin my transition from a dependent to an independent life. Once there, I went to Greater Lawrence Community Action Council to seek advice on where I could pursue a higher education, as well as refine my English skills. A former Middlesex Community College student who worked there highly recommended I attend MCC. She also told me that I should take “bus #41,” –which I have been riding since the fall of 2012.

From my very first semester, I fell In Love with Middlesex. I have received incredible support from faculty and staff. For instance, my English professor   recommended I became a writing tutor and that's how my co-curricular involvement started. I discovered I have a passion for helping students not only with their assignments but with their entire college experience. That same year, I earned a 3.7 grade point average and became a member of Phi Theta Kappa.

In 2014, I came out of my “cocoon" and began to develop my leadership skills. I enjoyed taking on the role of senior orientation leader. I became the president of Phi Theta Kappa and I was also fortunate to be chosen as an ambassador for the Commonwealth Honors Program. In addition, I was elected co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Network and was selected as one of 14 fellows chosen to join the Paul Sullivan Leadership Institute. Because of these extraordinary opportunities, I have learned to be more responsible, dedicated and committed as a student as well as a mother!

Despite my ongoing housing and financial struggles, I am so grateful to have been blessed by MCC. In March, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Maine to attend a 3 day MCC Diversity Summit committed to cultivating a campus climate that promotes equality. This spring I was selected by MCC’s Global Education program as one of the eleven students who will travel to Costa Rica this summer studying their rich culture, history and the environment while participating in a service learning experience. What Is There Not to Love about Middlesex Community College!!

I am so thankful to have met great mentors who have been motivating me to continue pursuing my dreams. I’m sure so many of you have met faculty or staff who have guided you as well. Among these mentors, Mary Jo Griffin has been my role model. Because of her dedication to students and the community alike, I can picture myself reaching my goal of building a homeless shelter for single moms where they not only find a home, but also the opportunity to become extraordinary leaders. My hope is that they have the same opportunities as I have to attend this amazing college in order to reach their full potential.

My fellow classmates please remember -- just when the caterpillar thought its world was over, it transformed into a beautiful, powerful and resilient butterfly.

 Remember with any deserving transformation comes new work, new challenges and new problems to be solved. Much like the butterfly, as we transition today, go out into the world as a proud graduate. Yet, never forget where you came from, give thanks to those who supported you and show the world - who you truly are! Best wishes for a life fulfilled!

Congratulations to the class of 2015, may God bless you all! 


__________________________________________________________________

®Harkins Photography

YouTube: https://youtu.be/kmkAOYYKv2k

Buen día Presidente Mabry; distinguidos invitados, facultad y personal; familias orgullosas, amigos y compañeros graduandos.

Primero, me gustaría agradecer a Dios por darme esta oportunidad de compartir parte de mi jornada con ustedes. Yo también quisiera agradecerles a mis hijos, Michael y Amber Sophia, quienes son mi inspiración de cada-día.  Ellos me inspiran a trabajar duro, seguir adelante, y nunca perder la esperanza. Y claro, gracias a mi madre y mi padre, Gloria y Luis Manuel, quienes me han apoyado desde la Republica Dominicana. Debo mencionar que ahora mismo mi papa está en completo shock al verme en el escenario, ya que mi madre y yo planeamos no decirle que yo estaría hablando hoy.

...Justo como una oruga, he luchado con algunas transiciones en mi vida. Me gustaría empezar por contarles acerca de una decisión que cambio mi camino y es la razón por la que yo estoy parada aquí ante ustedes…sintiéndome…como una mariposa.

En el 2011, después de saber que iba a tener mi segunda criatura como madre soltera, mi padre me dio un consejo que nunca podría olvidar: Él dijo, “No te preocupes, toma a tu hijo Michael, deja todo atrás, múdate a los Estados Unidos y empieza desde cero.” El me compro un pasaje de una ida para mí y mi hijo, desde Puerto Plata en la Rep. Dom., hasta Boston. Por unas cuantas semanas, viví con mi hermana Evelyn en Revere, pero debido a unas situaciones familiares y económicas, no pude quedarme con ella. Eso fue cuando la superintendente del edificio en donde estaba su apartamento, me recomendó ir al Departamento de Asistencia Transicional para buscar suporte. Esta misma manager del edificio me permitió quedarme en uno de los apartamentos vacíos mientras esperaba por el día en el cual yo podía moverme a un refugio. Ese verano, dure dos semanas durmiendo en el piso con tan solo una cobija para mi hijo y yo. Durante el dia, nosotros comíamos en un parque local donde una escuela pública proveía comida gratis para mujeres embarazadas y niños.

Una vez nos mudamos a un refugio temporario en Waltham, empecé a preocuparme por la educación de mi hijo, particularmente por su inhabilidad de comunicarse en inglés. Muchas madres solteras quienes vivían en el refugio, estaban en la misma situación. En un corto periodo de tiempo, usando ingles básico, me convertí en sus voces. Yo tomaba el autobús con ellas para enseñarles el supermercado, el hospital, y otras oficinas de la comunidad. Cuando el tiempo progresó, también fui voluntaria como intérprete de un centro de cuido de niños que iba al refugio dos veces a la semana para educar a los niños. Gracias a su ayuda, mi hijo empezó a comunicarse usando el lenguaje ingles.

Después de 11 meses viviendo en el refugio con unas 90 otras familias, me mudé a Lawrence, debajo de un programa llamado HomeBase. Este paso me ayudó a empezar mi transición de una vida dependiente a una independiente. Una vez allí, fui a GLCAC para buscar ayuda sobre en donde podría perseguir una alta educación, así como refinar mis habilidades en ingles. Una exalumna de Middlesex Community College, quien trabajaba allí, con seguridad me recomendó a MCC. Ella también me dijo que yo debía tomar el “autobús #41,” –el que he estado tomando desde el otoño del 2012.

Desde mi mismo primer semestre, caí Enamorada de Middlesex. Yo he recibido increíble ayuda de la facultad y el personal. Por ejemplo, mi profesora de inglés me recomendó convertirme en tutora de escritura, y así fue como comenzó mi desenvolvimiento extracurricular. Descubri que tengo una pasión por ayudar a los estudiantes, no solo con sus asignaciones, sino con su entera experiencia en el universidad. Ese mismo año, me gane un 3.7 de Promedio General de Calificaciones y me convertí en un miembro de Phi Theta Kappa (sociedad de honores).

En el 2014, salí de mi “capullo” y empecé a desarrollar mis habilidades de liderazgo. Disfruté tomando mi labor de Líder Orientadora Superior. Me convertí en la presidente de PTK y también fui afortunada de ser seleccionada como una embajadora del Commonwealth Honors Program. En adición, fui elegida copresidente de la Red de Mujeres Lideres (WLN), y fui seleccionada como una de los 14 estudiantes compañeros para ser parte del Instituto de Liderazgo Paul Sullivan. Debido a estas extraordinarias oportunidades, he aprendido a ser más responsable, dedicada y entregada como estudiante y ¡también como madre!

A pesar de mi continua lucha de vivienda y financiera, estoy muy agradecida de haber tenido la bendición de MCC. En marzo, tuve la increíble oportunidad de viajar a Maine para atender una cumbre por tres días, dedicada al cultivo de un clima que promocione la igualdad. Esta primavera, tambien fui seleccionada por  el programa de Educación Global de MCC, como una de los 11 estudiantes que viajaremos a Costa Rica este verano, para estudiar su rica cultura, historia, y el medio ambiente, mientras participaremos en la educacional experiencia del servicio. Como No amar todo acerca de MCC!!

Estoy muy agradecida de haber conocido grandiosos mentores quienes me han estado motivando para que continúe persiguiendo mis sueños. Estoy segura que muchos de ustedes han conocido facultades y personal quienes los han guiado por igual. Entre estos mentores, Mary-Jo Griffin ha sido mi modelo a seguir. Debido a su dedicación a los estudiantes así como a la comunidad, puedo visualizarme alcanzando mi meta de construir un refugio para madres sin techo, en donde no solo encuentren un hogar, sino también la oportunidad de convertirse en líderes extraordinarias. Mi esperanza es que ellas tengan las mismas oportunidades que yo tuve al atender esta sorprendente universidad para que así alcancen su máximo potencial.

Mis compañeros condiscípulos por favor recuerden –justo cuando la oruga pensó que su mundo se había terminado, se transformó en una hermosa, poderosa y resistente mariposa.

Recuerden que con cada transformación meritoria viene nuevo trabajo, nuevos desafíos y nuevos problemas por resolver. Muy parecido a la mariposa, así como nos convertimos hoy, vayan al mundo como graduados orgullosos. Pero, nunca olviden de donde vienen, dar las gracias a esos que los ayudaron, y muéstrenle al mundo – ¡quienes son ustedes realmente! ¡Los mejores deseos para una vida satisfactoria!


Felicidades a la clase del 2015, ¡Que Dios los bendiga a todos!

Ya no es lo Mismo

Art by David Taylor 

Que da lo mismo; ya no entristece

Poner a un lado lo que ella carece.

Ya no por ella sino por los sueños.

…Porque ya no es lo mismo;

Todo es por ellos.

Una sombra que abarca su sombra,

Y el corazón que ya no la asombra.

En su mirada se pierde el silencio.

…Porque ya no es lo mismo;

Todo es de ellos.