The focus of the African American Studies and Hip Hop blog is to provide a platform to discuss the state of Black Studies and its impact on Hip Hop and post-Hip Hop generations in the age of Obama.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
How Can We Use Bill Strickland's Program Philosophy as a Model for Social Change?
We can use Mr. Strickland's Program philosophy as a model for social change in a multitude of ways. I think the idea of providing an independently funded educational space both for youth and adults is dynamic. The philosophy appears to be simple in the since that you provide individuals with the most support and best tools available and they will be successful. That approach is often complicated and overwhelmed by a lack of funding and resources for these types of programs. As a model for social change this model is powerful in the sense that through an indirect approach it has the ability to transform how individuals view themselves, their situation and give them tangible skills that can be used to change their current economic standing. This model can create social change through its practices of interacting with youth and the adults as well as the space it provides for them to develop skills that they may not be able to develop other wise.
One of the most important things about this model that I believe we should assess and study is its economic model. Outside of the source of funding which came from outside wealthy contributors, a source that is often a rarity for small community programs for youth is its ability to make entrepreneurship an integral part of its functioning. This model utilizes its resources and human capital to build financial capital through producing services, performances and other products that are able to be sold and in turn support the programs of the organization as well as supplement the cost of attendance for the youth. Aside from the design and programming of the model its economic strategy stood out as an important component of the model that needed to be studied and duplicated in some capacity.
I agree with Julian that Strickland's model seems simple in theory, but the hard part is finding financial backers to fund and to keep contributing to sustain an intuition of that magnitude. Julian also points out how Strickland's school also utilizes its human resources to generate capital, I think this is genius because it lets the students of Strickland's school see that what they are doing is beneficial and worthwhile at the same time occupying their time in an constructive manner. If all schools in inner cities were to follow Strickland's model then social change would not even be a necessity in my opinion. I think that Strickland has got it right and his model should be followed when thinking about School creation and design.
I think that considering we live in a nation were equal and amazing educational opportunities are 1. not the priority and 2. not happening, Stricklands model is an amazing opportunity for those fortunate enough to get admitted. I say it this way because while, the model is amazing it leaves most of the children OUT as of now. Strickland is an Amazing mind that is working within this capitalist mindset. His comment about admission based on Attitude confounded me. What did that mean really? This model, operating with in the Traditional American system, is essentially American.
The model as an example of social change, philosophically, says that dream big and play on the moral strings of rich folks and much can happen. Yes I agree with J, in that building your own income is great but let's face it somebody had to drop the 4 mill before the facility could even me made. It seems that something in how Strickland presents himself and his idea hits folks were it means most. What is it? Why are folks gravitating to him and not small non profits.
NOTE TO SELF I NEED TO READ THE MAN"S BOOK but,
He would probably say that his idea, of surroundings of beauty and worth, are common sense and once it's explained to folks it can not be resisted. Yes but, I think the black community has been saying for eons that black kids need the same as white kids and all kids need education for advancement. Trash the metal detectors and barb wires and security guards. His school system is amazing. So AMERICA this is how it should be Period. WHY DO WE CRIMINALIZE IN THE FIRST PLACE.
All in all I feel that Stricklands school is a great opportunity for kids who are admitted. Unfortunately it's an exception to the rule. I feel that the "rules" are still driven my money and power. Hopefully one day Strickland will be able to build so many schools that he becomes the rule and not the exception.
I agree with the last post completely. From hearing Strickland speak about his project and what he has achieved, it is clear that the environment surrounding youths has a huge impact. The last post discusses the use of metal detectors and barb wire fences. I agree that these things are kind of just setting the kids up for failure. The whole point of an education is to learn new things and grow as a person, rather than be basically imprisoned. Strickland's program shows that providing youths with a clear, open atmosphere helps them adapt to situations more easily. On the negative side, it is clear that this program cannot be developed for everyone because it would be unfeasible. However, i do believe that he has made positive steps by developing a foundation to build on.
We can use Mr. Strickland's Program philosophy as a model for social change in a multitude of ways. I think the idea of providing an independently funded educational space both for youth and adults is dynamic. The philosophy appears to be simple in the since that you provide individuals with the most support and best tools available and they will be successful. That approach is often complicated and overwhelmed by a lack of funding and resources for these types of programs. As a model for social change this model is powerful in the sense that through an indirect approach it has the ability to transform how individuals view themselves, their situation and give them tangible skills that can be used to change their current economic standing. This model can create social change through its practices of interacting with youth and the adults as well as the space it provides for them to develop skills that they may not be able to develop other wise.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most important things about this model that I believe we should assess and study is its economic model. Outside of the source of funding which came from outside wealthy contributors, a source that is often a rarity for small community programs for youth is its ability to make entrepreneurship an integral part of its functioning. This model utilizes its resources and human capital to build financial capital through producing services, performances and other products that are able to be sold and in turn support the programs of the organization as well as supplement the cost of attendance for the youth. Aside from the design and programming of the model its economic strategy stood out as an important component of the model that needed to be studied and duplicated in some capacity.
I agree with Julian that Strickland's model seems simple in theory, but the hard part is finding financial backers to fund and to keep contributing to sustain an intuition of that magnitude. Julian also points out how Strickland's school also utilizes its human resources to generate capital, I think this is genius because it lets the students of Strickland's school see that what they are doing is beneficial and worthwhile at the same time occupying their time in an constructive manner. If all schools in inner cities were to follow Strickland's model then social change would not even be a necessity in my opinion. I think that Strickland has got it right and his model should be followed when thinking about School creation and design.
ReplyDeleteI think that considering we live in a nation were equal and amazing educational opportunities are 1. not the priority and 2. not happening, Stricklands model is an amazing opportunity for those fortunate enough to get admitted. I say it this way because while, the model is amazing it leaves most of the children OUT as of now. Strickland is an Amazing mind that is working within this capitalist mindset. His comment about admission based on Attitude confounded me. What did that mean really? This model, operating with in the Traditional American system, is essentially American.
ReplyDeleteThe model as an example of social change, philosophically, says that dream big and play on the moral strings of rich folks and much can happen. Yes I agree with J, in that building your own income is great but let's face it somebody had to drop the 4 mill before the facility could even me made. It seems that something in how Strickland presents himself and his idea hits folks were it means most. What is it? Why are folks gravitating to him and not small non profits.
NOTE TO SELF I NEED TO READ THE MAN"S BOOK but,
He would probably say that his idea, of surroundings of beauty and worth, are common sense and once it's explained to folks it can not be resisted. Yes but, I think the black community has been saying for eons that black kids need the same as white kids and all kids need education for advancement. Trash the metal detectors and barb wires and security guards. His school system is amazing. So AMERICA this is how it should be Period. WHY DO WE CRIMINALIZE IN THE FIRST PLACE.
All in all I feel that Stricklands school is a great opportunity for kids who are admitted. Unfortunately it's an exception to the rule. I feel that the "rules" are still driven my money and power. Hopefully one day Strickland will be able to build so many schools that he becomes the rule and not the exception.
I agree with the last post completely. From hearing Strickland speak about his project and what he has achieved, it is clear that the environment surrounding youths has a huge impact. The last post discusses the use of metal detectors and barb wire fences. I agree that these things are kind of just setting the kids up for failure. The whole point of an education is to learn new things and grow as a person, rather than be basically imprisoned. Strickland's program shows that providing youths with a clear, open atmosphere helps them adapt to situations more easily. On the negative side, it is clear that this program cannot be developed for everyone because it would be unfeasible. However, i do believe that he has made positive steps by developing a foundation to build on.
ReplyDelete