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March 9, 2020 |
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In This Issue: Forum Participants Call for Reform of Florida’s Sex Education Policies to Emphasize Age Appropriateness Martina Muñoz Chalan Receives National Recognition as ‘Community-Committed’ Student Psychology Student Terrian Smith Serves as Crisis Counselor on 2-1-1 Hotline |
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Forum Participants Call for Reform of Need for access, equity, and accuracy highlighted Forum participants called for the reform of policies to ensure that the providers of sex education pay attention to such factors as age, cultures, and identities. They argued that sex education is important beyond K–12 public schools. College students also need sex education, they said, as do parents. Part of the Deliberative Dialogue Series, the forum – titled “Comprehensive Sex Education in Florida Schools: What Should Be Required?” – drew attention to the need for access, equity, and accuracy when it comes to sex education. Samantha Daley, the reproductive justice organizer for Power U Center for Social Change, drew on her experience working in the community as a health advocate and community organizer to bring to light “intersectional” issues. The Barry alumna explained how sex education content and delivery were not always inclusive of minority students, including those with disabilities, students of color, and homosexual and transgender students. Students, faculty, staff, and community members participated in the forum. Several students shared their experience, or lack of experience, with a formalized sex education program as part of their K–12 education. Some participants also contrasted approaches to sex education in the Dr. Christopher Jones, director of Barry’s Doctor of Ministry program and assistant professor of theological ethics, spoke about the role sexuality plays in each person’s humanity. An episcopal priest, Jones emphasized the importance of healthy dialogue about sex in relationships and for individual well-being. Dr. Sheila McMahon, assistant professor of social work, facilitated the forum. Her research focuses on sexual assault prevention on college campuses. She pointed to the need to include information about informed consent and other aspects of healthy relationships in sex education programs. Ysabella Osses, the gender justice organizer for The New Florida Majority, noted that it was common for youth from socially conservative cultures to get information about sex from peers and digital media. An immigrant from Peru and a former K–12 teacher, both she and Daley advocated legislation that would require all counties in the state to have certified professionals provide sex education. Osses facilitated a post-dialogue advocacy activity for students taking service-learning courses. Assisted by Barry Service Corps Fellow Joulinsa Jean-Charles, Osses trained the students in aspects of community organizing. |
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Martina Muñoz Chalan Receives National Recognition as ‘Community-Committed’ Student Campus Compact has selected Barry student leader Martina Muñoz Chalan as a Newman Civic Fellow. She is one of 290 “community-committed students” – and one of only 10 from A junior majoring in finance and international business, Muñoz Chalan has assisted the Atelye Thevenet Artisan Cooperative in northwestern Haiti, managing its business and accounting processes. In nominating her for recognition as a Newman Civic Fellow, President Mike Allen noted that, since 2018, Muñoz Chalan has supported the co-op, through which “impoverished women learn vital skills so they can put food on the table, send their children to school, and even build modest homes for their families.” Her sales promotion and personal selling have generated over $2,000, which has been reinvested in the co-op. “This amount is significant in a region of the Western Hemisphere’s poorest country, where the average monthly wage is less than $100,” Allen said. A Barry Service Corps Fellow with the Center for Community Service Initiatives (CCSI), Muñoz Chalan has also facilitated the involvement of her peers in projects supporting farmworkers and has pressed for human rights reforms in industrial agriculture. Provost Dr. John Murray and Dr. Joan Phillips, dean of the School of Business, have congratulated Muñoz Chalan on her national recognition. “We are so proud of you,” Phillips told the Newman Fellow. Muñoz Chalan will receive Barry’s Community Impact Award during the Community Engagement Awards Ceremony hosted by the CCSI on March 25. The university president nominated her for Campus Compact’s Newman Civic Fellowship on the recommendation of the CCSI. “The students selected for the fellowship are leaders on their campuses who demonstrate a commitment to finding solutions for challenges facing communities locally, nationally, and internationally,” according to a Campus Compact announcement. Campus Compact is a Boston-based nonprofit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education. The fellowship is named for the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders, described as “a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education.” “We are proud to recognize each of these extraordinary student leaders and thrilled to have the opportunity to engage with them,” said Dr. Andrew Seligsohn, president of Campus Compact. “The stories of this year's Newman Civic Fellows make clear that they are committed to finding solutions to pressing problems in their communities and beyond. That is what … our country and our world desperately need.” The Newman Civic Fellows, including Muñoz Chalan, are profiled at the Campus Compact website. |
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Psychology Student Terrian Smith Serves as Crisis Counselor on 2-1-1 Hotline by Stephanie Wong Terrian Smith serves as a crisis counselor on a resource referral hotline. It’s a demanding role, but she has good reason to feel rewarded as a volunteer. As she tells it, not only does she have a “great relationship” with her supervisor, but she also understands the impact of her service on each person who calls the hotline. Within two years, Smith has helped about 750 individuals receive life-changing support and crucial resources in their time of crisis. Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS) provides helpline services, operating 2-1-1 “2-1-1 Originally from “There was a period in my family’s life when we slept in a car,” Smith shares. “I was a child at the time. To see people in that situation now really shifted my perspective to not be so selfish and to have a greater sense of appreciation for what I have, instead of focusing on what I don’t.” When asked about some memorable moments of her work as a counselor for 2-1-1 From senior citizens who feel lonely and just need someone to talk to, to young teenagers having a tough time at home or at school, people need help. A Barry Service Corps member, Smith is happy to help. She takes her job seriously and finds fulfillment in lending a listening ear. “It’s refreshing to speak to someone instead of texting because there were times when I had no one to speak to either, and I chose to keep things to myself,” Smith adds. “That isn’t always the healthiest approach.” Smith remembers a young client who considered hurting herself. After asking the 12-year-old if she was in a safe place, Smith began to listen to her story, and by the end of the conversation they were discussing how thrilling and bright the girl’s future really was. “High school is going to be so exciting,” Terrian recalls telling her. As the youngest counselor at 2-1-1 Not only adults call the hotline, as many people think. “I have spoken to dozens of teenagers as well,” she said. [Some] are experiencing really tough times such as getting kicked out of their home for coming out as LGBTQ.” According to Hernandez, JCS Helpline’s 2-1-1 As an aspiring psychologist, Terrian Smith has found her crisis counselor experience invaluable. “Sometimes, it’s just not about the money,” she emphasizes. “Instead, it’s about providing a listening ear to [people in] our community [who need it].” By the way, Terrian called back her 12-year-old client the next day and was pleasantly surprised by how happy she sounded on the phone. What a difference a phone call can make! |
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Community Engagement News
Posted On : March 09, 2020
