Q Instructions This research project is an internet-based assignment that will allow you to explore a non-profit, social justice/activist, or social movement group important to you in your community (locally). The aim of this assignment is to give you an opportunity to research and analyze the contributions of organizations or groups in the Bay area (or in your neighborhood - some of you live in other places - even around the world) that work towards dealing with or eliminating the social problems that we have (and will) discuss. Do not give personal information to any group. Exercise an abundance of caution with any group or organization especially if you do not feel 110% confident that they are legitimate and professional and pro-social. Do not approach any group that uses violence, hatred, bigotry, or any other anti-social means. Follow these steps 1. Choose one non-profit, social justice/activist, or social movement group important to you (locally) that you feel has contributed to either serving or empowering (or both) people in your community. You have to get the local non-profit, social justice/activist, or social movement approved by me in advance, so make sure that you post your choice in the Discussion labeled 'Local Proposed Organization'. I will respond to your post with an approval (or not, if someone else has already chosen it or there are other issues). At this point, you only need to pick your organization, the research comes later. 2. Next, you'll research your organization, agency or group. Analyze your choice sociologically. Write up your findings in a focused paper (single space / full sentences but number sections and be concise/ plan on 2-3 pages). Answer/address each of the following (in your paper, actually list out the numbers with responses... 1... 2... etc.): 1. Name of a non-profit, social justice/activist, or social movement group in your community (locally). (one that is important to you and that you could see yourself possibly becoming involved with now or in the future). 2. Location / Addressn/ Website 3. Key Contact Person(s) 4. Social Problem Addressed 5. Mission (most have an official statement, if not then post their purpose/goals/vision). 6. Clientele Served 7. Brief Background and Services ((length of time this org has been in existence, # of staff, # of volunteers, anything else that you deem important). 8. Images/photos of organization or group (that you take yourself or find - reference) 9. Sociological Imagination - Define and apply to the social problem the group is aimed at. See our course SI Page. 10. Why does the problem persist? 11. How we can alleviate the problem long term? 12. Suggest a Policy or Law that would lessen the problem. Does such a policy or law exist somewhere in the world? If so, where and how successful has it been? 13. Use data to support your points. Reference everything (with parenthetical notations throughout your paper) in an APA or ASA format. 14. Explain how you see yourself getting involved with such an organization. THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND • There is a grading rubric for this assignment that shows exactly how you will be graded. See it by clicking on the three vertical dots in the upper right-hand corner of the assignment. • Cite sources for the information you have used for this paper - not sure how? See the "How to Cite" page in our Course Resource Module. • Be sure and define and cite the source for the term, the Sociological Imagination (from the assigned article called "The Promise" found in the first course module). • Apply your Sociological Imagination to the organization, its mission, and effectiveness. • Discuss how personal troubles are shaped by public issues. • Give your perspective, as a sociologist, of the organization in general (Is it necessary? efficient? well-funded? fulfilling its mission? Is it a "band-aid" that just treats but doesn't seek to truly eradicate the social problem? If so, what suggestions do you have to change this?). • Use data/evidence from outside the organization (our text/course readings or other reliable sources) to support your analysis. • Part of what we are doing in this course is exposing you to groups that are trying to make progressive change in the hope that you will get involved or join them in some way. Explain how you might get involved in the group you chose to research. What could you do to get involved in helping to solve the problem the group is working on? • Be creative and write what you think will be the most beneficial to others. Part of focusing on real organizations and agencies in the community and around the world is to share knowledge about available resources. At some point in your life, it is very likely that having this knowledge will be directly helpful to you or to someone you know. Talk about how you might see yourself getting involved with your agency or the issue it addresses. 3. Once you've completed your research on an organization, agency, or group in your community that is working to help deal with a social problem, and you have submitted your paper, your final step is to decide if you'd like to share your research with your classmates. If so, share and discuss everyone's research in our course discussions. I found this interesting list: http://www.startguide.org/orgs/orgs06.html (Links to an external site.) Link (Links to an external site.) It is part of the "500 American Progressive Organizations" list that can be found here: http://www.startguide.org/orgs/orgs00.html (Links to an external site.) Another great resource I found is from "Social Justice in Action" (part of the Social Work Degree.net program) at: https://www.socialworkdegree.net/social-justice-organizations/ Helpful Web Sites for agencies in Santa Clara County (Send any out of the area good agency search suggestions to me and I will add them to this list...): Directory of Health and Human Services of Santa Clara County (Links to an external site.) Link (Links to an external site.) San Jose State University's Index of Community Resources for Santa Clara County (Links to an external site.) Link (Links to an external site.) Santa Clara University – Arrupe Center for Community-based Learning - List of Community Partners (Links to an external site.) https://www.scu.edu/ic/programs/arrupe-weekly-engagement/community-partners/ (Links to an external site.) San Jose State University – Community Service Learning Center (Links to an external site.) https://www.sjsu.edu/ccll/ (Links to an external site.) Volunteer Center of Silicon Valley / Volunteer Match (Links to an external site.) https://www.volunteermatch.org/ (Links to an external site.) Rubric SOC 20 Non-Profit or Social Movement Group / Sociological Imagination Analysis Paper (Greater Good) (2) SOC 20 Non-Profit or Social Movement Group / Sociological Imagination Analysis Paper (Greater Good) (2) Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDescription of Organization or Social Movement Group 1. Name of Organization or Social Movement Group (one that is important to you and that you could see yourself possibly becoming involved with now or in the future). 2. Location / Address / Contact / Reference Information 3. Key Contact Person(s) 4. Social Problem Addressed 5. Mission (most have an official statement, if not then post their purpose/goals/vision). 6. Clientele Served 7. Brief Background and Services (length of time this org has been in existence, # of staff, # of volunteers, anything else that you deem important). 8. Images/photos of organization or group (that you take yourself or find - reference) All properly referenced in ASA or APA format. 5 pts Exemplary 3 pts Acceptable 2 pts Emerging 0 pts No Marks 5 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSociological Imagination - Define and apply 9. Sociological Imagination - Define and apply to the social problem the group is aimed at. Remember the SI is about understanding context but also power and structure. How is this a public issue? Discuss this. Be concise. Not sure what a Sociological Imagination is? See the Orientation Module Page on the ???? SI. References in APA or ASA format. 5 pts Exemplary 3 pts Acceptable 2 pts Emerging 0 pts No Marks 5 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLong Term Solutions 10. Is the movement or organization just a band-aid? Why does the problem persist? 11. How we can alleviate the problem long term? 12. Suggest a Policy or Law that would lessen the problem. Does such a policy or law exist somewhere in the world? If so, where and how successful has it been? 13. Reference everything (with parenthetical notations throughout your paper) in an APA or ASA format. Not sure how? See the Orientation Module Page "?? How To Cite Sources Using APA format" 14. Explain how you see yourself getting involved in this or a related group or organization whose aim is the greater good. 5 pts Exemplary 3 pts Acceptable 2 pts Emerging 0 pts No Marks 5 pts Total Points: 15 PreviousNext