Social Change Wheel

On the social change wheel, there are 8 different aspects that show involvement in the community. From the votes taken in class, it would seem not many people take part in the community.

First on the list is direct service, which is participating in activities that, in medical terms, treat the symptom instead of the disease. The example list only one thing I might be able to do, which is serving food at a kitchen. Since there isn't much of a homeless problem in Waverly, I cannot do this.

The next spoke on the wheel is community/economic development, which is helping the economic situation of the neighborhood. Given I have no experience in this field, and that it's likely to stay that way, I don't fit into this part.

Spoke three is voting. Not much to say here, since I only turned 18 after the elections. School elections and the like I've participated in, but knowing that only the kids with the largest group of friends will win gives a pretty easy and accurate way to see who will win.

Next up is direct action, rallies and mass movements of people. Not really something a common college freshman can put together.

Number five is grass-roots political activity. This is one area that nearly anyone who wants to get involved in the community can start at. Seeing that I lived most of my adult life in a rural area, there was never much of an opportunity or cause to get involved in this way.

Spoke six- community building. This is one area I was briefly involved in during the flooding. When most of the roads leading to my area of the country were under water, I had the opportunity to stand near my neighbors on the shore of what used to be the road to town. After some stares from them, showing dislike for my mother's photography, and our dog swimming briefly, we left for home. But for the part about actually helping, I worked for a day removing water from my father's workplace (with one of those man-sized squeegees, not very efficient).

Number 7- advocacy through community education. From what I can read, it seems that this aspect is about teaching people things that are taught a lot in school and by parents. As far as I know, Waverly is doing good on this one.

Last up, socially responsible daily behavior. Since I don't consume much outside the mensa, and I don't drive, I don't have much I can do for this, except turn off the lights when leaving a room. This I do.