proposal essay

What Can One Person Do? Primary Research Project

Conceptual Overview In Rigging the Game: How Inequality is Reproduced in Everyday Life, Michael Schwalbe argues that inequality is perhaps the most salient feature of contemporary life in the United States. But he also points out that inequality is an accomplishment—it is something that must be achieved and, thus, it is something we can actively work against. Community organizations provide opportunities for individuals to amplify their work—to do more than they ever could alone. Project Overview The purpose of this project is to explore the question of “What can one person do?” within the context of community organizations. To this end, you will be researching 1) an unresolved issue of structural inequality that impacts your community and 2) a non- government, community organization that is working to address this inequality. Once you have chosen an organization, you will spend at least 4 hours working with them. During your involvement, your goal is to learn how the organization operates, what their goals are, and, more specifically, how individuals can get involved to do good work in the community. Along with the 4 hours of involvement, you will do an informal interview with at least one person involved with the organization (a volunteer or employee). Paper Details Prompt: Draw on your research/experience and the course material to respond to the question "What is the role of the organization I have chosen in enabling individuals to address issues of inequality?” More specifically, you must articulate and defend a clear thesis that addresses this question. All parts of your thesis should be supported by your analysis of the organization (based in your experiences and secondary research) and your understanding of course materials. As you prepare your paper, you may find it useful to consider the following questions:

• What is the purpose of my chosen organization? What issues is it trying to address?

• What populations does the organization work with? What programs does it offer them?

• How can community organizations (like this one) assist concerned individuals in making change? Could the work be done without an organization? Why or why not?

• What is the impact of my organization? Of the individuals involved? • What are the barriers faced by my organization and by individuals trying to get

involved with my organization?

Requirements Length: 3-5 pages Sources:

• 2-3 course materials (readings or videos) • 1 source created by the chosen organization (a website, a brochure, etc.) • No other outside sources are required, but they are permitted.

Works Cited Instructions As with any work you create, you should cite any sources you use. You should create a Works Cited page—either as a separate document or attached it to the end of your reflection. I’m not picky about citation style; feel free to use APA, MLA, or Chicago Style for your citations. You can find information on best practices for citing sources here: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/ Evaluation As usual, your evaluation will be based on the PECS criteria: P: Your writing should have a clear Purpose E: Your writing should Engage meaningfully with course texts. C: Your writing should display Critical thought about the ideas you present. I want to see some of your own ideas and analysis rather than just summaries. S: You need to Support every argument you make.