Comments for Classroom to Capitol

Comment on Vote: All the cool kids are doing it by melindaklewis

melindaklewis — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:16:24 +0000

Thanks, Lesa, for your comments and ideas! I don’t know if it’s even just as much, to me, about ‘pure fun’, but about the idea that there are so many things that we don’t necessarily have time to do, or that don’t fit conveniently into our day, that we still make time for, largely because of the social context in which they’re imbedded. And, so, what would it take to make civic participation like that? I mean, what if you knew people would be checking your status somewhere, and that your friends care if you vote? What if voting was a real social event, like when I was in Mexico in 2000 and there were families picnicking everywhere (elections are on Sundays) after voting together (not that I’m saying Mexico’s democracy is superior to ours, just that there’s something to be said for elections as holidays!)? I like the idea of voting places as celebrations, though; I mean, sure, it’s our civic duty, but it’s also pretty super cool, and we don’t claim that nearly as much as we should. You’ve given me new ideas to think about–thank you!

Comment on Vote: All the cool kids are doing it by Lesa P-K

Lesa P-K — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:00:14 +0000

So using the Fun Theory, if we could just making voting fun, voting would increase. For example, if with each vote a different musical note is chosen then after we submit our votes, we could play back the song we created.

Or instead of somber polling locations, have snack, a band, and the voting booth returns and is like a modern sleek telephone booth.

Or maybe with each vote, a camera takes a picture of your face. Then you get a strip of photos like we used to get in the photo booth at Woolworth’s.

All may seem really out there. But if we could more folks to vote, real folks, we’ve got to wonder what the outcome would be.

But I agree, we should change our tactics. I’ve never looked at voter encouragement from this perspective. Definitely would be fun project to work on. Kind of what Rock the Vote does and seems to have at least short term success. Now how do we expand that to those older.

Thanks for a great article today!

Comment on Why shouldn’t he want to be a tow-truck driver? by melindaklewis

melindaklewis — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:28:23 +0000

Thank you, Taylor! And congratulations!!!

Comment on Why shouldn’t he want to be a tow-truck driver? by Taylor Haun

Taylor Haun — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:44:12 +0000

As usual, you hit the nail on the head with this post! My feelings exactly (from the perspective of a parent) . . .

Comment on Is social work an anachronistic profession? by melindaklewis

melindaklewis — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:31:35 +0000

Thank you so much for the feedback! I encourage my students to think critically, not only about the societal problems we face, but also about our profession’s response to them (and, sometimes, the ways in which we play into those dynamics). Too often, there’s a tendency to pat ourselves on the figurative/collective back for the good work we do (undoubtedly!), without being intentional enough about how we must be counter-cultural, at times, when the prevailing winds are moving decidedly against us!

Comment on Is social work an anachronistic profession? by Lyn @ Social Work Confessions

Lyn @ Social Work Confessions — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:24:04 +0000

This is such a great post – you addressed concerns I’ve felt recently. How often does the shift in societal trends and / or cultural movements impact the helping professions? More often than not, unfortunately!

Comment on Why shouldn’t he want to be a tow-truck driver? by melindaklewis

melindaklewis — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:41:02 +0000

That’s an AWESOME point, Audra, about our reaction to tow truck drivers! If there was ever a doubt that it’s an essential job! I read a book about equally-shared parenting and it referred to ‘craft’, in terms of doing whatever job with the greatest attention and joy, and that is an important message, I think. At the same time, we need to structure our economy so that valuable jobs are rewarded as such, and I don’t know of any way to do that without strong collective bargaining rights. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!

Comment on Why shouldn’t he want to be a tow-truck driver? by Not You (@HeadyHeathen)

Not You (@HeadyHeathen) — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:53:29 +0000

Tow truck drivers can make a great living. If your son is really ambitious, he can manage multiple two driving businesses. I wish him all the best in whatever he decides. =)

Comment on Why shouldn’t he want to be a tow-truck driver? by Audra Kenneson

Audra Kenneson — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:42:41 +0000

I appreciate this, Melinda. When I taught high school, we had indepth conversations (the students and I) about various goals and future jobs. We talked about the importance of all jobs and the importance of a job done well – regardless of salary, education requirement, etc. How one person relies on another to do their job. We are all intertwined and interdependent and when we look down on a particular position, person, or skill-set we are not understanding that interdependence.

ps. I can tell you that I’ve never cheered, wept, and hugged AND PAID an archeologist for doing their job (though I’m sure their job is important) – but I have done those things when I saw a tow-truck-driver!

Comment on The future of our female-dominated profession by Happy Week! Three years in retrospect | Classroom to Capitol

Happy Week! Three years in retrospect | Classroom to Capitol — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:05:53 +0000

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