I am going to create a group of activities that facilitate an Interactive community. These activities will include TU students, TU Alumni, and people in the general Towson Area. The activities will be community building, fun, enriching, and some will address various social issues. I will create a blog for this group, give links about other groups, and invite the group to give suggestions on activities.
Let the Community Building Fun Begin!!!
The kick off event:
TU Campus Greens tree planting event, to clean up the air and begin community growth. Seed packets with information about the other events will be given out at the end of the activity.
Listed events
Movie Night- at TU or at someone house
- 11th Hour, An Inconvenient Truth
President Who?- Information about elections and Political Parties
- Including Campus Groups- Campus Greens, Campus Dems, Campus Reps,
Campus Libertarians
Fruity De-Stress- Smash Fruit, feel better, and learn about genetically altered
food.
Plus More!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Emails to Campus Groups to get my Proj 2 Rolling
tucollegedems@gmail.com
seandems@yahoo.com
ralexa2@towson.edu
dropkickdive269@yahoo.com
Hi Towson University College Democrats!
I am working on a school project for my Design for social Issues class, and I have chosen to center my project on Community Development. I want to create a series of events for social good that includes TU students, TU Alumni, and people around the Towson City. For one of my events, I want to create an event to create awareness about candidates and elections. If there are other groups I don't know about fill me in. I am not usually policically engaged, but want some information to get me started. I think others feel that way too. When are the elections? How many people do we vote for? Who is running? I’m inviting you guys, the Republican Group, and the Campus Greens to participate. I think that each group can information share about their positions, and also some information on who is in the running that supports your cause in a friendly and cool atmosphere. Let me know what you think. I would like to have this event in the near future. Thanks!
Theresa LaFerriere
Towson@md.lp.org
Hi College Libertarians of Towson!
I am working a school project for my Design for social Issues class, and I have chosen to center my project on Community Development. I want to create a series of events for social good that includes TU students, TU Alumni, and people around the Towson City. For one of my events, I want to create an event to create awareness about candidates and elections. If there are other politically affiliated groups I don't know about fill me in. I am not usually politically engaged, but want some information to get me started. I think others feel that way too. When are the elections? How many people do we vote for? Who is running? I’m inviting your group, the College Democrats, the Republican Group, and the Campus Greens to participate. I think that each group can information share about their positions, and also some information on who is in the running that supports your cause in a friendly and social atmosphere. Let me know what you think. I would like to have this event in the near future. Thanks!
Theresa LaFerriere
amangi3@towson.edu
Hi College Republicans!
I am working a school project for my Design for social Issues class, and I have chosen to center my project on Community Development. I want to create a series of events for social good that includes TU students, TU Alumni, and people around the Towson City. For one of my events, I want to create an event to create awareness about candidates and elections. If there are other politically affiliated groups I don't know about fill me in. I am not usually politically engaged, but want some information to get me started. I think others feel that way too. When are the elections? How many people do we vote for? Who is running? I’m inviting your group, the College Democrats, the college Libertarians, and the Campus Greens to participate. I think that each group can information share about their positions, and also some information on who is in the running that supports your cause in a friendly and social atmosphere. Let me know what you think. I would like to have this event in the near future. Thanks!
Theresa LaFerriere
fmullen@towson.edu, cmantz1@towson.edu, twaldm1@towson.edu, cerbes1@towson.edu, euridyce0905@yahoo.com, cmantz1@towson.edu, gsanta1@towson.edu, dmathe1@towson.edu
towsoncampusgreens@yahoo.com
Hi Towson Campus Greens!
I am currently taking a Design for Social Issues class and my current project
is to facilitate community in the Towson area. I want to create a group of
events that fosters this idea. To kick-off these events, I was thinking of
including your group. Does your group have clean-up days where we go around
and pick up trash, or plant trees or plants somewhere? If so, does your budget
cover the expense of the plants? I think this would be a great opportunity for
your club because I am bringing TU students, Alumni, and people from the
surrounding area. Let me know what you think and if this is something your
Group would like to be involved in.
Thanks!
Theresa LaFerriere
seandems@yahoo.com
ralexa2@towson.edu
dropkickdive269@yahoo.com
Hi Towson University College Democrats!
I am working on a school project for my Design for social Issues class, and I have chosen to center my project on Community Development. I want to create a series of events for social good that includes TU students, TU Alumni, and people around the Towson City. For one of my events, I want to create an event to create awareness about candidates and elections. If there are other groups I don't know about fill me in. I am not usually policically engaged, but want some information to get me started. I think others feel that way too. When are the elections? How many people do we vote for? Who is running? I’m inviting you guys, the Republican Group, and the Campus Greens to participate. I think that each group can information share about their positions, and also some information on who is in the running that supports your cause in a friendly and cool atmosphere. Let me know what you think. I would like to have this event in the near future. Thanks!
Theresa LaFerriere
Towson@md.lp.org
Hi College Libertarians of Towson!
I am working a school project for my Design for social Issues class, and I have chosen to center my project on Community Development. I want to create a series of events for social good that includes TU students, TU Alumni, and people around the Towson City. For one of my events, I want to create an event to create awareness about candidates and elections. If there are other politically affiliated groups I don't know about fill me in. I am not usually politically engaged, but want some information to get me started. I think others feel that way too. When are the elections? How many people do we vote for? Who is running? I’m inviting your group, the College Democrats, the Republican Group, and the Campus Greens to participate. I think that each group can information share about their positions, and also some information on who is in the running that supports your cause in a friendly and social atmosphere. Let me know what you think. I would like to have this event in the near future. Thanks!
Theresa LaFerriere
amangi3@towson.edu
Hi College Republicans!
I am working a school project for my Design for social Issues class, and I have chosen to center my project on Community Development. I want to create a series of events for social good that includes TU students, TU Alumni, and people around the Towson City. For one of my events, I want to create an event to create awareness about candidates and elections. If there are other politically affiliated groups I don't know about fill me in. I am not usually politically engaged, but want some information to get me started. I think others feel that way too. When are the elections? How many people do we vote for? Who is running? I’m inviting your group, the College Democrats, the college Libertarians, and the Campus Greens to participate. I think that each group can information share about their positions, and also some information on who is in the running that supports your cause in a friendly and social atmosphere. Let me know what you think. I would like to have this event in the near future. Thanks!
Theresa LaFerriere
fmullen@towson.edu, cmantz1@towson.edu, twaldm1@towson.edu, cerbes1@towson.edu, euridyce0905@yahoo.com, cmantz1@towson.edu, gsanta1@towson.edu, dmathe1@towson.edu
towsoncampusgreens@yahoo.com
Hi Towson Campus Greens!
I am currently taking a Design for Social Issues class and my current project
is to facilitate community in the Towson area. I want to create a group of
events that fosters this idea. To kick-off these events, I was thinking of
including your group. Does your group have clean-up days where we go around
and pick up trash, or plant trees or plants somewhere? If so, does your budget
cover the expense of the plants? I think this would be a great opportunity for
your club because I am bringing TU students, Alumni, and people from the
surrounding area. Let me know what you think and if this is something your
Group would like to be involved in.
Thanks!
Theresa LaFerriere
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Class Brainstorming
During my day to brainstorm, this is what we came up with:
Brainstorm Topic:
Ways to facilitate interaction btw people in communities.
People want to feel useful and wanted
People want a sense of Community again
- like the Gilmore Girls
What’s been done in the past?
Who wants it today?
Is there a current version?
Community newsletter, connecting people/ services
Welcome people
Holiday Cookies
Progressive dinners
Obstacles
People have communities
People are busy
Who will participate?
Product: The result of gathering people
Website-
Engage with 3-5 people per week that you come in contact with on a regular basis, comment about it on a blog.
-Craigs List
- Baltimore Freestore
Object-
- jewelry talking stick/ community stick- share stories- on blog, event to start the ball rolling
-People add to an object, community sculpture
-swap crafts. Art swap, unify
- Bigger and Better game, trading, rearranging objects, bartering,
Non- Art object
-Making the community a better place, gardens, Living room, barnraising
-Community event- games, walking, something athletic, hiking, event that utilizes other’s skill sets, party, information sharing, each person can bring someone- subvert chain letter
Places?
- Locally like Art Dept
Or World
Brainstorm Topic:
Ways to facilitate interaction btw people in communities.
People want to feel useful and wanted
People want a sense of Community again
- like the Gilmore Girls
What’s been done in the past?
Who wants it today?
Is there a current version?
Community newsletter, connecting people/ services
Welcome people
Holiday Cookies
Progressive dinners
Obstacles
People have communities
People are busy
Who will participate?
Product: The result of gathering people
Website-
Engage with 3-5 people per week that you come in contact with on a regular basis, comment about it on a blog.
-Craigs List
- Baltimore Freestore
Object-
- jewelry talking stick/ community stick- share stories- on blog, event to start the ball rolling
-People add to an object, community sculpture
-swap crafts. Art swap, unify
- Bigger and Better game, trading, rearranging objects, bartering,
Non- Art object
-Making the community a better place, gardens, Living room, barnraising
-Community event- games, walking, something athletic, hiking, event that utilizes other’s skill sets, party, information sharing, each person can bring someone- subvert chain letter
Places?
- Locally like Art Dept
Or World
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
CouchSurfing is a worldwide network for making connections between travelers and the local communities they visit.
| CouchSurfers | 333,377 |
| Successful Surf or Host Experiences | 244,662 |
| Friendships Created | 294,511 |
| Positive Experiences | 435,250 |
| Countries Represented | 223 |
| Cities Represented | 32,021 |
The two of you walk around the neighborhood and meet some of his friends at a lively cafe for dinner. You stay up late sharing stories and getting to know each other. Martin recommends some interesting places you might like to explore around the city. When he returns from work the next evening, he takes you to his favorite pub and you tell him about your adventures. The two of you laugh and connect; you make new friends at the pub, and you're grinning the whole walk home along the canals.
As an example of a good surfer, you do as much as you can to give back to your hosts. This includes doing simple things like, for example, washing the dishes, making dinner or helping out in some way. Maybe you have a special skill you're willing to share?
In each location you've met some great people and gotten to experience being a part of the culture through your connection with your host. You go places you would have never read about in a guidebook, meet interesting locals, and spend time bonding with your host. You're actually experiencing those "deep and meaningful connections" you've read about on the site, and you're making friends for life.
http://www.couchsurfing.com/
AAR's Continued
Identify Current Social Issues
This section was a bit overlooked in the process, I did research about mental health, about school shootings, and why they happen. I nor anyone else in class brought in subject titles of topics we were interested in.
Develop Critical Thinking
I think the critical thinking was there, and the process was shown a bit in the powerpoint, but it should have been more thoroughly documented by blogging. I failed to read enough articles that oppose my point of view.
Brainstorming Methodology Training
Although it was not blogged, we each had in our notes, many ideas to address the problem. We referenced this in our powerpoint as well.
Design Research
oops
This section was a bit overlooked in the process, I did research about mental health, about school shootings, and why they happen. I nor anyone else in class brought in subject titles of topics we were interested in.
Develop Critical Thinking
I think the critical thinking was there, and the process was shown a bit in the powerpoint, but it should have been more thoroughly documented by blogging. I failed to read enough articles that oppose my point of view.
Brainstorming Methodology Training
Although it was not blogged, we each had in our notes, many ideas to address the problem. We referenced this in our powerpoint as well.
Design Research
oops
Monday, October 8, 2007
Design Project Ideas
Title of Project:
(or) Interactive Community
Problems:
Lack of communication with those around you.
Non friendly atmosphere
Creates loneliness, lack of information, depression, substance abuse, and many other social problems
Because of:
Exclusion created by technology: computers, video games, i-pods, schoolwork, not joining extracurricular activities, cell phones
social norm stigma
NY Syndrome: cities- people walk by you and never talk to you. People everywhere but nobody talks….is this for protection??
Small Town Feeling- (
Want to create:
Information sharing
In touch with others
Social atmosphere available for out of college living
Opportunities for fun, social events for all ages
Less school shooting occurrences
Sense of community
Solutions:
Online? Like facebook? Myspace? Local networking blogs?
Music
Social events
Church events
Clubs: special interests
Job networking
New mothers group- my mother and her life saving playgroup
Obstacles:
Funding?
Participation?
How will it be different than myspace or facebook?
Opposing viewpoint:
People are not friendly in certain situations for a reason
People are not friendly all the time for protection
There is nothing wrong with being alone
More commutation will make it easier for sexual predators
Research/ new ideas
Blessed Unrest
New format? Should I do jewelry??
Love Curriers – getpink.blogspot.com
Places like starbucks- good feeling, place to nurture communication
Couch surfing
Product Ideas:
Something mass produced?
Symbol of communication? Symbol of community?
Ancient symbol?
Jewelry, silver wire designs,
Using a sign for communication, going back to our roots as human beings.
www.aboriginalartpaintings.com/symbols.html
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.aboriginalartpaintings.com/images/symbol_community.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.aboriginalartpaintings.com/symbols.html&h=194&w=164&sz=9&hl=en&start=8&um=1&tbnid=G2pAg4ySFLLAyM:&tbnh=103&tbnw=87&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsymbol%2Bcommunity%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN
Talking Stick Idea:
A piece of jewelry to be passed around
While they have the piece, they go to social events they havn’t had the courage to go to, or talk to a friend they havn’t made time for, or started a polite conversation with a stranger, ect. They write about it on the blog/ website I make.
Graphic Design Idea:
A symbol or a graphic design that advertises my blog/ website, put on mass produced items, to reach more people. Ex. Soap, shirts, bags, jewelry. Fun T shirts.
Public Instillation Idea:
New Format idea, creating a sculpture or object that represents my idea, with the blog address on it.
Social Design
Design: the shaping of products and services
Social Design: the creation of social reality, or the design of the social world.
Is a design process, improving human well being and livelihood.
Victor Papanek- designers have a responsibility because of their ability to affect the world at large with their unique skills, and through good design. Designing for people’s needs rather than wants. Including designing for the
Sources: Wikipedia
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Thursday, October 4, 2007
AAR's I'm a Pirate
Identify Current Social Issues
Develop Critical Thinking
Brainstorm/ Methodology Training
Design/ Research
Prototyping/ Interactive Prototyping
I wish I would have been more a part of the design on the t shirts. I'm usually away on the weekends, and the rest of the team wanted to work on them then. I have never done screenprinting, and Whitney said she had a kit somewhere, so I was expecting to learn how. i think the deadline just caught up with us. I think the iron ons was a good alternative time wise. i really like that we didn't go buy t-shirts, and i love thrift shopping! It reminds me of the Swap O Ramma Ramma. i would have liked to have come up with a catchy phrase that we could put in a
Project Management
As a group, i think we all had a sense of project management. We all new what we needed to get done, and by when, and in between deadlines, but we didn't write that down, or blog it. I personally need to do a better job of getting to the library so I can have more time to blog. i can't wait until my computer is fixed!
Presentation
I wish we had some in action thrift store shopping pictures, in class pictures, movie clips, etc to put into the presentation. I love movie clips! I think most digital cameras have that ability, i would love to see this in others future projects and my own. I know Anne and Whitney took photos and movies, but i think they just didn't get them to me on time to fit into the presentation. I tried to have plenty of images in my power point, I wanted it to be interesting. I think without pictures, power points can be boring.
Part 2
Teaching the first four weeks of a course like this just overwhelms me. I think you have done a fabulous job of getting us all inspired. i love that we watch clips of things as a class and I love our brainstorming sessions, we get so much done and everyone has really great ideas. I'm having a hard time trying to think of what could be improved class structure wise. I love how the projects are open ended. i think if we had to choose from a list it wouldn't be as productive. I think its good that you want us to research about social issues that we generally wouldn't want to learn about, but I just don't like political stuff!
Develop Critical Thinking
Brainstorm/ Methodology Training
Design/ Research
Prototyping/ Interactive Prototyping
I wish I would have been more a part of the design on the t shirts. I'm usually away on the weekends, and the rest of the team wanted to work on them then. I have never done screenprinting, and Whitney said she had a kit somewhere, so I was expecting to learn how. i think the deadline just caught up with us. I think the iron ons was a good alternative time wise. i really like that we didn't go buy t-shirts, and i love thrift shopping! It reminds me of the Swap O Ramma Ramma. i would have liked to have come up with a catchy phrase that we could put in a
Project Management
As a group, i think we all had a sense of project management. We all new what we needed to get done, and by when, and in between deadlines, but we didn't write that down, or blog it. I personally need to do a better job of getting to the library so I can have more time to blog. i can't wait until my computer is fixed!
Presentation
I wish we had some in action thrift store shopping pictures, in class pictures, movie clips, etc to put into the presentation. I love movie clips! I think most digital cameras have that ability, i would love to see this in others future projects and my own. I know Anne and Whitney took photos and movies, but i think they just didn't get them to me on time to fit into the presentation. I tried to have plenty of images in my power point, I wanted it to be interesting. I think without pictures, power points can be boring.
Part 2
Teaching the first four weeks of a course like this just overwhelms me. I think you have done a fabulous job of getting us all inspired. i love that we watch clips of things as a class and I love our brainstorming sessions, we get so much done and everyone has really great ideas. I'm having a hard time trying to think of what could be improved class structure wise. I love how the projects are open ended. i think if we had to choose from a list it wouldn't be as productive. I think its good that you want us to research about social issues that we generally wouldn't want to learn about, but I just don't like political stuff!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
bug list item
Bug list item:
Why do eating venues STILL use glass ketchup bottles?? No one can get it out. i spent a long time watching this kid and his family try to get it out at a diner. It was silly, but yet entertaining. Use plastic, or even better, biodegradable plastic bottles. I like the condiment bottles where the lid is the bottom, its good thinking.
Why do eating venues STILL use glass ketchup bottles?? No one can get it out. i spent a long time watching this kid and his family try to get it out at a diner. It was silly, but yet entertaining. Use plastic, or even better, biodegradable plastic bottles. I like the condiment bottles where the lid is the bottom, its good thinking.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Yay Blogging
Most of the research I did on social issues dealt with mental health, self esteem, womens body image, disorders, personal lifestyle, and addiction. I find that I'm not really geared towards political or business, or even environmental issues. I looked up information about womens health, and why women have more problems with self image than men. I looked up information about mental disorders, and I found a few articles on the VA Tech shootings, and about the assassin.
I really enjoyed the brainstorming assignment in class where we got the article about the heat wave and the neglected population of the elderly. I discovered I really enjoy working in a design group. We came up with lots of great solutions, that we numbered(which is a good brainstorming technique according to The Art of Innovation ch.4). I also really liked brainstorming about the topics we chose personally. My group worked with Self Esteem issues. I ended up keeping the white paper we brainstormed on, thats how cool i thought it was.
I really enjoyed the brainstorming assignment in class where we got the article about the heat wave and the neglected population of the elderly. I discovered I really enjoy working in a design group. We came up with lots of great solutions, that we numbered(which is a good brainstorming technique according to The Art of Innovation ch.4). I also really liked brainstorming about the topics we chose personally. My group worked with Self Esteem issues. I ended up keeping the white paper we brainstormed on, thats how cool i thought it was.
Well, I finally figured out how to blog! Its been tough since my computer is out of order. I would have had more time to figure out how to post if I didn't have to go to the library where its packed with people waiting for computers. (sad face)
So i've been trying to be more newsy by picking up the Towerlight more often, getting a copy of the NY Times from the CFA lobby, reading more yahoo news, hanging around newsy people... I would watch the news but I don't own a TV. Newsy stuff can be hard to watch though. My friend told me yesterday that five or six people in West Virginia adopted a black child so they could torture him/her. Very shocking to me. I am astonished that this stuff still goes on.
I really enjoyed the food and cradle to cradle videos. I think its great that there are people who devote their time by coming up with environment friendly options. I think that its odd that we aren't using biodegradable materials in everything if its true it costs the same amount to produce. The food bit made me aware of the benefits of local produce and meats, eg. helps support the local community, less gas emissions from transportation, supports the local college students, less chemicals in foods etc.
So i've been trying to be more newsy by picking up the Towerlight more often, getting a copy of the NY Times from the CFA lobby, reading more yahoo news, hanging around newsy people... I would watch the news but I don't own a TV. Newsy stuff can be hard to watch though. My friend told me yesterday that five or six people in West Virginia adopted a black child so they could torture him/her. Very shocking to me. I am astonished that this stuff still goes on.
I really enjoyed the food and cradle to cradle videos. I think its great that there are people who devote their time by coming up with environment friendly options. I think that its odd that we aren't using biodegradable materials in everything if its true it costs the same amount to produce. The food bit made me aware of the benefits of local produce and meats, eg. helps support the local community, less gas emissions from transportation, supports the local college students, less chemicals in foods etc.
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