October 4-8

Oct 4  Monday
Holy crap, JIS Data Collection Sheets kick ya in the teeth.
As a way of refreshing my abilities on SPSS, I was tested through the use of JIS Data Collection Sheets.  I can't get into too great of detail other than to say it was my job to take the info from some printouts and put it into an SPSS file.


Oct 5 Tuesday
Same as yesterday, except I added several variables to the SPSS file.
Also, yesterday was the beginning of Inclusion Week, so in my awesome form, when we were asked to watch webinars, I missed Monday's but I did watch Tuesday's and have the PowerPoint to prove it.
The topic was National Service Disability/Inclusion Week Webinar and it was somewhat inspiring.  The main thing one can take from something like this webinar is that anyone can do pretty much anything, if accommodations can be made.  Now this is not an eloquent statement, but basically it let those who listened know about mini-grants to help with inclusion.  An example would be get funds for a wheelchair accessible van to move a member from site to site.
To make a more obvious association with our actual organization would be to get a paved ramp/pressed gravel from the parking lot to the Walter White Community Garden.


Oct6 Wednesday
Same as Tuesday, as in I input data from JIS Data Collection Sheets and created new variables for the SPSS database.
I also did another webinar, with the title of Learn and Serve.  I did not get the PowerPoint, but I can tell you it was worth it.  It highlighted what one may gain from serving in AmeriCorps, even with a disability.

QUICK TIP:  TAKE BREAKS WHEN STARING AT A COMPUTER FOR A LONG TIME.
Really, you should, because it helps you avoid headaches and becoming prematurely tired.  If you don't listen, you'll know exactly what I mean.


Oct 7  Thur
I did some work with an Excel sheet based on the data amassed throughout the work of my associate Matt Ballew.
Again, I did another webinar, but this time it was called Mentor Michigan.
The webinar highlighted the ability to use mentoring to be more inclusive.  Again, I didn't get the PPT, but I would encourage you to check out the PPT from the Michigan Community Service Commission.

FRIDAY OCT 8
Today we volunteered with the Hamtramck Community Initiative.  The location is 2101 Joseph Campau St. in Hamtramck.
What we basically did was neighborhood revitalization.  Specifically, I removed graffiti and painted.  We also engaged with members of the community (only about 5, but they were happy to have us in the community) by having them show us where graffiti was located, and we would paint over it.  I also was able to show other members proper use of certain products, such as acetone.
I was even able to engage in a feat of strength, by proving to a local member of the community I could move a dumpster.
Check out pics from this event and other events on our Fbook group: Downriver CARES Oct 2010 Events.