Civic portafolio

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CIVIC ACTION TRACKING SHEET Find the complete Scorecard at www.mdc.edu/iced/awards

(Print the Tracking Sheet and include as cover sheet of your Civic Portfolio)

___________Student Email: (removed for privacy) ___ Student Name: Andrea Flores Sanchez

Student Phone: (removed for privacy) Course #: N/A__________ Professor: N/A _________

# Civic Action Item Point Allocation Documentation Date Completed

Points Earned

Category: DEMOCRATIC ENGAGEMENT & ADVOCACY 1. Register to vote 5 pts Image of Registration Card or online registration

check 2. Help someone register to vote 5 pts; X2=10 pts poss. Reflection, confirmation/or photo with person you

helped register 3. Find the sample ballot for upcoming elections 5 pts Download/printout from Board of Elections

website 4/27/2020 5 pts

4. Know your elected officials 5 pts Provide list of your elected officials 4/27/2020 5 pts 5. Email/write elected official 10 pts; X3=30 pts poss. Provide copies of emails/letters 6. Volunteer with a campaign (5 hour min.) 2.5 pts for each 5 hours;

X3=15 pts poss. Documentation from supervisor, minimum reflection requirements per every 5 points earned

7. Join a voter or political engagement organization and attend 2 meetings

10 pts; X2=20 pts poss. Evidence of joining and a reflection

8. Sign 5 social issue petitions 5 pts Reflection 4/30/2020 5 pts 9. Serve as Elections Poll Worker 20 pts Submit record of training and attendance 10. Write an Op-Ed or Letter to the Editor 5 pts; 15 pts if

published; X2= 30 pts poss.

Copy of letter, media outlets to which it was submitted.

11. Attend a protest, rally, or demonstration 5 pts; X3=15 pts poss. Photo, reflection about the issue and why you support this cause

12. Subscribe electronically to a reputable local or state news service

5 pts; X2=10 pts poss. Photo of subscription and reflection of one article

13. Read two civic articles, at least 3 pages each 5 pts; X2=10 pts poss. Reflection 14. Attend, watch, or listen to a community,

municipal, School Board, county, or state meeting (1.5 hour min.)

5 pts; X2=10 pts poss. to watch or listen 10 pts; X2=20 pts poss. to attend

Watch/Listen: Reflection

Attend: Same as above, plus include selfie

15. Speak at a community, municipal, School Board, county, or state meeting

15 pts; X2= 30 pts poss. Selfie or photo or link to public record video with time of your speaking. Provide copy of speech or main points

16. Attend, watch, or listen to a candidate debate, legislative session, or citizen address (1.5 hour min.)

5 pts; X2=10 pts poss. to watch or listen 10 pts; X2=20 pts poss. to attend

Watch/Listen: Reflection

Attend: Same as above, plus include selfie

17. Watch two TED Talks, or one civic documentary or movie

5 pts; X3=15 pts poss. Reflection

18. Take practice Citizenship Exam with passing score

5 pts Screen shot of your score 4/27/2020 5 pts

19. Attend campus event relating to civic engagement

5 pts; X3=15 pts poss. Selfie, reflection

20. Participate in civic engagement workshop or training (1.5 hour min.)

10 pts; X3=30 pts poss. Describe training, date/location/facilitator, and submit a reflection

21. Volunteer, intern, or participate in service- learning with nonprofit or civic org. (5 hour min.)

2.5 pts for each 5 hours; X3=15 pts poss.

Confirmation from supervisor, reflection on experience

22. Have a political dialogue with someone with whom you disagree on a social/political issue

5 pts; X2=10 pts. poss. Reflection

23. Conduct an educational campaign to inform and activate others

15 pts; X2=30 pts poss. Collect testimonials from those educated, photos of educational materials used and reflection on impact

24. Submit a reflection on the Constitution, Bill of Rights or Decl. of Independence

5 pts; X2=10 pts poss. Reflection

25. Serve on community board/committee 15 pts; X2=30 pts poss. Show Board appointment and reflection 26. Participate in an MDC organization, club or

program 10 pts; X2=20 pts poss. Confirmation from supervisor or advisor and

reflection

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# Civic Action Item Point Allocation Documentation Date Completed

Points Earned

27. Report issue or concern in community to proper governmental authority

10 pts; X2=20 pts poss. Reflection describing issue, who you reported to, any results, photo of issue you reported

Category: ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY 28. Plant or help maintain a tree, garden, native

plant, food plant, or pollinator 10 pts Photo and reflection 7/6/2019 10pts

29. Calculate your carbon footprint 5 pts Describe carbon footprint and plan to reduce, research impacts of carbon footprint

5/4/2020 5 pts

30. Reduce your carbon footprint for 14 consecutive days

30 pts Photos of changes, regular reflection

31. Participate in or organize a trash cleanup in your neighborhood, at a park, or near the water

10 pts Photo of participation and reflection

32. Watch at least two videos from “The Story of Stuff”

5 pts; X3=15 pts poss. Reflection and relation to your role as a global citizen

33. Eliminate consumption of single-use plastic for 7 continuous days

10 pts; X2=20 pts poss. Reflection and research impacts of single-use plastic

34. Eliminate consumption of meat, fish, & animal byproducts for 7 continuous days

10 pts; X2=20 pts poss. Reflection and research impacts of animal product consumption

35. Visit a farmer’s market 5 pts; X2=10 pts poss. Photo and reflection 36. Ride public transit exclusively for 7 continuous

days 10 pts; X2 = 20 pts poss. Daily selfie, reflection and research impacts of

public transit 37. Calculate your slavery footprint 5 pts Describe slavery footprint and plan to reduce,

research impacts of slavery footprint 5/4/2020 5 pts

38. Review United Nations Sustainable Development Goals website and watch “We the People For the Global Goals”

5 pts Reflection, describe which goal most interests you, and why you feel that goal is important

4/27/2020 5 pts

Category: COMMUNITY WELL-BEING 39. Perform a Random Act of Kindness 5 pts; X3=15 pts poss. Photo or reflection, including analysis of what

makes an act of kindness significant 5/3/2020 4/30/2020 1/18/2020

15pts

40. Donate to MDC Food Pantry or nonprofit 5 pts; X2=10 pts poss. Photo of in-kind donations and receipt from nonprofit

41. Fundraise over $50 for a nonprofit organization

10 pts Proof that you raised funds and delivered to the organization

42. Donate blood or bone marrow 10 pts Reflection and proof of donation 43. Complete a “Community Well-Being

Certification” 15 pts; X2 = 30 pts poss. Show proof and reflection on importance of

certification and why you completed it 5/5/2020 15 pts

44. Host a neighborhood or community meeting 15 pts Reflection

Category: ARTS & CULTURE 45. Create art for an authentic audience on a

social issue 10 pts; X2=20 pts poss. Photo of art, description of audience, social issue

and how it connects 4/2/2020 06/19/2019

20 pts

46. Visit a state park, museum or site of cultural significance

10 pts; X2=20 pts poss. Photo and reflection 1/4/2020 10/16/2019

20 pts

47. Join a community art or cultural collective and attend 2 meetings/gatherings

10 pts Photo of membership, selfie at gatherings, and reflection

Category: SOCIAL INNOVATION 48. Apply to Public Space Challenge 15 pts; 30 pts if

accepted and implemented

Submit copy of application

49. Participate in social innovation/entrepreneurship event or workshop (1.5-hour min.)

10 pts; X3=30 pts poss. Describe training, date/location/facilitator, and a reflection

50. Apply to CGI U 10 pts; 20 pts if accepted

Submit copy of the “commitment to action”

PROPOSE YOUR OWN CIVIC ACTION and/or FACULTY ASSIGNED ACTIONS 51. Propose your own “civic action” to iCED or

your professor 5-15 pts depending on action

Contact iCED office and propose your “Civic Action” (must be pre-approved by iCED)

52. Faculty assigned “civic action” 5-15 pts Documentation assigned by professor 53. Faculty assigned “civic action” 5-15 pts Documentation assigned by professor 54. Faculty assigned “civic action” 5-15 pts Documentation assigned by professor AWARD LEVEL POINTS REQUIRED TOTAL POINTS Bronze Award 100 points 115 pts Silver Award 200 points Gold Award 300 points

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Reviewed/Approved By: _______________________________________ Date: __________________________

08/09/19 Version

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Andrea Flores Sanchez May 8, 2020

Civic Action Tracking Sheet Documentation *Item number for each completed activity on the Civic Action Tracking Sheet is provided and followed by the required documentation: 3. Find the sample ballot for upcoming elections

Sample ballot was retrieved from https://www.miamidade.gov/elections/library/sample-

ballots/2020-03-17-presidential-preference-primary-sample-ballot.pdf

4. Elected Officials in Florida:

• Governor: Ron DeSantis • Lieutenant Governor: Jeanette Nunez • State Treasurer: Jimmy Patronis • Secretary of State: Laurel Lee • Auditor General: Sherill Norman • Attorney General: Ashley Moody • Senators: Rick Scott and Marco Rubio • My State Representative: Frederica S. Wilson • Chief Judge: Bertila Soto • Judicial Assistant: Maritza de Paul • Chief Bailiff: Robert Reyes • State’s Attorney: Aramis Ayala

8. Sign 5 Social Issue Petitions

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In the past few months, we have all witnessed the social, economic, ethical and political issues that have risen from the current outbreak, issues that imply disruptions on our regular lives and that, undoubtedly, will have lasting impacts. Though it is true that these are challenging times, it is also true that change can happen, and it will—if we actively and proactively search and promote it.

Personally, I was able to use the Change.org website as platform to advocate for change by signing petitions related to our current circumstances with COVID-19 and the hardships that result from it. From signing a petition requesting school buildings to be safe before they reopen, to supporting another one asking for personal protective gear for healthcare workers amid shortages; from backing a petition for hazard pay for postal service workers, to signing another one asking for caregivers to be allowed to visit hospitalized special needs patients; and so forth, this activity has made me believe that we can discover and/or continue our quest to contribute to social causes and thus invite social change.

Ultimately, having platforms like this illustrates that if more and more of us join together, propose change, and invite others to support it; if more and more of us value a cause and fight for it, more and more positive changes and potential solutions to the issues we face will come. Social change does not pertain only to huge and complex actions, like organizing a massive event and raising funds, but to simple ones, like going online and signing a petition, because both of these can truly make a difference, a real, meaningful difference.

18. Score for Practice Citizenship Exam

28. Plant or help maintain a tree, garden, native plant, food plant, or pollinator: Planting native plants at Amelia Earhart Park

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Reflection on Experience: Last Summer, I had the opportunity to volunteer at Amelia Earhart park with the local non- profit organization Urban Paradise Guild, which is dedicated to preserving our local environment in the hopes of having a positive impact on the global ecosystem. Besides learning about the organization’s objectives, all volunteers learned about the uniqueness of the Floridian environment, from native flora to native fauna, and how each of these contributes to the enrichment of our State’s landscapes. Additionally, we, as volunteers, learned more about habitat restoration, butterfly rehabilitation, and plant conservation. Also, the organization’s founder, Sam Van Leer, expanded on topics like sea level rise, which is a prominent environmental issue faced across the State of Florida and other coastal states and cities. Moreover, we were able to plant produce in a community garden, which is accessible to the communities around the park. Personally, volunteering with Urban Paradise Guild was successful as it was not only engaging during the days of volunteering, but effective in improving my overall relationship with the environment, raising my awareness on the issues affecting it. 29. Calculate your Carbon Footprint

Using the Carbon Emissions Calculator, I was able to discover my personal input of carbon emissions, something I had not considered on a deep level. I was aware that in a way or another, the things we do in our daily routines, whether these are old habits or new distractions, can be potentially harmful to the environment, but I did not put much mind to it. Things that seem small or insignificant to us, like leaving the lights on or letting the water run or leaving chargers plugged even if they are not being used or even in the foods we consume, we leave a track behind us. And whether we acknowledge this track or not, it is there, following us continually, causing irreversible harm for our community, our environment, our planet—for us.

For me, it was shocking to see how big my carbon footprint is, emitting 22.12 tons of carbon dioxide. But just as shocked I was, I was (and still am) determined to change my behaviors and activities in order to regulate and lower that number. For instance, I discovered that I can moderate my consumption of products, getting only what is necessary and being mindful about the methods I take on to obtain them. Also, I might reduce my energy use, limiting it to when it is needed, like at night when it is dark, but not turning the light on during the day. Additionally, I can turn off the devices that I am not using, and I can unplug any appliances and devices that are not needed. About commuting, I can continue to use public transportation or go walk, which is even better.

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All in all, the impact our actions have on the environment is huge, even huger than we would like to know. That is why I valued taking this evaluation, it made me aware of the changes I can implement in my life to reduce my footprint and lessen my contributions to climate change, among other issues resulting from carbon emissions.

37. Calculate Slavery Footprint Forty-three was the number. Forty-three were the lives. It was through the Slavery Footprint website that I learned how many slaves are currently working for me, a thing I was unaware of. It pains me to know this, but it pains me even more not knowing it earlier. Nevertheless, I am grateful this was brought to my attention, it is now a reminder that I have to be more mindful and aware of the role that I play in the world, either directly or indirectly, knowingly or unknowingly; a thing I think we should all learn and consider. More often than not, we are ourselves slaves to consumerism, and it is unfortunate to see our inability to recognize this because as a consequence, we are accepting, promoting, and adding to a circle of oppression. It seems as though the more we are offered, the more we demand, and the more we demand, the more is demanded from laborers. This, in return, robs them for their rights, not only as workers, but as individuals, as human beings. And that is why as consumers, it is our responsibility to research and know more about the companies we buy from, from their policies to their working conditions to their waste management strategies and so forth. It is important to recognize more than just the products we consume, it is important to recognize the people behind them, from the gathering of materials, to the labor, to the promotion, to the selling. Undoubtedly, it is our duty to go beyond what we are being offered, to be curious, and ask questions. If we don’t, we might indirectly contribute to slavery and the violation of human rights,

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and that is what I learned by calculating my slavery footprint, and that is what I’ll meditate when making my next purchase.

38. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals website and “We the People for the Global Goals” video Link to website: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/ Link to video: https://vimeo.com/140716856 Reflection after reviewing website and watching video: After looking at the seventeen goals for development proposed by the United Nations, it became clear to me that all the proposed goals, from ending poverty to fighting gender inequality, from providing access to education to promoting industrial growth, from achieving peace and justice to protecting life on land and below water, are of high importance. I think that all of these objectives are conducive to diminishing the challenges we face as a global community, so I cannot favor one over the other, because they are all connected to each other. For instance, if there is no poverty, or if it is reduced, chances are there is not going to be hunger; if there is no hunger, it is likely that health issues are less prevalent; if there are less health issues, there is greater well-being; if there is greater well-being, there are improved scenarios for teaching and learning; and so forth. And though the attainment of these goals is a continuing, long-term process (as said in the video it is estimated to take fifteen years to complete), it is a cause supported by many, and the more consciousness is raised, the more contributions are made, whether these are big or small. Ultimately, as global citizens it is our duty to make this happen, for us and for ours—for all.

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39. Perform a Random Act of Kindness:

An act of kindness to me is an opportunity to cultivate the humanity that lives within us. It is a way to connect with others on simple yet complex levels and to make them not necessarily remember what you did, but how you made them feel.

Reaching out to and calling friends to see how they are doing during the current situation and let them know that one is there for them should they need anything, even if that is just listening to what they have to share. Giving thanks to professors, whether this is via email, in-person, during online sessions, at the end of lectures or even hand-written letters (if you’re old school like me). Writing positive notes at Starbucks Coffee in the means to send hope, invite thought, and encourage reflection. All these acts are significant in a way, and all these acts bring good in small doses. At the same time, all these acts are done “randomly,” all these actions are done then and there, because there is a sense of urgency to do them, because we have a genuine feeling to make others know how valued and appreciated they really are.

I think that is the beauty of kindness: our humanity, a part of us that should never be forgotten. It is beautiful to see how a moment of silence, a time to listen, a genuine smile, a “hello” or a “good morning” can make a difference. As I once read on a fortune cookie (not the most reliable source of information, I know) “[a] different world cannot be built by indifferent people,” and just simple yet impactful gestures can lead us to build the foundations for a different world.

43. Complete a Community Well-being Certification: During these unprecedented times and the challenges that result, we, as individuals, are being affected in a way or another, and it is only natural that those challenges are translated to feelings of stress, frustration or nervousness. And that is why through all the hardships that may surge, we have to find an inner balance, to regulate and manage our stress in order to guide others

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cope with these circumstances, even if the steps don’t seem simple. That is why I took the Psychological First Aid Training offered by the American Red Cross, because I understand just how challenging it is to respond to and process everything that is going on and how important it is to be willing to learn, to try and find peace, and most importantly, to share it with others.

Certainly, the training was a way for me to further my understanding of the current situation and get better informed on recognizing signs of stress on others and on myself, on finding useful strategies to destress, on developing support approaches, and, overall, on building resilience. Moreover, going through the units of this course made me realize on how critical it is to create an atmosphere of compassion, to stay connected, and to give realistic reassurance to others, always being mindful of the ways in which we communicate. In short, I was able to learn more on taking care of the psychological needs we have as complex beings, enabling me to take better care of our socioemotional wellness.

Conclusively, from the initial awareness we have to the preceding attitudes we develop, it is the actions that we take to come together and support each other that matter the most, especially during these types of situations. Certainly, it seems as though are lives have been disrupted in a way, but that doesn’t mean we cannot try and be well, that we cannot build on our skills and our strength, that we cannot take the time to listen to others, that we cannot be a friend where a friend is needed.

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45. Create art for an authentic audience on a social issue

Having MDC faculty, staff, guests, and fellow students as an audience, I was able to present two art pieces related to social issues. The most recent one, shown above, is meant to illustrate the interconnectedness of the world and the social impact of the measures taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The second piece, which was made last year, depicts Article I on the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which asserts that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” On the first piece presented on this document, two metal crates were used to illustrate the feelings of confinement brought up by quarantine, alluding to the mental, physical, and emotional concerns everyone is currently having. Two candles are used, one to represent and honor the lives of those who have lost the fight against this virus and another to acknowledge and give strength to those who remain on the fight, to those who just like their counterparts, are giving it their all. In short, this piece is a reminder that we have to remain strong and empathetic, stay safe and sane, and value all that we still have, and all that lies ahead, no matter how uncertain it is. Though no one knows what will happen next, change, the only constant in life, will come, making the journey to success and the obstacles it brought up just as meaningful as victory itself.

The second piece shown, as mentioned before, depicts Article I of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As a disclaimer, I would like to say that the fetus in the image is there to represent our existence as a whole and that only; I never had any ulterior intentions. Our existence is covered by a white mantle, portraying the protection we are all born with. A yellow

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balloon is used to depict our separate existence, our individuality, showing that in acting and thinking as individuals we should keep up the efforts to contribute to world betterment. In the picture, life is connected to the Earth because being born to this world gifts us something much more valuable than any material thing, something that has no borders, no judgements; something that is truly our own and that no one should ever take away from us—our rights. Rights that watch over us no matter where we are on the globe, rights that sustain our life, that guide us through our journey and allow us to remember that just as we have them, we share them with others.

46. Visit a State Park, Museum or site of cultural significance: Amelia Earhart State Park and Lowe Museum of Art

Reflection on both experiences: I believe that museums and parks are both spaces that promote social and individual enrichment, for they both encourage the mind to think and discover, the senses to feel and experience, and the body to move and explore. Having access to both places, and other public spaces (e.g. libraries), is something I think everyone in the community should be exposed to. Personally, I did not always appreciate the rich history that these places possess, nor the interesting stories they are able to tell, but as the years went by, I became more grateful for what these sites have to offer.

Visiting the Lowe Museum of Art, I was able to go on a trip to vast lands and hidden treasures, getting to discover more about ancient cultures and modern traditions. From Asian artifacts to Western paintings, to African sculptures to Native American totems, the museum’s collection was very expansive, and surely, a valuable learning experience.

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About the visit to Amelia Earhart State Park, there is also lots to say. It was in a way a show of art on its own, where I had the chance to appreciate the blues of the sky and the whites of the clouds, the greens of the trees and the browns of the earth, carefully painted. Moreover, I was able to enjoy the sweet melodies of nature, from the wind going through the leaves of the trees to the birds chirping around. All in all, both experiences were breathtaking in their own way. Truly, by getting immersed in these places and taking on these opportunities, we are granted a chance to explore and learn more about us as human beings, and thus about us as individuals.