Experiential Assignment

During the semester you will be exposed to readings and assignments that will allow for a better understanding of persons with diverse backgrounds. One of the learning tools that we will use to facilitate that understanding is Experience/Exposure to these individuals. Since the goal of this assignment is “face-to-face interaction, do not consider fundraisers, walks for certain causes or office work with staff or organizations as these opportunities may not yield you direct contact with the specific group. Your experience must be current (Spring 2019) and involve direct contact.

Assignment Requirements:

Engage in min 1 (observational/participatory) Diversity Experience.

Review the Links to all of the sites, Complete the Child Abuse Clearance and Criminal Background Check Information EARLY if necessary for your site

You have a choice:

Minimum (4) hours with 1 organization provided. OR

Minimum (2) hours with programming involving two of the groups we will discuss (Disability, Race, Age(+65), LGBT, or exclusively Boys/Men or Women/Girls)

Take the Verification Form to have it signed by agency staff, not other students. Only Hours above and beyond the 4 can count as Industry Hours

This assignment must be completed to PASS the class, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Journal Content: 200min words/Experience OR 5 -8 minutes MAX Video Journal

Disability and Diversity Experience & Journal Requirements

Info about Organization: What is the name of organization, where it is located, who supervised you? Describe the types of services this organization offers? Visit their website...Does it have a page that talks about the diversity & inclusion practices of the organization? Hyperlink the web page in this section. Describe the staff and the role they played. (1-2 prgph)

Your duties and experiences: Briefly describe in detail what role you played (focus on direct interaction). Describe how the program was implemented and your “take” on how the program was implemented for this group. (1-2 prgph)

(Answer only for Disability Site) Accessibility Issues and Modifications: Given the mandated accessibility guidelines in the US what did you observe in terms of accessibility issues, the physical environment, strengths/weaknesses? What were some of the program modifications? Did you think the staff did a good job with the modifications? What would be your suggestions for improvement? (1-2 prgph)

(Answer For All Other Sites) Diversity Dynamics: Discuss the diverse audience for which this program/event was created? What elements of the program/event were executed specifically for this group? (i.e special marketing, staffing, supplies/materials, and/or any other elements that were relevant to this particular group) Were their participation requirements/policies specific to this group? (1-2 prgph)

4. How did this experience relate to our CLASS and INDUSTRY? Find 1 industry article that relates to some aspect of your experience to support your discussion of how this relates to the industry. Provide APA citation of that article. (2-3prgph)

Once you have selected your site you must follow these protocols:

Check out the organization first, to determine if the program is of interest to you.

Think about the email or phone call first, be professional.

Confirm your time to visit prior to going unless otherwise required.

Be on time and be sure to alert the organization if you must cancel.

Do not bring parents, significant others and OTHER classmates to the site with you unless pre-arranged and approved by the site first.

Do not wait until the last minute to do the hours...check the due dates on the course outline.

Take your Verification Form with you to be signed.