Cooper Green Hospital and the Community Care Plan Case Study

Cooper Green Hospital and the Community Care Plan - Case Study Example Finally, the expansion of the program has to be driven by an individual other than Dr Max Michael the originator of the program. He he has neither the promotional, organizational or social skills needed to develop a team that can effectively realize the cost benefits to service providers and time and convenience benefits to CCP members. This case presents a series of key issues that, traced backwards, draw out the essential issues. The presenting issue is a lack of revenue: Start-up funds are terminating and the program is not yet self-supporting. The program is not yet self-supporting because it does not have enough paying participants. Therefore, the program needs more members, paying more membership fees to become self-supporting (or, ideally, profitable). The key issue in this case is promotional. One might be tempted to say marketing, but promotional is more accurate. Individuals to not need to be persuaded to buy membership in the Cooper Green Hospitals Community Care Plan (CCP) clinics. The problem is actually much more fundamental. They need to be made aware that the option exists. The case indicates that potential members have not made a choice not to join a CCP but rather, for the most part, were never aware that they had the option, of what the option entailed, an of what the potential benefits were. It is in this sense that the key issue is promotional. The symptoms are financial losses and low membership but the key issue is promotional: The target client group is largely unaware of the availability of the service. They lack the information necessary to say yes to CCP clinic membership. A lack of promotion is also evident on an entirely different level. The employees seem to enjoy working in the CCP environment and be motivated. However, the same cannot be said about their bureaucratic and political masters.

Psychology in Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Psychology in Education - Essay Example Curriculum should be designed in such a way that students could be developed morally, behaviorally, and socially without making compromises on the academic content. This is the only way confident and morally responsible students could be prepared in my instructional setting. As a teacher who is assigned to teach 9th to 12th graders in custody, I could adjust the curriculum content in such a way that it could then address and acknowledge the changing nature and desires of my students without favoring them completely. Wherever educational strategies fail, it happens mainly when the desires and ideas of the students are overlooked completely. To know my students’ interests, I would have their input in the curriculum development. First, I shall decide what topics to teach, then I shall discuss those topics with my students in the very first class, and encourage them to suggest alterations, modifications, and valuable insights so that the topics would occur and flow in a way that t hey find interest in. There would be certain topics that they would like to be taught first and others later. I would organize my chapters accordingly. I would also let them express how they would like their performance to be assessed. I would put a variety of assessment methods in front of them e.g. announced vs unannounced quizzes, oral vs written exams, individual assignments vs group assignments and would also tell them the pros and cons of each.

Contraction in Smooth Muscle Cells compared to Contraction in Skeletal Essay

Contraction in Smooth Muscle Cells compared to Contraction in Skeletal Muscle Cells - Essay Example In this assignment, based on studies, a comparison has been drawn between the contractions of these two types muscles at the cellular and molecular levels. Before going into this discussion, contraction must be defined. Contraction is defined by activation of the muscle fibers with a demonstrable shortening of the muscle fibers2. The physiological events in relation to muscle contraction have been delineated in great detail, and they reveal that basically, with neural stimulation there occurs a series of molecular events initiated by increase in the cytosolic calcium concentration. In this assignment, these events will be looked at in a greater detail to compare these events between the striated and nonstriated muscles. Each skeletal muscle is made up of a large number of skeletal muscle fibers, which are thin cylindrical multinucleated cells of variable length, which in turn are made up of myofibrils, which are bundles of filamentous structures running along the length of the fiber. While observing skeletal- or cardiac smooth muscle fibers through microscope, a series of light and dark bands perpendicular to the long axis of the fiber are very conspicuous. Actually, each myofibril consists of repeating sarcomeres, and the alignment of these sarcomeres3 between adjacent myofibrils gives rise to these bands in the skeletal muscle. The structural plan of the myofibril is such that the sarcomeres are placed end to end, and this fundamental contractile unit is visible within skeletal and cardiac muscles. On the contrary, smooth muscle cells do not show a banding pattern. Actually, the arrangement of sarcomeres leads to the striated pattern in skeletal and cardiac fibers, and sarcomeres in turn comprise of alternate arrangements of numerous thick and thin filaments in the cytoplasm to give rise to roughly 1-2 micrometer cylindrical bundles. Smooth muscles are abundant mainly in the visceral organs, such as, gut, blood vessels, bladder, and uterus, and they are to serve a particular function. For example, smooth muscles present in the sphincters are designed to maintain a steady contraction for long periods of time and then rapidly relax or in other muscles, they remain constantly activated. To suit these varied functions, the smooth muscles consists of sheets of many small spindle-shaped cells linked together by junctional contacts. Although these serve as mechanical continuity between adjacent spindles, actually, in places there are gap junctions that are designed to provide electrical continuity between cells. Each cell is uninucleated, shorter than striated muscles, and broader than a myofibril. Unlike striated muscle, no cross striations are visible, although they contain the same contractile protein filaments, actin and myosin. It is important to note that their arrangement is irregular in a loose lattice unlike th e regular arrangement of skeletal and smooth muscles. Myosin has been termed as a molecular motor. This consists of two heavy chains and two pairs of light chains. The two terminal ends of the heavy chains create a coil that aggregate in the cell to create the basic unit of a thick filament. The remainder of this molecule juts outward from the thick filament creating the cross-bridge. Thus, these polypeptides combine

Mark Mathabane’s Kaffir Boy Essay Example for Free

Mark Mathabane’s Kaffir Boy Essay Racial Discrimination, has already been a long term phenomenon, in existent in almost all societies in different eras and civilization. The idea of discrimination is inevitable. Considering that such discrimination creates social structure as regards what is expected of everybody in a society and what is due to them. However, sometimes this social structure is abused, beyond its limit. People who belong to a higher status quo would definitely do whatever it takes to keep it. To illustrate, colonizers who had way better technology, combat powers and knowledge as compared to areas being colonized, would come to these new conquests are superiors. They would then take the locals as slaves and ravish on the wealth that they have to offer. In their own place, these locals become discriminated and unwanted. In return, locals would do whatever it takes to associate themselves with the colonizers, by looking like them, being friends with them, working for them, or marrying people of their kind. And it always seems that it is the right thing to do. When the British came to South Africa, this is exactly what happened. Mark Mathabane’s Kaffir Boy, tells a real story of a man who chose to fight a different battle to combat discrimination and inequality. While most of his relatives act as freedom fighters, he came to America to educate himself and to excel in a sport he loves. His success has given so much inspiration. His story as depicted in his book will take us with him as he reveals the horrors of his past. Mark Mathabane lived in a country, wherein racial divide, for most of its early years seemed to be the only thing that defines them. South Africa, a country nestled in the continent of Africa, was once invaded by white colonizers too. And they have proven that they came there to stay. In a country such as South Africa, a nation so unique as compared to other nations in the African continent. South Africa can be considered as diverse in a special way, because it is the only African country that has Caucasians as locals. Originally dominated by black Americans, South Africa is now a melting pot of two cultures. Analysis It had never occurred to me that though the two were different as night and day, as separate as east and -west, they had everything to do with each other; that one could not be without the other (94) This statement from Johannes best explains the struggles of Mathabane. In summary it explains how the two dominant races in South Africa has tried to isolate each group against each other, by means of creating physical division such as creating boundaries and naming certain places as black or white territory. Whites are in a way regarded more superior because they are more literate as well. The government also used formal means to strengthen the divide by creating laws such as prohibiting mix marriages, and creating policies in the education system that seems to favor a specific race. Overall, it was almost the generally accepted norm, to- categorize, discriminate. Kaffir Boy, is a tale about Mark Mathabane’s life growing up in South Africa, just outside of Johannesburg. Mark Mathabane lives in the town of Alexandra during industrial colonialism period with his parents, five sisters and a brother. He talks about how he experienced brutality and starvation from the Peri Urban, an Apartheid police group in South Africa. Growing up very poor, he dreamt of having a better life for him and his family. He often questioned the prejudices happening around him and has decided to take the course of his destiny in his own hands. As a young boy, he struggled with his identity. He wonders which religion he should practice, which country or class he should belong. There is so much craving for autonomy that at a young age he began resenting his parents religious and tribal heritage and eventually decided to leave Africa. Believing that religion, specifically Christianity was used wrongfully by different groups and races, he eventually rejected it. He believes that government used it to claim that God had given whites the divine right to rule over blacks; the black churches misused it by demanding money from Africans who were already destitute; and black churches further misused it by resigning themselves to the idea that this was their lot in life, Gods will for black men and women (36). Mathabane also recalled how apartheid made use of tribalism as form of torture against Africans. He believes that his father, allowed himself to be controlled by superstitions, Relatively mature for his age, he reiterates his independence by doing what he pleases with his life. For Mathabane, the Christian God is bias in favor of the whites and is oblivious to the Africans pain. Although he recognizes its legitimacy as sign of respect for her mothers faith, he still rejects it the way he rejects tribalism and African superstition. For him, submitting to any specific belief or religion is synonymous with compromising his free will. In page 208 of the book he further on states African superstition and tribal culture were not for him. His scorn for his father lay in the fact that his father clung to values which had outlived their usefulness, values which discriminated against him while he attempted to function within the white mans world (208). â€Å"What Mathabane did accept, though it took some trial and error, was his mothers understanding that education would lead him to a better life. Learning English, he decided, was the crucial key to unlocking the doors of the white world (193). The books that white people read led to the power they had over black people (254). Mathabane eventually decided that literacy was a necessary element in the liberation struggle. How can the illiterate function, he wondered, in a world ruled by signs (201) Books had taught him about places where he could be free to think and feel the way I want, instead of the way apartheid wants (254). He then realizes that he needs to make important decisions in order to make his dreams come true. Thinking that South Africa has nothing much to offer, at least for a poor black African boy like him, he decided to try his luck with American Universities. As he begins to plot his future, his tennis abilities begin to progress faster and better. Being an avid fan of Arthur Ashe, he takes his wins and losses as if his own. The achievements of his â€Å"idol† encourages him to do better every single day. From black state competitions, he started joining the more prestigious white state competitions. His participation in white state competitions led to his banning from joining black state competitions. At this point, he feels as if his progress in his craft takes him away from the things he loved the most. Luckily, Mark later on leaves for the United States as a university scholar, through the help of a famous American tennis player and other white donors. Conclusion Deep within me,I knew that I could never really leave South Africa or Alexandra. I was Alexandra, I was South Africa (348). This goes to show that despite of all the successes, the author looks back in his roots. At first, his move out of Africa was just his way of â€Å"escaping† the endless circle of failed dreams and lack of opportunities. But his absence in his country makes him reaffirm his identity, and gives him the opportunity, to finally appreciate what his past has to offer for his present and for his future. This book tells a very dark story filled with pain, sadness and loneliness on most of its chapters, but it also provides a strong foundation for the readers to further understand the plight of the narrator. The journey he took was not only of hope, but rather, a journey of rediscovery. How can the illiterate function, he wondered, in a world ruled by signs (201)? The books had taught him and transported him to places where he could be free to think and feel the way I want, instead of the way apartheid wants (254). Why burn the only thing that taught one to believe in the future, to fight for ones right to live in freedom and dignity? (285). Here reaffirms his conclusion as we experiences Soweto riots, which was triggered by resentment over the governments ruling that African education system be taught it Afrikaans instead of English. Upon witnessing the library burn down he inquired for enlightenment from one of his peers, who mentioned that the burning is for the destruction of all the traces of white oppression in the Bantu Education system. The struggles in his youth, leads him to think that literacy is the key to success. by learning English, he will be given better opportunities, the same as the whites. According to the author, literacy has given the whites so much edge and power over the black Africans. Having an education will somehow even out the playing field. Literacy for Mathabane is so important, that for him this will eventually lead them to be liberated from all their struggles. In the end, we really have no control over our government, over the people around us, and over norms and traditions we grew up with. But we do have full control over our perspective, our feelings and destiny. And this is precisely what Mathabane did. He took charge of his own future. This book inspires me to examine the choices I have made as a young person, at the same time, it makes me wonder whether the previous steps I have taken in life will take me closer to my aspirations or take me farther. But then, it makes me think deeper not just about my ambitions, but what I really want to contribute to my society in the end. This book serves as a wake up call. In a society wherein we are given so much opportunity, it seems as if we are left with no excuses not to excel. Reference: Mark Mathabane, 1998, Kaffir Boy, Simon Schuster Adult Publishing Group

U.S. Neutrality in World War I :: essays research papers

When World War I broke out in Europe, Woodrow Wilson announced that the United States would stay out of European affairs and remain neutral. Wilson was aware that the United States had no interest in the matters that did not directly affect the interests of America citizens. He hoped that the United States would remain neutral and continue to trade with warring nations. The American view of neutrality meant we were entitled to safely and freely trade with either side at war as long as it was out in the open seas. The United States hoped to stay out of the way because war was viewed as wasteful, irrational, and immoral. There was no reason for the U.S. to intervene with European affairs. In addition, Wilson was aware of the huge immigrant populations whom have come to the United States just recently from those nations currently at war. Many immigrants, such as the Irish, would not support the war because of their previous hatred toward Great Britain. Great Britain controlled a big portion of the sea during this time and was the first to set up a blockade between the United States and Germany. The United States protested but Britain continued to force American ships to be searched for food, medical supplies, and steel before reaching Germany. Although the United States was against the blockade, it had very little impact on the U.S. economy. With Great Britain going to war, the United States produced enough war-related exports to pull them out of its prewar recession. Although Wilson claimed neutrality, he held sympathetic feelings toward Great Britain. After all, the Americans shared language and culture to the English in contrast to Germany who ruled their nation in a more militaristic manner. Because Wilson did nothing in response to Great Britain’s violation of American neutrality, Germany saw this as an indication of siding with the English. Germany getting desperate with no trade with the U.S., their economy was frantically crumbling. In retaliation, Germany violated the international warfare law by attacking with submarines without warning. Wilson’s response: Germany must stop the blockade or face the consequences. Wilson agrees to reach a deal with Germany after they publish a statement to negotiate even though both France and Great Britain have proclaimed that this war would end with total victory over Germany. Wilson is trapped by his own ultimatum.

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Rudyard Kipling Required literature: Brodey K. , Malgaretti F. Focus on English and American Literature. M. , 2003. Pp. 191-197. Supplementary literature: ?. ?. . . ?. , , 2007. . 230-243. 1. English short-story writer, novelist and poet Kipling was the first Englishman to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature (1907). l His most popular works include â€Å"The Jungle Book† (1894) and the â€Å"Just So Stories† (1902), both children classics though they have attracted adult audiences also.He tried his hand at many sorts of genres: he was a dialect poet, folklorist, adventure novelist, writer of books for children. His books are valuable source of information not only about the 19th century, but about men in general. Born in India in 1865, Kipling was sent to England at the age of six, there to undergo eleven years of formal Victorian education. He returned to India in 1882, and for the next seven years worked as a reporter & soon turned to fiction writing. Speak about Kipling’s biography and its influence upon the creative works by the author. 2.Kipling never wrote by impulse – he had a doctrine and it sounds like â€Å"Art for Morality’s Sake†. He created the fantastic world of his own, very much rooted in reality. Speak about â€Å"Jungle Book† being a mixture of romanticism and realism. 3. Kipling became nationalist saying that English nation is the only that could bring the world to prosperity, to educate all people. But he does not speak about the English only but about the whole of mankind. And he shows some conditions under which a human being can become a man in his poem â€Å"If†. Prove that the author addresses the whole mankind in this poem. . One of his chief works – â€Å"Barrack-Room Ballad† – is a collection of poetry, about the experience of military service in India and other parts of the British Empire. It contains the most famous of Kipling’s dialect poems. There are two sections in this book. What do these two sections comprise? 5. â€Å"The Ballad of East and West† depicts the differences present between the east and west even though uniformity in human nature subsists around the world. In this ballad Kipling also displays his ability to create lifelike characters through â€Å"Kamal† and â€Å"The Colonel’s Son†.Through the use of imagery and witty verse he makes both of these fictional characters come alive. What is the most famous quotation from this ballad and why does it cause misinterpretation? 6. His novel â€Å"Kim† is generally regarded as his best novel. The story, set in India, depicts the adventures of an orphaned son of a sergeant in an Irish regiment. Kim is European, not an India, and he is not a Maugly because his system of values is a mixture of that of European and that of Indian, full of truth and superstitions. Judge the merits of the book. Speak about the philosophy of the book.

AIDS Article

The article is written by a gay man, who lost his first partner to AIDS and dedicated himself to spreading information about HIV prevention and campaigning for governmental attention to the problem in order to save ‘other gay and bisexual men from losing the ones they love’ (Williams, 2006, para. 6).Clark Williams also served as the interim executive director of the Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center at the moment of the article’s release and as a manager of county’s HIV prevention, counseling, and testing initiatves in 2001-2003.The article reports the LGBT community of Santa Clara County joining other concerned citizens at a meeting where the county’s Board of Supervisors Chair promised to attract additional financial resources to strengthen public health system in the face of accelerating rate of HIV transmission.The focus of the effort should be prevention and early diagnosis. The article recalls the start of HIV/AIDS epidemic that was first reg arded as a rare form of cancer endangering gay and bisexual male New Yorkers. In 2006, the number of Americans who died from AIDS reached 550,000 and continued to grow. Approximately 40,000 citizens are getting infected with HIV every year.Santa Clara County, for its part, has lost 2,000 residents to the disease. More than 2,500 were living with HIV/AIDS; this number might have been considerably higher because one in three citizens having HIV remains undiagnosed. 80 percent of new infections with the virus in Santa Clara County were among gay and bisexual males.Santa Clara County is reported as being ‘near the heart of our nation's HIV/AIDS epidemic’ (Williams, 2006, para. 5). Apart from focusing on the human tragedy of living with HIV diagnosis or loosing a friend, a family member, a colleague, or a neighbor to the disease, the article discusses the problem of HIV/AIDS through the prism of financial burden on the county’s social security system.Lifetime cost of HIV treatment is estimated to be as high as $155,000 per patient. These costs are much higher if the disease is not diagnosed at early stages, which is often the case in Santa Clara County, where patients learn about their HIV status in an emergency room.However, the author notes several positive developments in the field of public health, such as risk reduction counseling to people living with HIV/AIDS and public HIV test counseling locations. Santa Clara County is compared with San Francisco, where HIV test counseling facilities are abundant. In Santa Clara County, there is only one public testing facility, despite the fact that the number of LGBT is over 100,000 in the area.The Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center is deemed as the most appropriate place to establish another full-time test counseling facility, since it is known for its excellence in providing HIV prevention to at-risk population.One additional testing facility will not solve the problem in the county. It is not onl y LGBT population that is especially affected by the spread of HIV/AIDS. Other vulnerable groups include ethnic minorities, homeless and runaway youth, and drug addicts. Therefore, five part-time testing centers should be opened across Santa Clara County.One of the main strengths of the article is the fact that it is written from an insider’s perspective. Rapport between the author and readers is immediately established when Clark Williams shares his personal tragedy of loosing his loved once to AIDS.However, emotional pathos is not the main component of the writer’s credibility: Williams is a leader of Santa Clara County’s LGBT community, knowledgeable of the actual Status Quo with regard to HIV/AIDS prevention and counseling.

bio lab 6 essays

bio lab 6 essays Microscopy and the Electron Microscope Humans have been magnifying objects for centuries by using lens. Using lens to magnify objects has helped mankind know more about the cell theory and ways of life. Zacharias constructed the first compound microscope. Robert Hooke used the microscope to examine slices of cork. He noticed many little boxes and called them cells. Cells are the building blocks of life. We would not know as much about cells as we do with out microscopes. It is important to know about the different types of microscopes and how they function. CD player, Individualized Biology lab book, pen, and your brain. Objectives: (See page 2 of Individualized Biology Unit 9 Script.) Anton van Leeuwenhoek is considered to be the father of bacteriology. He used a simple microscope consisting of one lens to observe bacteria and other unicellular microorganisms. He grinded the lens he used, so that the lens had great curvature. He reached magnifications of 270 diameters. This was the most reached from his time. Magnification increases the visibility of what ever detail the objective lens can reveal. There is a significant relationship between wave length and resolving power. Wavelength is the distance between corresponding points on two successive waves. The shorter the wave lengths are used, the greater the resolving power is. Two objects that are closer together than one half the wave length of light used can not be seen as separate objects. There are several ways to increase the resolving power. You can use a shorter wave length, project on to screens, use quartz lens, use ultraviolet light, or use an objective lens that can accept a greater cone of light. The wavelength that would give the best resolving power for a light microscope is blue. Light source has a great effect on a microscope. The bright fi ...

Rational Expression Example

Rational Expression Example Rational Expression – Coursework Example Week One Discussion: Domains of Rational Expressions In simple words, the domain is the values (input) that go into a function (or a relation). In Real Number System, division by a zero is not defined that is it cannot be done. A rational number is expressed as a fraction that is a numerator divided by a denominator (p/q, q≠ 0). Many functions are defined using both a numerator and a denominator. Therefore, if we take the denominator value as a zero, the function (or relation) will be undefined according to the Real Number System. This is the reason why a denominator cannot be zero.My first rational expression is (g^2 – 6g – 55)/g. The denominator value is g. To find the excluded value(s) for the rational expression, I need to set the denominator equal to zero.g = 0Thus, domain (D) for my first expression is the set of all real numbers excluding 0. In set notation, this can be written as D = {g | g ∈ â„Å", g ≠  0}My second expression is (k^3 + k) /(k^2 + k – 42). The denominator value is (k^2 + k – 42). To find the excluded value(s) for the rational expression, I need to set the denominator equal to zero. k^2 + k – 42 = 0 –42 is the product of 7 and –6, and k is the sum of 7k and –6k. Therefore, k^2 + (7 – 6)k + (7)(–6) = 0 k^2 + 7k – 6k + (7)(–6) = 0 Taking k common from the first two terms and –6 coming from last two terms k(k + 7) – 6(k + 7) = 0 (k + 7)(k – 6) = 0 Setting each factor equal to zero. (k + 7) = 0 or (k – 6) = 0From both sides, subtracting 7 from first expression and adding 6 to second expression. k = –7 or k = 6Thus, domain (D) for my second expression is the set of all real numbers excluding –7 and 6. In set notation, this can be written as D = {k | k∈ â„Å", g ≠  –7, 6}Now, both of my rational expressions have excluded values in their domains. In the first expression, the exclud ed value is 0. The value of zero is excluded from the domain of the first expression because if inserted will make denominator value equal to zero, and thus, whole expression would become undefined. In the second expression, the excluded values are –7 and 6. The value of –7 and 6 are excluded from the domain of the second expression because if inserted will make denominator value equal to 0, thus, whole expression would become undefined.

6 Tips for Focusing When Writing

6 Tips for Focusing When Writing 6 Tips for Focusing When Writing 6 Tips for Focusing When Writing By Guest Author Isn’t it ironic that I’m having a hard time focusing on this list of tips to help people focus? As I struggle to keep deadlines, I realize that my work environment is filled with distractions – whether it’s other people’s conversations filling my head or the flashing of my instant-messaging window telling me a co-worker has a question. If I’m going to make this deadline, then I need to buckle down. Here are six tips that I’ve learned help me focus on my writing. 1. Wear headphones. In a cubicle environment, conversations carry. It’s easy to lose your train of thought when your co-workers are yapping about last night’s â€Å"Bachelorette† episode. So slap on the headphones and hit Play on the â€Å"Inception† soundtrack or some classical – something you can get lost in. Try noise-canceling headphones to eliminate even more outside interference. 2. Turn off e-mail and IM. Normally, the first thing I do when I start working is open up my e-mail and my Instant Messaging client. It’s not long before friends and co-workers are hitting me up for conversation or questions. Since these forms of communication are so instant, people expect an immediate reply. Before long, an hour might go by. When you really need to crank out a project, turn on only Microsoft Word or whatever word-processing software you use – consider checking your e-mail as a reward for when you’re finished. 3. Close the door. Whether you work at home or in an office, shutting a door can be helpful – literally and figuratively. Keeping out distractions around you can also keep them out of your head. I’ve known work-from-home people who set up an area just for work – they don’t allow themselves to wander around or let their pets hang out. Sad, perhaps, but it’s easy to lose focus and concentrate instead on chores that need to be done or that puppy in your lap. A closed door means â€Å"do not disturb† – assuming people take the hint. 4. Work at your desk. Continuing along the lines of sticking to a formal work environment, I’ve found that working at my desk keeps me focused. I stare straight ahead at my screen and the wall behind it, attempting to maintain decent posture in my ergonomic chair. But if I take my laptop and retreat to the couch, all hope for meeting a deadline is lost. Now I’m comfy – I just might take a nap! The couch is in front of the TV – maybe I’ll just see what Oprah is up to! Oh, and if I take said laptop to a cafà ©? Way too much people-watching opportunity! Sitting at a desk establishes that I am working, and the sooner I finish, the sooner I can take my laptop to the couch and simultaneously surf and watch TMZ. 5. Work in chunks of time. One of the most helpful blog posts I’ve read recently is on WebWorkerDaily about working in â€Å"chunks.† Dawn Foster recommends breaking down your day into blocks of time dedicated to each task. That way you can keep track of where your time is going as you tackle each item on your to-do list. If you’re a person who works best under pressure, having deadlines sprinkled throughout your day should keep you focused. 6. Keep your cell phone out of sight. I think voicemail is one of the greatest modern inventions. I usually let phone calls go to voicemail so that I can listen to and process each person’s message before dealing with it. But a lot of people still jump on their phones the moment it rings, taking them away from their work. Even visual or vibrating notifications of incoming calls and text messages can be distracting. So keep your phone in another room or in your messenger bag and check it every once in a while. About the Author: Jennifer Moline writes about small business, graphic design, printing and freelancing for the PsPrint blog, as well as for other graphic design websites. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Freelance Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Math or Maths?List of Greek Words in the English LanguageList of 50 Compliments and Nice Things to Say!

Gender Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Gender - Essay Example Feminist theory embraced in totality the concept of the distinction between the concept of biological sex and the socio-cultural construct of gender. In the current conservative societal systems, the gender-biological sex distinction is strictly followed in specific contexts, especially the documents written by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the social sciences. Put differently in other contexts, including social science areas, gender is the basic inclusion of sexuality, or it replaces sexuality. Although the change in gender meaning is overly traced in the 1980s, a meager acceleration of gender context in the scientific field was liberally observed in 1993 in the United States. This is the period in which USA’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began using the terminology gender instead of sex. Therefore, gender was reversely used during this period as a sexual view of individuals or as a person’s self-assessment and self-representation as male or female. Thi s paper, therefore, describes how individual social role players construct gender in a culture other than the ordinarily known cultures. Natural languages often make up all the gender distinctions. Gender relation and language may be of various kinds. Gender and language distinctions socially are more or less loosely associated with analogies of either perceived or actual differences between men and women. Some grammatical gender issues go far much beyond or totally ignore the masculine-feminine distinctions. In the explanation of gender and languages, the following are the key and elementary attributes of gender as a cultural construction concept. Firstly, languages include the terminologies used unequally while referring to men and women (Jowett, 2005). The conservative societal concern that the current language structures may be biased in favor of only

Psychological abuse in the adolescence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Psychological abuse in the adolescence - Essay Example The feeling of guilt might become prominent in some cases. This might even make the individual become prone to self-injury or self-harm. The condition might become more evident through changes in the victim's body language. For instance, some victims avoid eye contact while talking to someone else. There are many chances that such people might get misunderstood for exhibiting such weird behavior patterns. However, it becomes very important to exercise patience and understand the real problem. The need to do so becomes greater when the victim is an adolescent on the threshold of looking at life with an independent perspective as well as enthusiastic to take the responsibility of his/her own life. A psychological setback at this stage could just de-alienate them from their purpose and dreams. Samuel Griswold Goodrich's contention that abuse is the weapon of the vulgar is not at all exaggerated. How else would one explain the hatred of one human towards another by not only causing physical but also psychological trauma to another The concept of the entire humanity being an extended family just goes for a ride, for there is no tolerance and synonymous virtues attached to an action that robs an adolescent off his/her future. It is vulgar and there cannot be a more disturbing explanation. The most common symptoms that come out as psychologica... However, a more banal form of abuse involving exhibitionism can be very shocking to young adolescents. Abuse of teenagers can also be in the form of physical or emotional neglect or parental incompetence. A salutary reminder is the number of children who are in care at any one time, some of whom will have been taken into care because of abuse at home. (The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, ) It is very important to observe adolescents with an insightful eye. According to leading theorist Erikson's contention, adolescents are constantly exploring their identity. Every stage in their life poses a new question on identity crisis. An abusive setback can add more chaos to this crisis. The stages of 'split images' and 'dispersion' might be at the helm during such a phase. The victims of psychological abuse are generally not very communicative about their experiences. Even when they are probed, most adolescents would talk in terms of flashbacks or also might try to exhibit dissociative symptoms. Social withdrawal and avoidance of any stimuli that are closely related to the trauma (traumatic trigger) are very typical for traumatic experiences. Some adolescents try to self-medicate with alcohol and drugs to compensate for flashbacks and major emotional disturbances. Many adolescents are also afraid to talk about their traumatic experiences, especially if close relatives are invol ved. They may even feel extreme guilt over their failure to prevent the traumatic event. These adolescents need intensive care and protection. There is another side to the concept of abuse. The abuse might not always have physical or sexual overtones. It could be as abstract as a perspective that an adolescent might develop as he/she is maturing. It could be

Writting paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Writting paper - Essay Example It is also known as the Chase or Police and Thieves. The participants of the game are split in two teams. One team is the Cops or the Police- the good guys; the second team is the thieves- the bad guys. The cops chase the robbers and put them into a prison or jail. The robbers can not break free from the prison by themselves. Only a fellow thief can come and rescue the jailed robber by tagging him/her, while being vigilant about the police and trying that it does not catch them. The teams switch roles when all the robbers have been jailed. In a slightly modified version of the game, the robbers are given a few minutes margin before the chase begins. Both sides often use toy guns and assume a language and other artifacts that relate them to their role. Bimbo is another game that us popular amongst children, especially in Italy. The two main roles in the game are that of Bimbo (the leader) and the players who are chased. The players stand in two files facing each other, five yards apart, with their hands facing upwards behind their backs. The Bimbo has two leaves with him, and he struts behind the lines, discreetly placing the leaves in the hands of any two players, one from each line. Then he suddenly shouts â€Å"Stop! Thief! Lucky Leaf!† and that is the cue for the two players who are in possession of the leaves to run to the opposite side, avoiding being caught by the Bimbo (Cagel, 2010). These two players then pass the leaves to another two players who run across the play area to the opposite line and so on, while the Bimbo tries to catch them. If the Bimbo catches any person who has the leaf, then that person is the new Bimbo. Both Cops and Robbers and Bimbo are outdoor games and the theme of the game remains the same: the thrill of chase. The games are similar in the respect that there are two different roles that the participants are split into, and both games can involve a large group of children. The concept of assuming a pretended identity is

Labor Relations Reseach Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Labor Relations Reseach - Research Paper Example Predominantly, in the heavy industries of south west and the north east, another get natured in the thriving consumer industries of the east, southern coast provinces (Beik, 2005). This has steered to the rise of two new labor movements. State sector workers have complained and struck to shield their jobs, while in foreign-owned and private factories, dismal conditions and dictatorial management are matters that have provoked insurgency. The largest and the most dramatic labor protests in China get induced by laid-off workers against the regularly corrupt and illegal methods in which their enterprises get sold off, or for owing unpaid benefits, which they remained entitled to. Nevertheless, their radicalism happens at the moment of departure from the working classes when they do not anymore have the power to halt production. However, there has been a rising trend for workers to be against the corrupt conditions in which their enterprises get privatized, and to leap in before they get laid off (Pringle, 2010). Deng Xiaoping agreed as many western academics ostensibly do not, that not only is there no essential connection between political and economic liberalism, but the realization of China’s economic success has been reliant on political repression to subdue the inevitable dissatisfaction (Oxford University, 2011). When tanks rolled into Tiananmen Square in 1989, he described the frightening logic behind the resolution: â€Å"Even if we sacrifice 10 to 20 thousand persons, we must exercise control above the situation of the country and get twenty years tranquility in response†. However, workers showed to be far stronger than Deng expected, with strikes recounted even in the 2nd half of 1989. The most significant feature of the growing industrial disturbance is that for the first while since 1948, strikes have become an undying feature of Chinese society. In addition, unlike the past, this has occurred at a time of agreement among the leadership o f Communist Party (Oxford University, 2011). For instance, the Chinese Honda Motor Company faced the worst strikes in its 18-year-old manufacturing business. The company said it needed to develop communication with its employees in the nation after the strikes took the company by shock. Honda, Japanese second - largest automaker, made the report after strikes at 2 suppliers in China paused its car output in China for the first time and required the company to raise their wages. Another third strike, at Honda Lock (Guangdong) Company, Guangdong province, got suspended for the union leaders and management to negotiate over pay. There are no effective networks in China for management and workers to negotiate, said Crothall Geoffrey, a Hong Kong-based China Labor Bulletin advocacy group spokesman. Discussions between the two parties get handled by government - associated union officers who can not selected by the workers. Honda is trying to construct a system that will facilitate a flow of communication between workers via managers to Honda management team and Japanese company officials (Beik, 2005). The first measure to be taken by the company was increasing its wages as demanded by the striking workers. Before any communication developments, the company had to solve the underlying problems of the strike which primarily included wages increment. After ward, the company had

The story of an hour by Kate Chopin Research Paper

The story of an hour by Kate Chopin - Research Paper Example mmediate duty to grieve over her husband’s death as depicted in the line â€Å"She wept at once, with sudden, wild abandonment, in her sister’s arms.† Mrs. Mallard, however, escapes the face of agony right away upon entry to her room, as though it were a private world of all unseen hopes. Apparently, the room represents another dimension consisting of objects that symbolize what Mrs. Mallard has long yearned for and Chopin illustrates this in the phrases â€Å"new spring life†, â€Å"delicious breath of rain†, and â€Å"countless sparrows† twittering. While part of her consciousness has fully absorbed the thought that she is expected to mourn for a major loss, she is being spontaneously consumed by something that makes her exclaim â€Å"free, free, free!† and â€Å"Free! Body and soul free!† in a rather cautious mumbling gesture which is altogether understood by herself alone. In that realm, the moment of illumination leads the widow to cherish mixed conflicting emotions where she obtains a sense of certainty toward a much desired fate – the return to singlehood and freedom. Chopin proceeds to enumerate the attributes that recollect the state of youth of Mrs. Mallard, stating â€Å"She was young with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength.† These details may be claimed as necessary in order for the character of Louise to emerge out of Mrs. Mallard and exhibit some sharper manifestation of hope for liberation despite lack of concrete evidences to support the idea that the passing away of Brently amounts to the happiness of Louise. This hope eventually shatters when Mr. Mallard comes back alive, contrary to the previous belief, so that his presence causes the irony of his wife’s diagnosis where â€Å"the joy that kills† is actually a metaphor that means â€Å"the joy that has been killed.† Women of the 1800s lived in societies that were sexist by nature. Most opportunities in and out of an industry employed men for a variety of

Labor Relations Reseach Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Labor Relations Reseach - Research Paper Example Predominantly, in the heavy industries of south west and the north east, another get natured in the thriving consumer industries of the east, southern coast provinces (Beik, 2005). This has steered to the rise of two new labor movements. State sector workers have complained and struck to shield their jobs, while in foreign-owned and private factories, dismal conditions and dictatorial management are matters that have provoked insurgency. The largest and the most dramatic labor protests in China get induced by laid-off workers against the regularly corrupt and illegal methods in which their enterprises get sold off, or for owing unpaid benefits, which they remained entitled to. Nevertheless, their radicalism happens at the moment of departure from the working classes when they do not anymore have the power to halt production. However, there has been a rising trend for workers to be against the corrupt conditions in which their enterprises get privatized, and to leap in before they get laid off (Pringle, 2010). Deng Xiaoping agreed as many western academics ostensibly do not, that not only is there no essential connection between political and economic liberalism, but the realization of China’s economic success has been reliant on political repression to subdue the inevitable dissatisfaction (Oxford University, 2011). When tanks rolled into Tiananmen Square in 1989, he described the frightening logic behind the resolution: â€Å"Even if we sacrifice 10 to 20 thousand persons, we must exercise control above the situation of the country and get twenty years tranquility in response†. However, workers showed to be far stronger than Deng expected, with strikes recounted even in the 2nd half of 1989. The most significant feature of the growing industrial disturbance is that for the first while since 1948, strikes have become an undying feature of Chinese society. In addition, unlike the past, this has occurred at a time of agreement among the leadership o f Communist Party (Oxford University, 2011). For instance, the Chinese Honda Motor Company faced the worst strikes in its 18-year-old manufacturing business. The company said it needed to develop communication with its employees in the nation after the strikes took the company by shock. Honda, Japanese second - largest automaker, made the report after strikes at 2 suppliers in China paused its car output in China for the first time and required the company to raise their wages. Another third strike, at Honda Lock (Guangdong) Company, Guangdong province, got suspended for the union leaders and management to negotiate over pay. There are no effective networks in China for management and workers to negotiate, said Crothall Geoffrey, a Hong Kong-based China Labor Bulletin advocacy group spokesman. Discussions between the two parties get handled by government - associated union officers who can not selected by the workers. Honda is trying to construct a system that will facilitate a flow of communication between workers via managers to Honda management team and Japanese company officials (Beik, 2005). The first measure to be taken by the company was increasing its wages as demanded by the striking workers. Before any communication developments, the company had to solve the underlying problems of the strike which primarily included wages increment. After ward, the company had

Correct the grammar Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Correct the grammar - Essay Example Additionally, the living room contains three tables. The first one is 2† X 2† and it is in the left side of the couch, the second one is in front of the couch with measurement of 7† X 5† X4† h. The third one is a TV table and it is in the front of the door, the table measuring 12† L X 3† W X 5† H. Between the window, which is in the opposite side of the door, and the TV table there is a Christmas tree measuring 5† X 5†. On the right side of the couch there will be the trashcan. The floor of the living room is furnished by half carpet and half wood. The interior walls are covered with decoration sheets, and the window is covered with a curtain. Based on the fuel, heat and oxygen, the fire will ignite and spread easily. The fire will start from the trashcan and will be spread by the wall decoration and the couch by the convection and conduction transfer of heat. However, most of the fuels are sitting horizontally so the fire will spread slowly because of the limited heat transfer, the air way opposite to the fuel (counter flow flame spread). Few minutes later the fire will get to the point of flame over, and then to the flash over, which will make the fire to spread because the smoke will spread all over the room, and by the heat transfer of radiation, which is coming from the smoke will ignite anything far away from the main fire. Additionally, the living room contains good ventilation so it is possible to have a back

Europe On The Eve Of World War I Essay Example for Free

Europe On The Eve Of World War I Essay World War I, or The Great War, actually started on June 28, 1914 upon the assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, by a Serbian national. This led to a series of battles upon the eventual formation of the Central Powers made up of Germany, Austro-Hungary, the Turkish Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria, and they fought against the Entente Powers made up of Russia, France and Great Britain. However, since â€Å"Europe stumbled unexpectedly into war in the summer of 1914,†1 the question remains as to which of the major countries that fought the First World War were most prepared in terms of economy and military strength and which were not. Britain Among the Entente Powers during WWI, Britain was actually considered â€Å"the greatest colonial power [and] maintained the greatest navy. †2 However, it is also a fact that during that time Britain â€Å"was being increasingly challenged by France and Russia†3 and Germany. The British in fact â€Å"increased their warship production with the  William R. Griffiths and Thomas E. Griess, The Great War (2003): 1. 2. Ian Westwell, World War I Day by Day (1999): 7 3. Ibid. 4. Spencer Tucker, The Great War 1914-18 (1998): 3 intention of war†5 and in fact had a series of wars with Africa in 1899. Britain, along with the other great European powers, â€Å"embarked on an arms race that ran in tandem with the scramble for colonies,†6 which simply means that the reason they improved their armies and navies was because â€Å"they needed to protect far-flung colonies and maintain a balance of military power with their neighbors in Europe. †7 During the early 20th century, Britain launched â€Å"HMS Dreadnought, a Battleship incorporating several new technologies that was far superior to any vessel afloat in 1906†8 This was somehow the reason why other European powers especially Germany began improving and â€Å"building their own dreadnought-type battleships†9 because they saw â€Å"a sudden vulnerability of their costly fleets. †10 However, one rumor was that â€Å"the British recognized the naval competition from Germany as a threat to their existence,†11 though â€Å"the naval arms race between these two powers would continue until the eve of the war. 5. Westwell, 7. 6. Ibid, 8. 7. Ibid. 8. Ibid. 9. Ibid, 9. 10. Ibid. 11. Griffiths and Greis, 5. 12. Ibid. It is said that naval arms race between these two powers would continue until the eve of the war. †13 Nevertheless, â€Å"by 1914, Germany had a navy second only to England’s. †14 Economically, it is said that Britain, along with France and Germany, was ready for the Great War. The most important influence upon British and the rest of the European military during those times was in fact â€Å"the largess bestowed upon European societies by the Industrial Revolution. †15 It is said that â€Å"a wealth of goods, rising productivity, and material well-being†16 were brought about by the factories of the latter half of the 19th century. This period of economic growth all over Europe led to â€Å"the greater availability of education for the lower classes† and that â€Å"better and more widespread educational opportunities enabled citizens to comprehend more readily the†¦military affairs of the state. †17 This perhaps encouraged nationalism among the people of the various European nations. Consequently such feelings may have similarly encouraged rivalries with other nations. Thus, the soil for the war was fertile and all it needed was the seed – which was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. 13. Griffiths and Greis, 5. 14. Ibid. 15. Ibid, 6 16. Ibid. 17. Ibid. France As early as 1870, â€Å"France had considered itself – and had been considered by others – the leading military power of Europe. †18 It was defeated by Germany during the Franco-Prussian War in 1871 but it was not stated whether this war was really a showcase of the French military but rather it â€Å"meant a lasting antagonism†19 with Germany. Nevertheless, despite being a military power in the late 9th century, France had its â€Å"entire†¦province of Alsace [seized as well as] part of a second province, Lorraine. †20 Germany Since the empire became united in 1871, â€Å"imperial Germany had rapidly emerged as the dominant industrial and military power†21 in Europe and such â€Å"created a potentially explosive situation. It was also believed that â€Å"by the start of the twentieth century, Germany was creating a first-class navy,† which was in fact considered â€Å"the most obvious and dramatic illustration of Germany’s surging power in many spheres. †23 Such was the 18. Neil M. Heyman, World War I (1997): 5. 19. Ibid. 20. Ibid. 21. Ibid. 22. Ibid. 23. Ibid. greatness of the military strength of Germany in the early 20th century. In addition to that, Germany also had an economy that was emerging as one of the strongest in the whole of Europe. Since 1870, Germany’s â€Å"industry had grown so rapidly that this part of Europe, which had supplied immigrants to the Western Hemisphere for more than a century, now imported labor from Poland. †24 Twentieth century Germany was actually home to â€Å"higher education and scientific research [and] a system of social insurance for its working class† and in fact, the country â€Å"could pride itself on being a world leader. † Germany also prided itself with a great leader during that time. The ruler of Germany, Kaiser Wilhelm II, was often considered as â€Å"the embodiment and often the director of [Germany’s] restless energies. †25 By the late 19th century, Kaiser Wilhelm II earned the respect and friendship of a few ambitious military leaders who were against Britain and who would want to challenge it to war. One of these military leaders was Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz, the Secretary of State of the Imperial Naval Office of Germany at that time. Moreover, Kaiser Wilhelm II also had his own imperialist ambitions as well for he considered the German navy â€Å"a tool of external power†26 and even declared it to Prime Minister Arthur Balfour of Britain in 1902, many years before the outbreak of WWI. In fact â€Å"the Kaiser sought to play   24. Heyman, 5. 25. Ibid, 6. 26. Ibid. politics, and repeatedly declared that he was determined to make Germany not just dominant in European affairs but in the world† and had a â€Å"desire for a German-dominated central Europe. †27 Such was the measure of Wilhelm II’s ambition and resolve. The Kaiser’s biographer even wrote, â€Å"Only with a fleet could Germany be able to elicit from the British the esteem Wilhelm II believed to be his due. †28 Germany was indeed already a strong power in the early 20th century many years before the outbreak of the Great War. It is said that â€Å"the security of Austria-Hungary, the weaker of the Central Powers, was [even] guaranteed by Kaiser Wilhelm II [since] late 1912. †29 Such was the strength of Germany at that time that they could even guarantee the protection of the territory of another country in addition to their own. Conclusion On the eve of World War I, Britain, France and Germany were all ready for the war that was to ensue. However, among the three, Germany seemed to be the most prepared especially when it came to the military, specifically the development and advancement of its naval warships as well as powerful leadership in the person of Kaiser Wilhelm II. On the other hand, France, although a leading military power of Europe at that time, was in fact torn apart by Germany during the 1871 Franco-Prussian War, hence was not impressively strong compared to Britain and Germany. 27. Tucker, 3. 28. Heyman, 6. 29. Westwell, 9. BIBLIOGRAPHY Griffiths, Williams R. and Griess, Thomas E. The Great War. New York: Square One Publishers, Inc. , 2003. Heyman, Neil M. World War I. Connecticut: Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc. , 1997. Tucker, Spencer. The Great War 1914-18. Indiana: Indiana University Press, 1998. Westwell, Ian. World War I Day by Day. New York: The Brown Reference Group, Plc. , 1999.

Effective leadership styles in problem solving

Effective leadership styles in problem solving This assignment shall critically analyze the extent to which effective management and leadership styles can be used to address and solve problems in social care and health environments. Introduction The service field of social and health care environments has made great progress in recognizing its values for the future periods and things which require changing to achieve considerable and noticeable improvements across a variety of services. Management and Leadership styles need to be used effectively to bring out noticeable changes and for achieving specific actions to make significant improvements a reality in the social and healthcare environment. Effective and efficient implementation of change and improvement is a dynamic and comprehensive process which takes its due time to come into action and specific management and leadership programmes are usually unique to every organization. Every organization depends upon change and programmes for improvement for different reasons. Leadership plays a very vital role in the success of organisational improvement in social and healthcare service sectors. Effective leaders can enable improvements to take place and they have the capability to foretell the direction in which an organisation must be headed in terms of service delivery such as greater service user involvements and also guide their organisation in this direction. It is very important to have a predetermined purpose or ideology involving employees to bring about improvements in the system. The management must set the scope of these improvements and it is leaderships responsibility to aide in bringing and implementing changes for betterment of the services. Overview of Health and Social Care Sector Healthcare sector refers mainly to all those services which are offered by hospitals, clinics, general practitioners to prevent, diagnose and treating illness. This is a main and primary activity United Kingdom and consumes important parts of Gross Domestic Product and accounts of employing over ten million people across the country. This is a very complex sector comprising of not just healthcare service providers but also private and public funders and patients (consumers). Furthermore, significant economic sectors are associated actively with this sector, particularly pharmaceuticals and suppliers of medical equipments. In this assignment we shall concentrate on service provision of healthcare and how management and leadership styles can bring about improvement and address the problems of this sector. Social services is a multifaceted concept having different meanings and could include, provision of welfare payments and pensions. This assignment the term social services will be confined to work which is rendered by a person or organisation for furtherance of welfare of citizens. It includes, but is not restricted to, services for: Children and their families Disabled individuals of all age groups Elderly individual particularly those suffering from mental health problems Individuals misusing drugs and alcohol Services related to HIV/AIDS The typical providers of social services are public authorities and voluntary organisations however; private sector also plays an important role, to illustrate, provision of long-term care facilities. Healthcare and Social services were treated differently traditionally, due to their origins but also because of the fact that interest groups maintained their boundaries. This entire situation is undergoing changes throughout the western world due to different factors which include increase in elderly population, increase in awareness of preventing diseases instead of cure and an increased demand from customers (citizens) integrated services to meet needs specific in nature. This resulted in increasing stress on care including healthcare in the community, with higher collaboration between both sectors healthcare and social service providers. United Kingdom offers a National Health Service (NHS) free of cost at the point of delivery; this expenditure is funded primarily through general t axation. Several issues that affect healthcare also affect social services, especially ageing society. However, the functioning of hospitals and community-based care has transformed differently. UK is now exploring ways of coordinating both sets of services more efficiently, for e.g. shifting towards a home-based and community care grouped with correct use of expensive hospital services. This can be achieved and development in informatics and associated disciplines are anticipated to offer it. (OST, 2001, p. 8) Current Trends and Driving Forces of Social and Healthcare Sector Healthcare and Social care service sector is currently undergoing different changes and thus it is essential to evaluate what are the current trends and forces responsible for these changes. This assignment shall look at the most significant trends and drivers affecting health and social services sector, they are: Changes in Demography and society: The citizens of UK are currently living in ageing societies. However, the major concern is workforce and elder ageing, i.e. increase in number of persons above 80. This phenomenon is known as triple ageing. The resultant effects of triple ageing on health and social services are well known. Increasing consumerism and expectations. The term consumer patient is reflective on the assumption that more and more number of people are expecting to receive health care services they need at affordable prices. Latest medical technologies The need to reduce health costs, extend life expectancy and improve quality of life is often cited as drivers for technological developments in health and social sector. Many people believe that these latest technologies can totally transform and revolutionise the healthcare sector, despite concerns of increasing costs. Leadership in Healthcare and Social Services Leadership and management are two important factors which will help bring about the needed changes in the Healthcare and Social Services sector. Clarity and effective communication is very important for leaders depending on improvement initiatives. In the same line, frontline employees require to be provided with opportunities to embrace the latest ideology and purpose and customize it so that they can alter services accordingly. Leadership in healthcare and social services will be successful when the management decides the purpose of the organization and underlies requirements for improvement, analyzes what changes required to be made to achieve these objectives and examine how the necessary improvements can be achieved. To make a success of the implementing changes in service, leaders must make sure there is effective communication amongst the staff which is two-way and useful. Management in social and healthcare sector Management of the organization should entrust employees to carry forward improvements and enhancements in their daily service delivery. It is always possible for employees to be involved in what of the change, however there is a wide scope for involving how. Management must try to involve employees in the stages of planning, this will encourage staff to acknowledge and support the improvement process while feeling sense of ownership over the improvements. The main management style here is democratic in nature which means employees are heard to and their opinions and ideas are considered, including those employees who might not easily welcome changes. Employees must be given the tasks of carrying forward improvements in their daily routine work. Encourage them to participate in making decisions independently. Workers must be allowed to participate in discussions, questions and design activities of improvement. Another important aspect of democratic management style is feedback from em ployees which is a result of consulting on exercises and decisions taken based on inputs. Encouraging teamwork, both inter and intra-departmental, comprising of diverse members. Employees must be exposed to development of activities which they had been a part of while designing. Provide the staff with ample time for involvement, developmental activities and participation. If staff is finding it difficult to balance present commitments with time for improving services, then work along with the management and find answers. Management and Leadership Styles Management is a universal concept and is very popularly used terminology in the business world. Every type of organization be it business, political, cultural or social involves management since it is management which assists and directs the different efforts of people towards a predetermined goal or objective. According to Harold Koontz, Management is an art of getting things done through and with the people in formally organized groups. It is an art of creating an environment in which people can perform and individuals and can co-operate towards attainment of group goals On the other hand, Leadership is a process through which an executive could direct, guide and influence behaviour and work of other individuals in the direction of achieving particular goals in an existing situation. Leadership refers to the potential of influencing the behaviour of others in the organization. It can in specific terms be referred to as the capacity to influence a group towards goals realization. It is the capability of a manager to motivate his subordinates to work together with confidence and enthusiasm. There are three main categories of management and leadership styles which are as given below: Autocratic managers are decision makers and closely control and supervise employees. Managers generally have less levels of trust and just give orders which are expected to be obeyed. Paternalistic managers tend to give more attention to the social needs and views of their employees. Managers are keen on making the employees feel happy and generally act as a father figure. They tend to consult employees about different issues and listen to their feedbacks and opinions. However, managers are actual decision makers but do take interests of workers into consideration since they believe staff actually needs direction. Democratic Managers are those who entrust their employees and encourage them to make important decisions. They would delegate work to them along with authority to do and also listen to their advice. There is a clear bi-directional communication which often includes democratic groups, offering useful tips and ideas. Managers should be willing to encourage skills of leadership among subordinates. Conclusion and Recommendations Health and Social Care services are in the midst of transformation at national, local and international level. The core of these changes lies in the desire to offer customers with increased levels of involvement in their caring, promotion greater choices and interdependence amongst users and more efficiently support from the entire community, everything while staying within the parameters of standards of quality and budgets. Some programmes are usually unique to particular organisations, beyond general regions targeted for improvements. Sometimes, organisations might undergo changes due to increasing pressures from their funding institutions or government, while others may be responding to changes due to poor standards and lastly organisations that are aligning their management to cope up with the new changes in the sector. Main recommendations for adopting management and leadership styles in health and social care services are: Effective leadership in the organisation which motivates employees in the organisation to willing participate in changes and also respond to it. Involving employees and their participation in decision making to cope up with the changes in the sector. Identify skills and help in development of those skills of employees. Employees must be constantly given chances to improve their existing skills and develop new skills according to the changing environment. Management of organisations in social and healthcare sectors must have a more democratic approach which will encourage employees to participate and also motivate them to work to their full potential.

Lets Put an End to Parking Problems! Essay -- Argumentative Persuasiv

Let's Put an End to Parking Problems!    I would like to see the parking and traffic crunch on and around this campus eased. Unless a student arrives before 8 o'clock in the morning or in the afternoon, cruising the parking lots or streets for a place to park is routine. Even buying a parking sticker does not mean you will have the privilege of a space. Competition for spaces during the rush hours of 9 A.M. to 11 A.M. is cutthroat. Would-be parkers stake out sections of a parking row and sit in their cars hoping someone in their section will leave. The other ploy is to try and catch someone who is just walking back to their car in order to plead for that space. lf these tricks fail, the only thing left is to park far away on the street and walk.      There would seem to me to be several ways to help the situation. The most obvious of these solutions is to increase the amount of parking available. Another solution is to make car pooling more attractive. Set aside space in a convenient lot for these cars with three or more occupants. Perhaps another incentive...

Kudler Fine Foods Problem Statement Essay

The following is a problem statement explaining what is currently wrong with Kudlers plans on expansion, and how they can improve these plans. Introduction After reviewing the strategic plan for Kudlers Fine Foods it is obvious there are several issues that will stunt the growth and success of the organization. The company is suffering from a lack of management and poor organization planning. The issues that will be discussed are the poorly developed expansion and growth plans, and the lack of risk management in preparation of a competitor entering the market. Problem Statement The management at Kudler Fine Foods is planning on opening a new location when all of the current locations are not successful, and the company has not done a proper analysis of the need for their services in the area. Also Kudler is not prepared for factors that may decrease the profitability of the company, or factors that can contribute to the failure of a new location. Solution With the Del Mar location not producing profit as expected this is the location management should use to create a market research and analysis plan. By using this location they will be able to determine the factors that are hindering the success of this location and then develop ways to counteract those factors. The benefit is they will improve the business done at that location before opening a new location. By looking at factors like population, socio-economic status in locations surrounding area and health factors in the area can determine what the need are for the community. Management should also look to see where people are purchasing food in the community and what types of food and products are selling at the local grocery. If there are gourmet products selling out of the supermarket than that is a factor that needs to be accounted for. Once the market research is done Kudlers management can the focus on a risk management plan. Before a risk management plan can be established they must know what risk are out there and the market analysis and research will help the company determine what risk and challenges they face. Risk management is a part of a basic business plan, I see where threats are outlined in the strategic plan but there are no alternative plans to minimize each threat nor are there any plans for how to be competitive should a competitor arise. Kudler only considers other gourmet shops as competition they should also consider, grocery stores that sell gourmet foods a competitor. Then they should focus on how to maintain their existing book of business. If Kudler developed their website so customers could place orders online that would give them a way to expand while working on the risk management plans and the online based business would also help with the market research. A high concentration of orders coming from a specific location may be an indicator used to determine where to open a new store. Desired Resolution Kudler Fine Foods will be able to expand all facets of the business and have a risk management plan in place to counter act competition entering the market. Kudler will expand in to locations where they will be successful. Kudler will also have an effective and efficient model for future expansion and growth. Conclusion The goal of Kudler Fine Foods is expansion and growth while increasing profit and the current book of business. By doing the extra research and implementing a risk management program before opening a new location will increase the success of all three current locations and ensure the success of any future locations. It will also help Kudler organize and develop other facets of the business like the website. A little extra work goes along way and with the risk management plan in place and a new location market analysis model being used Kudler Fine Foods should be able to grow and meet all the organizations goals.

Prison Rape Victims

Meeting the Needs of Prison Rape Victims A Technical Assistance Guide for Sexual Assault Counselors and Advocates PENNSYLVANIA COALITION AGAINST RAPE The mission of PCAR is to work to eliminate all forms of sexual violence and to advocate for the rights and needs of victims of sexual violence. At PCAR's core is the statewide network of sexual violence centers that work in concert with PCAR to administer quality services to survivors and their significant others.PCAR centers provide 24-hour services, seven days a week, including free and confidential crisis intervention; individual and support group counseling; hospital, court, and police accompaniment; prevention education within schools and the community; and information and referrals. In addition to providing technical assistance in a variety of areas, the role of PCAR is to oversee the sexual violence centers' contracts; monitor relevant legislation and public policy issues; provide library resources and educational trainings; and create public awareness/prevention campaigns for statewide implementation.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PCAR wishes to thank Rachel Shupp, BSW, Shippensburg University, class of 2006, for her work on this guide. As part of her senior-year internship at PCAR, Rachel researched the issue of prison rape extensively, visiting various prisons throughout Pennsylvania and responding to letters from victims of prison rape. These experiences and Rachel's compassion for victims helped inform this publication.Copyright  © 2006 The content of this publication may be reprinted with the following acknowledgement: This material was reprinted from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape's publication entitled, Meeting the Needs of Prison Rape Victims: A Technical Assistance Guide for Sexual Assault Counselors and Advocates. This guide is available on our website: pcar. org Meeting the Needs of Prison Rape Victims A Technical Assistance Guide for Sexual Assault Counselors and Advocates TABLE OF CONTENTSIntrod uction The Prison Rape Elimination Act Inmates as Victims Ethical Dilemmas: Working with a Victim who is also an Offender Prison Entry: The Basics Collaborating with Correction Staff Inmate Support Groups State Level Responses in Pennsylvania Conclusion 2 3 3 5 8 10 14 18 19 INTRODUCTION P rison rape has gone largely unaddressed by social service programs; correctional institutions; and until recently, lawmakers in this country. When prison rape is mentioned in the media or general public, it is often in the form of a joke or jest. Nothing about rape is funny, regardless of where or to whom it occurs.Victims of prison rape are at high risk of becoming victims again, largely because they may be too fearful to reach out for help or when they do, they find services specific to their needs are unavailable. They often fear experiencing further trauma and shame if they come forward. If they do choose to tell someone, their cries are sometimes ignored or disregarded. When victims of prison rape are released-as the majority of inmates areand rejoin our communities, they often suffer a complex interplay of biopsychosocial effects from their victimization. There is a severe lack of research surrounding the frequency of prison rape.It was approximated that inside correctional facilities in the midwestern region of the country, one in five males experience a pressured or forced sexual incident, and approximately one in 10 males report completed rape (Stop Prisoner Rape, 2006). According to the same study, rates of female sexual assault in prisons in that same region are estimated to range from six percent to 27 percent. Due to underreporting, it is likely that these figures do not capture the full scope of sexual assault in correctional facilities. The incidence of prison rape also varies between institutions, thus increasing he difficulty of acquiring accurate and nationally representative statistical figures. The collection of accurate prison rape data is impeded by lim ited definitions of â€Å"sexual assault† and flawed reporting and response protocol in operation within many correctional institutions throughout our nation. 2 THE PRISON RAPE ELIMINATION ACT (PREA) The problem of prison rape, its underreporting, and lack of appropriate responses to victims were catalysts for the passage of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). Passed in 2003, PREA specifically addresses the issue of rape in correctional institutions and facilities throughout the nation.The main goal of the law is to support the reduction, elimination, and prevention of rape within correctional facilities at the federal, state, and local levels. PREA also mandates national data collection efforts, provides funding for program development and research, and endorses a national commission to develop standards and accountability measures. Anti-sexual violence coalitions, local rape crisis centers, and correctional institutions are currently collaborating across the country in response to PREA and the needs of prison rape victims.For more information on such collaborations, see RESHAPE, a Newsletter on the Prison Rape Elimination Act, Issue #18, the National Sexual Assault Coalition Resource Sharing Project, available at http://www. resourcesharingproject. org/ newsletters. html. The main goal of PREA is to support the reduction, elimination, and prevention of rape within correctional facilities at the federal, state, and local levels. INMATES AS VICTIMS Many people carry strongly-held beliefs about prisoners that are not easy to sway.Some see the inmate population as undeserving of services and that prison rape is a form of poetic justice, or part of the punishment for their delinquent behavior. Prison rape seems to be an accepted norm and almost expected in the prison environment and therefore difficult to address and prevent. Many people blame rape victims for their victimization. Public blame is often magnified when the victim happens to be incarcerat ed. It is difficult for many people to empathize with â€Å"criminals† and to see them as â€Å"victims. † 3 Try to imagine you are living within the walls of a prison.You can almost touch both walls of your cell when you open your arms as wide as they can go. When you close your eyes, you can still see the graffiti that adorns your walls-desperate pleas of the inmates that came before you. The bars on the window allow only a sliver of sunlight into your cell. You have little or no contact with anyone on the outside and no one you can trust on the inside. You committed a nonviolent crime that you deeply regret. You live in fear everyday of being beaten or raped. The trauma of a rape can be especially devastating to someone who already feels isolated and without power or choices.Because of the social stigma and shame attached to the issue, it is difficult to tell even a close friend or family member that you have been a victim of rape. Imagine having to tell your story to a perfect stranger who is likely unprepared for or unsympathetic about such a disclosure. If correctional officers and staff are unresponsive, the victim's mental health status can quickly deteriorate. This can lead to long-term problems that manifest themselves upon this person's release. Rape not only poses a threat to the mental wellbeing of an individual, but also to the physical health of that person.For example, HIV and AIDS are a serious threat to the prison population with higher rates of infection than in the general population (Mariner, 2001). 4 ETHICAL DILEMMAS: WORKING WITH A VICTIM WHO IS ALSO AN OFFENDER Advocates bring many skills to their work with victims-professionalism, compassion, empathy, and resourcefulness are just a sampling. Advocates also bring their personal experiences, values, morals, and beliefs to the work, which can strengthen and sometimes hinder services depending on the situation. On one hand, rape crisis advocates and counselors may feel ethica lly obligated to erve victims of prison rape as well as other traditionally underserved victims such as people of color; males; children; elderly; people with disabilities; people living in poverty; immigrants, refugees, and victims of sex trafficking; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered individuals; and others. On the other hand, rape crisis advocates and counselors may struggle with the idea of helping someone who has potentially hurt another person or has even sexually abused or assaulted someone. It can be a wonderful experience to expand horizons and travel beyond one's comfort zone.At the same time, it can also be upsetting to enter into unfamiliar territory or work. Think about what is possible. Prepare. Listen to one's inner voice and instincts and acknowledge ethical obligations and limitations. Basic Human Rights All humans are entitled to rights, including incarcerated individuals. One basic right that many victims of prison rape do not enjoy is that of safety-wheth er physical, mental, or spiritual. The rape crisis movement has been dedicated to exposing different types of sexual assault, empowering victims to speak out, and providing services to victims in need.As we know well, anyone can be a rape victim. There is no room for discrimination in our quest to help survivors of rape. All victims who reach out should be provided with help for past or present sexual assault. Ethical Decision-Making The offender-victim dichotomy is complex. There is no single answer on how to overcome this ethical dilemma but rather, a process of selfreflection that may produce several options. Before meeting with a victim of prison rape, advocates and counselors should reflect on their personal values, morals, beliefs and biases as well as the mission and policies of their parent agency/organization.Supervision may provide a safe and supportive environment in which this self-reflection and 5 analysis can occur. Discussing the ethical challenges with a trusted coll eague can also be helpful. It is important to explore one's preconceived notions and ideas about the prison population and their sources. Advocates may find the following resource helpful in their ethical decision-making process: Ethics in Victim Services, by Melissa Hook (available from the Sidran Institute, sidran. org). Below are some questions that might help guide advocates in the process of ethical decision-making: 1.What are the needs of victims of prison rape? 2. What are their resources? 3. What is known or believed about the prison population? 4. What is unknown? 5. What is behind one's knowledge or feelings about the prison population? 6. What fears and hopes are at play? 7. What past experiences inform present-day feelings, beliefs, fears, and motivations? 8. What are ways to overcome personal and professional barriers in working with the prison population? 9. What opportunities exist to develop and strengthen knowledge, skills, and awareness? 10. What are the ethical pr inciples at play? 1. Which ethical principles are in conflict? 12. Which ethical principle should take priority and why? 13. Are there certain individuals with whom an advocate cannot and should not work because it would be unethical (due to the negative impact the advocate's personal biases, beliefs, and limitations would have on such individuals)? 14. If an advocate cannot meet the needs of a victim due to the above, who else in the agency/organization can assist the victim? 15. What is the agency/organization's mission? 16. What is the role of the advocate or counselor within that mission? 6 17.How do the needs of the prison population fit into that mission? 18. How can the agency/organization meet the needs of the prison population? Working with a Victim who is also a Sexual Assault Offender The ethical discussion gets more complicated when the victim is not only an offender, but also a sexual offender. It may be easier for advocates to work with victims who are incarcerated for nonviolent crime or crimes not of a sexual nature. It may be more difficult to work with a victim who has sexually assaulted or raped someone. In these cases, it is important to remember the parameters of the advocate's role.In a direct service capacity, the focus of advocacy is on victimization, not on perpetration. The rape crisis advocate's role in the counseling capacity, is to help victims process their trauma and heal from victimization, not to address offender issues. It is critical that advocates clarify their role and purpose with the client from the beginning. If offender issues arise, which they may, advocates should be prepared to refocus attention back to the victim experience. It may be necessary to refer the client to another service provider for offender treatment. Keep referral information handy for this purpose.As always, advocates should consult with their supervisors and agency policies as to whether providing services to victims who are also sexual offenders is even possible. Funding Considerations Advocates may question whether they are able to provide services under provisions of the agency or source that funds their practice. For example, advocates can not use Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding to â€Å"offer rehabilitation services to offenders or to support services to incarcerated individuals, even when the service pertains to the victimization of that individual† (US Department of Justice, p. 4, 1999). Agencies may find that they can use alternative funding streams to provide services to the prison population, such as Department of Public Welfare and other monies. Consulting with supervisors and agency policies and mission statements will help advocates determine whether limitations exist for the provision of services to the prison population. 7 PRISON ENTRY: THE BASICS Entering an unfamiliar territory can be intimidating, especially when it is surrounded by barbed wire and locked gates. The prison environment is very diffe rent from other settings where services are provided to victims.Providing services in prisons requires special consideration and planning. It may be difficult to navigate a prison without prior knowledge or experience. Each correctional institution has a complex set of rules and regulations, but there are some basic things to keep in mind when planning services. A Handbook for the Families and Friends of Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Prison Inmates (available at cor. state. pa. us) provides valuable information to people who are entering the prison environment for the first time (Hardesty & Sturges, 2005).This handbook is not a blanket policy for all correctional institutions, so it is best to consult individual facilities before attempting to visit. Visits: Correctional facilities have specific protocols that visitors must follow. To visit or call an inmate, sexual assault advocates and counselors must be on that inmate's approved visitors and phone lists. If an inmate req uests services by letter, advocates and counselors should ask to be placed on these said lists (and notified when this has happened).Remember to request specific information about visiting hours and days, when the inmate is available for contact by telephone, and what kind of assistance he or she would like. For example, does this person need or want information and pamphlets? Does this person want counseling or referrals? When advocates and counselors have been approved to call or visit, they can establish a meeting time. Dress: Each prison has a specific dress code that prohibits certain items of clothing. Short shirts, shorts, halter-tops, and a variety of other articles are deemed inappropriate or prohibited by facilities.Use judgment when determining wardrobe, but consider dressing somewhat conservatively. As visitors pass through a metal detector before entering the prison, it is best to avoid wearing a lot of metal, such as belt buckles 8 and buttons on a coat. This may delay access to the facility. Also, many facilities are quite large and a lot of walking is often required, so you may wish to wear comfortable shoes that are easy to remove if they need to be inspected. Belongings: There are several items that are considered contraband in Pennsylvania prisons, even though some may seem harmless.To avoid complications and delays, take as little into the prison as possible. Weapons are prohibited in the prison and on the property, including the parking lots. Weapons may be defined as anything from the obvious such as guns, pocketknives, and cans of mace, to items that seem less threatening, such as nail files, clippers, scissors, and notebooks with metal spiral binding. Some commonly banned items include wallets, handbags, cell phones, electronic devices, weapons (or anything that can be used as a weapon), food, and medications.For a full list of banned items, contact the prison directly. Your vehicle may be subject to searches as well. A driver's license is required. If available, bring agency or organization identification. Safety Considerations: Some advocates may question their safety when working in the prison environment. While it is critical that advocates trust their gut instincts, especially if they sense danger, it is also important to challenge stereotypes that all inmates are violent or â€Å"bad people. † There are many nonviolent offenders currently behind bars.Nonviolent offenders are more likely to become the victims of sexual crimes inside of prison walls than those who have been convicted for more serious crimes (Mariner, 2001). Self-awareness: Before entering a prison it is a good idea to mentally prepare. During the time it takes to travel to the prison, or sometime before, advocates and counselors may want to think about the steps they need to take while at the prison-everything from entering and walking through the prison, how they might feel as they pass inmates, finding the meeting room, meeting with c lients, and exiting the prison.It is strongly suggested that advocates and counselors request to tour the prison, including where they will be meeting with clients, prior to their first session with victims. 9 COLLABORATING WITH CORRECTIONAL STAFF Advocates and counselors who work with victims of prison rape will inevitably have contact with staff at correctional facilities. At a minimum, advocates will rely on the staff for safety and assistance while providing services within the prison environment. At the other end of the spectrum, advocates may find it helpful to collaborate with prison staff in the development and provision of services to victims of prison rape.Whatever degree of collaboration, it is important to be aware of the distinct roles advocates and corrections personnel fulfill and to discuss those differences with each other from the beginning. It is very important to establish strong working relationships with corrections staff. They are a valuable resource in the ad vocate's network and are familiar with the ins and outs of working within a prison system. In cases of uncertainty, staff is often a knowledge source. They may have advice and tips for those who come in from other agencies to work with the prison population.Counselors, psychological staff, and chaplains are especially helpful because they are in tune with the emotional and supportive needs of the inmates and can provide insight into how victims of sexual assault, past or present, may benefit from different types of programs and services. They may also have ideas about what works and what does not work in a correctional setting. Overall, establishing cooperation and mutual respect with corrections personnel from the beginning of the collaboration will greatly enhance advocates’ work with victims.It is very important to establish strong working relationships with corrections staff. They are a valuable resource in the advocate's network and are familiar with the ins and outs of working within a prison system. 10 Training as a First Step towards Collaboration Collaboration may not be possible without adequate training of both corrections staff and rape crisis advocates on the problem of prison rape; the unique needs of its victims; and the differing cultures, goals, and missions of corrections and the anti-sexual violence movement.Corrections staff and administrators may not be aware of the seriousness of rape in correctional settings. They may lack the skills and knowledge to respond to a sexual assault emergency. Furthermore, they may be ill equipped to address â€Å"non-emergency† situations such as rape, sexual abuse, or incest that may have occurred prior to an inmate's incarceration. Advocates and counselors may also have room to grow and skills to develop in meeting the needs of victims of prison rape. When opportunities arise, engage in cross-training with prison staff.These exchanges may help rape crisis advocates teach prison staff about se xual violence, the needs of victims, and the goals and mission of rape crisis services. In turn, cross-training will also help rape crisis advocates integrate their services within the prison environment in an effective and informed way. Understanding the Differing Roles of Prison Staff and Rape Crisis Advocates The correctional facility's staff is primarily concerned with the security of the facility. They are interested in maintaining order and keeping everyone safe.Advocates' primary concern is to meet the needs of victims of prison rape and protect their right to confidentiality. Although the correctional personnel may know the role of the advocate, they must still uphold the rules of the facility to keep order. For example, if advocates are running a group and are using supplies, such as scissors or spiral bound notebooks, they may have a problem. Despite the importance to the work, those items may be prohibited and therefore cannot be brought into the facility. It is not uncom mon to feel frustrated in having to alter or completely change entire plans when working with inmates. 1 Understanding Confidentiality in the Prison Environment Confidentiality and client-counselor privilege may create a challenge in collaborating with corrections staff. By statute, the communications between sexual assault advocates/counselors and clients are privileged, or confidential. However, prison personnel may not be able to live by this ethic if the threat of danger to staff or inmates exists. For example, corrections officers must share most of the information they receive in order to maintain safety in the institution both for themselves and inmates.Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the anti-sexual violence movement. It is important that advocates collaborate with corrections staff while maintaining client confidentiality. For technical assistance on this matter, contact PCAR at 1-800-692-7445 or visit pcar. org. Finding Common Ground It is important to point out the di fferences between correctional staff goals and rape crisis advocate goals. Acknowledging differences is important, but alone it is not an effective way to foster the growth of a professional relationship. It is equally important to identify similarities and common goals.Both corrections personnel and rape crisis advocates try to protect inmates from harm, by their own hand or others. Rape crisis advocates protect mental health and wellness and corrections employees protect physical status and safety of inmates. This common ground leaves room for collaboration and cooperation. With psychological staff, parole officers, and the prison chaplain, a common goal is rehabilitation. All involved are focused on improving the inmate's situation and condition-whether through education, counseling, skill development, or other interventions-so he or she can be a productive and functional member of society upon release.With help, positive changes can occur and the client will become empowered. Em powerment is a goal that both corrections staff and rape crisis seek to realize, just by different means. 12 Developing Positive Working Relationships Rape crisis advocates and prison personnel may not always see eye to eye, but the following tips may help develop positive working relationships: 1. Always show respect for each other. If a person feels respected, he or she will usually reciprocate that respect. 2. Demonstrate tolerance, understanding, and empathy at all times.Try to see the situation from another perspective. 3. Keep communication lines open. Talk about potential problems before they arise. Be a focused listener, ask questions, and try to inform the staff about the role and purpose of advocacy. A person who understands what is happening is usually less resistant and uncooperative. 4. Look for ways to connect with corrections staff before you enter the prison. Serve on task forces and boards together. 5. Attend trainings on serving victims of prison rape and ways to c ollaborate with prison personnel. Engage in cross-trainings with corrections staff. . Remember the distinct roles of corrections staff and rape crisis advocates. Acknowledge when these differing roles are at play and find ways to compromise or respectfully agree to disagree. 7. Seek common ground whenever possible in collaborations. Keep the big picture in mind: the needs of victims of prison rape and the ways that corrections staff and rape crisis advocates are united. A strong working relationship with prison personnel will not only help enhance advocates' experiences and comfort levels inside the prison walls; it will also positively impact victims.By maintaining positive relationships, advocates will have greater access to victims and prison staff may be more likely to appropriately respond to victims. A strong working relationship with prison personnel will not only help enhance advocates' experiences and comfort levels inside the prison walls; it will also positively impact vi ctims. 13 INMATE SUPPORT GROUPS Like community-based support groups, facilitating support groups inside of a prison may be challenging, especially if the group is lacking in participation, both in terms of numbers and members' willingness to share.Advocates might face challenges unique to the prison population when planning and facilitating support groups. For example, in prison populations, the importance of confidentiality may be even more salient, given the high risk that may exist for victims who are unfortunately trapped under the same roof as their offenders. Victims of prison rape may be even more reluctant to come to a group with â€Å"sexual assault† or â€Å"victim† in the name, as being identified with such a group may make victims seem even more vulnerable to existing and potential perpetrators within the prison.Trust may be even more difficult to establish among group members, given the dangers of the environment and the need to look out for oneself. Below are some strategies that may help attract and retain victims of prison rape as well as enhance their experiences with the group. Pick an innocuous name. It may be difficult to attract members to a group with the words â€Å"rape,† â€Å"sexual assault,† or â€Å"victims† in the title. Unfortunately, social stigma surrounding rape and victimization is still potent enough to prevent victims from attending such a group.Being identified as a â€Å"victim† in the prison environment could be dangerous. Choose names that relate to health and wellness, safety, or prevention as opposed to ones that boldly announce they pertain to sexual assault. This may help recruit group members while still leaving room to address the purpose of the group: to address rape and sexual assault issues. Collaborate with prison staff to ensure inmates' access, protection, and privacy. Prison staff members can be pivotal in getting a support group off the ground.They can make the grou ps accessible to inmates by enabling inmates to attend such groups. Furthermore, prison staff members can protect group members' safety and privacy among the larger prison population by keeping their participation in such groups confidential. 14 Combine your resources with allies. When developing a new group, it can be helpful to build upon existing relationships and partnerships with allied professionals. Combining resources with others may help advocates reach a wider audience in a more holistic way, focusing on more than one topic or issue.Collaboration allows allied professionals to address the complex relationships between sexual violence and other social struggles, such as substance abuse, domestic violence, poverty, and other issues. Often, substance abuse and dependency is a form of self-medication or a way to cope with past sexual abuse. Even if the sessions do not directly deal with sexual assault issues, the topics still have potential to bring rape issues into the spotli ght if they are in a related area. Collaborating with allied professionals may help advocates get their programs into prisons.Partnering with other professionals also enables advocates to address multiple issues in the group setting, thereby meeting the needs of individual victims holistically. Screen participants. Advocates should screen each potential group member before he or she enters the group. Screening helps to ensure group membership includes voluntary victims who are ready to address their experiences in a group setting. The following questions may help advocates screen potential group members: 1. What experiences bring you to the group? 2.What do you hope to gain from this group? 3. What do you hope to offer other group members? 4. Would you have any concerns/difficulties in engaging in discussions about sexual violence victimization? 5. Are you prepared to protect confidentiality and the privacy of other group members? Determine if the group will be closed or open. A clo sed group is one in which new members are not allowed to join from week to week, or after the group has been officially established. An open group is one in which members are allowed to join and drop off from week to week.There are benefits and drawbacks associated with each group composition. A closed group may help establish and maintain a stronger sense of trust and group cohesion among members. In a closed group, the curriculum or content of each session can build upon the previous week in a linear way. An open group may reach more victims, 15 as it is available to new members from week to week. Whichever format, advocates should learn about group dynamics and be prepared to address the challenges and build upon strengths of any group.Obtain ongoing training in group facilitation and dynamics. Even the most seasoned advocates can benefit from ongoing group work training. Knowledge is continuously evolving, as are the needs of victims. Advocates new to the field of prison rape ma y benefit from trainings specific to the inmate population. Involve group in establishing ground rules and goals of group. Retaining membership in groups can be difficult, but there are a few things that can be done to increase retention. Involve group members in establishing the ground rules.This generates individual members' investment in the group and its progress. Such ground rules should cover basics such as punctuality, confidentiality, communication during group (one person speaks at a time), the need for breaks or individual support, showing respect for others, and expectations for behavior. Remember, the group can continue to add ground rules to the list as the group unfolds and as the need arises. Structure and rules can help create a safe and inviting atmosphere. Develop and safeguard trust. Allow appropriate time for group members to get to know each other.Inmates may be distrusting of other inmates and especially of staff and other outside authority figures. Give them t he opportunity to warm up before starting intensive work. Keep groups relatively small so that members can build a sense of rapport with facilitator(s) and other participants. Empower group members as active leaders. Listen to group members. Seek their input. People are more likely to keep attending a group if they are involved in decision making. Plan a topic or discussion, but be flexible and go with the flow.Allow group members to lead the discussion rather than pushing a preconceived agenda. Gently guide the group back onto topic if necessary. 16 Lighten up! Balance challenging individual and group processes with fun activities when appropriate and possible. There are plenty of engaging activities that foster personal growth and strengthen bonds between members. Interspersing lighter content between heavier sessions can help the group's cohesion and collective mental health. If the group is not enjoyable from time to time, advocates may lose group members.These ideas are applica ble to working with any group. While it is important to identify and meet the unique needs of the prison population, victims of prison rape deserve and can benefit from many of the same approaches and efforts advocates use with non-incarcerated victims. Victims of prison rape may be even more reluctant to come to a group with â€Å"sexual assault† or â€Å"victim† in the name, as being identified with such a group may make victims seem even more vulnerable to existing and potential perpetrators within the prison. 17 STATE-LEVEL RESPONSES IN PENNSYLVANIASince January 2005, the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) has been working with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, the Pennsylvania Office of the Victim Advocate, and law enforcement officers to develop prison rape prevention curricula for inmates and corrections staff. It is their goal to increase awareness about sexual crimes that occur during terms of imprisonment, to encourage reporting of and respo nses to sexual assault and rape, and to support prison personnel and rape crisis advocates in meeting the needs of victims.This state-level collaboration has resulted in two sexual assault training curricula-one for inmates and one for prison staff. The inmate curriculum is now provided in all state facilities to inmates at orientation and at annual reviews with counselors. All state corrections staff members now complete a sexual assault training program-which includes an overview of sexual assault, prevention, reporting policies and protocol, the needs of victims, and services in Pennsylvania-by computer as part of their job requirements.The hope is that these two curricula will improve responses and services to victims of prison rape as well as prevent sexual violence from occurring within the prison environment. Additionally, statewide training and technical assistance will be available to both corrections staff and rape crisis advocates as a means to supporting their work with victims of prison rape at the local level. For more information, contact PCAR at 1800-692-7445 or visit pcar. org for more information. 18 CONCLUSION The Prison Rape Elimination Act marks an important shift in our society.Its passage helps place the needs of victims of prison rape on the radar of social service agencies and correctional institutions throughout the country. Victims of prison rape have gone largely unnoticed and worse, ignored for too long. Working with any â€Å"new† group or population can present challenges. Advocacy within the prison setting may pose unique barriers and rewards. While it is important to identify and address potential limitations and concerns, it is equally important to acknowledge and build upon strengths and resources in meeting the needs of victims of rison rape. Collaboration-with corrections staff, community allies, and others-is integral to this work and reaching victims. Victims of prison rape depend on rape crisis centers for support . It is likely that they will not receive help from any other source. RESOURCES ON PRISON RAPE Human Rights Watch (212) 290-4700; hrw. org National Sexual Assault Coalition Resource Sharing Project Newsletter on the Prison Rape Elimination Act, Issue #18, Spring 2006 (319) 339-0899; http://www. resourcesharingproject. org/newsletters. tml National Sexual Violence Resource Center 877-739-3895; nsvrc. org Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape 1-800-692-7445; pcar. org Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (717) 975-4859; cor. state. pa. us Pennsylvania Office of the Victim Advocate 800. 563. 6399; http://www. pbpp. state. pa. us/ova/site/default. asp The Pennsylvania Prison Society 800-227-2307; prisonsociety. org Stop Prisoner Rape (213) 384-1400; spr. org 19 REFERENCES Hardesty, K. , & Sturges, J. (2005). A handbook for the families and friends of Pennsylvania department of corrections prison inmates.Retrieved February 21, 2006 from www. cor. state. pa. us/portal/lib/bis/Handbook_for _Families_and_Friends. pdf Mariner, J. (2001). No escape: Male rape in U. S. prisons. Retrieved March 1, 2006 from www. spr. org Stop Prisoner Rape. (200). The basics on rape behind bars. Retrieved February 22, 2006 from www. spr. org. US Department of Justice. (1999). Subgrantees’ training guide: Victims of Crime Act assistance grant program (NCJ 175717). Washington, DC: US Department of Justice. 20 This guide was funded in part by a National Institute of Corrections grant.