A Look at Assertiveness

While reading Chapter 8 in Community Practice: Theories and skills for Social Workers (Second Edition) by Hardcastle and Powers, which discusses the importance of assertiveness in relation to community practice, I asked myself (I even wrote it in the margin) "Who sets the standard for assertiveness?" Though what is perceived as assertiveness can vary among genders and cultures, (probably even age groups) there still seems to be a dominant standard. While initially I reflected back to my experiences in traditionally male-dominated workplaces and how I had to make changes to the way I communicate in order to be listened to, taken seriously, followed and respected. I felt that survival in these places meant adopting the standard; now I find myself more drawn to this assertiveness in others. Not to say that the "dominant standard of assertiveness" is all bad; I think it is important to deconstruct the ideas and ask who's rule is this anyway?, it helps me look at the interplay between individuals, groups and systems, power distribution, etc. Tannen (1990) reminded me that men too are judged in relation to communication, while assertiveness training "judges women by men's standards, sensitivity training (therapy) judges men by women's standards" (Hardcastle & Powers, 2004 p.222).

The text (p.218) makes reference to the "women's movement" in relation to assertiveness training. With further reading (Talking Difference on Gender and Language), I realized that their are different schools of thought on assertiveness training among feminists. While "changing individual beliefs and behaviors can help deal with social oppression" can be facilitated by assertiveness training, it also allows for a focus on the individual's or group's way of communication and less emphasis on the affect of system on an individual or group within a social context (Crawford, 1995, p. 80-81).

In the field, for example, if organizing a group of women in a developing nation, one must work carefully in the context, while changing beliefs and behaviors can lead to social change, an organizer should not impose their understanding of how a strong, effective/successful women should behave. Taking time to get to know the community, its cultural context, working cautiously and being mindful of self are keys to good community organizing. Though assertiveness has its place, there must be balance and caution involved.

Community 4 CASA

I didn't know about CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for children until one of my undergrad classmates at Humboldt State talked about it in class. Since then I have met other CASA's, one of which works at a beauty shop that I go to. CASA's aren't necessarily social workers or social work students, they be anyone from the community that completes the training and is able to show "objectivity, competence and commitment." CASA's work with children who are involved in the court system typically due to abuse or neglect. They spend time with a child, becoming a "special friend." They also submit written reports to the court and collaborate with other volunteers and professionals in the child's life. (I also understand that a CASA could work with children from the same family.) http://www.humboldtcasa.org/

CASA is a great example of a strength-based program that draws on community assets and creates partnerships between community members, families and children. This program is related to wraparound services for children with mental health challenges in that ..."a unique set of community services and natural supports individualized for that child...," however, CASA's services are child-focused, the family is not as included as in true wraparound practice. Not only does CASA put human assets to good use in supporting our community's youth in the legal system (involving abuse or neglect), it also has as a socialization component that is needed. A study by Benson (1999) found that youth across geographic have a need for positive social experiences and interactions which includes relationship-building (qtd. in Scales & Streeter, 2004. 134).

Last weekend, I participated in the 7th Annual Kid Walk as a "solo superhero" and ended up bonding with another walker; we hung out for the rest of the event, forming a spontaneous team.

At the event, I also ran into a lot of people I knew, either for years or a new acquaintance. For example, the weekend before at the Stand-down, I met the local chapter of BACA's (Bikers Against Child Abuse) president, Frank, who is a Vietnam veteran, a Humboldt State alumni and a retired social worker from the child welfare arena. The pic shows Humboldt chapter members serving food at the event. http://www.bacausa.com

The experiences during this day reminded me what an awesome place Humboldt is, beyond the beauty of the redwoods, rivers and beaches. Though we may not have a lot of financial resources here, we do have a lot of assets--most specifically our human capital. We have numerous community events that allow for community involvement and great networking. Overall, I have found that Humboldt County has a volunteering spirit when it comes to the well-being of others, one of the reasons I love to live here!

Stand-down Success

What is a Stand-down? When I served in the Navy, we had "safety stand-downs" to address different issues from using proper equipment on the job to taking advantage of the local designated driver program (if one was available). Stand-down in nautical terms comes from turning duty over to another, going off-duty or the end of an evolution at sea (like a replenishment). Today's Stand-down events come from the R&R (rest and relaxation) given to some combat troops. "The original Stand Down for homeless veterans was modeled after the Stand Down concept used during the Vietnam War to provide a safe retreat for units returning from combat operations. At secure base camp areas, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, mail and receive letters, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment. Stand Down afforded battle-weary soldiers the opportunity to renew their spirit, health and overall sense of well-being." http://www.nchv.org/standdown.cfm (The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) provides national leadership for the movement.) "The first Stand Down was organized in 1988 by a group of Vietnam Veterans in San Diego. Since then, Stand Downs have been used as an effective tool in reaching out to homeless Veterans, reaching more than 200,000 Veterans and their family members between 1994-2000." http://www1.va.gov/homeless/page.cfm?pg=6 Though the primary focus of Stand-downs are homeless veterans, I find that Stand-downs are open to meeting the needs of any veteran and their significant others. Also, Stand-downs allow an opportunity for veterans to contribute to the cause. Many veterans participate in the planning and development process as well as volunteering during the event. Services range from showers, benefits information to pet services. Vets have a place to stay during the event if they wish. Local agencies table and provide services creating a web of veteran-specific and general population and other criteria-based providers. The Stand-down in Humboldt County, the North Coast Stand-down, is similar to other events while meeting more region-specific needs; for example, every year there is a sweat lodge and this year I was able to spend time in the open art space. My understanding is that our local Stand-down's director for the first couple years was Kim Hall, who is now a graduate of Humboldt State University's social work graduate program. My views as a veteran, service provider & volunteer: Not only is this an accessible "one-stop shop" for the veteran, I think it also allows service providers a great networking opportunity, which can only benefit the community. It is important that such events be accessible and worth someone's while (lots of services available and the option the stay overnight). While people (veteran or non-veteran) experiencing homelessness, have similar issues across the board such as a lack of affordable housing, transportation is a much larger issue in rural communities. (Luckily shuttles were provided to this event.) "Nearly 80% of rural counties have no public bus service, compared to 2% of urban counties" (Scales & Streeter, 2004, p. 243). Lack of transportation can affect people's employment opportunities and access to health care, mental health and other support services. It has been important for me as a provider who is a veteran, to identify community "allies"--non-veterans who are concerned about veterans needs and their treatment in the community. They should be recognized! Though I recognize there may be more representation in some areas than others (such as an overrepresentation of people from lower income groups/working class) veterans are made up from a spectrum of people representing different ethnicities, cultures, beliefs, values, religion, spirituality, ages, genders, sexual orientation, socioeconomic groups, political views, etc. Understanding that Veterans are a unique group, a demographical group within the population comprised of other demographical groups sets the stage for more appropriate services/interventions. Stand-downs bring veterans together as they were during there service. I think it reminds the more priviledged veterans that their are still fellow veterans--brothers and sisters--in need. It also allows for veterans in need to know that they are not forgotten and there is help. Need more info? Some places to look... NCHV.org website & Homeless Veterans Program Office (VA) at 202-461-7401. article on local event:http://www.redwoodtimes.com/ci_13301412?source=most_viewed This year's t-shirt.