Value of being involved

I've been listening to the discussions about the rioting in Tunisia.  For years, those living in Tunisia have felt that they don't have a voice in their government. The rioting started because a young man wasn't able to get a job, so he set up a stand to make money. The government shut his stand down and, in protest, he committed suicide.

It's an interesting situation when people aren't allowed to speak their mind or have a say in how they are governed. Part of what is helping the people of Tunisia is the electronic age where they can tweet or send messages to find out what's going on.

It's critical that we be a part of our government. Regardless of your values, your politics, etc, take an opportunity to voice your concerns. Be aware. Share your voice or your voice will not be heard.  Tunisia is hoping for new government. Let's not get to that point!

FAMILY IMPACT SEMINAR!!!

We are getting down to the last two weeks of the seminar. I am working on booking our reservations for our guest speaker. Once we are sure she is ready, I'll announce her name and provide information about her. I am very excited that she is willing to come talk with our legislature about Family Courts!

I am also currently seeking volunteers for the seminar. It would be great if any of my current or former family policy students would like to attend. Or, if you are just interested in the legislative process, this would be a great opportunity to see how things work! I need to create a list of volunteers and get your name on the list for lunch.

Please send me your email information if you are interested. The seminar is held from 12:00 to 2:00 in the Auditorium at the state capitol building. If you could be there at about 10:00 for a brief training and assignments for the seminar, that would be great!

my email address is:  susan.talley@usu.edu

Best country rankings and Human Development Index (HDI)

I read this  post from the United Nations about the top five countries and their index about Human Development criteria. I am aware of the Human Development Index and it essentially looks at mortality rates, health, income, education, etc. It's a broad index rating overall health suggesting quality of life. US ranks within the top 5. We are beaten by Norway, Australia, New Zealand. Ireland is in the bottom.

I think it's fascinating to see how government plays a role in the quality of life index.  Check out the article. I would love to hear what you think about this.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101104/hl_afp/unhealthsocial_20101104145621


Best, 
Susan

Family Impact Seminar a GO!!!

I just had my first conversation with the program committee. We have chosen to go with looking at the Family Court System. Professor Lynn Wardle and Representative Lorie Fowlke (divorce attorney and outgoing State Representative) are leading the way to help us develop an outstanding program!  We will first look at the history of implementing a family court system in Utah (we tried to do this about twenty years ago). We will look at where we are now, and then look at pros and cons of family court systems nationally and internationally. We may have a guest speaker from Australia come to talk. I am looking for volunteers to help with the seminar. It should be an excellent opportunity to learn how the family court systems work or how they may not work!

Please email me if you can make some time on January 31, 2011 from 11:30-2:30 for this event.

I hope to see many of you there!

Susan

Utah's First Family Impact Seminar

It's scheduled!  Utah's First Family Impact Seminar is scheduled at the state building in the Auditorium on January 31, 2011!!!  Topic soon to be determined!
If you would like to attend, please contact me. I need lots of students to help legislatures know where to go and what to do. I am also hoping to have students help me with evaluation for the seminar. You will get a day at the state capitol, a chance to meet and talk with our State officials, and lunch!

If you are interested in attending, please contact me!

YAY!!
Susan

Family Care and Unions

Here's a story I read recently that describes some of the changes Michigan is facing in terms of at-home child care workers.

I find it interesting that only a few percent of the new members of the UAW from this group voted in favor of the union, but 90 % supported it? There's no citation in how they know this information! I am wondering abut the accuracy of this statement.

This fits with some of our discussions about critical thinking.

On the other hand, this also will fit with some of our discussions about child care, family care situations, etc.

Check out the article and let me know what you think!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100912/ap_on_bi_ge/us_child_care_union/print

New Semester!

Welcome to the new semester! Our class is really having some great discussions! I appreciate some of your perspectives, especially the comment today about being a critical thinker in relationship to media influence on childhood obesity. The media DOES play a role in influencing children what a "real" meal is. For example, where are the vegetables and fruits in a happy meal?  I am glad that parents are demanding more fruits and vegetables in their children's diets, but we are inundated with false expectations through our advertising.

The other issue that I wonder about in relationship to media influence and bias is the question of how critical are we when we don't really think about the news as it's presented?  Lately, I turn on the news and listen to it while I am cleaning or doing other household tasks. Am I really paying attention? One news station leads the day with all of the car accidents of the day, the other leads with a protest on capitol hill. I wonder if I can influence the local new to provide more NEWS?

This also begs the question...what is NEWS anyway? How do we determine what is important to be shared. Is the adage "If it bleeds it leads?" a good rule of thumb?

Welcome to an exciting semester. Our first Family Impact Seminar should be scheduled by the end of the week if all goes well. Look for more information here. This is going to be a very interesting event!