Update - State of Our State

Hello, hello!

I would like to dedicate this blog post to the recently held State of Our State conference, hosted by the Morrison Institute. This was the first time the conference focused on 1 central theme, i.e. criminal justice and the role of private prisons and sentencing reform. The conference was organized into 4 panel discussions, "Who is incarcerated in Arizona";"Bipartisan Reform Strategies"; "What is the Role for Private Prisons and "What's Next for Arizona?".

As this policy topic is highly contentious it led to some lively discussions. I found myself most engaged with the first panel discussion featuring Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery and the Arizona Program Director - American Friends Service Committee, Caroline Issacs. Both individuals are passionate advocates about sentencing reform. Ms. Issacs highlighted the acceleration of the prison population vs. the actual population (174% vs. 74%). As a state, Arizona spends less on each prisoner today than it did in 1992 (a decrease of 14%). What does this mean policy implication-wise? 

As the prison population ages, the state and country will have increased medical costs. Let's not forget there are chronically ill individuals incarcerated in Tucson. These include individuals with disabilities; we need to ask not just who is being put away but why? 

According to Mr. Montgomery we cannot forget about the deterrent aspect. In Arizona, one needs to work hard to enter the prison system. The 3 strikes policy applies to Arizona, meaning the third time one has committed an act that violates the law, he/she will become incarcerated.  Moreover, 48% of those who go through the court system serve prison sentences. Some of the most pressing concerns with respect to the incarcerated population are transients, and the shared border with Mexico (i.e. smuggling; both drug and human).

It appears we are creating a newly incarcerated population, rather than addressing the actual issues (including treatment of substance & mental health). Due to very specific sentencing code changes with emphasis on longer sentences and probation being knocked, increased numbers of people are going into the prison system and with little chance of coming out.

The statistics from the other panels did not paint a much brighter picture - including a six-fold increase in the incarcerated population from the mid 1970s to the mid 2000s.

There were many calls from the other panels that stressed the role of privatization, especially as these save the state several dollars that can be used in other areas (e.g. education). The question remains, does Arizona have the political will to incorporate private prison reform? 

The Morrison Institute - An Insider's Perspective

Hello,
It's been awhile... hope everyone's term has been winding down on a high note.

I would like to spend the next little while discussing the ups and downs of the Morrison Institute. Let's begin with the strengths of this non-partisan think tank affiliated with Arizona State University. This institute makes a concerted effort in producing research that is bias-free and uses quantitative data analysis tools effectively. Moreover, the staff are versed in a wide array of areas, with each policy analyst having particular areas of focus. Whether working independently or collaboratively, several pairs of eyes review reports before the final edition is brought to print/the morrison website. It should also be mentioned the staff complement one another and this makes for an easy work environment. When it comes to training new staff and interns, individuals quickly learn the ins and outs of working at MI. This is an asset for not just the new staff,  but when deadlines loom, more individuals are able to work on the projects with pending deadlines.

As mentioned earlier, the staff are the core of this institution and ensure smooth sailing for projects/reports. In terms of any changes that could be implemented, if I were to lead an organization similar to the MI, I would seek more panel discussions involving the public to understand the concerns of local citizens. The event held by the Morrison Institute in early June on the potential legalization of recreational marijuana led to some lively discussions, and also shed light on how some citizens would be affected by this legislation. If the Morrison Institute and similar think tanks were to poll citizens and receive a significant proportion of responses (ballots filled out), this could lead to increased citizen engagement.

Overall, the Morrison Institute is able to capitalize on the staff's talents, which is integral to organizational success and growth. The organization allows policy analysts to seek their own projects, i.e. independence is encouraged and sought. The work environment is collegial. The change(s) I would incorporate are to find more ways to get the public's voice to play an active role with future projects. If we could find ways to attract more citizens to attend these events, citizens may be more invested in voting and participating in community events.

Morrison Institute - State of Our State

Greetings!

Next Friday, the Morrison Institute will be hosting their annual 'State of Our State' conference at the Phoenix Airport Marriott. This year's theme is criminal justice, with a closer look at state spending on corrections, criminal sentencing policy, bipartisan reform strategies, and the role of private prisons.
I couldn't be more excited. The keynote address will be given by the former police chief of Mesa, who is now a district attorney in San Francisco, George Gascon. Other speakers include Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, U.S. Marshal David Gonzales, AZ State Senator John Kavanagh, national representatives from the ACLU and Right on Crime.

This is a half day event, with registration beginning at 7:30, and the actual event from 8 am - 1pm. The goals of the conference are to create solution-oriented dialogue and bring both the left and right together.

Arizona is generally under attack (from other states) when it comes to its sentencing policy, which tends to lean towards the conservative side. This is one of 31 states which continues to uphold capital (death penalty) punishment. I am interested to hear Mr. Gascon's remarks on criminal justice reform, considering the vast majority of those who end up incarcerated tend to represent a certain demographic. This conference will showcase where Arizona is heading with respect to sentencing policies and how funding affects those behind bars.

If you are interested in criminal justice reform, please take a look at the link below:

https://morrisoninstitute.asu.edu/news/state-our-state-conference-0

Thank you~

Morrison Institute's connection with Urban Governance

Good Afternoon,

Urban Governance - as employees or students of public service, we are bound to hear this term at least a few times, if not as a recurring theme ...At first, I was eluded (by this question) in terms of how it was relevant to a think tank - particularly the Morrison Institute. Soon I realized, think tanks are vital organizations for incorporating representativeness, participation, citizen duties and rights, fairness, accountability, and legitimacy (http://www.gdrc.org/u-gov/governance-define.html).
As a publicly funded policy based think tank, the Morrison Institute seeks to address the most pressing needs of the state. This means citizen representativeness is at the heart what is being advocated. In other words, many of the projects center around citizen engagement, voter participation, i.e. how to get potential voters more involved, and ensuring more fair and representative policies and laws are legislated.

My supervisor is very involved with municipal issues and governance, particularly issues associated with disability, citizens rights and engagement and homelessness. In a previous post which discussed the Citizen's Initiative Review - the Morrison Institute wanted to address how to incorporate more people to participate in everyday society (citizen engagement). Moreover, this particular study, as well as the more recent study which looked at Arizona's Independent Voters examined what propels individuals to vote for particular candidates.  Many of the themes centering around urban governance are directly linked with the consumer survey that I have been helping to disseminate. This survey is looking to address whether citizens feel like they are being treated with fairness, if there is accountability within Phoenix City Services and whether service delivery needs to be improved. Hopefully, this survey will lead to improvements within city services (police, fire, mental health agencies) and individuals with mental health issues.

Transparency can often be a problem for governments, at any level. Technically, information and data are within the reach of all citizens, however to obtain this information is not always an easy task. As Erica McFadden mentioned when you are trying to gather information from city officials, whether that be about a particular decision that was cast, or the official # of people killed during a flash flood, it can sometimes take several days. Anyways, local governance is an ever-evolving field and one in which the Morrison Institute has been contributing with various projects and will continue to do so in the future.

The Status of Women in Arizona

Hello again!

My duties at the Morrison Institute vary in nature and I try to look for new learning opportunities whenever possible. This past week I was able to tap into in area which I have not visited since high school ...the art of the interview, okay I may be exaggerating a tad however I did interview someone.

The Morrison Institute has a number of policy analysts that work in different fields. Social Justice, particularly issues regarding incarceration and homelessness are part of William Hart's (senior policy analyst) research areas. You may be asking why am I discussing someone other than my supervisor? Well, William is conducting an annual study, 'Status of Women in Arizona' on behalf of the Arizona Foundation for Women. Women across the state, from all walks of life and varied demographics have been invited to take part and provide their insights about the current state of life in Arizona.

My role in all this very small, nevertheless I still wanted to share how I contributed. I think this project is an important indicator of the progress the state has made and can also show where we may be lagging. The woman I interviewed is a regular attendant and volunteer at Lodestar Day Resource Center, and has been in a state of permanent homelessness for several years. The interview was very brief and consisted of 3 questions:
1. Imagine that you have a good friend whose adult daughter is considering moving to AZ, The daughter asks you for a brief account of the pros and cons for women living in our state. What would you tell her?
"In terms of the pros, Arizona has very good schools and is a good place to raise children, however the weather is not always the best. It is very hot."

2. What do you think are the major challenges specifically facing women in AZ today?
"There are no major barriers; it is very open minded society, with a great workforce."

3. What one change or development do you think would benefit AZ women today?
"Women's healthcare. Arizona needs better healthcare, not just for women but across the board."

I was not sure what to expect in terms of responses, however Renda, the woman I interviewed definitely surprised me. I look forward to the report findings and reading where Arizona lies across the nation with respect to women's experiences.

Arizona's Independent Voter

Greetings!

Hope everyone was able to partake in some Halloween festivities during the previous weekend. The ingenious creativity behind some of the costumes is always fun to witness. I considered going out, but due to pending assignments missed out. Oh well, next year. As the semester winds to an end, everything seems to be approaching simultaneously. Is this what graduate school entails?

Recently, the Morrison Institute funded a small-scale study examining Arizona's Independent Voters. The study revealed that the majority of Independent voters are white, male (52%), and college-educated (either completing an undergraduate degree or a Master's Degree +).  This data represents a small sample size, however it is intended to be representative of the total state population. As of 2014, this voter bloc (independent voters) has surpassed both registered Republicans and Democrats in overall numbers, totaling almost 35% of all voters. Nevertheless, while these individuals make up the largest proportion of voters; they tend to be the least likely to vote in party primaries.  As a consequence, their candidate of choice rarely appears on the ballot. This lack of voter turnout has much to do with feelings of discontent and frustration that independent voters undergo when casting a vote. Independent voters rarely fall under one particular political leaning - rather they are all over the map, ultra-conservative to the most liberal.

Each state has their own set of rules and regulations regarding primary elections, i.e. who may cast a vote. In Arizona, independent voters have the option of participating in either Republican or Democratic primaries. The primaries are critical for determining who ends up on the ballot (as previously mentioned), however an 11% voter turnout elucidates the lack of representative candidates to serve these potential voters. One thing to note is while independent voters are better informed than most when it comes to policies and ballot initiatives, many are unaware that they can participate in the primaries.

Independents are the most disenfranchised voters when it comes to the polls, and this holds true for all independents across the nation. When asked what would incentivize people to cast his/her vote, individuals stated having a viable third party choice. The traditional two party system does not favor these voters. When referring to previous elections, 1992 and 2004 kept recurring - due to the additional candidates on the ballot. Ross Perot's 1992 campaign showcased the growth in Independent voters, or rather how unsatisfied 19M + people were.

Interest groups vouching for the needs of Arizona Independents have been repeatedly pressing for a third party option. This would entice more voters to cast their ballot and hopefully act as a voice amongst Independents. The question remains how would the government implement such a change? Looking across the nation, the general trend indicates that growing numbers of individuals (approximately 43% according to a recent US Gallup Poll) are identifying as 'Independent.' Are these numbers an indication that the two party system is no longer appopropriate? I can only speculate, however if a majority of voters are disenfranchised - reforms may be needed.

This upcoming election should provide a deeper examination of how Independents feel with the two party system. Let's wait and see.

Leadership @ MIPP

Leadership is one of the fundamental skills we associate with public administrators and those working in government. Public Policy which often overlaps with administration also requires a certain degree of leadership attributes. In my internship position, I usually analyze data (code), research and disseminate surveys. I have attended meetings for the Mayor's Commission on Disability Initiatives, however when I think of the leadership roles I have carried out, one that comes to mind is administering consumer surveys at mental health agencies for vulnerable populations. Here, I gave brief speeches explaining what the survey concerned and how we intend to use the information. Moreover, as there were several individuals taking the survey, we had a few volunteers help disseminate the survey. In my role, I explained who was eligible, how the survey questions should be asked and answered any other concerns regarding city services (police, fire and mental health agencies) and their relationships to individuals with mental health issues.

I have noticed that being proactive serves one well, whether one is interning as policy analyst or it is their first part time position. This indicates one is motivated to succeed and wants to help their organization. My supervisor emphasizes the importance of activism towards leadership, and
joining committees to not only show your dedication to specific causes, but eventually taking on leadership roles. Often times, these committees are volunteer based, however when working in the area of policy, we need to understand current trends and developments. Public perspectives are always necessary and having a direct connection is the one of the strongest ways we can gauge where trends are heading. By acting as leaders in their communities, whether that be academic or another area of interest, when one's peers identify him/her as having leadership capacity, that is the ultimate seal of approval.

Canadian Elections

Unless you're living under a rock, you've heard that Canada elected a new Prime Minister(PM), Justin Trudeau, this past Tuesday. Interestingly, Trudeau is the son of the a former PM, Pierre Elliott Trudeau who was often touted as one of the country's foremost intellectuals during his time in office. His wit and ability to play of the media was unlike any other; there may have been comparisons to JFK Jr, however I reckon Trudeau was the brighter of the two...anyways this blog post concerns the elections and recently elected leader. This was the biggest election in recent times - it even garnered international attention; that's big time! Canada rarely makes international headlines, however this election seemed to pique the interest of several different stations, including the BBC. Okay, I'll move on to discussing the actual election...

It seems whenever election season rolls around in the U.S, the media speculates who will be running two years in advance. I understand this has to do with advance polling and primaries etc., however it all seems so foreign when one looks at how elections are carried out across the border. In Canada, the influence of interest groups is not as prevalent, although it does exist...which makes campaigning a lot more accessible for the 'average joe.' A study would have be carried out to see what the average income is of the members of parliament and whether or not there is a stark difference with those in Parliament vs. the Legislature.

Stephen Harper, the former PM was in office for nearly a decade, and had been quite successful at maintaining a certain level of influence. Justin Trudeau was first elected as a member of parliament in 2008 for a riding in Quebec (Papineau) and re-elcted twice (in 2011 and 2015). Many critics have cited his lack of experience makes him unfit for the job, however politics is one of the fields where on the job training provides the most significant experience. Trudeau has been vocal about marijuana policies, climate change, leaving the American-led bombing campaign against the Islamic State, and restructuring economic spending. The greatest change has been in the tone, with emphasis on moving forward and positivity. This sweeping victory will show the world, (at least Canada) what vision Trudeau has in mind and if he can cast off his critics.  It appears for a moment, the world has laid watchful eyes on a country that is often overlooked.

Interview @ MIPP (w Dr. Erica McFadden)

 Hi again, 

If you have been following my blog, you should be somewhat familiar with my workplace, i.e. the Morrison Institute for Public Policy, if this is your first visit, welcome! As I am interested in education policy and aspire to work in the policy field post graduation, I thought it best to interview my supervisor who has varied experiences in the fields of the nonprofit sector and policy. Dr. Erica McFadden received her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin, with dual degrees in Business Administration and Spanish. From a young age,  Erica knew she wanted to work in a role where she would be pushing for real change; her ideal job was a congressional lobbyist for the homeless. "In order to make change, you have to show what is working, you have to develop the research questions and drive the conversation yourself to show the gaps," stated by Erica. The paths in which we think we will end up in are often very different from where we actually wind up. This was also true for Erica, as she stumbled across the Morrison Institute for Public Policy by surprise while in the doctoral program (Public Administration and Public Policy in the School of Public Affairs). I am jumping ahead, before coming to ASU, Erica was working as a geriatric social worker and advocating for social welfare issues, she realized that in order to make impactful changes, it must come from within, i.e. policy helps initiate change. This monumental moment led Erica to eventually switch careers from the nonprofit sector to the policy field, where she decided to pursue her PhD at ASU.

I asked Erica what types of work experience or backgrounds most policy analysts had prior to coming to work at the Morrison Institute. I learned that staff have a wide variety of backgrounds, however journalism seems to be a common thread amongst policy analysts. Moreover, the job duties entail brief writing with public policy concerns which need to be addressed, speaking engagements about current research (whether that be on radio or tv), blogging, and interviews with local news agencies. Skills required include managing large workloads, meeting deadlines, analyzing, forecasting, researching and investigative skills. Finally, developing new questions for the research world and obtaining grant funding are useful qualities. 

The Morrison Institute has specific focal areas including water, education, governance, economic growth, criminal justice, changing demographics and human services and health. Moreover, each policy analyst specializes in one (or more) of these areas. Erica has research interests in Aging and Disability (behavioral health), independent voters and the Citizen Initiative Review (governance) and privatization of services. Having specific research interests is integral to becoming hired by policy institutes/think tanks. Words of advice from Erica: to focus one's research interests and become an expert in your desired field, which also helps with in-depth analysis and becoming well-versed with the current language. This helps potential employers know you are up-to speed with developments. Knowing people in high places always helps. Co-author a paper with an academic, in an area of interest. Finally, present papers whenever possible, especially if you aspire to work in a think tank/policy institute. Keep in mind most people start as volunteers or interns, unless they have insider connections. Being able to make yourself indispensable to an organization will always work in your favor! 

Some of the emerging trends or shifts in the field of public policy in the last 15 years have resulted in a swing of "worthy groups." Moreover, the reconstruction of aging has transformed (esp. as baby boomers have moved into the retirement phase of life). We are witnessing shifts in how we view the LGBT community and minorities. We are reconstructing "the other." Nevertheless, while society has become more accepting of people of non-Caucasian descent, we have been cutting social programs disenfranchising the poor, making it more difficult to seek education and more likely to become incarcerated. For extremely dependent individuals (i.e. frail and needy), there is little chance of success, as the state is unlikely to provide monetary support. 

Finally, I asked what is the most rewarding aspect of working at Morrison Institute. Erica's response was having a finished product and being able to deliver a message to other individuals what we have done (getting the word out when a report has been published) is the most fulfilling aspect of this job.
I was curious to know how Morrison Institute can (better) implement their goals and ideas? 

By having more proactive events to lure people to become engaged. If the change agents, legislators are involved (the key individuals), and if policy becomes a priority this will help pave the path towards change – more people will become focused on that issue. 

M.I will support specific goals and pulling in other states to create collaborative policies could create transformational change.

Thank you for reading!

Til next time~ 

-     

Fall Break

Living in Arizona I find the lack of seasonal change odd. I associate Fall with orange and gold leaves, apple cider or any warm beverage and crisp autumnal air. The temperatures have cooled down slightly, but sipping on a pumpkin spice latte doesn't feel quite right. Fall is undoubtedly my favorite season and this year I will be visiting Seattle to experience Fall in all its glory. 

The term is nearly 2 months in and I find myself counting the days to ASU's "fall break." Does 2 days off qualify as a break? Don't get me wrong, I appreciate being given time off, but it appears to be a guise for a brief period where one is either getting ahead or catching up on assignments. Apologies for the rant...I look forward to a change of pace and scenery and especially the coffee! Like many in graduate school, my dependence on coffee has grown. Old habits die hard and I do not foresee myself drinking fewer cups until my program is completed. In other words, the coffee culture of Seattle will satisfy my cravings. Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable fall break!

Lodestar Day Resource Center

Hello,

In one of my earlier posts, I briefly touched on a series of surveys we are currently conducting. The results of these surveys are intended to change relations between city services, particularly the Phoenix Police Department and individuals with mental health issues. Last week, we revisited Lodestar Day Resource Center. The services provided by this non-profit organization are extensive: a Post Office, Legal Services, a transitional housing program and a "bag and tag"which provides storage facilities, including lockers for individuals to keep their belongings.

When individuals are homeless, everyday activities become obstacles. Homeless individuals face barriers in obtaining housing, finding employment and staying safe. In order to seek employment, applicants (usually) require a mailing address. This, coupled with mental illness, hinders homeless individuals from finding employment.

Lodestar Day Resource center is a transformational service that empowers individuals to end their homelessness. Shelters provide a temporary solution to a social issue that has deeper roots than housing alone. The organization recognizes the complexities of homelessness and seeks to embrace diversity and collaboration amongst clients. Ending homelessness requires a societal shift, by engaging the community to support actions to end/prevent homelessness may lead to holistic change.

Career Services

Hello,

I am going back in time (May 2015) to revisit a pivotal moment in my graduate-school life. During my first two semesters of graduate school, I paid little attention to what lay ahead. Realizing I lacked experience in the field I desired to work in, I visited Maryjo Douglas Zunk, aka the career enabler. Yes, this is an imaginary term, however looking back at the encouragement and dedication Ms. Zunk has for students regarding career placement, it is not far-fetched.

One of the first questions Ms Zunk asked me was if I frequently update my LinkedIn account. Well that was a definite no, I  had not created a profile. Ms Zunk walked me through various LinkedIn profiles and explained the relevance of LinkedIn in today's job market. Being able to effectively market one's skills and experiences are fundamental to the hiring process. Moreover, the networking aspect of LinkedIn is what has drawn so many users. The concept of networking used to aggravate me, however I've realized it is a part of our culture and I'm slowly working my way into the networking game.

I would like to credit Ms Zunk for leading me to find my first internship in Arizona. I feel extremely fortunate to be working at Arizona State University but more specifically at the Morrison Institute for Public Policy. Ms Zunk emphasizes the importance of career training, including prep interviews and resume building. Public speaking, particularly Toastmasters has also been highlighted. Leadership skills are often tied to how we communicate. I intended to participate in in Toastmasters this semester but found myself too busy; planning for next semester.

When it comes to career training and services, keeping oneself attuned to current trends can play a large role in attaining careers in public service.  I am thankful ASU School of Public Affairs has such a generous career placement advisor.

Arizona's 2014 Pilot Citizen Review

Welcome back!

It's official - I  have been cited as a published contributor for a Morrison Institute report on citizen engagement. Back in August, I began researching factors that attribute to individuals participating in the community. I wanted to get a closer look on what inclines particular groups of people to become active members of their communities. The findings were not altogether surprising; individuals with high(er) socioeconomic statuses are more likely to seek positions on community boards and volunteer for various activities. Moreover, these individuals are also more likely to seek positions of authority, ultimately vying for political office.

Following in the the footsteps of Colorado and Oregon, the Morrison Institute created a pilot project, titled "Citizen Initiative Review" (CIR) during September of 2014.  The idea behind this project was to gauge public opinion on a pension reform ballot initiative. Ballot initiatives are often confusing and difficult to comprehend - the majority of voters often tick off boxes without a clue of what they are endorsing or opposing. Twenty participants were selected to engage in a three and a half day deliberation over pension reform. Similar to a jury deliberation, participants did not vote on a final outcome, i.e. whether the reform should pass. Instead, all participants worked together to formulate a one-page Citizen Statement that included the pros and cons of the initiative to help other voters.

The Citizen Initiative Review intended to inform voters about a future ballot initiative, Prop 487, and did so successfully. All participants left the project feeling more informed and aware. Nevertheless, one of the key questions was whether individuals can change their opinions regarding policy issues and politics in general. Individuals generally tune out those with dissenting opinions. However, due to the format of the CIR, individuals began to listen openly to opinions that differed from their own. This resulted in mutual respect and understanding that having dissenting opinions/ideas does not mean people cannot reach a consensus on issues. Compromise is a requirement, but we can all have our voices heard? It appears unlikely that individuals will change their ideas when it comes to policy issues, however the willingness to listen has a significant impact on human relations. This is not unknown, however we often forget to see others as human.

If you are interested in finding further information regarding this pilot project, please check the Morrison Institute for Public Policy website in the coming months.

Morrison Institute: A Typical Day

Greetings,

By now I hope you're starting to get a sense of where my interests and passions lie. I would like to take a step back and revisit the Morrison Institute for Public Policy (MIPP). Whenever I begin a day at the Morrison Institute, it usually involves a strong cup of java. With that said, like many others working at nonprofits, there seems to be no typical schedule. I will however try to provide a picture of what a day may look like.

Normally, I start around 9:00/9:30am and work until 4:30/5:00 pm depending on the work load. Checking emails becomes priority number 1, after which I proceed with a series of phone calls to potential clients. These clients vary, sometimes we have applied for grant funding (funder), (potential) clients to take our surveys and agencies to work with us on current projects. Usually by the time I finish with this task, lunch calls. I am not one to work on an empty stomach, however there have been days, including today, where I have skipped the mid day meal. This is not something I am normally in favor of, however it sometimes necessary when deadlines are pending. After lunch, the day seems to pass rather quickly. Afternoons tend to be more relaxed, however in terms of output I find myself working best in the later afternoons (when the office is quieter). The pm involves emailing, editing surveys and can also include random activities such as meeting with Phoenix Police Commander Matt Giordano. I will refrain from discussing the details here.

As each day brings on a different set of activities, it is a little difficult to describe what I "normally" do. Hopefully this brief posting has made it more clear about my duties at the Morrison Institute.

Signing off~

Urban Land Institute: Education Seminar

Hi!
This past week, I attended a seminar presented by the Urban Land Institute (Arizona) in Paradise Valley, "Why Arizona? How Education Influences Our Future". The keynote speaker, Jaime Casap is Google's Chief Education Evangelist, not entirely sure what the title captivates, however it made no difference once he began speaking. Mr. Casap's ability to wield an audience is unlike any I have come across. He advocates for incorporating technology, (e.g. programming) to our primary education system. Moreover, Casap believes we need to start thinking about the job market in a different light, i.e. realize that the positions we hold today may not exist in the future. However, we can and should be training our younger generations for what is to come.

We need to build a culture of 'Iteration and Innovation' - this was Casap's message of the evening. In order for American society to progress, we need to put our energies into fostering this idea of repeat, repeat, repeat and innovation will result. Change doesn't occur overnight, however in today's fast-paced world, it seems like almost every other day, an idea results in new technology. Young people have caught on quickly; it is evident in their use of cellphones, ipads, and use of the web. By encouraging children to explore their passions, and ensuring classrooms are equipped with the hardware and software for these new ideas to emerge, we can continue to expand our knowledge in STEM. Moreover, if children are exposed to new ways of learning in the classroom it may lead to a career in STEM.

The question we need to be asking young people today is "What problem do you want to solve?" instead of "What do you want to be when you grow up?" By asking a specific question with a goal in mind, children can focus their attention to what it is they are passionate about. I have mentioned previously that I would like to work in the area of education/education policy in the future and this seminar brought fourth ideas that I normally don't spend much time thinking about. Embracing technology and realizing that the future is not as bleak as we sometimes make it out to be, is what I have realized via this seminar and Mr. Casap's enlightening discussion on education.

I feel reenergized after meeting various individuals involved in education and policy-making. I am excited about what is to come for future generations.

Stay Tuned~

Current Projects @ Morrison Institute

Hello again, 

This time of the year always passes by quickly, however this particular year has been especially busy. I wonder how a month has passed without a second notice...anyways I'm finding myself falling back into school/internship/work/leisure routine. There is a flurry of (ongoing) activity at the Morrison Institute and my supervisor, Dr. Erica McFadden is no exception; she typically works on 4 - 5 projects consecutively. One such project involves improving relations between the Phoenix Police Department and individuals suffering from mental health issues. By surveying this population, often many of whom are homeless, we hope the data will lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying issues associated with mental health and how city services can be more adaptive and responsive to the mental health community.

Over the past month, I have had the opportunity to visit local service providers, LodeStar Day Resource Center and Recovery Innovations. As these nonprofits serve individuals with mental health issues, we (Erica, myself and others involved in the project) chose to disseminate the surveys at these particular agencies.  Both of these nonprofit organizations are located in the Downtown Phoenix area
for easy access.

What I've discovered is while there are services which cater to the homeless/ and individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI), it appears the city lack shelter for those without a permanent address. I may be going slightly off-topic, however the reason I bring this up, is misunderstanding and lack of communication may arise when a group of people have not been trained to deal with a population which face mental health issues. This requires unique training and a willingness for open communication. At first glance, an officer may not realize an individual is undergoing an episode which may result in circumstances that could have been avoided. Speaking to a number of individuals one of the recurring themes has been more emphasis on listening (communication) from the officers and hospital staff. As mentioned earlier, this project, Crisis System Response - city survey, is one of a handful I am currently working on.

I look forward to reading about others' workplace experiences and learning more about one another.
Until next time~

Hello!

Hello! My name is Avanti Haque, I am a second year graduate student pursuing a Master of Public Policy degree. I moved to the Phoenix metro area from Winnipeg, Canada, last August, experiencing the infamous heat and sun for the first time. Cannot say I have gotten accustomed to the weather, however I do appreciate the summer-like temperatures in December.  Enough about the weather,  let me provide some details about me. From a young age, I was interested in politics and how government impacts our lives in almost every facet. It seemed like individuals who were most affected by specific policies and legislation often did not have a platform to make their voices heard. My interest in politics and international relations led me to an undergraduate degree in Political Studies at the University of Manitoba (in Winnipeg).

Soon after graduation, I was fortunate to land an internship in rural Botswana through Students Without Borders. This program allows students to gain first hand experience in development projects with local partners. I interned with an after school program, Stepping Stones International. Here, I was able to interact with students from 11 - 18.  Stepping Stones provides a safe place for vulnerable youth and ensures they have access to support, both academically and emotionally. As I mentioned earlier,  I was interested in social issues for quite some time, but this experience made me realize I wanted a career in education or development in some capacity.

Fast forward a few years and I am hopefully near the end of graduate school and moving towards that goal. Presently, I am interning with the Morrison Institute for Public Policy at Arizona State University. The nature of the position has allowed me learn more about policy formulation and implementation from the ground level, which was also one of my goals of the internship. Two other goals are: to learn and adapt ways to include citizens as part of the policy making process, and become better acquainted with Arizona's political realm. Each day presents new learning opportunities. Interning at an institute where I can gain an "insider's perspective" on local issues is something I cherish. Someday,  I would love to work in education policy, as an analyst or program evaluator. Nevertheless, the future is always uncertain.