I know this is coming along rather slowly, but I've had to hit the ground running this side and am, already, knee-deep in meetings, classes and organising my tutorial classes and so forth! I am, however, trying very hard to compile a comprehensive reflection on the trip and hope that it will suffice!
I've been home for two days now, but I already miss the United States, it's (summer) weather, the amazing people in Iowa, and the beauty and bureaucratic appeal of Washington, D.C.! It's difficult for me to even pretend that I am the same person that I was prior to the trip, and it's even more difficult for me to look around me at the conditions and the state that our country is in and keep quiet or find it, at the least, acceptable. I can't even look at our political system and find it commendable, not after having seen a completely different political system and a wholly different political culture work, yes, work!
The questions now are "what do I intend to do about it?" "what do I intend to change, if anything, and how?" I'm facing a bit of a moral dilemma, struggling a bit with seemingly monolithic institutions, practices, values, perceptions and circumstances. I think I need time... just to think, and to reflect. Because this is obviously something that is much bigger than myself, and much bigger than just eight university students.
Monday, 7 July 2008 turned out to be yet another eye-opening experience for me. A visit to the Story County Volunteer Centre and the Ames Noon Rotary Club lunch meeting was on the agenda for the day, and it was an opportunity for us, for me, to see the spirit of volunteerism and community engagement in action.
Above and beyond the inspiration and great ideas that we got from the visit to the volunteer centre, I was mostly surprised by the amazing sense of responsibility and the attitude towards volunteering in general, specifically from students. As a political scientist (in the making) and specifically someone interested in policy-making, comparative politics and voting behaviour, I cannot help but want to trace the origins of such a sense of responsibility, community and volunteerism to the US Federal political system in which responsibility trickles down to the very lowest level of social organisation. Instead, and as opposed to the South African political system, of the concentration of both power and responsibilities in the centre, which in my opinion disenchants, disenfranchises and removes citizens from their government and their responsibilities.
I think I was even more surprised when I found the same attitude and commitment with the (pardon me and no offence intended!) predominantly middle-aged members of the Ames Noon Rotary Club. I mean here we had members of the business community in a largely capitalist system not afraid to, and not unwilling to, give back to the community, not only to ensure their own continued existence, but also to ensure the health and continued existence of the community. It was demonstrated to me, especially, by Mr and Mrs John and Linda Dasher and their kindness at the meeting. I learned that community doesn't stop at the front door, and that business is not always about profits solely. Volunteering, philanthropy, at least in Ames, is not for any select group, it was proven to be a community's way of life, a basic commitment to those around them.
I was so impressed by the experience that I have contacted the local Rotary Club to discuss my options.
Searching for the SA flag after the lunch meeting
The Gateway Hotel and Centre where the lunch meeting was held.
And of course, lest we forget, Berny (sp?), the old faithful! Or something along those lines...
more later about Old Bern!
Instead of the scheduled afternoon blogging, Phumlani and I went to Des Moines with our family, specifically with the intention of going to the Mall (Jordan Creek, West Des Moines) and a baseball game. The latter, however, rained out and we got to see a game the next day.
The backyard
Jordan Creek Shopping Mall.
The ticket counter at Principal Park in Des Moines.
Jonathan and Gloria (top), and Jerry and Phumlani (bottom) enjoying "baseball food!"
Despite the disappointment with regards to the Baseball game, I think both Phumlani and I were quite satisfied with the other interesting experience: Hyvee's Self-Check! haha!I've been home for two days now, but I already miss the United States, it's (summer) weather, the amazing people in Iowa, and the beauty and bureaucratic appeal of Washington, D.C.! It's difficult for me to even pretend that I am the same person that I was prior to the trip, and it's even more difficult for me to look around me at the conditions and the state that our country is in and keep quiet or find it, at the least, acceptable. I can't even look at our political system and find it commendable, not after having seen a completely different political system and a wholly different political culture work, yes, work!
The questions now are "what do I intend to do about it?" "what do I intend to change, if anything, and how?" I'm facing a bit of a moral dilemma, struggling a bit with seemingly monolithic institutions, practices, values, perceptions and circumstances. I think I need time... just to think, and to reflect. Because this is obviously something that is much bigger than myself, and much bigger than just eight university students.
_________________
Monday, 7 July 2008 turned out to be yet another eye-opening experience for me. A visit to the Story County Volunteer Centre and the Ames Noon Rotary Club lunch meeting was on the agenda for the day, and it was an opportunity for us, for me, to see the spirit of volunteerism and community engagement in action.
At the Story County Volunteer Centre in Ames, IA
Above and beyond the inspiration and great ideas that we got from the visit to the volunteer centre, I was mostly surprised by the amazing sense of responsibility and the attitude towards volunteering in general, specifically from students. As a political scientist (in the making) and specifically someone interested in policy-making, comparative politics and voting behaviour, I cannot help but want to trace the origins of such a sense of responsibility, community and volunteerism to the US Federal political system in which responsibility trickles down to the very lowest level of social organisation. Instead, and as opposed to the South African political system, of the concentration of both power and responsibilities in the centre, which in my opinion disenchants, disenfranchises and removes citizens from their government and their responsibilities.
I think I was even more surprised when I found the same attitude and commitment with the (pardon me and no offence intended!) predominantly middle-aged members of the Ames Noon Rotary Club. I mean here we had members of the business community in a largely capitalist system not afraid to, and not unwilling to, give back to the community, not only to ensure their own continued existence, but also to ensure the health and continued existence of the community. It was demonstrated to me, especially, by Mr and Mrs John and Linda Dasher and their kindness at the meeting. I learned that community doesn't stop at the front door, and that business is not always about profits solely. Volunteering, philanthropy, at least in Ames, is not for any select group, it was proven to be a community's way of life, a basic commitment to those around them.
I was so impressed by the experience that I have contacted the local Rotary Club to discuss my options.
Searching for the SA flag after the lunch meeting
The Gateway Hotel and Centre where the lunch meeting was held.
And of course, lest we forget, Berny (sp?), the old faithful! Or something along those lines...
more later about Old Bern!
Instead of the scheduled afternoon blogging, Phumlani and I went to Des Moines with our family, specifically with the intention of going to the Mall (Jordan Creek, West Des Moines) and a baseball game. The latter, however, rained out and we got to see a game the next day.
The backyard
Jordan Creek Shopping Mall.
The ticket counter at Principal Park in Des Moines.
Jonathan and Gloria (top), and Jerry and Phumlani (bottom) enjoying "baseball food!"
Hyvee!
Yes, people, America is not only the land of refill MacDonald's soft drink! But the trust that Del was talking about is so pervasive that you can even, wait for it, check yourself out at Hyvee (and elsewhere, subject to availability!) Yes, they trust consumers and shoppers that much! Imagine ringing up your own stuff, and paying for it, packing it and taking it out! Imagine...
Also, you can buy virtually anything at a Hyvee Pharmacy / CVS Pharmacy / Walgreens Pharmacy... It's strange, really. It was particularly strange to see them sell cigarettes... but more about that subject soon!
Also, you can buy virtually anything at a Hyvee Pharmacy / CVS Pharmacy / Walgreens Pharmacy... It's strange, really. It was particularly strange to see them sell cigarettes... but more about that subject soon!
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