Saturday, August 10, 2019
Do the Right Thing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Do the Right Thing - Essay Example This research paper will attempt an analysis of the film pertaining to social class, racial issues, human nature, morality, and historical significance while trying to prove that it is indeed a masterpiece and far from incendiary. The Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood is inhabited mainly by African-Americans but the grocery is run by Koreans, the pizzeria by an Italian-American Sal and his two sons, Pino and Vito and to round out the ethnic assortment, the Brownstone is owned by a yuppie named Clive. Mookie, the pizza-delivery boy is a pivotal character and represents the tenuous link between the Blacks and Whites. Mookie's friend Buggin Out gets into a dispute with Sal concerning his Wall of fame which does not feature any prominent Blacks. The latter retorts sharply and Buggin Out leaves in high dudgeon. This particular incident sets in motion the events which will result in the death of a black man (Radio Raheem), Buggin Out's arrest, and the burning down of Sal's famous pizzeria. As the story picks up pace, the very atmosphere cackles with the intensity of unresolved conflicts rooted in history as well as mired in the present. The denizens of the neighborhood with their own particular peccadilloes interact with one another, each contributing a little to the rising unrest which results in eventual conflagration. Lee explores the causes for the tragedy in his direct and non-judgmental manner, and they will be discussed in detail below. The disparity between the classes economy-wise, in an increasingly materialistic word is a telling factor that ferments the seeds of inter-racial hostility and resentment. According to Reid (1997), "The film explores philosophical issues that impinge on the economic" (p. 4). For instance there is a scene depicting three Black men discussing how the Koreans can manage to prosper in their neighborhood, while they themselves have accomplished nothing of worth. The question raised here is whether the blacks have been held down by a bigoted establishment or their own lack of enterprise. However there appears to be no doubt in the minds of the three men. As one character so succinctly puts it, "It's gotta be cuz we're Black. No other explanation, nobody don't want the Black man to be about shit". This particular mindset manifests itself in a particularly dangerous moment towards the end when an infuriated mob threatens to burn down the grocery store. The Koreans escape by appealing to the mob and saying they are also "Black" meaning they belong to the hapless minority. Thus we are also made cognizant of the fact that despite everything they have been through over the ages, the Blacks themselves are not above racism. Meanwhile Mookie has to endure the constant taunting of his boss's son Pino. The open antagonism between the two may have resulted in Mookie's throwing of the trash-can into the pizzeria - a single confused action bought on by hidden hurts and the passion of the moment which unleashes the fury of the mob and goads them to violent excesses. In the words of Meyer, "The film powerfully portrays how conflicts in the business setting entail and are reflective of conflicts between racial and ethnic groups" (as cited in Lovell, 1998, p. 16). Racial issues constitute the
Friday, August 9, 2019
Learning log and application activities Assignment
Learning log and application activities - Assignment Example Therefore, as other children spoke with their parents it was as if they were back biting me since I was not able to understand what they were talking about. When I went to school, I realized that both teachers and students spoke different languages but the official language of communication in school was English. In most cases teachers could make a lot of corrections on students for instance if we pronounced ââ¬Å"angryâ⬠instead of ââ¬Å"hungryâ⬠. Personal Plan for Language Development Year Objective Activity Resources Jan ââ¬âMay 2013 To obtain language proficiency in English Attending English classes in order to be proficient in the language. Practicing speaking English all the time as well as encouraging those whom you are talking with to speak so as to perfect the art of speaking. It can also be done by reading novelty story books which are rich in English content. Listening to English programs also helps in improving the proficiency of the language. Tuition and exam fees required to facilitate class attendance. Allocating time to practicing on how to speak English. Money to purchase story books and other learning materials. June- August 2013 To gain experience on English language Attending attachment to English speaking organizations. Lecturing in learning institutions that teach English. Attending organized workshops and seminars that encourage English speaking. Participating in public speaking competitions. Writing of poems, songs and plays in English language. Money to facilitate transportation to various institutions. Letters to various institutions for permission to lecture. Literature books to enhance knowledge of public speaking and language development. September- December 2013 To wind up English course. To perfect the art of speaking English language Self evaluation on the extent of how English language has been mastered and practiced by doing various examinations. Getting recommendations from various stakeholders. Revising on the things learned both in and out of class Time taken to evaluate oneself. Money used travel to various institutions in searching for recommendations. Part B Formal letter Managing Director, Logistaid Company, P.o Box 2535-0009, Slovakia. 15 December, 2012. The Human Resource Manager, English Learning Resource Centre, P.o Box 27787-00065, Logos. Dear sir/Madam, Re: Appreciation I would like to thank you for attending our gala dinner, that was organized in aid of raising money, to enhance our educational programs and we appreciate your contribution for the same. We were able to raise $ 100, 000 which we saw as a success. Our organization is also pleased to inform you that you have been chosen to promote the new Logistaid program, which is aimed at promoting education especially to foreign students. In line with this, we have organized for workshops and seminars to enhance our scheduled activities which will be due in two weeks time. You are therefore invited for the preparation which w ill take place on 20th December 2012 at offices from 2.00 p.m. Your presence and participation is highly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Yours faithfully, Press officer For Managing Director UNIT 2 PART A Training Plan Training requirements To gather the right skills and competencies Training schedule To train after every three months to refresh the knowledge Training materials It includes seminars, workbooks, presentations, user manuals, use of computer
Thursday, August 8, 2019
Discussion about Eurodisney case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Discussion about Eurodisney - Case Study Example The customs and day-to-day routine of Europeââ¬â¢s inhabitants proved to be different and unique compared to those experienced in America and China. Planning was, therefore, mostly based on assumptions made about observations recorded by researchers on European culture. For example, the team involved in the planning, was of the assumption that most Europeans do not take breakfast. They, therefore, made smaller dining areas for the serving of breakfast meals. The outcome of this was that thrice the predicted number of people showed up for breakfast. They also overestimated their annual growth expected figure. They forecast indicated a 1.5% annual growth rate (Warren, 2002). On the other hand, reasons for failure can be attributed to other factors and not on the failure of their project cost planning. For example, Europe began to suffer effects of high inflation. This automatically affected the whole project increasing the costs required to finance the entire project. The French government agreed to share the wealth that was soon to be generated from the project if it proved successful. French citizens, therefore, had to invest in the project by meeting some of the financial obligations. However, the high inflation rates affected most citizensââ¬â¢ ability to invest in the project. In addition, the production costs rocketed throughout the entire project (Warren, 2002). The case study is a clear and concise depiction of what happens in the real world. Most organizations prepare project cost plans when dealing with new projects. This is an extremely beneficial way in which the organizations can treat the new project as a separate entity. This helps to shield the organization from unforeseen risks, which can be, detrimental to the parent company. The entire plan relies on a system that will allow for the project to pay for all expenses incurred during its development (Warren, 2002). Project cost planning is common in businesses exposed to
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Each of the novels focused on in this class examines the role of power Research Paper
Each of the novels focused on in this class examines the role of power in relation to the human condition. The characters in the - Research Paper Example Power is a very important and significant concept as well as a very confusing and relative term at the same time. This is because it depends on the kind of power that a person possesses in a certain situation and specific role. A person, at any one time is very likely to experience different forms of power such as expert power, referent, reward or coercive power (Flyvbjerg, 2009). There are also several sources to exercise power which include knowledge and expertise, charisma, coercion, persuasion, knowledge, social class, aggressive or manipulative. Power is not necessarily negative. It exists in both forms, positive as well as negative (Noordin Yahaya, 2011). A person who has a high authority can always use a positive way to exercise power and can also use a negative way to exercise his powers. Power can be used by using different tactics such as the concept of using soft power and hard power (Galbraith, 1983). Soft power refers to more collaborative ways of exercising power while hard power uses more harsh ways of displaying oneââ¬â¢s power in a more manipulative manner. Moreover, power can be used in other ways like rational and irrational. Power is a good and a bad thing at the same time. When used in a productive way, that is to help others, to help humanity, to help society leaving apart all the desires that have power, it can produce great results. On the other hand if power is used in a negative way that is to get what you desire and that also might be unethical, by hurting people or by using power to take coercive actions can lead into a disaster (Ghandchi, 1998). As clear from their names, rational power means to influence others with logic while irrational power means coercing them to do something without any logical explanation or understanding. Another way is to use power in a unilateral or bilateral way. Bilateral use of power involves two way communication and ways of convincing people, negotiating with them, listening to what they have to sa y and implementing things that seem right. On the other hand, unilateral power involves person making decisions of his choice regardless of caring about others opinions and considering oneself as absolutely correct; not ready to face any kind of criticism. In the three novels that will be under consideration for this analysis; The Alienist", "The Thin Man", and "Snow in August", we will see what they have in common and how they can relate to concept of role of power with respect to human condition. All the three novels being discussed below have some form of power under discussion and each of them refers to a different form of power, how it affected the individual and how it can help achieve oneââ¬â¢s goals, or how it has negatively affected a person in achieving what he wanted to. To begin with ââ¬Å"The Alienistâ⬠, which is a psychological thriller and revolves around a diverse forensic team to help investigate on the issue and find a serial killer. In the context of this topic, what is important here is the fact that the forensic team constituted of a police secretary, a journalist, two detectives and the alienist himself. This means that the power of decision making in human context belonged to these 5 members regardless of what their roles in other contexts of life were. For instance, the journalist has a different position of authority in his job and so does the police secretary. However
Trifles by Susan Glaspell Essay Example for Free
Trifles by Susan Glaspell Essay Trflesââ¬â¢ By Susan Glaspell I believe had several small defining moments leading to the one larger defining moment, which brings together all of them together. The defining moment is the discovery of the dead bird hidden in the pretty red box, this leads back to smaller points such as her sewing and the bird cage. ââ¬Å" Hereââ¬â¢s some red. I expect this has got sewing things in it. (Brings out a fancy box.) What a pretty box. Looks like something somebody would give you. Maybe her scissors are in here. (Opens box. Suddenly puts her hand to her nose.) Whyââ¬â(Mrs. Peters bends nearer, then turns her face away.) Thereââ¬â¢s something wrapped up in this piece of silk.â⬠ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s the birdâ⬠â⬠(Glaspell, 2011, p. 144), I believe that the two main characters in this play are Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, the sheriffââ¬â¢s wife. At first is seems they are part of the background story, that they are there but not part of the main action. When the ladies first sit down in the kitchen they are uneasy about being there and how the situation is making them uncomfortable. They feel as if they are judging Mrs. Wright about her house and the way things are. As the ladies discuss her situation they begin to speculate on her guilt. Initially they donââ¬â¢t consider Mrs. Wright as having the personality or ability to commit the crime she has been arrested for. However, as the story continues, signs begin emerging that point to the possibility of her guilt, yet they still are in disbelief. When the author introduces the quilting, it is easy to assume a mental picture of a woman under stress using it to calm her. Once the ladies find the bird cage, at first consideration, as certainly the author intended, is ââ¬Å"what happened to the bird? Did a cat get it? Did it get ill? What could have happened?â⬠Then, given new information about the door to the cage is broken, as if someone yanked it open. It still could have been a cat trying to get at the bird, but then Mrs. Wright didnââ¬â¢t like cats, so that possibility is out. The ladies begin discussing Mr. Wright and how he was a hard man to be around. Here the author begins to give readers more background story of the couple, and plants seeds for reasons to take sides with Mrs. Wright. They describe him as a good man in the way that he didnââ¬â¢t drink and paid his debts but was a hard man to be around, and how she was different before she became Mrs. Wright. Comparing her to a songbird, how she liked to sing and be involved in town things like church, giving her a likeable personality prior to her marriage. As they talk and pass time they are looking for her sewing things to take her so she can pass the time, they discover a pretty red box in with her quilting patches. Thinking it is a box for her scissors, they instead find the dead bird. Not just dead but someone has wrung its neck, a violent end to a tiny life. Mrs. Hale knows that Mrs. Wright was going to bury the bird in the pretty box and begins to think about the bird and how the bird would have kept her company and the beauty of its singing. Their thoughts turn to Mr. Wright and how he would have hated the birdsââ¬â¢ singing because he killed Mrs. Wrightââ¬â¢s singing. Mrs. Peters recounts a story of when she was a child and had a cat that was killed in front of her and how it could have, would have, hurt the person that killed her cat. At this point both ladies begin to understand a little more of what happened in the house and why. What do they do though, the men are looking for evidence. Mrs. Peters says ââ¬Å"It was an awful thing was done in this house that night, Mrs. Hale. Killing a man while he slept, slipping a rope around his neck that choked the life out of himâ⬠(Glaspell, 2011, p. 145), and as she says this Mrs. Hale compares the similarities between the bird and Mr. Wrightââ¬â¢s deaths. Mrs. Peters reiterates that they donââ¬â¢t know who killed Mr. Wright. As the women sit and talk they begin to think about what it would have been like for Mrs. Wright to have that little bird to sing to her and then have silence again. Mrs. Peters relates to Mrs. Wrightââ¬â¢s situation by sharing her story of having lost a child before, knowing the silence or sadness that comes with a loss like that. Mrs. Hale begins to blame herself for not being a better friend and seeing what was going on, And how she could have been a better neighbor she might have been able to change things. Knowing that they should be blaming themselves for what happened there. Mrs. Peterââ¬â¢s comments on what the men would think if they could hear them getting carried away with a dead canary the way they are and how absurd they must sound. But would they find it as absurd as they think or would it be the evidence they are looking for? As the men come back downstairs Mrs. Hale decides to try and hide the dead bird but it wonââ¬â¢t fit in her pocket, at the last second Mrs. Peters puts it in her purse and hides it from the sheriff and attorney that enter the room. With this action, readers are lead to believe that the women have decided that Mrs. Wright in fact did kill her husband while he slept, and that they sympathize with her. Perhaps they havenââ¬â¢t been in the same situation but in a way they empathize with her hopelessness and sadness, and stand unified to protect her. It is interesting that the women find evidence in the case as where the men are looking and canââ¬â¢t seem to come up with anything, to serve as a motive. Another example of how women were perceived in this story is how instead of asking the opinion of the women or if they found anything all they ask is if the women decided if she was going to quilt-it or knot-it. ââ¬Å"Well, ladies, have you decided whether she was going to quilt i t or knot it?â⬠(Glaspell, 2011, p. 144) Reference: Glaspell, S. (2011). Trifles. In D.L. Pike and A.M. Acosta (Eds.) Literature: A world of writing stories, poems, plays, and essays [VitalSource digital version] (pp. 139-145). Boston, MA: Pearson Learning Solutions. Acosta, David L. Pike and Ana (). Literature: A World of Writing Stories, Poems, Plays, and Essays VitalSource eBook for Education Management Corporation [1] (VitalSource Bookshelf), Retrieved from http://digitalbookshelf.southuniversity.edu/books/9780558711825/S1.4/54
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Reconstruction of African Americans Dbq Essay Example for Free
Reconstruction of African Americans Dbq Essay African Americans were given the opportunity to vote. There opinion began to matter. As Alfred H. Ward expresses in his art black men waiting in a line, it means much more than a single file. Displaying the men dressed in different outfits and uniforms waiting to put in their opinion, their vote (Document A). Negroes were now being viewed as another person and another opinion needed. It was even expressed that one shall not be denied a vote for their race (Document C). This is yet again another prime example of the African Americans new progress in a political aspect. Though it may seem a simple and smooth change it wasnââ¬â¢t a golden path through the transformation, some still could not accept the fact that black deserve to have the right to vote. Dramatic words and publication were existent during the late 19-century, even a cartoon was published of an African American man dying, and reason of death being he used his right to vote (document F). Soon the African Americans had their heads soaring high, some people were finally giving them some social respect. Along with the 14th amendment supporting their new freedom things seemed to be changing. Simply re stated ââ¬Å" no state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United Statesâ⬠just with the first statement, African Americans are entitled to even more rights (Document B). Again, the civil rights act of 1875, this enacted that all persons of the U. S. shall be entitled to full enjoyment of accommodations, advantages, and privileges of inns, public water and entertainment. Also stating that this is applicable to every citizen of every race (Document D). Though yet again things were not always so positive and equal. ââ¬Å"Jim crow laws of the deep southâ⬠created many restrictions and much un fair treatment. To the extent of marriages between white and blacks were prohibited in Florida (Document H). In Georgia one could not burry an African American where whites were buried (Document H). Also, in Mississippi, discussion of or defending for social equality would immediately be guilty of a misdemeanor (Document H). Some cases so harsh that blacks who would assert their rights would face unemployment, eviction, and sometimes physical harm. From evidence shown the African Americans had dramatic reconstruction stages in both political views along with social views. They received some respect and rights of being created equal. They also received their right to vote. Though, it didnââ¬â¢t all become easy and perfect they had much progress of reconstruction. Many changes were made. As many lives were transformed.
Monday, August 5, 2019
The Salvation Army Hostel For The Homeless Social Work Essay
The Salvation Army Hostel For The Homeless Social Work Essay Introduction According to Hardcastle, Powers and Wenocur (2004), Community practice is the application of practice skills to alter the behavioural patterns of community groups, organisations, and institutions or peoples relationships and interactions with these entities. Drawing from this simple definition of community practice, the report focuses on the work I carried out as an Applied Community studies student working with homeless people at the Salvation Army (SA) hostel in Coventry where I completed 140 hours of practice learning as an Assistant Project Worker. For personal reflection and intellectual development the report evaluates the themes around homelessness (causes and bio-psycho-social impacts of homelessness). The theories, legislation and policy underpinning work with homeless people is discussed, and for argument`s sake, the effectiveness of intervention methods is critically analysed while particular emphasis on factors contributing to inequalities in health and social care such a s ageism, gender discrimination, race and ethnicity and social exclusion to promote an anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice (Dominelli 2002 and 2008). An evaluation of my learning outcomes will be made, and the report will argue that relying on funding from the local government affects the administration and provision of welfare services at the centre, which in most cases creates ethical dilemmas for Project Workers. Further, the report will argue that complying with the local authority on who to give help makes the Salvation Army to depart from its core values based on Christian principles: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and giving shelter to the homeless (Walker, 2001) among others Christian values, for example, its work with asylum seekers. The report also recognises that lack of continuity in the community affects casework with individuals. The essay concludes by identifying areas of good practice. description of SA and work carried out The Salvation Army was founded in 1865 by William and Catherine Booth to help people identified as socially undesirables (Prostitutes, criminals, drug addicts) to embrace Christianity (Murdoch, 1996; Walker, 2001). To date, the Salvation Army has centres worldwide and provides social aid to people in need, including disaster relief (Chronicle of Philanthropy 30 October 2008). It runs youth programmes and provides accommodation to homeless people but on a temporary basis. In Africa the Salvation Army works with refugees and displaced people among other community works. It operates as a non government organisation agency that provides relief to people in need. Social support intervention is guided by the Salvation Armys 11 Christian doctrines, or soldiers covenant, as an army against social ills. According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy (30 October 2008: 10) the Salvation Army was the largest charity in the USA giving away more than $2 billion in social aid in 2007. The Salvation Army hostel (Coventry) provides accommodation to 80 residents, mostly men (75 rooms are reserved for men with only five reserved for women). The implications of this gender variation will be discussed later. In addition, it takes only homeless people between the ages of 18 and 65, and this concept will also be discussed later in relation to ageism. In addition, the centre does not provide accommodation to people who have no access to public funds, such as asylum seekers, and there are no facilities for homeless families, although the Salvation Army in Leamington has only one family unit. Again, this will be discussed in relation to society stereotyping single people, especially men, as more likely to become homeless. The centre also runs a resource centre which help service users to bid for houses on Coventry Home finder, and job search. In addition, the centre also hold cooking courses to promote healthy eating and budget meals among residents, and used sport (football ) to encourage healthy living interaction through sport, and clients participated in football once every week. I worked as an Assistant Project Worker in a team of 20 staff that included 10 project workers. My job included attending referral meetings, carrying out risk assessments and identifying reasons for homelessness, profiling where a key worker asks the homeless person a series of questions in line with the National Monitoring and Evaluation Services (NMES). My duties also involved helping the service users to bid for houses, signposting them to the Job centre, organising cooking and football events. Critical analysis of relevant theory to practice. The report now analyses the discourse of homelessness in view of the bio-psycho-social needs of homeless people. Maslow (1954) identified seven basic human needs, of which shelter is among them (Taylor, 2010). In England, homelessness is a major issue, and between January and March 2003 there were 31 470 households identified and accepted as homeless by the Local Authority homeless (Wright et al 2003). According to Wright et al (2003), people who are homeless usually have socio, medical and psychological needs, and are stereotyped as anti-social, violent, migrants, and undeserving. Further, they also face isolation, lack of choice, and stigmatisation (Homeless Network 1999 Report). They are also likely to be discriminated and socially excluded because of their ethnicity, gender, race and age (Wright et al 2003). Power and Hunter (2001) concur with this assertion and argue that some of the homeless peoples most immediate challenges include nutritional deficiencies, cold weather, poor personal hygiene and drug and alcohol misuse. In addition they have higher incidents of morbidity and mortality (Wright el al 2003). Some of their medical needs/problems include a chronic history of severe alcohol dependence, with gastrointestinal, neurological, cardiovascular or metabolic complications (Wright et al, 2003 pg 9). They also have higher incidents of depression and risk of suicide (ibid). For effective intervention with homeless people to promote their health and well-being, staff at the Salvation Army works jointly with health partners (GPs), housing departments, non-statutory organisation and social services departments. Most people who use the services (homeless) at the Salvation Army hostel are single white men, ex-convicts, drug and alcohol misuse, and refugees. Underlying bio-psycho-social issues included HIV, substance misuse, isolation, and unemployment. An understanding of these underlying needs was important during a risk assessment so that they could be identified and appropriate intervention provided, for example, where homelessness was caused by unemployment, the person would be sign-posted to the Job Centre, or assisted to fill in job application forms. Getting a job would empower the person to become financially independent and offer a more permanent solution to a recurring problem. Similarly, people who lost their houses due to drug and alcohol misuse would be referred to other agencies such as Recovery Partnership for rehabilitation (solution focussed intervention). The SA worked with the Coventry City Council, who referred homeless people to the centre. The Local Authority pays à £147 per week towards the accommodation of the homeless person, while the person is required to pay à £10. The City Council is also the major funder for the agency, a concept which eroded its independence and community standing as a Christian based sanctuary for the homeless regardless of creed, race (based on verses from the Bible). As a result asylum seekers who had no recourse to public funds were denied services. This experience highlights some of the challenges faced by community workers in their quest to promote social justice, which is defined as the embodiment of fairness, equity, and equality in the distribution of societal resources (Flyn, 1990). This makes their role controversial as they become border guards (Ravi Kohli, 2006), and gatekeepers of resources (Limbery, 2005). The project workers also works hand in hand with GPs, the Job Centre, drug and alco hol rehabilitation centres, Community Psychiatrists and independent and local housing agencies. This requires good team working skills, and I will comment on the development of my team-working skills later in this report. Working with homeless people for statutory organisations is underpinned by legislation such as the Housing Act 1996, and the 1985 Housing Act. Local authorities have a duty under Section 183 of the Housing Act 1996 to provide or prevent homelessness. They have to make inquiries (Part 7 of the 1996 Act) where someone is likely to become homeless within 28 days. In addition, someone is prevented from becoming homeless if there is a casework intervention that will provide the person or family with accommodation sustainable for at least six months (Communities and Local Government Recording Homeless prevention and Relief E10 of the P1E Quarterly Returns, 2009). The Local authorities can work with partner organisations to help prevent homelessness, although these partner organisations have no duty to prevent homelessness. A partner organisation is any organisation which is assisting the local authority in tackling and preventing homelessness (ibid: 12). It may be funded by the Local Autho rity to help in preventing and tackling homelessness. In addition it can also be any organisation where the Local Authorities can refer people for assistance to prevent homelessness; and these include voluntary organisations and independent organisations for housing advice under s.179(1) of the 1996 Act. The Salvation Army is one of the voluntary organisations (faith based) that provide temporary accommodation to prevent homelessness. The Green Paper Independence, Well-being and Choice: Our Vision for the Future of Social Care for Adults in England (DoH, 2005) and the White Paper Caring for People (DoH, 1989) recognise assessments as key to any methods of intervention and good care for people. Assessments were carried out to identify the causes of homelessness, the persons history, entitlement to services, needs (medical, social and psychological), while a risk assessment was carried in all assessments in order to protect the service user from risk of self harm (suicide, intravenous drug use, substance misuse, financial abuse etc). According to Parker and Bradley (2006:11), a risk assessment is the likelihood of certain outcomes, whether positive or negative, occurring under certain circumstances or dependent on decisions made. It was important to carry out a risk assessment to establish the likelihood of people repeatedly becoming homeless, as some would return within three months to the centre. As such, a risk a ssessment sought to establish the best method of dealing with the presenting situation to reduce repeat homelessness, and where homelessness was attributed to drug and alcohol misuse, gambling, etc, the likelihood of that happening again was assessed before appropriate intervention methods were implemented. However, Webber (2009) argue that risk assessment in social work (and this can also be applied to community work) is laden with assumptions while lacking scientific thoroughness which can lead to rationing and excluding some service users. In particular I found that in some cases risk assessment led to the exclusion of some service users whose homelessness was seen as voluntary. One can argue that is being judgemental and not in-line with an anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice (Dominelli 2006). However, in the same breath as risk assessment led to exclusion of service users, it also helped to identify those at risk of harm (physical and emotional) as a result of home lessness. After identifying risks, an assessment of needs was also carried out to identify the needs of the person, such as shelter (which would be the reason for coming to the centre), financial needs and those who were eligible to receive social security benefits would be referred to the Job Centre and/or Social Services department for housing benefit. In addition, those who were homeless because of debt would be referred to national debt agencies to device ways of alleviating the debt. Others would have lost their jobs, which led to repossession of houses or eviction. Those with medical needs were referred to specialist services. In summary, I found the role of carrying risk assessments and assessments of needs very educative while I also applied theory into practice while I assumed a managerial role (commissioning services and signposting). In addition, liaising with other agencies improved my communication skills, advocacy skills and negotiating skills, all skills which are vital to effec tive community practice. Skills required by community workers include community organisation, administration, social planning, social action and social development so that citizens can become active in their own environments (Hardcastle et al 2004). The model of intervention used with homelessness is that of empowering individuals to become self reliant and self sufficient. Social planning involved liaising with other external agencies such as the Coventry City Council, Refuge Centre, Job Centre and Social Services to help clients to get houses, social security benefits, as well as to help clients get jobs. My duties of coordinating services and signposting service users to these external agencies were part of social planning, organisation and action. One of the most intervention methods used at the centre is crisis intervention. à According to Jackson-Cherry and Erford (2010), a crisis intervention involves providing emergency psycho-social care to assist individuals in crises situation to restore a balance to their bio-psycho-social functioning. Similarly, Wilson et al (2008) define a crisis as a breakdown or disruption in a persons usual pattern of, or normal functioning. Homelessness and losing a tenancy in most cases is a result of long-term crises, and individuals respond to crises by striving to maintain their equilibrium through using their coping mechanisms (Jackson-Cherry and Erford, 2010). In addition crises can arise where problems persist and the precipitating events are threatening, and usual coping mechanisms fail to work (Wilson et al 2008). An analysis of some of the people who came to use the centre showed that they were going through crises such as financial, debt, unemployment, domestic violence, which affect ed usual coping mechanisms in others. In addition, losing a house can also lead to a crisis and affect the individuals coping mechanism. In a situation of homelessness caused by a crisis, or leading to a crisis, the role of a community worker is to solve the immediate crisis by offering shelter while looking for long term solutions (Wilson et al, 2008), which in turn leads to solution focussed intervention discussed below. Crisis intervention involves carrying out an assessment to identify needs, make referrals and implement a treatment plan or solution (Roberts, 2005). However, as already argued above, not all cases presented as crises were offered appropriate intervention, such as the case with asylum seekers, families, and people below the ages of 18 and above the age of 65, who were referred to other agencies. In addition to crisis intervention, solution focussed intervention method was also used at the Salvation Army hostel. Solution focussed intervention is change oriented, and encourages service users to find solutions to their problems (Wilson et al 2008). Solution focussed works by placing the responsibility on the service user (empowerment), providing them with tools to identify the extent of their crises, and where they are in the crisis. Gamble (1995) cited by Hardcastle et al (2004) argued that community practice involves using empowerment-based interventions to strengthen participation in democratic processes, assist groups and communities in advocating for their basic needs and organising for social justice. Bidding for accommodation, job search, referring service users with drug and alcohol problems to Recovery Partnership were some of the solution focussed methods of intervention provided on the model of empowerment. In addition to finding solutions as a tool for problem solvi ng, the Salvation Army also uses person-centred intervention method which sees the client as unique thereby requiring unique intervention. Person centred care (PCC), was developed from Carl Rogers person centred counselling (Nay and Garratt 2004). It promotes building relationships between client and professionals, which is empowering as it seeks to put the individual at the centre of their care (Wilson et al, 2008; Nay and Garratt, 2004). The project workers at the Salvation Army recognise that homeless people are individual people with different needs, and not a homogeneous community, hence support is tailored to meet individual needs. The report critically analysed the main functions of the Salvation Army hostel for the homeless. As a student I felt that although the faith-based centre is doing its best to help homeless people, the SA has diverted from its original ethos of helping people in need regardless of race and creed, and this was notable especially with the way asylum seekers are turned away because of their immigration statuses. The role of the Church and philanthropists in helping the need and the poor has its roots before the Reformation, when welfare assistance to the needy was provided by the Church, based on the seven corporal works of mercy (the thirsty must be given drink, the hungry to be fed, the naked to be clothed, the sick visited, the prisoners visited etc) (www.victorianweb.org); through to the Elizabethan Poor Laws (1601), when the church provided relief to people through its parishes (Payne 2002). However, because the Salvation Army gets most of its funding from the Local government, this limits what it can do as a church. Implications for practice. In relation to providing shelter to people between the ages of 18 to 65, one can argue that this is ageism (Dominelli 2006) because it assumes that people below 18 and over the age of 65 cannot become homeless. Ageism does not promote anti-discriminatory practice, and it is also oppressive (Dominellie 2006). In contrast The Employment Equality (Repeal of Retirement Age Provisions) Regulations 2011 abolishes the retirement age of 65 years, which means that the government recognises that people can still be active after 65 years of age. The centre also views homelessness from a gender point of view by allocating 75 of the rooms to men and leaving only five to women. This is based on the assumption that men are more likely to lose their homes especially through domestic violence (perpetrators of domestic violence) yet there is increasing evidence suggesting that there are also male victims of domestic violence (Shupe et al, 1987) . In addition to homelessness, single women are also like ly to lose their homes for the same reasons that men lose their homes (such as unemployment, drug and alcohol misuse, gambling etc). The report highlighted that there is no family unit at the Salvation Army in Coventry, while Leamington has only one family unit. Under the current economic climate, many families are losing homes due to repossession of houses and unemployment. As such it is also possible to have families becoming homeless. During my placement I witnessed whole families being turned away because of lack of facilities to accommodate families. One can also argue that by not having family units, the system views single people as more likely to become homeless. This issue of separating families was also practiced during the Poor Laws Amendment 1834, when families were separated in workhouses to punish the undeserving poor. For continuity of care the Salvation Army must continue to work in partnership with GPs, Community Psychiatrists and other health professionals during the recovery pathway so that people do not relapse when they return to the community. In terms of workloads, the project workers were allocated at least 10 service users each. In relation to time, comprehensive assessment to identify risks and needs, this workload was viewed by most workers as unmanageable, especially when allocated to service users with complex needs (accommodation, medical, drug and alcohol misuse, access to benefits etc). This also reduced the time of building rapport with clients (Trevithick 2000 and 2005) for effective intervention methods. The placement provided me with a forum to apply theory to practice, including relevant theoretical intervention methods, understanding policy and legislation, as well as exposing me to the challenges faced by community workers when they work with people towards individual and community development strategies. I also gained an insight into social and health inequalities leading to homelessness and how these impact on peoples lives. My communication and interviewing skills were also enhanced (Trevithick, 2000 and 2005) as I spoke to different service users and professionals. Working with external agencies improved my team working skills (ibid). Values of a community worker include ability to empathise, to work in a non-judgemental manner, to be patient as well as to promote empowerment through social justice. Conclusion The conclusions to be drawn from the above report and analysis of the role of the Salvation Army with homeless people in Coventry are that the church and the voluntary sector play a significant role in the provision of welfare to citizens. However, there is also need to reform some of the Salvation Armys policies to address issues of ageism, gender, challenge oppression especially with asylum seekers, and become inclusive to women and families who become homeless. Recruitment of volunteers can also be encouraged to reduce workloads. While the methods of intervention may be appropriate, however, assessments are not needs led but resource led, which makes it difficult for project workers to fulfil their roles to promote social justice.
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