What Leadership means to me and a time when I was affected by good leadership free essay sample

â€Å"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.† Those words were spoken by the sixth president of the United States of America, John Quincy Adams. He almost perfectly describes leadership. A leader does not have to be rich, smart, or elegant; a leader is someone who inspires. I believe the reason people, like John Quincy Adams, become great leaders is because they were inspired by something. They see a need for change, and they have an idea of how to get there. Leadership to me is when someone does not even know they are the leader, yet they inspire many. Last September, I got a new job at Marshalls. I felt a little nervous and lost my first few days, but then I met Theresa. Theresa moved to the United States from Poland in the early 1990’s and she has been working at Marshalls for thirteen years, the longest anyone else at Marshalls in Delafield has. We will write a custom essay sample on What Leadership means to me and a time when I was affected by good leadership or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I was immediately drawn to Theresa because she is exactly what I think of when I think of leadership. She is innovative, fun, and has excellent work ethic. She coordinates the front line and when Theresa is there, everything gets done. Everyone listens to her and everyone loves her. Though her accent was a little difficult to understand at first, I always go to her for help. She unknowingly inspires me to be a better person. I say unknowingly because she is not trying to be a leader that is just her personality. I was uncertain I made the right decision switching jobs, but if I had not I never would have met Theresa and that would have been a terrible loss.

What are the main causes of social exclusion Essays

What are the main causes of social exclusion Essays What are the main causes of social exclusion Paper What are the main causes of social exclusion Paper Essay Topic: Sociology Social exclusion occurs where individuals become excluded from mainstream society, thus placing them at a disadvantage in terms of life chances. Contrary to the common view that social exclusion is confined only to council estates, individuals from teenage mothers to older adults of various socio-economic levels and family types can easily become excluded from society. This essay shall explain the common occurrences of social exclusion within council estates and their causes. I shall then proceed to discuss the strategies used by various housing organisations to combat the problem. According to the government the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Social exclusion is a shorthand term for what can happen when people or areas suffer from a combination of linked problems such as unemployment, poor skills, low incomes, poor housing, high crime environments, bad health and family breakdown1. To be excluded from society is not a situation exclusive to residents of council estates suffering from disrepair; individuals become excluded from society when various factors2 prevent or limit their ability and opportunity to participate in the mainstream of society. The following are commonly reported examples of social exclusion. One of the most common examples of social exclusion occurs in council estates, where the residents are generally not content with their living conditions but feel it is the best they can gain. They typically spend most of their time in the home or around the estate, rarely venturing out of the surrounding area. The majority of their life surrounds socialising with family and friends. This estate life is therefore important to them because it occupies such a large part of their lives and provides the large majority of their social contacts. Such a resident will have relatively low levels of aspiration and motivation, which is commonly the result of feeling stuck in low-level employment3 or having to rely on social security and other benefits for a relatively long duration. This is known as the benefits trap. They are also poorly qualified4 and skilled, sometimes with low levels of literacy. The type of people who live in this situation do not perceive the high rates of joblessness or increasing disrepair on their estate as significant problems and take it all in their stride. As a result, they accept: o The level of crime, caused mainly by drugs misuse and the anti-social behaviour of other residents. o Their actual and expected levels of relatively low personal achievement and educational attainment. o Qualities in their environment that wouldnt normally be accepted within mainstream society, such as prolonged disrepair and noise pollution for instance. o High levels of pressure from peers to conform to their activities and standards. The main cause of this common example of social exclusion was the major shift from the manufacturing industries to service industries, mainly over the last two decades. This shift was propelled mainly by the fall of the Keynesian economics and the rise in free market economics. The Thatcherism approach adopted by the conservative government of that time also increased the competitiveness of the services sector, thus improving the sector for the public and making the sector more efficient and profitable. This made many redundant from society as a large proportion of people that were skilled in the manufacturing sector made unemployed and left in a generally unsuccessful search for employment. This is because they are not skilled or experienced in the service industry. This was further worsened by the use of ineffective5 and inflexible housing policies; the under funding of public services, which in turn led to the deterioration and withdrawal of public services from housing estates. As a direct result, those that could move out of the area6, did move out of the area, resulting in the residualisation of the social renting sector as council housing becomes a service for those who can not afford to buy (Forrest and Murie, 1990)7. The housing estates have become poorer places with more unemployed residents, less adequate services and a poorer physical and social environment. When those with the opportunity leave the area, it becomes much more difficult to reverse the process of residualisation through renewal and regeneration of the estate. On the other hand, various factors such as inertia, the feeling of little worth and not being able to aspire to achieve more, lack of security, poor educational facilities for children, poor job prospects and a worsening environment, are all valid reasons to move away. Having grown up in the area, however, many feel tied and are reluctant to leave, despite the fact that the quality of the area has deteriorated. It is easy for single parent families to become excluded from society, when there is little or no support available within reach. This is another common example of social exclusion. Most of the young people in such a situation who had been jobless since leaving school had also experienced a troubled upbringing and an unstable family background; many came from broken homes and had been brought up by various different adults, the partners of one of the birth parents, for example. This causes disruption in the childs life on various levels including education. Many studies into this area display a relationship between poor childhoods leading into a poor adulthood, causing repeating generational life cycles. This leads onto the next common example of social exclusion There has been an increasing governmental interest of the government in the anti-social behaviour of teenagers growing into anti-social young adults. More positive attitudes to work and life can be found amongst young people whose parents were working or had worked for most of their lives but on a low wage. There is increasing awareness of the social exclusion of pensioners, especially those found on council estates. They are scared to leave their home, and so choose not to unless absolutely necessary. There is no adequate support for them and there are recently reported high levels of poverty8 amongst pensioners, as those with supplementary incomes rely solely on governmental assistance. About one million pensioners have no income other than the state retirement pension and benefits. Their vulnerability is underlined by figures showing that they spend about half as much on food as those with private incomes. Those with supportive children rely on them to perform basic task such as essential shopping and they are usually the main source of their social contact. Without this, they become prisoners in their own home, paranoid and reclusive, increasing their risk of mental and physical health problems. Other types of individuals that can become excluded from society are ethnic minorities being both a minority in the country neighbourhood, ex-offenders and the homeless and their difficulties with rehabilitation, people with language difficulties, medical problems, and mental health. Due to their heavy dependence on their local area, local facilities of all types are needed. The stigma and reputation of areas further affects residents in seeking jobs and in a variety of other contexts (Lee, 1998)9. Typical qualities as described by Professor Paul Spicker of poor estates are10: o Vandalism As a result of the inadequate space for children and teenagers to play, both in or out of their home. o Rubbish It may cost money that the local authority does not have to pay for the removal of large items of rubbish (such as old furniture). o Home maintenance The maintenance of homes and gardens costs money for equipment, which many poor people do not have. o Lack of community facilities Shops and facilities are not economically viable and so are not invested in. o Empty housing Housing is left empty because the area is unattractive. In comparison, a bad house in a good area would still be taken. o Design There is a clear connection between bad design and problems such as vandalism, rubbish and graffiti. The problems with high-rise blocks have been lack of play space, isolation, disposal of rubbish; noise insulation, reliance on lifts which are often dirty, vandalised or broken; inadequate water pressure, and insecurity because of fears of fire, building movement or crime. Housing organisations are in place to aid the implementation of the housing policies and legislation of the government. In further detail, housing organisations are in place to improve housing services and facilities, making them more effective; improving educational and employment opportunities, which invests in the future generation in the area; to manage funding and to improve the level of tenant involvement through participation and consultation. This helps to determine the needs of the community and its area, giving their strategies the increased likelihood of being effective in the particular area. This also enables the decision makers to prioritise more effectively and makes the tenants feel more involved, as they are aware of the activities within their own area. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation11 is one of the most prominent charities in the UK in this sector. It aims to contribute towards policy making and the development and implementation of current policies through their extensive research in the areas of housing, social care and social policy. Another housing organisation contributing towards the improvement of the social housing sector is the Housing Corporation12 who provides funding using public money for housing associations to provide sufficient homes and services for its residents. Through regulation, the Housing Corporation ensures that these homes and supporting services remain sufficient to the needs of their residents for the foreseeable future. Such social housing organisations are taking on a much larger and influential role in the governmental drive for economic regeneration through social regeneration. This means that through past experience of failed and poorly designed strategies, the government now acknowledges that they must improve the public that they serve and their quality of life for the economy to improve. The following is a summary of a good practice case study carried out by the Housing Corporation on the East Thames Housing Group: o The East Thames Housing Group13 is based in Stratford, East London and currently possesses eight thousand units. o They are involved in the Single Regeneration Budget14 and the City Challenge15 and are said to have good links with local authorities. o With the help of funding from the European Union, the ETHG ran two series of a project entitled Youthstart16 throughout the years of 1995 to 1999. Youthstart was aimed at young people who are viewed by the government as being the most vulnerable to social exclusion. o Through Youthstart, the young people who took part in the project were provided with accommodation, training and further enhancement of their employment opportunities. According to a new study by David Page, the governments war against social exclusion and anti-social behaviour is a race against time to prevent already troubled social housing estates from deteriorating further17. The increasing popularity and frequency of use of the term social exclusion reflects the governments appreciation of the importance of this large issue. As mentioned previously, individuals of various socio-economic levels can easily become excluded from society. Social exclusion is not just about being poor and living on a council estate; it is about literally not fitting in with society. This encompasses an individual not being able or having the feeling that they are not able to go about daily duties that the average member of society performs. This includes shopping, travelling and socialising, but to name a few. Housing organisations such as the Housing Corporation are funded by the Single Regeneration Budget and the City Challenge. Housing organisations are also developing their intra-organisational relations by involving themselves in various anti-poverty projects, mainly through the New Deal for communities18 and social exclusion projects through the Social Exclusion Unit. The deterioration of council housing stock has intensified the social divide between home owners and council tenants. Disadvantaged residents and their areas require constant attention and support. The levels of tight to insignificant budgets and mismanagement of staff and funding have left public services in a poor condition. This needs to be improved if they are to contribute towards the betterment of the troubled estates. Whether such council estates will improve or continue to decline will depend on the response of its residents and the efforts of the local government and their housing organisations. More needs to be done to retain the current residents on the currently troubled council estates in order to prevent further residualisation of the social housing sector. Participation in community-based activities is an important mechanism for social inclusion19. Tenant involvement through the constant use of consultation and participation is one of the major solutions to social exclusion on council estates. It is likely that initial efforts will be met with resistance but persistence is necessary if attitudes are to be changed reversed in order to function in the mainstream of society, rather than anti-socially. The government and their housing organisations have lost the trust of those that have become excluded from society and left to take care of themselves. This has inadvertently created an exodus of people with particular group norms that do not fit in with mainstream society and so are considered anti-social. Those that are socially excluded but do not fit into such group norms are greater victims, as they are totally alone and so receive the worst treatment. More consultation and tenant participation in plans for regenerating the area. This will provide a greater sense of commitment for the residents and enable them to take more pride in their neighbourhood.

Irish Historiography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Irish Historiography - Essay Example The Irish Potato Famine and Revolution comprise the twin pillars of the Irish nationalism's post-1923 ideal of the Republic. The two disparate events were celebrated, recalled and made into mythology for very different reasons. The Great Hunger was seen, within nationalist circles, as a largely avoidable food crisis, precipitated and subsequently exacerbated by British ineptitude and an attitude that saw the Irish as expendable quasi-citizens. The Revolution, on the other hand, was portrayed as a glorious event which successfully liberated an oppressed people, while making heroes and martyrs of men such as Michael Collins who, "in a span of six short years brought a country from bondage to a position where she could win her freedom." (Conlon & Barter, 2003, p.20). Both events would likewise serve as the twin axis upon which revisionism was to flourish - the backlash against nationalism both from within and outside of Eire. Fuelled by frustrated patriotism and the deep-rooted influence of the Irish Diaspora in the New World, post-Famine Irish Nationalism espoused an interpretive view of history which conflicted with reality. Furthermore, the practice of history in Ireland has traditionally been merged with oral tales of the past, endowing Irish historiography with a romanticised view of the real life narratives which inspired it. The combination of these two external factors produced a history that was, following the mid-nineteenth century, a potent mix of literature, folklore and propaganda with the result that fact often made way for a more apt form of fiction, unchallenged until the advent of revisionism after 1930. As expressed by R.F. Foster, "rather like generals always fighting the previous battle, cultural revolutionaries rarely get the revolution they expected" (Foster, 2001, p.20). Inspired by romantic writers such as Yeats, turn of the century Irish historians were highly critical of the British Government's sluggish relief tactics in response to the failure of the potato crops in 1845. 'Famine' was renamed 'starvation', with emphasis on the allegedly deliberate nature of the event, and it was taught in republican schools as the only correct version of events. Moreover, nationalist academic research appeared to prove the most damning charge levelled against the British, namely that there was indeed large food stocks available in England and withheld from the starving Irish. The selective use of primary sources determined that revisionist theory, following its emergence in the 1930's, be more concerned with evaluating all of the source material, rather than concentrating only on those facts that underpinned the nationalist republican political ideology. Throughout the dissection of modern Irish history, even after the 1930's, voices that dared to question the v alidity of the term 'starvation' were denounced as traitors or British sympathisers. Indeed, for many years, only those historians who shared the Nationalist viewpoint would receive patronage for their work: this was the historical compromise that mirrored the North/South, Protestant/Catholic divide in Ireland during the twentieth century. Apart from a

William Faulkner "A Rose for Emily" Research Paper

William Faulkner "A Rose for Emily" - Research Paper Example She decided to purchase arsenic poison which she used to kill Homer. It is evident that she wanted to control the life of Homer, the man who attempted to abandon her. Furthermore, in the final section of the story, it is revealed hat Emily is a necrophiliac. In a deeper sense, this further illustrates how Emily wanted to control others. Her attraction to dead bodies simply means that she had the powerful desire to be in total control of others. The secretive side of Emily is also clear. In her analysis of the story, Renne Curry (1994) argues that Emily was unavailable even to the narrator. Curry notes that there was limited knowledge of Emily, and her life remained a mystery. There was an â€Å"extended period of limited knowledge† (Curry, 391). Indeed, in the story, the narrator says that the front door to Emily’s house remained closed for much of her life. In addition, Emily refused to state the reason for buying the arsenic poison, further illustrating her secretive nature. Emily is also a character who lives in denial. She is reluctant to accept the reality. She is some kind of ‘avatar’ because she does not believe in death (Davis, 35). For instance, when her father died, she refused to admit this fact and went ahead and kept his body. In addition, it can be argued that after she killed Homer, she continued to live in denial by keeping Homer’s body. She is portrayed as a woman who not only resists the passage of time but also resists change (Davis, 38). For example, when numbers were being attached to houses, she did not allow the authorities to attach a number to her house. This is an illustration of how she refused to accept change. Curry, Renee R.   â€Å"Gender and authorial limitation in Faulkner’s ‘ A Rose for Emily.’  (Special Issue: William Faulkner)."  The Mississippi Quarterly  47.3 (1994): 391+.  Academic OneFile. Web. 15 Feb. 2013. Davis, William V.  Ã¢â‚¬Å" Another Flower for Faulkner’s Bouquet: Theme and Structure in

Antimicrobial Activity of Oil Extract from Marang Seeds

Antimicrobial Activity of Oil Extract from Marang Seeds Antimicrobial Activity of Oil Extract from Marang Seeds (Artocarpus odoratissimus)  against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis Introduction Essential oils are widely gaining interest a component in medicinal products, food industry and pharmaceutical industry. Many studies were conducted to identify the antimicrobial, antifungal and insecticidal activities of essential oils obtained from plants. Essential oils have many therapeutic activities and they aid the distribution of drugs and antiseptics. Furthermore, the testing of plant extracts for its antimicrobial activity has always been of great attention to scientists looking for new sources for drugs for the treatment of various diseases (Nagala et al., 2013). Antimicrobial Compounds from Plants Phenols According to Cetin-Karaca (2011), phenolic compounds are one of the most diverse groups of secondary metabolites found in edible plants. They are found in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, stems and flowers. There are different classes of polyphenols known as tannins, lignins and flavonoids. Cinnamic and caffeic acids are common representatives of a wide group of phenylpropane-derived compounds which are in the highest oxidation state. Herbs such as tarragon and thyme both contain caffeic acid that is effective against viruses, bacteria and fungi. Catechol and pyrogallol both are hydroxylated phenols, shown to be toxic to microorganisms. Catechol has two 2OH groups, and pyrogallol has three. The site(s) and number of hydroxyl groups on the phenol group are thought to be related to their relative toxicity to microorganisms, with evidence that increased hydroxylation results in increased toxicity (Cowan, 1999). Flavonoids Flavonoids are the most widely occurring polyphenol and are present in almost every form of human consumed vegetation. Flavonoids are potent antioxidants, free radical scavengers and metal chelators; they inhibit lipid peroxidation and exhibit various physiological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-hypertensive, anti-arthritic and antimicrobial activities (Cetin-Karaca, 2011). Flavonoids are also hydroxylated phenolic substances but occur as a C6-C3 unit linked to an aromatic ring. Since they are known to be synthesized by plants in response to microbial infection, it should not be surprising that they have been found in vitro to be effective antimicrobial substances against a wide array of microorganisms. Catechins, the most reduced form of the C3 unit in flavonoid compounds, have been extensively researched due to their occurrence in oolong green teas. It was noticed some time ago that teas exerted antimicrobial activity and that they contain a mixture of catechin compounds. These compounds inhibited in vitro Vibrio cholerae, Streptococcus mutans, Shigella and other bacteria and microorganisms (Cowan, 1999). Plant Extracts as Potential Antibacterial Agents Numerous studies investigated about the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts against a great number of bacterial species. Plant extracts were prepared from fresh or dried plant material using conventional extraction methods (Soxhlet extraction, maceration, percolation). Extraction is process of separation of active compounds from plant material using different solvents. During extraction, solvents diffuse into the plant material and solubilise compounds with similar polarity. At the end of the extraction, solvents have been evaporated, so that an extract is a concentrated mixture of plant active compounds. Successful extraction is largely dependent on the type of solvent used in the extraction procedure. Water extracts and extracts from organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, acetone and chloroform are usually used. Diffusion and dilution method are two types of susceptibility test used to determine the antibacterial efficacy of plant extracts. Diffusion method is a qualitati ve test which allows classification of bacteria as susceptible or resistant to the tested plant extract according to size of diameter of the zone of inhibition. In dilution method, the activity of plant extracts is determined as Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). MIC is defined as the lowest concentration able to inhibit bacterial growth (Stefanovic, et al., 2012). Marang (Artocarpus odoratissimus) Artocarpus odoratissimus is also known as Marang, Johey oak or Tarap which is a tropical fruit tree native to Asia. It belongs to the Moraceae family and is closely related to Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) and breadfruit (Artocarpus comminis). It originated in Borneo and has been introduced into neighbouring countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand. It is an evergreen tree, which can grow up to 25 m tall and has a 40 cm diameter trunk with low buttresses. The leaves are broadly elliptic to obovate at around 16to 50cm long and 11to 28cmwide. They are cuneated at base to slightly decurrent, margin entire or shallowly crenate, and apex blunt or shortly acuminate. It is a monoecious plant so one plant is enough for the production of fruit. The fruit is green, ovoid in shape, quite large, averaging about 16 cm in length, 13 cm in diameter and weighing about 1 kg (KPR Gardeners Club, 2009). It is roundish oblong, regular, and thickly studded with short, brittle, g reenish yellow spines. The rind is thick and fleshy. The flesh is snowy white, very sweet when ripe, juicy and very aromatic. The flesh is separated into segments clinging to the central core and each segment contains a seed. The seeds are many, whitish, 8 Ãâ€" 15 mm in size, smooth surfaced and readily separated from the flesh (Subhadrabandhu, 2001). Escherichia coli Escherichia coliis the most prevalent infecting organism in the family of gram-negative bacteria known as enterobacteriaceae.E. coli is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium propelled by long, rapidly rotating flagella. Escherichia colibacteria were discovered in the human colon in 1885 by German bacteriologist Theodor Escherich. Dr. Escherich also showed that certain strains of the bacterium were responsible for infant diarrhea and gastroenteritis, an important public health discovery. AlthoughE. coli bacteria were initially called Bacterium coli, the name was later changed toEscherichia colito honor its discoverer (Clark, 2005). It is part of the normal flora of the mouth and gut and helps protect the intestinal tract from bacterial infection, aids in digestion, and produces small amounts of vitamins B12 and K. The bacterium, which is also found in soil and water, is widely used in laboratory research and is said to be the most thoroughly studied life form (The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 2012). Staphylococcus epidermidis Staphylococcus epidermidis belongs to the genus Staphylococcus, and they are facultative anaerobes (Wiedemer, 2012). Staphylococcus epidermidis is a well characterized, non-fastidious, and it is a gram positive bacteria. Staphylococcus epidermidis is a coagulase – negative staphylococcus (CNS) they are found and colonizes the skin and the mucous membranes of the human body and they play an important part of it normal flora (Sousa et al., 2008). These species of staphylococcus secretes and produces a biofilm of polysaccharides that protects the cell against the host immune system or antibiotic treatments (Schjorring et al., 2002). These staphylococci are mainly dispersed during skin to skin contact using medical instruments and procedures. Staphylococcus epidermidis can cause infections in humans like meningitis, urinary tract infection (UTI) conjunctivitis, and endocarditis (Wiedemer, 2012). Bibliography Cetin-Karaca, H. (2011). Evaluation of Natural Antimicrobial Phenolic Compounds Against Foodborne Pathogens. University of Kentucky Masters Theses.Paper 652. Retrieved from http://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1163context=gradschool_theses Clark, M. (2005). E. coli Food Poisoning: What is E. coli and how does it cause food poisoning? About E. coli. Retrieved from http://www.about-ecoli.com/. Retrieved on July 15, 2014. Cowan, M. (1999). Plant Products as Antimicrobial Agents. Clinical Microbiology Reviews Oct. 1999, p. 564–582. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC88925/pdf/cm000564.pdf?origin=publication_detail KPR Gardeners Club. (2009). Breadfruit Artocarpus odoratissimus, Marang. Botanix – A Journal About Plants and Gardening. Retrieved from http://www.botanix.kpr.eu/en/index.php?text=6-breadfruit-artocarpus-odoratissimus-marang Nagala, S., Yekula, M. Tamanam, R. (2013). Antioxidant and gas chromatographic analysis of à ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ve varieties of jackfruit (Artocarpus) seed oils. Drug Invention Today 5 (2013) 315-320. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0975761913000616 Schjorring, S., Ramos, A., Fraustrup, H., Hallin, P.F. (2002). Pathogenic investigation of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Technical University of Denmark. Retrieved from http://www.cbs.dtu.dk/~pfh/files/mrsa.pdf Sousa,C., Teixeira, P. Oliveira, R. (2008). Influence of surface properties on the adhesion of Staphylococcus epidermidis to Acrylic and Silicone. International Journal of Biomaterials Volume2009(2009), Article ID718017, 9 pages doi:10.1155/2009/718017. Retrieved from http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijbm/2009/718017/ Subhadrabandhu, S. (2001). Under-Utilized Tropical Fruits of Thailand. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Regiona Office for Asia and the Pacific. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/3/a-ab777e.pdf Stefanovic, et al. (2012). Antibacterial Activity of Naturally Occurring Compounds from Selected Plants. ISBN: 978-953-51-0723-1, InTech, DOI: 10.5772/33059. Retrieved from http://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs/38642.pdf The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia. (2012). Escherichia coli. Infoplease.com. Retrieved from http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/science/escherichia-coli.html Wiedemer, C. (2012). Microbiology Unknown Lab Report. CPR St. Louis. Retrieved from http://aclsstlouis.com/3961/microbiology-unknown-lab-reports/

Voting Rights Act

Movement was a social revolution that had been an Important part of the united States for decades, but it wasn't until the sass's that the movement actually began to actively affect the daily lives of Americans. Previously, the Civil Rights advocates had been attempting to simply integrate themselves into the whole of America as a result of the discriminatory mindset of many whites and the unfair treatment of blacks, but this goal shifted dramatically during the sixties as the movement pushed forward.These early Integration attempts Included non-violent ethos such as sit-ins, demonstrations In Birmingham, and the March on Washington, yet even though the protesters were persistent and used non-violent methods to accomplish this early goal, much of America still refused to listen. In 1964, the Civil Rights Act outlawed segregation in public accommodations, which was monumental to the Civil Rights Movement because It shattered the Jim Crow system.The year after, the Voting Rights Act wa s passed which prohibited racial delimitation while voting. However, even with the ability to fairly vote and with discrimination outlawed by the Civil Rights Act, blacks still found themselves in a seer position than most whites in society and began to strive for higher goals than just integration. Once they had more or less achieved desegregation, many blacks wanted to advance their goal beyond desegregation and into black power.Because of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the goals and strategies of the Civil Rights Movement shifted from non-violent civil disobedience to more militant methods in favor of self-defense and black power even though there was a scarcity of white support. Before the Civil Rights act of 1 964 and the Voting Rights Act f 1965, much of the Civil Rights Movement focused on achieving desegregation and equality.For example, the (The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) was founded by college students in 1960 with the goal of equality and integration, and specifically sought for a social order of Justice permeated of love. Martin Luther King and the people who protested in Birmingham believed that Injustice threatened America, and sought to bring this to the attention of the country. The tactics of the pre-1965 Civil Rights movement varied in specifics, but the overall strategy followed nonviolent methods.Groups such as the SYNC strove for courage, love, acceptance and hope through nonviolent methods, while protesters around the country had similar tactics. For example, in 1963 in Birmingham, Alabama, call rights protesters stood up against unfair laws and police brutality without raising a hand to defend themselves. In such demonstrations, they relied on the media and the pictures taken of their efforts to spread their message across America and raise support.These actions were modeled after other nonviolent movements throughout history such as the Indian Independence Movement in the early sass's. Mo re specific strategies of the Civil Rights Movement included bus boycotts to Integrate public transportation, sit-ins to Integrate public the movement didn't aim to overcome discrimination swiftly; they were thorough and won victories slowly. Movement had moderate goals, and generally did not aim to overcome prejudice in a swift and aggressive manner.Document A: SYNC (The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) was founded by college students in 1960 with the purpose of equality, integration, and with the hope for an integrated society using non-violent methods. Document B: In 1963, civil rights workers protested the treatment of African-Americans in Birmingham, Alabama, and workers including Martin Luther King were arrested. While in Jail, King wrote a letter from Birmingham Jail to the Episcopal clergy of Birmingham with the intent of persuading the people to take action.Injustice anywhere is a threat to Justice everywhere. Document C: Document D: In 1963 President Kennedy told the nation about his goal to provide all Americans equal rights and equal opportunities by asking the United States Congress to act on the subject of equal laws for all citizens of America. As an indirect result of this report, the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964, which outlawed many forms of discrimination, amended unfair voter registration requirements, and ended racial segregation in public accommodations.Document E: By 1966, the goals of the Civil Rights Movement had shifted from national integration and brotherhood to a more powerful role of black people in society. People such as Stokers Carmichael and other activists for black power aimed for well- off black communities in which humanistic love would prevail. Document F: Civil rights protesters became impatient with the slow-moving pace of non-violent, defenseless demonstrations that had been taking place in the earlier years of the sass's. As a result, groups such as the Black Panther Party were formed, which called Ame ricans. Document G:As a result of both the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Freedom Summer, the percentage of registered African-American voters increased significantly in the south, showing that many of the strategies of previous civil rights workers had begun to change the unjust laws of the American society. Document H: Despite the committed efforts of the civil rights workers to integrate the American society, there were still millions of whites who disagreed with racial equality and the consequences that came with it, as shown by the 1968 election statistics in which nearly ten million people voted for segregationist George Wallace.

Methods of Evangelism Essay

Of the two evangelistic intellectual methods, I have chosen to research the â€Å"Four Spiritual Laws.† Bill Bright wrote, â€Å"Just as there are physical laws that govern how the physical universe, so are there spiritual laws that govern your relationship with God. This method is most used in presenting the Gospel to someone because it is simpler. Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, originally wrote this as a booklet. This booklet was designed to help individuals to be more effectual in their witness for Jesus. The Four Spiritual Laws are used to convict, convince, and convert. The Laws are as followed: Law 1: God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life. [John 3:16] Law 2: Man is sinful and separated from God. [Roman 3:23] Law 3: Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for man’s sin. Through Him, you can know and experience God’s love and plan for your life. [Roman 5:8] Law 4: We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God’s love and plan for our lives. [John 1:12] According to my research the advantages of using the Four Spiritual Laws approach are, they enable one to be prepared because it is [so simple] and represents the basic truths of the Gospel of Jesus. This method allows you to open up an easy conversation the right way. For example, â€Å"I have been a Christian for years, and I have just recently found a way to express my faith that genuinely makes sense. I would like to share it with you. Have you heard of the Four Spiritual Laws?† At the same time, the most understandable way to explain the Laws is to read the booklet aloud. It gives one the confidence of already knowing what to say because it distinctly pre sents the claims of Jesus Christ. Above all, this is essential to pass on to a non-believer (2 Timothy 2:2). Furthermore, in using this method you can explain all the marvelous things that are waiting for you when you receive Jesus as your Lord. Declaring what the Bibles says, â€Å"If you declare with your mouth, â€Å"Jesus is Lord,† and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you will believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved (Romans 10: 9-10). Afterwards, you can encourage an individual to ask questions. Alternatively, there are a couple of disadvantages to using the Four Spiritual Laws. Even though, this method has been effectively used, it can be somewhat confusing to the person whom did not grow up in a Christian culture. An example would be, â€Å"telling someone God has an incredible plan for their life.† This may ultimately sound as if you only have to believe in Jesus, and all your problems will be gone. However, the Bible never promises life will be wonderful. It says, â€Å"Indeed, all who desire to live Godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted† (2 Timothy 3:12). In other words, even though the Laws explains that you can have an incredible life if you accept Jesus and believe that he died on the cross for you; this is a point that [cannot] be over expressed, but can be reiterated by quoting John 10:10. Another disadvantage in using this method is it does not define sin. In first John, it says that sin is lawlessness, (i.e. Breaking God’s law). While the Four Spiritual Laws does explained sin as being separated from God, it does not explain [what] separates us from God, which in reality is our disobedience of God. Because of our rapidly changing world you cannot automatically assume that everyone understands what sin is. So, when using the Four Spiritual Laws, it is essential to explain sin. Non-believers need to understand that the word sin means breaking God’s laws. Ultimately, this would give the believer a chance to introduce the Ten Commandments, further making them understand the need for a savior. Part TWO- Evangelistic Method #2 Of the Relational Methods, I have chosen to explore â€Å"Lifestyle Evangelism.† In summary, this method is essentially demonstrating ones faith by their actions. It is the most effective way of winning souls. This method should be used on people, whom one interact with the most, people who know someone and see them on a regular basis. Lifestyle evangelism creates a nurturing environment to extend an invitation to Christ. This means an unbeliever will feel a sense of belonging before becoming a believer. Research has shown that a non-believer would be likely to give a believer the opportunity to share their faith, when the believer’s life has proven that their words are sincere, and life altering. In this way, the non-believer would feel a sense of worth before they expose themselves to the Inspired Word. There are some advantages to using the Lifestyle Relational method. In particular, the Father sent Jesus to be the absolute light, to be an example, and demonstrate how people of God should live. We should be living proof that Our Father is who he says he is; that Christ truly is the Son who freed people from slavery to self; and that the Holy Spirit honestly can transform our life. This is truly an advantage affirmation. This example of showing is not a substitute for telling. If words were all we used to explain the gospel, then people would never understand it enough to submit to Jesus. However, showing a person is a necessary preparation for telling. People will always buy into your words when your actions back them up. We must live a life that shows Jesus Christ. Christ told His disciples, â€Å"Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven† (Matt. 5:16). This means the way we handle business, the way we play games, the way we prepare for tests, the way we interact with family. Every thing we do should allow Christ to shine daily in our lives. Another advantage of using the Lifestyle Relational method would be that it is the most profitable and productive method. It not only produces but allows one to be converted, as well as become a disciple, which is what Jesus calls us to do (Matt. 28:19). In today’s culture, when it comes to the truth of the Scriptures, people want to see it validated and lived out in another before they will accept it as the valid truth. Inasmuch as, there are advantages to this method there are disadvantages, as well. One primary disadvantage to this approach is that it can be an easy excuse for Believers. Consequently, instead of aggressively and diligently pursing evangelistic opportunities, Believers may convince themselves that if they just lead honest lives, are open and friendly in sharing their faith, God will take care of the rest. The truth is to be an effective evangelist; you have to be more aggressive in your selection of friends; as well as identifying non-believers with whom you relate to comfortably and who you enjoy being around. Another disadvantage to this method of evangelism is that; it is the most customary approach used among evangelists; it is especially universal among those who share their faith the [least] and who are less likely to [know] of anyone accepting Jesus through these efforts. Lastly, this method is one that is discredited by the Scriptures. Part THREE- Evangelistic Method #3 The â€Å"Confrontational† evangelistic method I have chosen to explore is the Door to Door Evangelism. In summary, this method began with D. James Kennedy in 1960. After preaching at the Coral Ridge Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL; James Kennedy realized that he was afraid to confront unbelievers with the truth of the gospel. Surprisingly, being invited to Decatur, GA to conduct a gospel campaign, he was introduced to presenting the gospel door to door. After he had returned to the church in Florida, he implemented the principles he had learned, and called them the â€Å"Evangelism Explosion.† The primary purpose of Door to Door evangelism is to build relational bridges between the community and the local church. The Bible shows us how the Lord used this method effectively during the history of the church, from the time of the early church until today. Door to Door work is part of the church’s ‘Level One Sowing’ strategy. It is going to the people ins tead of waiting for them to come to the church. Furthermore, this method of evangelism is one of the few ways that ascertains each household can be reached with the gospel. With this in mind, there are some advantages to using this method of evangelism. For example, almost anyone can do this technique of outreach; because there are no rare or exceptional skills required. Another key advantage; like all outreach it conveys that the church is interested enough to go out to the people. It also opens up valuable contacts for far more than ordinary evangelism. Lastly, it is a fairly cheap means of outreach, and easy to organize. Nevertheless, this method of evangelism is not without its disadvantages and critics. Since 1973, research has shown and labeled this method to be outdated, old fashioned and ineffective in today’s society. Consequently, when doing door to door work it should be done in teams; and always done in teams when ladies are involved. However, this presents a problem because building mixed sex teams are not always easy to organize. Another disadvantage is that some forms of this method are not suitable for the younger generation. Lastly, it is hard to motivate people to do this form of evangelism. In essence, once they begin, many individuals find it enjoyable and much easier than expected. Part FOUR – Application of These Methods to Your Own Life The method that I have chosen that suits me best is Lifestyle Evangelism. I chose this one because when Jesus said, He did not come to â€Å"to be served, but to serve, and to give His life,† He was not just explaining His mission; He was showing us how to live (Matt. 20:28). For me, living a life that is Holy and acceptable in God’s eyes is the best way to show others how much work He has done in me, for me and through me. This method works best for me because, when I walk the walk, I can talk the talk because it shows. This allows me to introduce Jesus to many of the people around me, from the grocery store to the car wash. Even when I am not actively evangelizing I am because of my lifestyle. I may not always see the role I play in different people lives, but according to our text states we should constantly plant the seeds of gospel. There are some whom will plant and others will water. This role of evangelism is comfortable for me. It allows me to approach non-believers with confidence, to share my testimony. Being an evangelist for Jesus has become cool, and why not? Personally, it feels incredible to choose good over evil. Living an acceptable life for Christ, is allowing God to shape my character into the likeness of Him. Evangelizing should not be something we do every now and again, but it should be the way we are call to live. My attitude should be the same as Jesus. Apostle Paul said it like this, â€Å"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage, rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness (Philip. 2:5-7). While writing this paper, I received a compliment from a stranger. I thought it was the best compliment I have ever received. It was, â€Å"Miss, are you a Pastor or Evangelist, I ask because you have an [anointed] air about you.† I was taken back, and when I thought about it, tears fell. This is my daily prayer that I would decrease, and God would increase in me. References BibleGateway.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.biblegateway.com Bright, B. (n.d.). Four Spiritual Laws Online. Retrieved from http://www.campuscrusade.com/index.html Earley, D., & Wheeler, D. (n.d.). Spiritual Farming. In Evangelism Is: How to Share Jesus with Passion and Confidence (pp. 85-92). Relational Evangelism. (n.d.). Http://www.cmfhq.org/Portals/0/acrobat/training/Rel_Evangelism Stewart, D. J. (n.d.). Confrontational Soul Winning †¦Verses Lifestyle Evangelism. Retrieved from http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Believer’s%20Corner/confrontational_soulwinning.htm You Can Share The Gospel. (n.d.). MTA BIBLE. Retrieved from http://www.mtabible.com/evangelism-methods/10-four-spiritual-laws.php