service learning first week of March

1. Activism:

 This week for VOX I helped table, and then two days later I helped with holding signs promoting womens' rights to their choice for getting abortions, which was fun. Like every week I table with them, I talked with new people who stopped by the table outside the student union. It's interesting to talk to people with different viewpoints, even if they disagree with the mission of VOX. It just seems like a good thing to get the information out there, whether people are going to agree or disagree with it. Some people just stopped by for free condoms and then you always have the others who laughed and just kind of walked really quickly past. So that was interesting.

2. Reflection: How does the activism you’ve done this week relate to the chapter we are reading this week; to women's lives on macro level?  

 The week's events just encouraged me more to be an activist for feminist causes. Even though some people might get mad or hate those people who oppose "choice", I find them motivating. Yes, they are  annoying, but the more stupid they are, the better it is for people who work for women's issues.

 What do you believe is your community partner’s view of these issues? This is your opportunity to reflect on the impact your activism is making—on you and on the community. 

I think my community partner's view on women's issues is that women's choices should always be kept very personal to each individual woman. So holding signs that say things like "My body, My choice" - that isn't just an act of holding a sign; that's making sure that the 'other side' is put out there. Maybe there are people who see the anti-choicers and they've never put thought into the issue before, and then they see me with a sign that's saying anti-choicers are full of crap, and that person thinks to themselves that next time they will vote for women to keep their right to get an abortion. I love when people on the fence about it want to talk to me and I can get them on my side, too. That feels like the whole act is worth it.

Connect what is happening to your growing academic knowledge in this course by incorporating the evidence from the text using MLA citation style.
* This is the part where you do service learning-- as opposed to volunteer work or philanthropy. To do so, you must use at least our course texts and possibly outside research you are doing. Remember critical reflection + service!

3. Reciprocity: Remember that Service Learning is not a one way street.You are not simply giving something to the community partner. Think about what you personally are getting in return. How might this be defined from a feminist perspective?

 I get a lot out of tabeling and sign making/holding. I get to talk with like-minded people (not just people in the same vox club- some people stop by and chat) , who teach me things I didn't know, so that I can pass on that information to others. I personally get satisfaction from feeling the support of knowing a community of progressive people actually exists.