Service Action Proposal Next Steps

Through this project, I learned that I was able to come up with an idea of something and potentially follow through with it if I had all the resources available. I realized how interconnected each components of the relational leadership model is compared to each other. In order to effectively empower others, you have to be ethical about it, and consider all factors and practice intersectionality, which is inclusiveness. I implemented intersectionality once I read more in depth to it, because feminism and reproductive health is more than just for females. It is for everybody. I believe I am best at being more ethical and empowering. I am nicknamed the “hype man” in the village because of this strength. This is reflected in my project as combating a social issue in today’s times As for other areas of the relational leadership model that interconnect, I believe process oriented and purpose would also relate. In order to have a definite process, you have to have a defined purpose. I believe I was pretty weak at the “process oriented” aspect at first, but I realized the process can fall into place sometimes once you have a purpose. I definitely have grown in that area. 

In order to implement this proposed service activity in the spring, I would still need to be more process-oriented. I need to have more of an explicit plan, but I know I would be able to get that done. I know I am not a perfect relational leader, and I know I need improvement. At least, I do have a vague idea of a process, but it is nothing set in stone. I am not sure how far out my project would be able to implement, but I hope I would be able to in the future somehow. The Village can help me achieve my leadership development goals in order to implement this activity through possible exercises, or just continue to empower me. Fostering this environment of empowerment definitely helps me. I believe working through this issue and bouncing ideas off of like minded people for this issue would also help me. Or, possibly having a discussion in general of possibilities on how to solve social issues in general. Again, having a community just to have a support system helps me enough. 

My Strengths Talent Theme is Wisdom, stemming from my top strength, “Love of Learning.” This love I have definitely connects to my development, because I always want to keep trying to develop on my weaknesses and the things taught to me in class. I am always striving to learn how to make things better, whether it be internal or external. If I know I have something I need to work on, and in this case, my process-oriented skill I needed to develop. Through this project I do know I have been able to learn how to develop on other areas of the relational leadership model too. 

Steps I can take to accomplish these needs is to actually have a process to implement this plan. I did mention some steps in my video, but they were not too explicit. I do have a step up because I am a part of Planned Parenthood Generation Action. I know they might take up the idea as well, and I would be able to work with them to implement my service action proposal. As a group, we are focusing on sexual health this year, so this proposal might be a good event for us to do. I know I would have to contact the president of PPGA, Victoria. I interviewed her for this project, and I know she will be receptive to an idea like this. However, it might be a little too big for Planned Parenthood Generation Action to take up as an individual group. We are a very small organization on campus, compared to others, and lack the funds in doing big events. This is due to being affiliated with Planned Parenthood. The Alumni donating to campus are typically conservative (according to what I have heard from the PPGA officers), and do not want their money to be donated to a Planned Parenthood affiliated group unfortunately. So, it would be better for us to independently raise money and take it to the higher-ups on campus, depending on how big this event is going to be. However, it could be at the women’s center, but that may not be as welcoming to guys, even though the organization is, guys may not feel welcomed. I try to hit all bases when thinking of any event setting, such as this. Since this is an intersectional event, it might be appropriate to just have this set up in one of the ballrooms. Another step I could take would be getting the supplies I would need to do this event. Either it can be money from the initial fundraiser (ironic considering this event is a fundraiser) or pairing up with a health organization.

My leadership philosophy I have developed throughout this project has been realizing I am more empowerment, inclusive, and ethics based leadership. I always want people to feel included and feel like they have a voice. In this case, I want them to be able to have access to sexual health products and knowledge. Talking about sex and sexual health in an intersectional and safe environment will hopefully lessen its taboo. That is my goal for this project, and it is a part of my inclusivity. I do not believe it has changed compared to the beginning, because I always try to be educated and politically correct, and to be someone for everyone to talk to. The thing that has changed was that I gained knowledge on the subject.