Time Entry - February 26, 2016

Volunteer Hours: 4 Hours

Drive Time: 45 minutes

Total Volunteer Hours: 4 Hours 45 Minutes


Today was my very first day working with the Tres Por Uno program.It was such an amazing experience. Everyone was very nice, supportive, and everyone was passionate about the program's goal. Since it was my first day, my superior Denise, showed me around and introduced me to everyone working on the program. Once I was introduced to everyone, I went into the meeting they had and took notes. The meeting was about an hour long and consisted of everyone talking about what's was completed and what needs to be done still. They were working on a project to fix the roads near schools in Zacatecas. From what I understood, the government there did not want to use the money raised for the roads, but for taxes to help relieve people from some of their responsibilities. which is bogus! After numerous conversations, the government finally agreed to use the money for the roads near schools. After this was discussed, we then discussed how to get more donations and get the word spread about this program. Some suggestions included flyers, social media postings, as well as setting us booths at Mi Pueblo or the Flea Markets. After the meeting was completed, I was asked to complete a summary of the meeting and email it to the company. Then I was asked to input some information into a google doc. After this was done, I had to work on creating a flyer to spread the world. Sadly, it was time to leave. I really enjoyed my day working with this program. It was crazy to see how our interactions with the government make such a difference. It's crazy to see how behind the scenes works and I really liked it. I can't wait for next Friday to continue working with this program! 

CP Project - Tres Por Uno

     The program I would really like to work with is called Tres Por Uno. This program allows Mexicans living abroad the opportunity to channel their resources into works of social impact that directly benefit their home communities. Every peso sent back home, the government will give tree pesos. My work with this community partner will entail ensuring the President's of the different states and continually finding new areas that need improvement that this program can fund. In addition, I will be assisting with filing documents as well as taking notes during meetings and phone conferences that take place. I will be reaching out to numerous families encouraging them to participate in this program. I will be dedicating my time every Friday from 8AM-12PM. It will take me about 28 minutes with no traffic to drive to their location located on Stevens Creek Blvd in San Jose. Some terms mentioned were that I needed to dress professionally and always look presentable. Also, I am to show up to work every morning with a smile. In regards to government affiliation, we work with numerous governments in Mexico to ensure the funds that are being sent are being used for the right reasons such as schools, roads, or utilities. Also, to keep in contact with them on a weekly basis that will allow us to get updates from them on what's really happening over there. I would really love to dedicate my time to this project because I really love what they are doing and I think it would be interesting to work with a government organization not in the United States. I feel like this organization can really make a difference in Mexico's residents' lives. I would really love to be a part of it. It's something I've never done before and I think it could be a great experience as well as opportunity. I have attached some links below with some more information:

http://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/migrant-hometown-associations-and-opportunities-development-global-perspective
http://www.gfmd.org/pfp/ppd/24
http://www.marketplace.org/2007/11/07/economy/mexico-offers-3-1-ex-pats-money

CP Project

My assigned project was the Ecumenical Health Program which is a program dedicated to giving back to the community. I had started trying to volunteer by calling the office. I was calling the office three times a day for about a week and a half with no response. Finally, someone answered my phone call and informed me that I can not volunteer unless I speak to someone specific and the only way to reach them is by e-mail. Once I found that out, I was emailing the lady for about two weeks with no reply. I event tried to email from a different email with no response. I then talked to you, and you recommended me look for a different project. I spent days trying to figure out what to do and how to solve this problem. Thats when I found a new project. The tres por uno program. I sent you an email and spoke with you about what the program would entail. Thankfully, you approved this and I am now working on this wonderful project.

Blog Post #5

     The case I chose was Washington v. Seattle School. The Seattle School Board adopted a plan of mandatory busing to expand racial integration in schools. In response, opponents of the plan passed a statewide initiative designed to terminate the policy of mandatory busing. As a result, the Seattle School Board sued, challenging the constitutionality of the statewide initiative. 
     I found this case interesting because I found it bizarre that governments in this era were allowing for this type of non justice to happen. The governments were way different then and I am happy about that. It seems so crazy to me that the government would base their solutions on skin color. How did they justify this and why was it okay for them to do it. 

Blog Topic #4

                         Subsidiarity can be defined in many ways. For example, the text defines it as the way the various levels of society should relate to each other and assist one another in bringing about the best outcomes for all people. I don't think this definition should be limited to the society. I would define subsidiarity as different people of different levels and backgrounds should come together to try and find the best solution that benefits everyone. Mine is pretty similar but I didn't want to limit this definition to societies, but also groups since groups are there to benefit others, I felt they should be included in this definition.
                     Devolution is defined as delegating powers and programs from the federal level to state and local governments. Again, I don't think this definition should be limited to a government idea since this can definitely be applied to groups and organizations. I keep bringing up the groups because I feel groups are mini governments. There are different levels to the groups which are similar to the group levels I feel.
                 Personally, I feel that subsidiarity is directly related to devolution. The definitions itself states that both terms deal with dividing up the work between different people. Subsidiarity divines up certain relationships between different levels just like devolution divides it up by different levels of government.