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- Since time immemorial human beings have associated their identity largely with where they reside. Identity is critical to a person as it gives an individual a sense of belonging. Because of the need of the need for self-belonging and people who share a geographical region the emergence of the term “citizenship” has emerged. Hence this term can either be viewed in a sociological manner or political manner. I a sociological manner an individual or group is seen to belong to a certain community, these individual are connected and share certain characteristics and goals. On the other hand, citizenship in regards to politics is where individuals are formally recognized by the state through birth, marriage, and award by the state through a legal framework and have rights and duties. However, ‘active citizenship’ has got more to do than just belonging to a certain community or state. Active citizenship advocates that people get involved in the activities of their local communities, for example educating the youths or engaging in a cause that builds up a community.
Community engagement and social responsibility are two terms that have some similarity but on the other hand, can be seen to be different. Community engagement is where community members come together and work as a team to address the issues that are facing that particular community. When people come together, they can participate in decision making hence making them feel they are part of the project. Social responsibility, on the other hand, entails that an organization or an entity acts on behalf of a particular community to address certain issues that affect the community. Even though it is an entity spearheading the initiative the local community also should largely participate to ensure there is sustainability.
- Globally, homelessness is a big issue and should be taken seriously to be able to overcome this issue. Homeless people are people who do not have a house that is permanent. In most instances, we assume that people who are homeless only have the issue of not having a roof over their heads. But these people have a myriad of problems: When one lives without a home, they are susceptible to diseases due to the harsh conditions that their live in, like cold weather and since they do not have money they lack access to medical healthcare. Another problem faced by the homeless is that these people are subjected to violent activities since they do not have a safe place to settle in. Homeless people also experience unhygienic conditions as they lack access to restrooms and bathrooms which exposes them diseases. Solving the issue that homeless people face is possible if only we as citizens recognize that the homeless are also people and not all of them are mentally unstable. In many instances, individuals have left the issue of homeless people to the federal government which should not be the case, but if ‘we’ as citizen can actively participate then we can be able to get rid of this issue.
Power, privilege, and oppression have greatly contributed to the rise of homelessness. In most cases, humans want to associate themselves with people who they are of the same class hence those that are at a lower class do not get the privileges that those in higher class get. Power and privilege perpetuate homelessness in that those who are in power use their power and privileges use their power to ensure that they remain in power. For example, those who are in power will want to stay in power, and they will feel threatened when someone who is in a lower class tries to move up the social stratum hence they will use their power and privileges to oppress the poor so that they remain poor.
- At Helping Hands Pantry, where I volunteered, my service experience has been more than a one-way relationship. As I delivered my services to the homeless, I was able to have conversations with them. It emerged that some of these people were very stable, having families and home but life turned against them. An example is of this homeless man who was a truck driver; he told me he had issues with his eyes hence he could no longer work costing him his job and his family since he could no longer take care of them as he did not have a source of income. In instances like this I was able to get good advice from these people that I should always invest on other things and not depend fully on my job. Another example of a two way relationship is I was able to gain a lot of knowledge on the problems we face as a society which I am hoping I will use it later in life to make the society a better place to live in. During my first days I wanted to do more for these people as I was filled with pity and empathy at times I would even cook food and take it to a family of four who I happened to have secured a very strong bond to them. I wanted to reach and be there for them and change their lives. In return, they showed gratitude and giving me that smile as a sign of gratitude was enough to assure me that all is well. Reciprocity in community service will ensure that both parties benefit out of that service. When it is one way, it means that one party will feel aggravated and as we all know a relationship that has mutual benefit is one that grows and helps in achieving of goals.
- Two accounts where reciprocity was achieved during my service were: the first account was, not only did I volunteer to feed the homeless, but I also learned a lot from my interaction with them. One critical aspect that I learned is that these people have a myriad of problems and in most cases, the federal government have neglected them. The society has also made the situation worse as they look down on them which makes them be aggressive and think of the world as a bad place. Growth comes through learning and when we learn change occurs. In my case, I was able to learn how to make informed choices to secure my future and the future of my family. Another account is while there we were able to construct temporary homes through the aid of certain organizations and the army. The participation of the homeless people throughout the whole project was overwhelming as they came out in large numbers and were given a chance to make decisions for themselves so that they own the project themselves which is essential to ensure that there is the sustainability of the project. They did not just sit back and watch everything being done for them, but they also stood up to be counted. What I learned from the two experience is that no one is useless, every person has got something he can offer back to the society, it is through the homeless that I got to know that the problems we have as a society can only be solved ourselves. Another thing that I learned is participation by both parties is a critical aspect when doing community service as inclusiveness will make both parties feel like part of the project.
- The community service experience played a critical role in understanding how I view others. Initially, I only associated myself with individuals who we are on the same class with, not at any one time did I see myself associating with the homeless as I thought they were violent and dirty and drug addicts, but after my association with them during the community service it turned out to be all different. I have learned to check on those people who live near me as they could be having issues and all they need is to talk to someone. The experience has contributed to my personal growth and development in that I am now able to see the world in a different perspective that sometimes it is not our choice or wish to be in a certain situation, hence the need to be content with what we have. As an active citizen as myself reaching out to others, not only to those whose who are poor but to anyone, who may need my help even if it is something simple. I will integrate this through my life by ensuring that I will listen to others.