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The Wrap Up

This entire trip has been such an unforgettable experience. Returning to Brazil for the first time since 2015 and being able to understand and have discourse around social issues I’ve spent the last few years researching and fighting against was an amazing feeling. Though the issues we discussed and saw first-hand such as extreme poverty and government corruption can weigh heavy, as most social problems do, I felt closer to progress. I am excited about the opportunity Dr. Crumpton’s evaluation research on the capacity of municipalities can create once it further develops and I am excited about how I have been able to grow as a result of this trip. I was able to grow in experiential knowledge, academically, and in my Portuguese language abilities which I hadn’t used since undergrad. It was fitting that we spent our last week in Goiania visiting children’s programs, which are very near to my heart and a social assistance center which reminded me so much of any department of human services I’ve seen in the United States. We ate lunch with the children which included fresh Papaya.

Something that stood out to me while talking to the child welfare professionals was how poverty can put children at risk of physical harm such as malnutrition, trafficking, and abuse. We see the same issues affect children in the United States where the child poverty rate is alarming for a wealthy country. The United States is also the only nation that has not signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child. When I return to the US as a graduate, I hope I can find work fighting against such injustices. I am honestly sad to be leaving but also eager to use what I have gained from this trip. It has caused me to look at myself and my country differently and will undoubtedly help me develop as a social worker. For Brazil, this is not goodbye, but Até depois( see you later or until next time).

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Some tough realities about international work

Today we had a site visit. We got dressed and prepared and waited for a ride from one of the UFG professors in the lobby of our hotel. We waited and waited for about an hour or two and they never came. With little to no communication, it was determined that our site visit was canceled. I was disappointed yet a bit tired from the past few days’ tight schedules. Instead of being too down about it, I used the opportunity to leisurely explore a lovely park named Bosque dos Buritis in Goiania. When I returned back to the hotel, this afternoon I felt I would have nothing to blog about since I was unable to go to a site. However, why not share exactly what I experienced today as it’s not an unusual occurrence. International work is not all fun days working by the beach or photo ops with cute children. We are here short-term for the purpose of doing work and sometimes things aren’t always fun and they don’t always go as planned. So, I decided to write a short and honest list of some of the realities of doing short-term international work.

Disclaimer: This is a general list of some realities and does not specifically reflect my experience with UFG or the people of Goias.

1. International work isn’t always pretty–  The reality is you could work in environments that may be unlike average homes in the United States. Your living conditions may not have amenities that are common in the US such as hot water and air conditioner. Try to remember the things you may not be comfortable with during your short stay are the conditions people in that country live in every day. Consider it embracing the culture.  

2. You may get lonely – with friends and family miles and sometimes continents away. You could find yourself hoping for a sense of familiarity. It’s possible you won’t see people who look like you, people who speak the same language, or even people who can relate to your favorite type of music. If there is a language barrier, communication and building relationships may require extra effort.

3. Dates and deadlines might just be suggestions – Even with all the preparation in the world, working with people in another country is hard. Even domestically, I’ve experienced setbacks related miscommunication, conflicting schedules, bureaucracy etc. (and with some people who were working with people who are just down the hall from me in the same building). There’s no way to anticipate all the barriers that might stand in your way with another country, culture, and language. Sometimes cultural attitudes around punctuality are not the same as in the United States. SO much of international work is just going with the flow and bouncing back from setbacks. As a very well planned person, I know, it can drive a person nuts, but don’t let getting stuck on details ruin your enthusiasm for your project and experience.

Staying flexible, open-mindedness, and trying to find a positive outlook can be the difference in a learning experience and a miserable experience.      

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A Visit to Central De Medicamamentos De Alto Custo

Today we visited the Central De Medicamamentos De Alto Custo.  We took a tour and learned about the medical exchange problem. A place where Brazilian residents can register to bring in their prescriptions to receive prescribed medicine for free. As a social worker, it was exciting to see how smoothly the process ran. The lines moved quickly and efficiently. The application only required general demographic questions some past medical history, and a form of identification and paperwork confirming proof of prescription. Due to Brazil’s unified health system, all social service providers such as hospitals, social assistance deliveries, and other municipality ran social welfare providers such as the local social assistance center, in Portuguese, Centro de Refêrencia de Assistência Social (CRAS). This unified system allows interested participants to register just once and be able to bypass filling out tons of paperwork each time they want to be eligible for low cost or free health care needs.

A few of my biggest takeaways from this visit that United States social welfare programs could benefit from are:

1. Flexible hours-  The center runs from 7am to 5pm. This gives people working traditional hours enough time to come in without missing work. Even at 6pm, the center will stay open until the last person leaves. So everyone who makes it in will be seen. 2. The program has no eligibility criteria. People do not have to show proof of income. A huge criticism of the United States social welfare system is all of the criteria that make it hard for people to receive benefits such as minimum hours worked a week and a minimum income which leaves some people out such as people with more than minimum wage paying jobs but other types of financial needs and people unable to secure employment at a livable wage stuck in the system. 3. Cadastros – Cadastros is an application that once completed and approved, will allow a person to come in and register a family member or close friend to pick up their prescription. I think this is AMAZING. When this process was explained I thought of those who have physical limitations or limited access to transportation, mothers with younger children who may have trouble leaving the home etc.

Just visiting this place and seeing such a system could exist and run much more efficiently than American social service buildings was inspiring. It was great to see a program that seems as if it was actually designed to serve the people without subjecting them from inconvenient steps or criteria that judges if someone is deserving of human necessities.

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Learning about the Healthcare system

Today, we took a tour through a hospital and spoke to a doctor who was also an administrator. As we took out tour, I thought the hospital was in need of renovations, however later in the visit I was told the decrepit hospital was just a few years old. During the tour, we walked by doors without hinges, walls with cracks in them, and some less than comfortable looking hospital equipment for patients.

We were lead to a small meeting room where we sat and she spoke to us about the changes that have occurred in the health care system throughout the years and differing political administrations. Since Brazil ratified the constitution of 1988, education, housing, security, assistance for those in poverty, health, and protection of mothers and children are legally acknowledged as human rights. Service providers we’ve spoken to readily and proudly state the numbers of articles that give their work and programs legitimacy (how many Americans do you know can state the entire Bill of Rights?). However, the mood of the conversation took a turn when staff begins to talk about the current state of social welfare in Brazil. The doctor believes there will soon be a push for privatization of healthcare similar to what exists in the United States. With a very right-leaning and conservative administration currently in power, many programs have been cut without alternatives and their hospital no longer has no way of meeting all the needs of the people. She was almost in tears as she described her fears for what was to come if the current president, Michael Temer, will not adequately support public entities such as the hospital. 

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Getting to business - in Goiania

It is now our second week in Goiania and although the city is unlike any part of Brazil I have been in before with its combination of rural and middle class, I am adjusting quite well. This week we have had our second meeting with the research team.

Though in its early stages, I am excited for what research on this level could mean for Goiania or even Brazil overall. From my background research on Brazilian social welfare and speaking with the people of UFG I have met so far, it seems that Brazil’s issues with social welfare don’t come from a lack of programming or services as you might commonly hear someone say in the United States. Rather in Brazil, the programs are much more progressive and without eligibility criteria and complicated and inconvenient methods of registration. However, many issues still occur. That is why I believe the research team’s ideas related to capacity, performance, and engagement are both relevant and necessary to the growth of these programs. Evaluation, though sometimes thought of as tedious or something done strictly for funders or grant proposals is needed in to accurately access the effectiveness of our well thought our social programs. 

While reflecting on my experience working in social services in Philadelphia and in my Strategic Talent and Performance Management course, I began to think of all of the barriers to effective service delivery that my organization experienced. I also began to think of the climate of working in social services right now in both Brazil and the United States, as both countries are undergoing an administration change that just does not see the value in aiding and investing in its most vulnerable people. What could be the reasons a program that seemingly has all the right tools and ideas is not reaching its goals? ..better yet, what are the goals of social service programs and how are they set? Are they measurable and relevant to the needs of the people? Often times monitoring and evaluation is thought as something optional mostly done to convince funders programs deserve more money. However, I believe routinely making sure we are effectively meeting intended goals and outcomes should be a normal part of the process as resources are already limited in social welfare.  

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Thoughts Of The Road Behind --July 2, 2018

Thoughts Of The Road Behind --July 2, 2018

I’m back stateside. It was a whirlwind of a month and it feels good to be home and standing still for a little while. Right now I’m sitting on my parent’s front porch listening the rain drum on the roof of the house and the leaves of the trees. I’m sitting in the same place that I wrote my first two blog posts for this trip, just before I left. The guidelines that I wrote for myself then were consistently useful reminders for how to handle myself during this experience.

1. Seja Flexível - Be Flexible Schedules shifted. Assignment expectations changed. People got sick. Meetings were canceled or postponed. Internet access was limited. Etcetera, etcetera. While I consider myself a pretty flexible person, I sometimes found it difficult to maintain my “ride the wave” mentality. This is when practicing self-care and incorporating centering techniques into my daily routine became important. Walking and running, journaling and Skyping with my partner all helped me return to balance, ready to adapt to whatever came our way the next day.

2. Seja Aventureiro - Be Adventurous As I told you before, this was the first time I’ve visited Goiânia. The vibe of this city is very different from Fortaleza, Rio, or Salvador so I made sure to explore some of the beautiful parks and museums in the city and surrounding areas.

I also made a point of getting back to Fortaleza to visit my friends, Rino and Natália, who run the Community Mental Health Movement. Fortaleza offered some much-needed beach time and the chance to catch up with my friends and see their new project- a social enterprise for women in the community to make and sell their own clothing. They just opened a store at a local shopping mall and it was another great way to see how people are creatively confronting poverty in marginalized communities.

3. Seja Intencional - Be Intentional “My intentions are to be present, to be curious, to critically analyze the experience, and to integrate the lessons learned into my personal life and professional work.” I wrote these intentions to guide my experience in Goiânia and throughout most of that time, I can confidently say that I carried them with me each day.  Now I am facing a new journey- sitting for my licensure exam and finding a job in New York where I am moving with my partner. My experience during this independent study has been filled with hills and valleys, like anything in life, and I am excited to incorporate the lessons I’ve learned about myself, the world of social work, and the commonality of the human experience into this next journey.

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Final Presentations and the Reflections They Inspire -- June 20, 2018

Final Presentations and the Reflections They Inspire -- June 20, 2018, The last two days have been filled with presentations. Our program here in Brazil is coming to a close and so we are wrapping up by presenting some of our experiences as social work students and interns to the students and faculty at UFG. On Tuesday Jahmya and I presented to a public administration undergraduate class. We talked about what social work is and the requirements of our programs at UMB. Today we presented on our field placement experiences to a number of UFG faculty. 

These presentations offered an opportunity to exchange experiences and knowledge about the social contexts in which we all live. With the students, it facilitated a conversation about access to higher education in both countries and the effect of the political climate on universities and society at large. With the faculty, it spurred on a conversation about the similarities of social problems and issues faced by Brazil and the U.S. 

“A terra é um só país e os seres humanos seus cidadãos.” -Bahá u lláh “The earth is one country and human beings are its citizens.” 

When I was 14 years old I traveled outside of the country for the first time. I went on a school-sponsored service trip to Monterrey, Mexico where we helped to renovate a community center and offered a summer camp for neighborhood kids. For the first time I saw real, abject poverty: a stream of open sewage running alongside the streets of the community center; compacted dirt floors in the homes in the neighborhood; children wearing the same clothes three days in a row at the summer camp. 

Four years later as a freshman in college I volunteered with a group that supported people experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. Each Saturday we brought bagged lunches to the folks who congregated outside of the library in downtown Philly. And each Saturday we would sit, eat lunch, play cards, and talk with people who carry all of their possessions around with them; people who only showered when they got a bed at one of the city’s shelters; people who had families and stories and lives bigger and more complex than naïve 18 year old me could have imagined if I’d never sat and talked with them. 

One of the lessons that I have taken from this trip is one that I have been learning throughout my life. It started when I was a 14 year old in Monterrey, continued as an 18 year old in Philadelphia, a 23 year old in Baltimore, and now as a 29 year old in Goiânia. The world is large and diverse, filled with people of different ethnicities, cultures, tongues, and lived experiences. Yet within all of this diversity, exists a commonality of basic needs and desires as human beings. 

As I presented and participated in these discussions I once again was struck by the similarities of the struggles that people around the world face. While the solutions to these problems will surely not be the same, it is simultaneously heartening and disheartening to know that the struggles we face are so similar. “I note the obvious differences between each sort and type, but we are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” -Maya Angelou, “Human Family”

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Emma Thomas - Student Blogger in Brazil - Goiânia

Goiânia--June 17, 2018

So we have been here for a little over two weeks and “my little universe” has really come together. Being adventurous enough to go out on your own is crucial for expanding your “little universe.” Also during a trip like this, which can be stressful and disorienting, it’s important to find ways to relax and have fun. Below are some ways I’ve done this so far:

1. Run! Or walk. Parque de Buritis (see the lake picture below!) is a beautiful park that is only about a half mile from our hotel. I’ve made a point of going for a run or walk almost every morning or afternoon. Running is a good way to get to know a new city. Plus running (or any kind of exercise) is a good way to burn off stress and maintain a sense of equilibrium in new situations.

2.  Visit a museum. Museu de Arte de Goiânia is located in the middle of the Parque de Buritis and so Jahmya and I decided to check it out during a free afternoon. The exhibit played with ideas of space and perception of reality. It was a good way to learn more about the cultural context of Goiânia and to enjoy an afternoon.

3. Buy yourself (or someone else) a present. I found this funky Frida Kahlo piece at a street vendor in an outdoor market in Goiânia. I have always been a fan of Frida and this quote felt inspiring. I’m excited to find a place for it in my home when I return. 

“Pés, para que os quero se tenho asas para voar.”  

4. Look around you. Take interest in the small details of the place you’re in. Coming into the present moment means taking note of the beauty and unique elements of wherever you are, which can be a helpful tool for stressful or uncertain moments. I love nature, especially plants so I took a bunch of pictures of different trees and flowers, including the bird of paradise plant below. Street art is also such a cool thing to pay attention to in new cities or countries because they can indicate the political or cultural climate.

5. Take a day or weekend trip. This last one is connected to my guideline of being adventurous. Jahmya and I planned several diversions from our scheduled trip including a trip to Rio de Janeiro before the independent study and a trip to visit my friends in Fortaleza after this. We also had the chance to visit Pirenopolis (spelling**?), a town about two hours north of Goiânia known for its hiking trails and cachoeiras. Below are some pics from Cachoeira Usina Velha

Footnotes Parque de Buritis- Buritis (a type of tree common to the Goiânia area) Park “Pés, para que os quero se tenho asas para voar-” Feet, for those who would like have wings to fly; Frida Kahlo quote  ***verify translation Cachoeira- waterfall Cachoeira Usina Velha- look up name**

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Emma Thomas - Student Blogger in Brazil - SEMAS- Secretaria Municipal de Assistência Social

SEMAS- Secretaria Municipal de Assistência Social - - June 15, 2017

Today was probably the most influential and moving day of this trip so far. We visited the Secretaria Municipal de Assistência Social (SEMAS) of Goiânia where we met the secretary and several of the program directors. These departments are responsible for the delivery of a number of social services, in particular, those designed to engage and support the more vulnerable and marginalized of society. In Brazil all social assistance programs are offered in a central location, offering easier access to citizens who may need a variety of supports.

After meeting with some of the administrators in this main office, we set off to visit two community sites in Goiânia. First, we visited a Centro de Referência de Assistência Social (CRAS), which is the first level of social support. SEMAS program directors explained that CRAS is designed as a preventative intervention for vulnerable populations. These centers offer programming and supportive services for youth, families, and elders in communities across Brazil. During our visit, we toured the community garden and hung out with some energetic elementary school kids who attend programs before and after school each day.

We then visited one of the Centro de Referência Especializada de Assistência Social (CREAS) in a different neighborhood. These centers offer specialized services for people who have been impacted by physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence, and assault. They are staffed by mental health, physical health, and education professionals because they serve highly vulnerable and at-risk people.

My second job out of college was as a service coordinator with The Choice Program, an organization contracted by the Baltimore City Department of Social Services(BCDSS). My team and I worked with youth at risk of foster care placement and offered supports to keep them with their families of origin. Our offices were located in the BCDSS Family Preservation and Child Protective Services department buildings. During the three years I worked there I often helped families navigate the many bureaucratic labyrinths that exist around access to social services.

As I visited these centers in Goiânia I was struck by the attempts to centralize and simplify these processes of accessing services. But I was also struck by the lack of resources. The people who staff these centers discussed the need to direct participants to outside agencies and churches in order to fulfill their needs. This has appeared as a theme during our time here- there are excellent models and service delivery ideals, but a sharp lack of resources and delivery methods.

Footnotes Secretaria Municipal de Assistência Social- Municipal Secretary of Social Assistance Centro de Referência de Assistência Social (CRAS)- Social Assistance Reference Center Centro de Referência Especializada de Assistência Social (CREAS)- Specialized Social Assistance Center

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15 Portuguese phrases and words to get you by

By Jahmya Ross, a University of Maryland School of Social Work student studying this summer in Brazil.

1. Tudo Bem –This is often used as a greeting a person may say this meaning “Everything Well?” or “How are you?” You can respond by repeating it back and this will mean “Everything is well”or  “It’s all good!” 2. Some basic colors– This will help you describe things you don’t have the vocab for and can particularly come in handy if you decide to do some in-country shopping. Red- Vermelho Black – preto Green- verde White – branco Orange– laranja Brown – marrom Yellow – amarelo.   3. Hello/HI – Olá/Oi,   4. How are you?, How’s it going? - Como vai? 5. Goodbye – Tchau, Adeus 6. Até mais! / Até logo! / Até breve! - See you soon! 7. Numbers 1-10 and then multiples of ten up to 100 - this will be useful in MANY situations. Counting money, understanding room numbers, saying the date, knowing the time of day, making purchases, and describing things you don’t have the vocab for. Zero - zero One - um Two - dois Three - três Four - quatro Five - cinco Six - seis Seven - sete Eight - oito Nine - nove Ten - dez Eleven - onze Twelve - doze Thirteen - treze Fourteen - catorze Fifteen - quinze Sixteen - dezasseis Seventeen - dezassete Eighteen - dezoito Nineteen - dezanove Twenty - vinte twenty-one - vinte e um thirty - trinta forty - quarenta fifty - cinquenta sixty - sessenta seventy - setenta eighty - oitenta ninety -  noventa one hundred -  cem one thousand -  mil 8. Social Work - Assistência Social This is the closest way to describe the field of social work as it is not defined as specifically as it is in the United States 9. Good Morning/Good Afternoon/Good night - Bom dia/Boa tarde/Boa noite 10. I don’t speak Portuguese – Eu não falo Portuguese  This one really comes in handy! 11. Afterwards/ Much later/Maybe - Depois/ Mais tarde/ Talvez These are words you may here often when making plans with Brazilians. Sometimes you have to just go with the flow. 12. My name is...  - Meu nome é… , Eu chamo-me… 13. No/Yes – não/ sim 14. Please/Thank You/You’re Welcome  - Por favor/Obrigada/De nada 15. Excuse me/Sorry  - Com licença, desculpe  

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Emma Thomas - Student Blogger in Brazil - Universidade Federal de Goiânia and a Brief History of Brazilian Social Policy

Universidade Federal de Goiânia and a Brief History of Brazilian Social Policy --June 7, 2018

During our exchange in Goiânia we are scheduled to visit several social service agencies and meet with experts in social policy. The first of these visits was today with Professora Maísa, an administrator at the Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG). Maísa is an expert in Brazilian social policy and the delivery of social services. She has worked in several areas including the government, for the Catholic Church, and now in a federal university. Maísa offered us a brief oral history of social policy in Brazil, complete with timelines and specific laws (from memory- she’s a boss!).

One of the more interesting parts of Maísa’s history lesson was the discussion of the Brazilian constitution’s guarantee of certain rights to each citizen. This constitution was formed in 1988 following the end of the military dictatorship. In the constitution, there are specific guarantees for each citizen to have access to education, health, and basic social services, which is different from the much less explicit U.S. constitution.

This guarantee in the Brazilian constitution is the foundation for all social service delivery in the country. It is a constitutional right that each Brazilian citizen has access to a certain quality of life. However, this guarantee is theoretical and ideal. The reality is not as rosy.

Maísa shared with us some of her experiences as a master’s student doing research in impoverished areas of Goiás. While I appreciated her encyclopedic knowledge of Brazilian social policy, it was her compassion and passion about this topic that most endeared her to me. Maísa said that this research led her to encounter families living in extreme poverty and that many of her interviews were conducted while sitting on the dirt floors in their homes, which lacked plumbing, electricity, and other basic services so many of us assume to be an expected part of life.

“Nunca era a mesma ser humana depois desta experiência.”

There have been pivotal times in my life that I have had a similar feeling: as a 14 year-old on a service trip to an impoverished neighborhood in Monterrey, Mexico; a 21-year-old visiting the homes of Pitaguari indigenous families in the floresta of Maracanaú, Ceará, Brazil; as a 24 year-old in the neglected home of a Baltimore family involved with the criminal justice system. I have never been the same. And that is why I am committed to being a social worker in a world filled with injustice and inhumanity.  

Footnotes Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG)- Federal University of Goiás “Nunca era a mesma ser humana depois desta experiência”- “I was not the same human being after this experience.” Floresta- forest

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Jahmya Ross in Brazil Blog - Do's and Don'ts When Studying/Working Abroad

Do research the cultural customs

Especially in professional settings small things such as gestures or refusing an invitation to dinner can be easily misinterpreted as disrespectful. Fun fact: in Brazil, the hand gesture which typically means "Okay" in the United States is lewd and inappropriate. Often people will greet with hugs and or kisses on the cheek rather than handshakes in the United States.

Do learn a few helpful phrases Besides for safety reasons, knowing just a little of the native language can take you very far. In my experience, people are generally excited and helpful when you try.

Do look up the United States Embassy closest to your accommodations. In the event of an emergency or unfortunate event, such as a lost passport or natural disaster, those are the people you can go to for help!

Don't wear clothing with American symbols such as the flag or patriotic colors

Besides looking obnoxious, this could make you a target for robbers, scammers, or people who are just not too fond of the USA to confront you. Even if you are very obviously not from the country, it's always best to try to blend in or at least not stand out too much. Your trip is a chance for cultural exchange. Explore this unique opportunity to experience the culture of your host country!

Don't forget to check if you'll need to purchase outlet adapters. 

A not always known fact is that not all countries use the same outlets. If you're planning to bring your laptop along or charge your phone even in the most modern of buildings, you may need to purchase these! Here is a picture of a type of outlet and my adapter in one of the hotels I’ve stayed in Brazil. These can easily be found on websites like Amazon!

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Meet Jahmya Ross - Doing Independent Social Work Study in Brazil!

To all who may be reading, those interested in my journey, and future international social workers. I'd like to first introduce myself. My name is Jahmya Ross and I am one course away from finishing my Master's degree in Social Work from UMB! I am a Macro student with a concentration in Community Action and Social Policy. In a few days, I will be traveling to Goias, Brazil to partake in an independent research study.

In a way, this trip feels like my love affair with Brazil coming full circle. My first trip to Brazil was after my graduation from Temple University in 2015 and now I will be going back after graduating from UMB. I first became interested in the country of Brazil after taking a language course called Portuguese for Spanish Speakers in the spring of 2015. I found its complex history and the beauty of its language and people to be fascinating. I particularly became interested in the issue of street children and the violence that surrounds people of color which is quite comparable to the United States.

In the summer of 2015, I stayed in a small town in Rio de Janeiro called Santa Teresa and worked in a small preschool run by local volunteers in a favela in walking distance to a popular tourist location, Ipanema Beach. Though the beauty of the city of Rio is undeniable, I wrestled with my feelings as I experienced one of the most incredible views I've ever seen while standing in a neighborhood where people lived in extreme poverty (less than $2 a day). I enjoyed my time in Rio and really loved helping out with the children, but ultimately left knowing I had done nothing sustainable that would make a difference in the lives of any of the children. I felt I had little understanding of how my role as a volunteer and my privilege as an American, who would soon leave and return to the comfortable living, could positively impact their lives or the lives of people in similar conditions.

Looking at the answers to my questions, when I returned to the U.S. I found a job working with youth in foster care. Yet, I still felt similar frustrations and that I was not doing enough or able to fully change the factors that contributed to child poverty. This lead to my decision to apply to grad school and pursue social work with a macro focus. Now I am near the end of my program and planning to use my knowledge of social welfare programs and policy to share and help students and faculty at the University Federal de Goias. I am truly excited to be returning with more knowledge and experience and a deeper understanding of the similar history and social issues affecting Brazil and the United States. I look forward to the lessons and experiences this journey will bring me

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Getting Oriented - Emma

June 4, 2018

Today we arrived in Goiânia. Jahmya (my awesome travel buddy and fellow independent study student) first traveled to Rio de Janeiro for the weekend prior to the start of our program. At the airport in Goiânia we were met by our professor, David, his wife Jacque, and one of the professors from Universidade Federal de Goiânia (UFG), Daniela, who then took us to the hotel where we will be staying for the next three weeks. Prior to leaving the airport we were sure to take out some Brazilian reais to have some spending money in case our credit cards do not work here.

This is the first time UMB’s school of social work has facilitated an independent study in Brazil. We are the pilot program, which means a lot of freedom, but also a lot of uncertainty. As with any academic program, plans can be made and certain ideal activities selected, but inevitably those will change.  The same is true for the accommodations, transportation, and meal plans.

Our UFG coordinator and academic contact, Professor Vicente, arranged for us to stay in a rented apartment in a hotel called the Golden Tulip in Setor Oeste. The hotel is really well kept and has great amenities, including a rooftop pool and a gym. The two room apartment is also nice, but there was an immediate need to call upon my first guideline of being flexible. The air conditioning was not working when we arrived (Goiânia’s weather is quite warm with temperatures between 85F and 90F during midday), there were no dishes or microwave, and breakfast would not be included as a part of our accommodations like we’d expected. It was time to roll with the wave.

David and Jacque offered to help us communicate with the owner of the apartment and to show us to the nearest grocery store so we could get some supplies for the first couple of days. After getting some of the basics we have started to settle in to the apartment and are beginning to get acquainted with the area. Over the next few days I hope to settle in further and become familiar with a good place to go running (my main stress reliever) and some good por kilo lunch restaurants. David refers to this settling in as orienting yourself to your “own little universe.” I’ll keep you updated as my “universe” expands.

 Footnotes-

Reais- plural of real, currency of Brazil. Pronounced “hey-al.”

Setor Oeste- neighborhood in central Goiânia.

Por kilo- by the kilogram; common way for buffet restaurants to charge for meals.

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Thoughts For The Road Ahead - Emma

Sweet, so now that you know a little about me and what’s brought me to this point, I want to share some ideas I’ve found helpful when prepping for a trip like this. In my experience traveling, volunteering, and studying abroad can be slightly disorienting, especially if it’s the first time. Below are three guidelines I try my best to live by generally and specifically when embarking upon an experience like this.

 1. Seja Flexível - Be Flexible

So this should be self-explanatory because life is dynamic and we are constantly adapting to change, yet we all get a little grumpy when that inevitable curveball comes our way. From the moment I decided to apply for this course I found it necessary to be flexible. I was slated to graduate in May, however, in order to be considered as an applicant I needed to be willing to postpone graduation until July. So when I was selected I committed to pushing my graduation back and to pressing pause on the job search and taking my licensure exam. There have definitely been moments where I’ve questioned this decision (mainly when I review my loans), but I trust that this experience will be worth the change.

 On the micro level, there have been a myriad of situations in this process that have required flexibility and the release of that white-knuckled grip on “being in control.” I hear you out there groaning. This included the process of drafting our syllabus, planning 6:30am Skype meetings with our world traveling professor in Thailand, and coordinating the dates of the trip with professors and administrators at academic institutions on three different continents, just to name a few. Inevitably this need for flexibility will only increase during the in country experience. So I’ve released my grip once again and I’m flowing where the wave takes me.

  2. Seja Aventureiro - Be Adventurous

I think this one is important because oftentimes, especially in our professional and academic worlds, we can get tunnel vision about our purpose for being someplace. And while I deeply value higher education and academia, I believe that some of our best educational experiences can come in the form of safe and reasonable diversions from the beaten path.

 For instance, while the classroom experience during my study abroad in undergrad was informative, I really learned Portuguese when I stayed in my friends’ home in Bom Jardim where no one spoke English. I learned a lot about communication, connection, and how I become stressed when I cannot express myself fully. (Side note: children are some of the best humans to practice with when learning a new language- they usually don’t judge your accent or know if your grammar is incorrect). It’s in these moments that we are truly tested and have the chance to expand both our brains and our characters.

  3. Seja Intencional - Be Intentional

Having been trained in clinical social work (shout out to my awesome SSW professors), my instinct is to create a treatment plan for my trip- identify my strengths and risk factors, nurture my existing social supports, and develop short and long term goals. And while being clear about priorities and goal setting is essential in our clinical work, it cannot be directly translated into the language of an experience like this.

 Instead of creating a list of specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely goals (I see you all out there stringing that SMART acronym together) for this independent study, I chose to set some intentions for my experience. The hallowed Merriam Webster offers several definitions for the word intention, including the determination to act in a certain way or resolve and what one intends to do or bring about.

So while I am unsure of exactly where this independent study will lead, I can be sure of the intentions I carry along with me, which are to be present, to be curious, to critically analyze the experience, and to integrate the lessons learned into my personal life and professional work.  

[umbschoolofsocialwork-blog]

Introductions Are In Order! - Emma

Hey there! I’m Emma and I’m one of the UMB School of Social Work (SSW) students participating in the independent study in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. This is my last course as a UMB student. I walked in the convocation ceremony on 5/18 (see my shameless ceremony selfie on the above:) and then celebrated my July graduation a little early with a party at my folks’ home.

 As I was preparing for this trip, I found myself reflecting on the steps that have led me to this point in my journey (insert inspirational instrumental music here), particularly the connection between my infatuation with Brazil and my passion for social work. So what follows below is a sort of condensed timeline of my personal history with Brazil, especially as it relates to my path to social work

Looking Back

So this is my fourth trip to Brazil and my first time traveling to Goiânia. I’m excited to explore a different part of the country I’ve grown to love over the last eight years. In 2010 I visited Brazil for the first time as a part of a three-week study abroad trip the summer before my final semester of undergrad at Towson University. I was a Latin American Studies major and a Spanish minor with an interest in learning Portuguese.

While in Fortaleza our group took Portuguese classes at a faculdade and participated in a bilingual exchange program with adolescents from a community center in the Bom Jardim favela. I loved this experience so much that I decided to stay for three weeks after my university group left. During those three weeks I couch- and rede-surfed. I rotated between the homes of a coordinator of the community center in Bom Jardim, the faculdade liaison for our study abroad trip in a gated suburban community, and a couple who owned the entire 8th floor of a downtown apartment building- tão chique. With the generosity of my hosts, each stay offered me a glimpse into the wide array of socioeconomic classes and living conditions in this region of Brazil.

I then returned to Fortaleza in 2011 to volunteer for three months with the Movimento de Saúde Mental Comunitária community center in Bom Jardim. While there I taught English classes to Pitaguari high school students preparing for the vestibular and translated documents for grants and fundraising websites.

This volunteer trip helped me figure out the next steps in my professional life. When I returned to Baltimore I sought out a job with the Choice Program where I served youth and families involved in the Departments of Juvenile Justice and Social Services. Ultimately my experiences in Brazil laid the foundation for my decision to pursue a career in social work, which is why I am here, writing the blog that you’re reading.

Then last summer, during the break between my foundation and advanced years in the SSW, I had the good fortune of traveling back to Fortaleza to visit the beautiful people who impacted my life so much. This time I taught yoga classes to adolescents involved in the programs at the Movimento, got some needed rest and relaxation on the beach, and traveled to Salvador, the city considered to be the hub of Afro-Brazilian culture. With each trip to Brazil I have become more intrigued by and enamored with the cultural, historical, and sociopolitical elements of this diverse country. This is why I jumped at the opportunity to participate in the SSW’s independent study in Goiânia this June and I’m excited to see where it takes me. 

Faculdade- college, generally with a focus in a particular area of study or vocation

Favela- low-income, marginalized community, generally located on the periphery of urban centers

Rede- hammock

Tão chique- very fancy

Bom Jardim- Good Garden; name of the favela in Fortaleza

Movimento de Saúde Mental Comunitária- Community Mental Health Movement: http://www.msmcbj.org.br/

Pitaguari- indigenous group in Northeast Brazil

Vestibular- college entrance exam

Choice Program- http://choiceprograms.org/

[umbschoolofsocialwork-blog]

Congratulations!

Greet the Graduates:  Anusha Chatterjee, Ph.D.

Dissertation Defense: April 16, 2018

Proposal Defended: December 2, 2015

Title: Decision-making among philanthropic foundations in the U.S.: Factors that influence international giving 

Abstract: Philanthropic foundations utilize private money for public purposes. U.S. based foundations play an increasingly important role in shaping global agendas and efforts, providing $22.03 billion towards international causes in 2016. As their resources are vital but limited, grant-making foundations are always making decisions aimed at improving the effectiveness and reach of their grant dollars. Understanding the decision-making processes adopted by foundations help identify decision-making patterns, examine donor preferences, and learn about the various factors that affect foundations decisions. This study sought to address the gap in literature on international grant-making decisions by foundations. The research questions of the study were:      1) What factors influence foundations’ decision-making processes, their determination of funding priorities or goals, and the philanthropic strategies they employ in their grant making to international civil society organizations?

      2) What characteristics of targeted beneficiaries or recipient organizations do foundations consider in making funding decisions?

This study used a multiple case study approach to examine international grantmaking in five independent foundations that have offices in mid-Atlantic U.S. Primary data on were collected through in-depth interviews with a key staff member at each foundation. In addition to the interviews, publicly available information about the foundations including web content, reports and publications were used to supplement the data collected. 

In each of the five case studies, the participants discussed how the grant making practices at their foundations have evolved over time, highlighting that although the core mission of their foundations may remain unchanged, foundations adapt priorities, goals, strategies and decision-making. Factors in the external environment of the foundation that influence decision-making processes include international policies and priorities, U.S. policies, tax regulations, and priorities, local country policies and priorities, grantmaking behavior of peers, and market forces. At the foundation level, leadership and staff, donor motivations, and foundation structure affect decision-making. Foundations also seek to increase impact and fund programs that are a philanthropic fit.

Foundations support needy and vulnerable beneficiaries, build institutional capacities, and seek knowledge development. Foundations support grantees based on familiarity and reputation, past experience, and organization size. The implications for theory, research and practice are discussed.

Dissertation Committee Chair: Michael Reisch, Ph.D., Thursz Distinguished Professor of Social Justice

Committee Members: Dr. Lee Cornelius; Dr. Deborah Gioia; Dr. Karen Hopkins; and Dr. Jody Olsen