Asset-Based Model of Community Service Paper Example

Introduction

The asset-based model of community service looks at what an individual can offer in the community such as their talents, abilities, and skills, rather than viewing them as deficient. In this paper, I will answer some questions by giving a reflection based on the book, "soul of a citizen" by Paul Rogat Loeb. The book examines ordinary citizens and how they can make their voices heard and how our actions, at times we are told do not matter, make a count. It examines how people get stopped from getting involved in significant community matters, how they get burned out because of exhaustion, and how this connection can grant them a powerful sense of purpose and connection.

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Question 1

Before considering an asset-based model of community service, most people would view Virginia as a powerless woman, who had no money, no status in the community and no education (Loeb, 1999, p15). She, later on, becomes a powerful voice that is inspirational to everyone. This account gives a great perspective about community service since; most of the times we tend not to take a public stand. A woman beginning with no money and education but turns out great should act as an inspiration to everyone. For instance, Virginia could have comfortably lived her life without being able to speak out.

Virginia talks about how she left school in eighth grade, she says "that was what most Hispanic women in my generation did. My husband, who drives a taxicab, went to work after sixth grade (Loeb, 1999, p15)." She was always frustrated when she failed to help her kids with their homework. Her involvement with the Communities Organized for Public Service gave her strength. It gave her biblical knowledge and made her stronger, an aspect that was ones abstract and remote. She goes back to school and enrolls in a college. When her husband would come home and yell at her, she would say "I'm preparing for my future, if you don't like it then that's too bad because I m going to do it (Loeb, 1999, p19)."

Question 2

The efforts made by Virginia are modest, involving both outcome and intent. While nurturing an old sense of community in a setting that is urban, she resolves her dilemmas and impacts her spiritual and emotional life. These replace isolation with her having a sense of connection. Rather than viewing herself as incapable, she solves her problems through joint efforts addresses significant issues at that time. She opens herself up to those around her and discovers passions and strengths she did not know about. She begins to connect with others, with her excellent and wise instincts, with the core of which she was her soul.

Question 3

The author comments "when we shrink from the world, our souls shrink (Loeb, 1999, p21)." This claim offers a demonstration of Virginia's life of community service when she awakened her desires and abilities and decided to make her voice heard, and her actions count. She chose to lead her life worthy of her convictions. Thinking again about what Virginia accomplished when she joined forces with other people who were ones powerless to fight for her community, we learn that we can change the world through our contributions. There are those who are buried in their illusions of powerlessness to a point they can hardly work towards a humane society. They only extend their fates to their families and immediate friends, despite the many advantages they could have. Whatever situations we are in, we all have choices. We can ignore the problems beyond the doors, we can allow decisions to be made in our names, in the desperate world, or we can shape a generous common future for our communities.

Question 4

Virginia's husband statement "that is not your role" reveals a deficient standpoint and asset-based perspective (Loeb, 1999, p18). He focuses on the assets of the community rather than its problems, deficits and what it needs. His statement offers a representation of a shift in mindset for those who work in societies on essential issues. He feels that it is not Virginias' role and ability to offer a sense of development for the community, to get concerned about how the community can come together to achieve common goals by the use of their skills, knowledge, and experiences. He believes that her roles are to take care of her family.

Question 5

At some point in my life, I was looking for a job as a salesperson. There was this friend of mine who would connect me to his other friend who was the company's directing officer. My friend told me to keep calm while he talked to the director about my skills but I felt, I could still send my resume or instead visit the company and speak to the director by myself. After a month passing without my friend making a move, I decided to visit the place by myself. I was afraid I would not qualify, but it turned out good. I got the job. The boss said I had good communication skills. Because of that job I have a better experience with customer care service. That experience has gained me enough confidence in the employment industry. If I had no experience in sales, I know a couple of my friends who can fit in the industry well.

Question 6

The authors comment "we become in the presence of other human beings" coincides with Virginia's life experience of serving and relates to my current community engagement; Virginia gains her experiences through engaging in community development service (Loeb, 1999, p14). She can go to school and gain knowledge that equips her to equip others. How people see her potential are a reason she becomes powerful in society. In my current community engagement, there are some people with different skills, abilities, and talents. The platform is good for networking and shaping of personal power. The diversity of each plays a significant role in helping everyone become better persons.

References

Loeb, P. R. (1999). Soul of a citizen: Living with conviction in a cynical time. Macmillan.