[TV/BROADCAST PACKAGE]
1 - STORY BLOCK/NUMBER
PAGE
Lizzy Abellera - TALENT
STORY SLUG – Tomorrow’s business leaders are today’s lemonade sellers
STORY FORM – PKG
REPORTER –
Lizzy Abellera
IMAGINE THAT TOMORROW’S BUSINESS LEADERS WERE ONCE THOSE KIDS YOU SAW SELLING LEMONADE ON THE SIDEWALK. YOU WOULD THINK, “WOW—THOSE KIDS ARE AMBITIOUS AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE!” THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT LEMONADE DAY 2011 BEING INTRODUCED IN ALASKA IS ABOUT! LIZZY ABELLERA HAS THE STORY.
----- PKG START -----
[B-roll of past Lemonade Day from other cities]
MAY 1 IS OFFICIALLY PROCLAIMED AS LEMONADE DAY IN ANCHORAGE, ACCORDING TO MAYOR DAN SULLIVAN.
THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR ALASKA IS PARTICIPATING IN THIS NATIONAL EVENT. IT IS OPERATED BY UAA’S COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC POLICY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA CENTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. IT IS A COMMUNITY EVENT THAT ENCOURAGES BOTH YOUTH AND ALASKAN COMMUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN SELLING LEMONADE AT THEIR OWN STANDS. YOUTH WILL PREPARE THEIR OWN STANDS, MARKET THEIR GOODS, AND BE THEIR OWN BOSS. THEY ALSO GET TO KEEP ALL REVENUES EARNED FROM THEIR LEMONADE STAND.
[Video of Christi Bell coordinating event in her office]
CHRISTI BELL, DIRECTOR FROM UA CENTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, IS THE MAIN POINT OF CONTACT FOR PUTTING THIS EVENT TOGETHER. SHE IS WORKING CLOSELY WITH KELLY LAIPENIEKS, MEREDITH ROTHSTEIN, AND KATHRYN ABBOTT.
[Video of Christi Bell interview]
[“To help promote this event, we will all be hosting a Lemonade Day bus this coming Sunday to allow media an opportunity to get around to some stands.”
SOT/BITE – 8 seconds
CG: Christi Bell, Director of UA Center for Economic Development]
[Video of University Center, Seawolf Shuttle, UAA logo]
THIS BUS WILL BE DEPARTING FROM THE UNIVERSITY CENTER AT 12:30 PM. IT WILL MAKE ROUNDS IN ANCHORAGE TO VISIT THE DIFFERENT LEMONADE STANDS. IT WILL RETURN AT 4:30 PM. THEY PLAN ON INTERVIEWING THESE YOUTH PARTICIPANTS ON THEIR EXPERIENCES THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
[Video of Kelly Laipenieks interview]
[“The bus will be touring numerous lemonade stands around the city in support of these amazing young entrepreneurs.”
SOT/BITE – 6 seconds
CG: Kelly Laipenieks, Lemonade Day Coordinator]
THE GOAL THIS YEAR WAS TO REGISTER AT LEAST 1,100 ACROSS THE STATE.
ASIA BEDER IS A VISTA VOLUNTEER FOR THE EVENT WHO WORKS CLOSELY WITH KATHY ABBOTT.
[Video of Asia Beder Interview]
[“On Kids Day alone, about 850 youth registered to participate in this event.”
SOT/BITE – 4 seconds
CG: Asia Beder, VISTA Volunteer]
[B-roll from Kids Day]
THIS TOOK PLACE EARLIER THIS MONTH AT THE DENA’INA CIVIC & CONVENTION CENTER. THE CHILDREN RECEIVED FREE BACKPACKS THAT WERE FILLED WITH INFORMATION ON WHAT LEMONADE DAY IS, TIPS ON WHERE TO SET UP THEIR STANDS, AND HOW TO BUILD THESE STANDS. EACH CHILD WAS REQUIRED TO HAVE AN ADULT SPONSOR THEM.
[Video of Asia Beder interview]
[“We made about 900 backpacks and were only left with about 50.”
SOT/BITE – 3 seconds
CG: Asia Beder, VISTA Volunteer]
[Video of outside of the following buildings: City Diner, Chuck E. Cheese, Classic Toys, Carrs locations]
EACH ENTREPRENEUR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING PERMISSION TO SELL LEMONADE ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. HOWEVER, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL LEMONADE DAY WEBSITE FOR ALASKA, MANY LOCAL BUSINESSES HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO HOST STANDS AT THEIR STOREFRONTS. THESE INCLUDE: CITY DINER, CHUCK E. CHEESE, CLASSIC TOYS, AND ALL CARRS LOCATIONS. THE MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE IS ALSO ALLOWING ALL PARKS TO BE USED FOR LEMONADE STANDS. EACH YOUTH IS ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT THE BUSINESSES DIRECTLY TO NEGOTIATE THE PLACEMENTS OF THEIR STANDS AS ITS PART OF THE LEARNING PROCESS.
[CG: Table of the following facts]
LEMONADE DAY ORIGINATED IN HOUSTON, TEXAS AND WAS FOUNDED IN 2007. DURING THIS FIRST YEAR, ABOUT 2,600 KIDS REGISTERED. IN 2008, ABOUT 11,000 KIDS REGISTERED, AND IN 2009 ABOUT 31,000 KIDS REGISTERED WHEN IT EXPANDED TO AUSTIN, TEXAS AND WAYNE COUNTRY, INDIANA. LAST YEAR’S TOTAL REVENUE FOR LEMONADE DAY 2010 WAS $4.2 MILLION, WITH OVER $1 MILLION DONATED TO A CHARITY OF CHOICE FROM YOUTH.
VOLUNTEERS THAT ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING OUT WITH LEMONADE DAY OR JOINING LAIPENIEKS, BELL, ROTHSTEIN, OR ABBOTT ON THE BUS CAN CONTACT THE UA CENTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AT 907-786-5444 FOR MORE INFORMATION. FOR K-R-U-A NEWS, I’M LIZZY ABELLERA.
---- PKG END/ON CAM TAG ----
[CG: Contact information for UA Center for Economic Development]
###
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Tomorrow’s business leaders are today’s lemonade sellers
[RADIO SCRIPT VERSION]
Intro: Imagine that tomorrow’s business leaders were once those kids you saw selling lemonade on the sidewalk. You would think, “Wow—those kids are ambitious at such a young age!” That’s exactly what Lemonade Day 2011 being introduced in Alaska is about! UAA’s Lizzy Abellera reports:
May 1 is officially proclaimed as Lemonade Day in Anchorage, according to Mayor Dan Sullivan.
This is the first year Alaska is participating in this national event. It is operated by UAA’s College of Business and Public Policy and the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development. It is a community event that encourages both youth and Alaskan communities to participate in selling lemonade at their own stands. Youth will prepare their own stands, market their goods, and be their own boss. They also get to keep all revenues earned from their lemonade stand.
Christi Bell, Director from UA Center for Economic Development, is the main point of contact for putting this event together. She is working closely with Kelly Laipenieks, Meredith Rothstein, and Kathryn Abbott.
[CutID: Bell promoting Lemonade Day.wav]
Time: 8s
Title: Bell promoting Lemonade Day
Out-cue:] [“To help promote this event, we will all be hosting a Lemonade Day bus this coming Sunday to allow media an opportunity to get around to some stands.”]
This bus will be departing from the University Center at 12:30 pm. It will make rounds in Anchorage to visit the different lemonade stands. It will return at 4:30 pm. They plan on interviewing these youth participants on their experiences throughout the day.
[CutID: Laipenieks bus.wav]
Time: 6s
Title: Lapipenieks bus
Out-cue:] [“The bus will be touring numerous lemonade stands around the city in support of these amazing young entrepreneurs.”]
The goal this year was to register at least 1,100 across the state.
Asia Beder is a VISTA volunteer for the event who works closely with Kathy Abbott.
[CutID: Beder kids day.wav]
Time: 4s
Title: Beder Kids Day
Out-cue:] [“On Kids Day alone, about 850 youth registered to participate in this event.”]
This took place earlier this month at the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center. The children received free backpacks that were filled with information on what lemonade day is, tips on where to set up their stands, and how to build these stands. Each child was required to have an adult sponsor them.
[CutID: Beder kids day 2.wav]
Time: 3s
Title: Beder Kids Day 2
Out-cue:] [“We made about 900 backpacks and were only left with about 50.”]
Each entrepreneur is responsible for obtaining permission to sell lemonade on private property. However, according to the official Lemonade Day website for Alaska, many local businesses have volunteered to host stands at their storefronts. These include: City Diner, Chuck E. Cheese, Classic Toys, and all Carrs locations. The Municipality of Anchorage is also allowing all parks to be used for lemonade stands. Each youth is encouraged to contact the businesses directly to negotiate the placements of their stands as its part of the learning process.
Lemonade Day originated in Houston, Texas and was founded in 2007. During this first year, about 2,600 kids registered. In 2008, about 11,000 kids registered, and in 2009 about 31,000 kids registered when it expanded to Austin, Texas and Wayne Country, Indiana. Last year’s total revenue for Lemonade Day 2010 was $4.2 million, with over $1 million donated to a charity of choice from youth.
Volunteers that are interested in helping out with Lemonade Day or joining Laipenieks, Bell, Rothstein, or Abbott on the bus can contact the UA Center for Economic Development at 907-786-5444 for more information.
Intro: Imagine that tomorrow’s business leaders were once those kids you saw selling lemonade on the sidewalk. You would think, “Wow—those kids are ambitious at such a young age!” That’s exactly what Lemonade Day 2011 being introduced in Alaska is about! UAA’s Lizzy Abellera reports:
May 1 is officially proclaimed as Lemonade Day in Anchorage, according to Mayor Dan Sullivan.
This is the first year Alaska is participating in this national event. It is operated by UAA’s College of Business and Public Policy and the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development. It is a community event that encourages both youth and Alaskan communities to participate in selling lemonade at their own stands. Youth will prepare their own stands, market their goods, and be their own boss. They also get to keep all revenues earned from their lemonade stand.
Christi Bell, Director from UA Center for Economic Development, is the main point of contact for putting this event together. She is working closely with Kelly Laipenieks, Meredith Rothstein, and Kathryn Abbott.
[CutID: Bell promoting Lemonade Day.wav]
Time: 8s
Title: Bell promoting Lemonade Day
Out-cue:] [“To help promote this event, we will all be hosting a Lemonade Day bus this coming Sunday to allow media an opportunity to get around to some stands.”]
This bus will be departing from the University Center at 12:30 pm. It will make rounds in Anchorage to visit the different lemonade stands. It will return at 4:30 pm. They plan on interviewing these youth participants on their experiences throughout the day.
[CutID: Laipenieks bus.wav]
Time: 6s
Title: Lapipenieks bus
Out-cue:] [“The bus will be touring numerous lemonade stands around the city in support of these amazing young entrepreneurs.”]
The goal this year was to register at least 1,100 across the state.
Asia Beder is a VISTA volunteer for the event who works closely with Kathy Abbott.
[CutID: Beder kids day.wav]
Time: 4s
Title: Beder Kids Day
Out-cue:] [“On Kids Day alone, about 850 youth registered to participate in this event.”]
This took place earlier this month at the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center. The children received free backpacks that were filled with information on what lemonade day is, tips on where to set up their stands, and how to build these stands. Each child was required to have an adult sponsor them.
[CutID: Beder kids day 2.wav]
Time: 3s
Title: Beder Kids Day 2
Out-cue:] [“We made about 900 backpacks and were only left with about 50.”]
Each entrepreneur is responsible for obtaining permission to sell lemonade on private property. However, according to the official Lemonade Day website for Alaska, many local businesses have volunteered to host stands at their storefronts. These include: City Diner, Chuck E. Cheese, Classic Toys, and all Carrs locations. The Municipality of Anchorage is also allowing all parks to be used for lemonade stands. Each youth is encouraged to contact the businesses directly to negotiate the placements of their stands as its part of the learning process.
Lemonade Day originated in Houston, Texas and was founded in 2007. During this first year, about 2,600 kids registered. In 2008, about 11,000 kids registered, and in 2009 about 31,000 kids registered when it expanded to Austin, Texas and Wayne Country, Indiana. Last year’s total revenue for Lemonade Day 2010 was $4.2 million, with over $1 million donated to a charity of choice from youth.
Volunteers that are interested in helping out with Lemonade Day or joining Laipenieks, Bell, Rothstein, or Abbott on the bus can contact the UA Center for Economic Development at 907-786-5444 for more information.
Tomorrow’s business leaders are today’s lemonade sellers
[PRINT VERSION]
May 1 is officially proclaimed as Lemonade Day in Anchorage, according to Mayor Dan Sullivan.
Lemonade Day is a community event created by Prepared 4 Life that encourages both youth and communities to participate in selling lemonade at their own lemonade stands. The focus of this program is to let youth experience becoming entrepreneurs. Their objective is building confidence and self-esteem in children and to let them run their own business.
This is the first year Alaska is participating in this national event. It is operated by UAA’s College of Business and Public Policy and the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development.
Youth will prepare their own stands, market their goods, and be their own boss. They also get to keep all revenues earned from their lemonade stand.
Christi Bell, Director from UA Center for Economic Development, is the main point of contact for putting this event together. She is working closely with Kelly Laipenieks, Meredith Rothstein, and Kathryn Abbott.
Bell says, “To help promote this event, we will all be hosting a Lemonade Day bus this coming Sunday to allow media an opportunity to get around to some stands.”
This bus will be departing from the University Center at 12:30 pm. It will make rounds in Anchorage to visit the different lemonade stands, and it will return at 4:30 pm. They plan on interviewing these youth participants on their experiences throughout the day.
Laipenieks says, “The bus will be touring numerous lemonade stands around the city in support of these amazing young entrepreneurs.”
The goal this year was to register at least 1,100 across the state.
Asia Beder, a VISTA volunteer for the event mentioned, “On Kids Day alone, about 850 youth registered to participate in this event.”
This took place earlier this month at the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center. The children received free backpacks that were filled with information on what lemonade day is, tips on where to set up their stands, and how to build these stands. Each child was required to have an adult sponsor them.
Beder says, “We made about 900 backpacks and were only left with about 50.”
Each entrepreneur is responsible for obtaining permission to sell lemonade on private property. However, according to the official Lemonade Day website for Alaska, many local businesses have volunteered to host stands at their storefronts. These include: City Diner, Chuck E. Cheese, Classic Toys, and all Carrs locations. The Municipality of Anchorage is also allowing all parks to be used for lemonade stands. Each youth is encouraged to contact the businesses directly to negotiate the placements of their stands as its part of the learning process.
Lemonade Day originated in Houston, Texas and was founded in 2007. During this first year, about 2,600 kids registered. In 2008, about 11,000 kids registered, and in 2009 about 31,000 kids registered when it expanded to Austin, Texas and Wayne Country, Indiana. Last year’s total revenue for Lemonade Day 2010 was $4.2 million, with over $1 million donated to a charity of choice from youth.
Volunteers that are interested in helping out with Lemonade Day or joining Laipenieks, Bell, Rothstein, or Abbott on the bus can contact the UA Center for Economic Development at 907-786-5444 for more information.
May 1 is officially proclaimed as Lemonade Day in Anchorage, according to Mayor Dan Sullivan.
Lemonade Day is a community event created by Prepared 4 Life that encourages both youth and communities to participate in selling lemonade at their own lemonade stands. The focus of this program is to let youth experience becoming entrepreneurs. Their objective is building confidence and self-esteem in children and to let them run their own business.
This is the first year Alaska is participating in this national event. It is operated by UAA’s College of Business and Public Policy and the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development.
Youth will prepare their own stands, market their goods, and be their own boss. They also get to keep all revenues earned from their lemonade stand.
Christi Bell, Director from UA Center for Economic Development, is the main point of contact for putting this event together. She is working closely with Kelly Laipenieks, Meredith Rothstein, and Kathryn Abbott.
Bell says, “To help promote this event, we will all be hosting a Lemonade Day bus this coming Sunday to allow media an opportunity to get around to some stands.”
This bus will be departing from the University Center at 12:30 pm. It will make rounds in Anchorage to visit the different lemonade stands, and it will return at 4:30 pm. They plan on interviewing these youth participants on their experiences throughout the day.
Laipenieks says, “The bus will be touring numerous lemonade stands around the city in support of these amazing young entrepreneurs.”
The goal this year was to register at least 1,100 across the state.
Asia Beder, a VISTA volunteer for the event mentioned, “On Kids Day alone, about 850 youth registered to participate in this event.”
This took place earlier this month at the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center. The children received free backpacks that were filled with information on what lemonade day is, tips on where to set up their stands, and how to build these stands. Each child was required to have an adult sponsor them.
Beder says, “We made about 900 backpacks and were only left with about 50.”
Each entrepreneur is responsible for obtaining permission to sell lemonade on private property. However, according to the official Lemonade Day website for Alaska, many local businesses have volunteered to host stands at their storefronts. These include: City Diner, Chuck E. Cheese, Classic Toys, and all Carrs locations. The Municipality of Anchorage is also allowing all parks to be used for lemonade stands. Each youth is encouraged to contact the businesses directly to negotiate the placements of their stands as its part of the learning process.
Lemonade Day originated in Houston, Texas and was founded in 2007. During this first year, about 2,600 kids registered. In 2008, about 11,000 kids registered, and in 2009 about 31,000 kids registered when it expanded to Austin, Texas and Wayne Country, Indiana. Last year’s total revenue for Lemonade Day 2010 was $4.2 million, with over $1 million donated to a charity of choice from youth.
Volunteers that are interested in helping out with Lemonade Day or joining Laipenieks, Bell, Rothstein, or Abbott on the bus can contact the UA Center for Economic Development at 907-786-5444 for more information.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Buyback bucks: are they worth it?
1 - STORY BLOCK/NUMBER
PAGE
Lizzy Abellera - TALENT
STORY SLUG – Buyback bucks: are they worth it?
STORY FORM – PKG
REPORTER –
Lizzy Abellera
IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR WHEN SPRING CLEANING IS IN THE AIR AND POSTERS ARE PLASTERED AROUND CAMPUS ABOUT LATE NIGHTS IN THE STUDENT UNION. IT’S THE END OF THE SEMESTER! WITH THE END OF EVERY SEMESTER COMES TEXTBOOK BUYBACK AT THE BOOKSTORE. THIS YEAR TEXTBOOK BUYBACK STARTS ON FRIDAY, APRIL 22 AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE EFFECTIVE THROUGHOUT FINALS WEEK. IT ENDS ON MONDAY, MAY 2. LIZZY ABELLERA HAS THE STORY.
----- PKG START -----
[Video of student traffic throughout UAA bookstore + Nat sound of student traffic throughout campus, items being rung up at bookstore counter]
TEXTBOOK BUYBACK IS A TIME FOR STUDENTS TO SELL THEIR TEXTBOOKS BACK TO UAA FOR A FRACTION OF THE PRICE. STUDENTS MAY BRING THEIR TEXTBOOKS, ALONG WITH ANY SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL THEY PURCHASED IN THE BEGINNING OF THE SEMESTER, AND CAN RE-SELL IT DIRECTLY BACK TO UAA.
THE UAA BOOKSTORE ADVERTISES TEXTBOOK BUYBACK AS A WAY FOR STUDENTS TO RETRIEVE SOME EXTRA CASH FOR THEIR BOOKS. THERE ARE SOME STUDENTS, HOWEVER, THAT DO NOT FEEL THEY GET ANY CASH AT ALL WHEN SELLING THEIR BRAND-NEW TEXTBOOKS BACK TO THE UNIVERSITY.
[Video of Chanelle Eniero on UAA campus]
CHANELLE ENIERO, A FRESHMAN MAJORING IN COMPUTER NETWORKING AND TECHNOLOGY, SHARES HER DISCONTENTMENT WITH THE PROGRAM. SHE EXPERIENCED HER FIRST TEXTBOOK BUYBACK IN THE FALL 2010 SEMESTER.
[Video of Chanelle Eniero interview]
[“They buy them back way cheaper than what you pay for it. The system is whack.”
SOT/BITE – 5 seconds
CG: Chanelle Eniero, Freshman]
[Video of students selling books back at register]
STUDENTS TEND TO USE THE WORD “RIP OFF” A LOT WHEN DESCRIBING THEIR EXPERIENCES OF SELLING THEIR BOOKS BACK TO THE BOOKSTORE.
[Video of Chanelle Eniero interview]
[“It’s a rip off for us, but it’s good for them [UAA]. I ended up keeping my books and sold them to a family member and friend for a decent price.”
SOT/BITE – 7 seconds
CG: Chanelle Eniero, Freshman]
[Video of fliers posted around campus selling books, then change to video outside of Title Wave Bookstore]
IT HAS BECOME A HABIT FOR STUDENTS TO START GOING TO ALTERNATIVE SOURCES WHEN THINKING OF WHAT TO DO WITH THEIR TEXTBOOKS THAT THEY NO LONGER NEED. STUDENTS ARE KNOWN TO POST ADS ON CRAIGSLIST, POST FLIERS AROUND THE CAMPUS, OR RE-SELL THEM AT LOCAL BOOKSTORES LIKE TITLE WAVE BOOKS ON NORTHERN LIGHTS.
[Video of Gly Larson on UAA campus]
GLY LARSON, A JUNIOR MAJORING IN MATHEMATICS, USES A WEBSITE CALLED CHEGG.COM. THIS SITE LETS STUDENTS RENT THEIR TEXTBOOKS ONLINE. THEY CAN SIMPLY SHIP IT BACK WHEN THEY ARE FINISHED WITH IT. ANOTHER POPULAR WEBSITE FOR TEXTBOOK RENTALS IS BARNES AND NOBLE’S WEBSITE, BN.COM. OTHER STUDENTS ALSO COMPARE THEIR PURCHASES TO AMAZON.COM IN THE BEGINNING OF EACH SEMESTER TO SEE IF IT’S SOLD CHEAPER THERE.
[Video of Gly Larson interview]
[“Textbook buyback is a horrible system. They just rape your wallet and you get, like, 10 percent back.”
SOT/BITE – 4 seconds
CG: Gly Larson, Junior]
[Video of Phillip Louie on UAA campus]
PHILLIP LOUIE, A UAA ALUMNI AND FORMER PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR, SHARED HIS EXPERIENCE OF HOW HE STOPPED BUYING HIS TEXTBOOKS FROM THE UAA BOOKSTORE.
[Video of Phillip Louie interview]
[“I bought a book from the book store years ago worth over $100. I got back $8 and the guy working the register during buyback told me it was normal and that I never should expect more. I should always expect more.”
SOT/BITE – 12 seconds
CG: Phillip Louie, UAA Alumni]
[Video of Phillip Louie surfing websites used to purchased books]
LOUIE, WHO STOPPED SHOPPING AT THE BOOKSTORE AFTER THIS EXPERIENCE, FOUND HIS OWN SOLUTION TO GETTING HIS TEXTBOOKS FOR SCHOOL. HE STARTED TO PURCHASE THE INTERNATIONAL EDITIONS OFF THE INTERNET. HE EXPLAINED HOW ALTHOUGH THEY’RE NOT HARDBACK BOOKS AND MAY BE SLIGHTLY OLDER WITH DIFFERENT PAGES—THIS ACTUALLY SAVED HIM A LOT OF MONEY.
[Video of Phillip Louie interview]
[“I can’t sell it back but the money I saved was way more than the money I would have received back from reselling the American copy. I get to keep the book and save tons of money. It’s the best deal of all.”
SOT/BITE – 10 seconds
CG: Phillip Louie, UAA Alumni]
LOUIE WAS ABLE TO PURCHASE A $160 TEXTBOOK HE NEEDED FOR HIS STATISTICS CLASS FOR ONLY$30 TOTAL—THIS ALSO INCLUDED THE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING FEE.
STUDENTS MAY NOT BE TOO PLEASED WITH THE AMOUNT THEY RECEIVE BACK WHEN RE-SELLING THEIR TEXTBOOKS. THERE ARE STILL A FEW OTHERS THAT APPRECIATE THE SYSTEM.
RANGELL SORIANO, A FORMER ENGINEERING STUDENT AND NOW UAA ALUMNI SHARES HIS THOUGHTS.
[Video of Rangell Soriano interview]
[“I’m glad they even have that option on campus. I would rather sell it to them than go through the hassle of selling it on eBay or Amazon, or even keeping it.”
SOT/BITE – 7 seconds
CG: Rangell Soriano, UAA Alumni]
SORIANO IS THANKFUL HE RECEVEID ANY MONEY AT ALL ON HIS TEXTBOOKS AND EXPLAINS HOW IT MAKES GOOD LUNCH MONEY.
[Video of students standing in line for textbook buyback]
STUDENTS CAN VISIT THE UAA BOOKSTORE DURING TEXTBOOK BUYBACK IF THEY WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM. FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION, STUDENTS MAY CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE DIRECTLY. FOR K-U-A-A NEWS, I’M LIZZY ABELLERA.
---- PKG END/ON CAM TAG -----
[CG: Contact information for UAA bookstore]
###
PAGE
Lizzy Abellera - TALENT
STORY SLUG – Buyback bucks: are they worth it?
STORY FORM – PKG
REPORTER –
Lizzy Abellera
IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR WHEN SPRING CLEANING IS IN THE AIR AND POSTERS ARE PLASTERED AROUND CAMPUS ABOUT LATE NIGHTS IN THE STUDENT UNION. IT’S THE END OF THE SEMESTER! WITH THE END OF EVERY SEMESTER COMES TEXTBOOK BUYBACK AT THE BOOKSTORE. THIS YEAR TEXTBOOK BUYBACK STARTS ON FRIDAY, APRIL 22 AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE EFFECTIVE THROUGHOUT FINALS WEEK. IT ENDS ON MONDAY, MAY 2. LIZZY ABELLERA HAS THE STORY.
----- PKG START -----
[Video of student traffic throughout UAA bookstore + Nat sound of student traffic throughout campus, items being rung up at bookstore counter]
TEXTBOOK BUYBACK IS A TIME FOR STUDENTS TO SELL THEIR TEXTBOOKS BACK TO UAA FOR A FRACTION OF THE PRICE. STUDENTS MAY BRING THEIR TEXTBOOKS, ALONG WITH ANY SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL THEY PURCHASED IN THE BEGINNING OF THE SEMESTER, AND CAN RE-SELL IT DIRECTLY BACK TO UAA.
THE UAA BOOKSTORE ADVERTISES TEXTBOOK BUYBACK AS A WAY FOR STUDENTS TO RETRIEVE SOME EXTRA CASH FOR THEIR BOOKS. THERE ARE SOME STUDENTS, HOWEVER, THAT DO NOT FEEL THEY GET ANY CASH AT ALL WHEN SELLING THEIR BRAND-NEW TEXTBOOKS BACK TO THE UNIVERSITY.
[Video of Chanelle Eniero on UAA campus]
CHANELLE ENIERO, A FRESHMAN MAJORING IN COMPUTER NETWORKING AND TECHNOLOGY, SHARES HER DISCONTENTMENT WITH THE PROGRAM. SHE EXPERIENCED HER FIRST TEXTBOOK BUYBACK IN THE FALL 2010 SEMESTER.
[Video of Chanelle Eniero interview]
[“They buy them back way cheaper than what you pay for it. The system is whack.”
SOT/BITE – 5 seconds
CG: Chanelle Eniero, Freshman]
[Video of students selling books back at register]
STUDENTS TEND TO USE THE WORD “RIP OFF” A LOT WHEN DESCRIBING THEIR EXPERIENCES OF SELLING THEIR BOOKS BACK TO THE BOOKSTORE.
[Video of Chanelle Eniero interview]
[“It’s a rip off for us, but it’s good for them [UAA]. I ended up keeping my books and sold them to a family member and friend for a decent price.”
SOT/BITE – 7 seconds
CG: Chanelle Eniero, Freshman]
[Video of fliers posted around campus selling books, then change to video outside of Title Wave Bookstore]
IT HAS BECOME A HABIT FOR STUDENTS TO START GOING TO ALTERNATIVE SOURCES WHEN THINKING OF WHAT TO DO WITH THEIR TEXTBOOKS THAT THEY NO LONGER NEED. STUDENTS ARE KNOWN TO POST ADS ON CRAIGSLIST, POST FLIERS AROUND THE CAMPUS, OR RE-SELL THEM AT LOCAL BOOKSTORES LIKE TITLE WAVE BOOKS ON NORTHERN LIGHTS.
[Video of Gly Larson on UAA campus]
GLY LARSON, A JUNIOR MAJORING IN MATHEMATICS, USES A WEBSITE CALLED CHEGG.COM. THIS SITE LETS STUDENTS RENT THEIR TEXTBOOKS ONLINE. THEY CAN SIMPLY SHIP IT BACK WHEN THEY ARE FINISHED WITH IT. ANOTHER POPULAR WEBSITE FOR TEXTBOOK RENTALS IS BARNES AND NOBLE’S WEBSITE, BN.COM. OTHER STUDENTS ALSO COMPARE THEIR PURCHASES TO AMAZON.COM IN THE BEGINNING OF EACH SEMESTER TO SEE IF IT’S SOLD CHEAPER THERE.
[Video of Gly Larson interview]
[“Textbook buyback is a horrible system. They just rape your wallet and you get, like, 10 percent back.”
SOT/BITE – 4 seconds
CG: Gly Larson, Junior]
[Video of Phillip Louie on UAA campus]
PHILLIP LOUIE, A UAA ALUMNI AND FORMER PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR, SHARED HIS EXPERIENCE OF HOW HE STOPPED BUYING HIS TEXTBOOKS FROM THE UAA BOOKSTORE.
[Video of Phillip Louie interview]
[“I bought a book from the book store years ago worth over $100. I got back $8 and the guy working the register during buyback told me it was normal and that I never should expect more. I should always expect more.”
SOT/BITE – 12 seconds
CG: Phillip Louie, UAA Alumni]
[Video of Phillip Louie surfing websites used to purchased books]
LOUIE, WHO STOPPED SHOPPING AT THE BOOKSTORE AFTER THIS EXPERIENCE, FOUND HIS OWN SOLUTION TO GETTING HIS TEXTBOOKS FOR SCHOOL. HE STARTED TO PURCHASE THE INTERNATIONAL EDITIONS OFF THE INTERNET. HE EXPLAINED HOW ALTHOUGH THEY’RE NOT HARDBACK BOOKS AND MAY BE SLIGHTLY OLDER WITH DIFFERENT PAGES—THIS ACTUALLY SAVED HIM A LOT OF MONEY.
[Video of Phillip Louie interview]
[“I can’t sell it back but the money I saved was way more than the money I would have received back from reselling the American copy. I get to keep the book and save tons of money. It’s the best deal of all.”
SOT/BITE – 10 seconds
CG: Phillip Louie, UAA Alumni]
LOUIE WAS ABLE TO PURCHASE A $160 TEXTBOOK HE NEEDED FOR HIS STATISTICS CLASS FOR ONLY$30 TOTAL—THIS ALSO INCLUDED THE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING FEE.
STUDENTS MAY NOT BE TOO PLEASED WITH THE AMOUNT THEY RECEIVE BACK WHEN RE-SELLING THEIR TEXTBOOKS. THERE ARE STILL A FEW OTHERS THAT APPRECIATE THE SYSTEM.
RANGELL SORIANO, A FORMER ENGINEERING STUDENT AND NOW UAA ALUMNI SHARES HIS THOUGHTS.
[Video of Rangell Soriano interview]
[“I’m glad they even have that option on campus. I would rather sell it to them than go through the hassle of selling it on eBay or Amazon, or even keeping it.”
SOT/BITE – 7 seconds
CG: Rangell Soriano, UAA Alumni]
SORIANO IS THANKFUL HE RECEVEID ANY MONEY AT ALL ON HIS TEXTBOOKS AND EXPLAINS HOW IT MAKES GOOD LUNCH MONEY.
[Video of students standing in line for textbook buyback]
STUDENTS CAN VISIT THE UAA BOOKSTORE DURING TEXTBOOK BUYBACK IF THEY WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM. FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION, STUDENTS MAY CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE DIRECTLY. FOR K-U-A-A NEWS, I’M LIZZY ABELLERA.
---- PKG END/ON CAM TAG -----
[CG: Contact information for UAA bookstore]
###
Thursday, April 14, 2011
To be a proud graduate, or not to be
Intro: While most graduating students experience a sense of “senioritis” during the last few weeks of the spring semester, Sheryl Saturnino remains humble. She continues to work through the rest of her classes and is keeping the thought of walking across the stage in the back of her mind. She did not feel the hype of the Grad Fair that took place in mid-February at the UAA bookstore. She also was not in a rush to order her graduation announcements and neglected to do so until recently. UAA’s Lizzy Abellera reports:
Saturnino, a senior majoring in Psychology, feels indifferent about participating in this year’s Commencement ceremony. Although she is qualified and encouraged to walk for graduation, Saturnino does not feel like a true graduate. This is because she does not technically finish her degree until the summer.
Melanie Donhauser, one of the Degree Certification Specialists at UAA’s Enrollment services, explains UAA graduation policy.
Saturnino, a senior majoring in Psychology, feels indifferent about participating in this year’s Commencement ceremony. Although she is qualified and encouraged to walk for graduation, Saturnino does not feel like a true graduate. This is because she does not technically finish her degree until the summer.
Melanie Donhauser, one of the Degree Certification Specialists at UAA’s Enrollment services, explains UAA graduation policy.
[CutID: Donhauser UAA policy.wav]
Time: 9s
Title: Donhauser UAA policy
Out-cue:] [“Summer graduates can participate in the [preceding] spring ceremony even if it’s before a student is actually done with his or her degree. [However,] a student must be within six credits of completion for their degree.”]
While this may be a good option for students, Saturnino just doesn’t feel proud to call herself a graduate. She has to finish two courses over the summer semester to finally obtain her degree in August.
[CutID: Saturnino not done.wav] Camille Oliver, the special events manager and Commencement coordinator from University Advancement, says students who graduate over the summer will not have their name printed in this year’s commencement program. It will only contain the names of students from summer and fall 2010 semesters and spring 2011.
Time: 5s
Title: Saturnino not done
Out-cue:] [“It’s just a weird feeling knowing I’m not really done and the Commencement ceremony is celebrating students that have actually finished everything.”]
[CutID: Oliver program.wav]
Time: 4s
Title: Oliver program
Out-cue:] [“Students that technically finish their degree over this next summer will have their name printed on next year’s program.“]
Oliver assures that this will not affect a student’s participation in the actual ceremony in any way. Unfortunately, this is not a reassuring feeling for Saturnino. This makes her feel more at-edge about walking this spring.
Saturnino felt she had to cram everything in for the spring semester. UAA has only one Commencement ceremony in the year, which falls at the end of each spring semester. Other major universities have bi-annual celebrations, one for fall and one for spring. If Saturnino were to wait to walk until she finished her degree completely, she would have to wait until the spring Commencement ceremony of 2012. That’s about 9 months after she is finally done. Saturnino feels she just would not want to participate at all if she had to wait that long.
[CutID: Saturnino done.wav] Asia Beder is a recent fall graduate from Alaska Pacific University, which neighbors the UAA campus. She explains how her school had a separate Commencement ceremony last December to celebrate students that completed their degree that semester.
Time: 1s
Title: Saturnino done
Out-cue:] [“I would just want to be done with it.”]
[CutID: Beder APU graduation.wav]
Time: 7s
Title: Beder graduation
Out-cue:] [“It’s nice having a celebration at the end of the semester you finish. The celebration was small and intimate but it gave a chance for each student to feel recognized.”]
Because of APU’s smaller ceremony in the fall, each student was able to deliver a 2-minute speech. Beder says this was a nice gesture to recognize the school’s graduates.
UAA’s Commencement Ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 1st at the Sullivan Arena at 3 pm. Students’ family and friends are encouraged to attend and support their UAA graduate.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Back-up for Blackboard
When Blackboard goes down, it's almost like granting an in-service day to students. Actually, this is more like a free-for-all happy hour. There hasn't been an entire day affected by this system being unavailable. However, instructors and students are impacted when working against strict deadlines during the very few hours it is down. These are deadlines for students to turn in assignments and deadlines for instructors to share pertinent information to the class.
Chris Martinez who works for Information Technology Services, better known as IT Services, assures that the department is on it once the system goes down. The phone calls and inquiries are endless.
Because of Blackboard's sporadic and unexpected times of shutting down, instructors have had to turn to different forms of web mediums such as social networking sites to use as alternatives. Students rely on Blackboard to get information about their classes and to turn assignments in. That's not to say that Blackboard has or will become obsolete, but that instructors and students should have options to turn to alternative resources. This is helpful when the source of class information delivered via web goes down, especially for distance education online courses.
Janson Jones, a professor from the English department, currently teaches two sections of his Advanced Technical Writing class online. In years past, he has turned to using Typepad to deliver class announcements and assignment information to students. Typepad is one of several blog services available that Jones links directly to Blackboard. When clicking on the course title from a student's Blackboard account, they are directed right to Jones's blog. He also sends the blog address to his student's e-mail just in case they need to access the information this way.
Jones doesn’t want to take a chance at being unavailable to his students. He uses Blackboard to record grades and make use of the discussion board. Even with using the discussion board, he warns students that Blackboard may act up while making their posts. Jones chooses to perform all other class functions outside of this system. He delivers assignments as attachments in his blog.
Crystal Shaw, a senior majoring in natural sciences, is annoyed when Blackboard goes down. She knows instructors who will not feel sympathetic toward students that don’t end up meeting the deadlines for assignments. Blackboard becoming unavailable in not an excuse. Granted, these instructors do not feel sympathetic because of the time allotted to complete these assignments. A student should not wait until the last minute to turn assignments in. Nonetheless, Shaw thinks students should not be punished for an entire system going down, especially when it is out of their hands.
Technology will continue to play an important and integrated role for teaching a class. Instructors and students should consider what options are available to communicate class work over the web. For more information, questions, or concerns contact UAA IT Services at 786-4646.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Feeling the weight of the waitlist
The University of Alaska Anchorage nursing program is biased. Two students from the School of Nursing admitted this when asked about the admission process. The term “biased” was the perfect description they came up with when conveying their experiences of applying and getting into the program.
Whether a student aims for the associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing, applying to this program may be one challenge. The second hurdle to overcome is highly talked about waiting list. What used to be a 12-month waiting period in the past to start the program has grown to a complete two-year halt in the degree plan.
Mary Grace Villasin, who considers herself to be in junior standing, applied to the nursing program in the summer of 2010. This is several months prior to the October 1 deadline for the fall semester. It wasn’t until the end of December 2010 when she finally received an acceptance letter. Evoked with joy to see “Congratulations” being the first word she read—her heart sunk when her eyes rolled over her start date: spring semester of year 2013.
The nursing program is highly competitive and accepts about 40 students per year for the bachelor’s option and 32 students a year for the associate’s plan. Because of this standstill in the degree program, students become waitlisted until they can start. This is due to the insufficient number of available nursing educators. There are very few instructors available, and they all teach year-round for both degree programs.
The admission process is strict. Kathy Smith, one of the program assistants for the nursing department recommends students to meet one-on-one with Marie Samson, the program’s Student Affairs Coordinator. Students may discuss with her what their options are after applying to the program and waiting for an answer.
All students are considered pre-nursing majors until being formerly accepted. All pre-major students must follow a specific course plan and obtain an exceptional grade point average to be set apart from other applicants.
Villasin explains how a student’s GPA plays a significant role when determining whether a student will rank high enough to be admitted into the program faster. Students can get “bumped up” into the program and can start a semester or two earlier if their GPA in their nursing prerequisite courses is good enough.
Villasin shares why she thinks the program is biased: she believes they tend to accept men that apply faster than others.
Carlo Sipin is a male nursing student who is in his third semester of the program. He agrees that the program is biased but not because he is a male.
During his first few semesters attending UAA, Sipin heavily stacked his nursing prerequisites of chemistry and biology courses and achieved a solid 3.5 GPA. He applied for the program in May 2009 while finishing up his last requirements. He received his acceptance letter in December 2009 and was able to start the program right away in January 2010.
Sipin doesn’t think it’s because he’s a male that got him in so quick, but because he was determined to get his pre-requisites completed fast and also got good grades. If anything, he believes the nursing program is biased because of the acceptance rate between a bachelor’s degree and an associate’s degree.
To Sipin, anyone can be accepted into the bachelor’s track and will eventually start the program—no matter what the wait may be. It upsets him that the associate’s track is more competitive and strict. He says they will deny students admission if they don’t meet the requirements. Sipin thinks this should be switched around.
Villasin added that students could apply for both the bachelors and associate’s track. She recalls a friend who applied for both and was accepted into the bachelor’s program, but was denied acceptance for the associate’s program.
Although Sipin didn’t experience the harsh reality of the waiting list like most students do, he sympathizes for the department saying that the wait is inevitable. With the limited number of teachers available, there’s not much that can be done to alleviate the delay for students.
Villasin, on the other hand, is angry about this waiting period she must endure. She thinks it’s tolerable for people that want to take the time off, but it’s unfair for determined students that just want to go and get their degree already.
As Sipin looks forward to obtaining his Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing in the next semester, Villasin is looking at what options she has available during her wait. She is looking at possibly doing a double major or earning a certificate in phlebotomy. She is also looking into other nursing programs out of state and may apply for admission at those schools because they don’t have a waiting list.
She hopes all of this wait will eventually pay off in the end, but she will unfortunately have to anticipate that feeling of accomplishment until August 2014—her expected graduation date.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Priority registration: yay or nay for UA students?
Starting on April 1st for the 2011 fall semester, the University of Alaska is implementing a priority registration system. This new process will permit students to register for their courses depending on their class standing. This will let graduate students and seniors take priority in picking their classes first.
With a new priority registration system, students can expect less traffic on the UA server when attempting to register for classes. This is especially useful for upperclassmen that are looking to fulfill those last few credits to complete their degree.
Crystal Shaw, a senior majoring in natural sciences, couldn’t feel any more positive about this change. She thinks it’s a good idea since upperclassmen are in more of a time-crunch trying to get into the classes they need to graduate.
A student’s worst nightmare on registration night is finally gaining access to UAOnline after many failed attempts, only to find that the class he or she needed is now full.
Of course there are several alternatives such as seeking approval from the instructor to be added to the waiting list. However, that’s just more of a hassle busy students do not have the patience to go through.
Most of the time students may just wait until the semester starts to be waitlisted in the course. Alternatively, they end up waiting to see if a student will drop and a spot to open up. That’s a big if.
Still, this is more run around that occurs for the student. For upperclassmen, it’s a heavy weight being placed on their shoulders if there’s a chance the class they need is unavailable. This priority registration system should help clear that inconvenience.
Shaw adds that most lowerclassmen are indecisive and are still trying to figure out what they want to do.
Zlata Sushchik, a senior majoring in business management, agrees. She thinks as a senior, it’s important to get first pick for classes to graduate. Some 100-level courses are full within the first five minutes. Sometimes, freshmen register for several classes and drop half of them within the first week. This is not fair to those striving to be in these classes.
Sharon Kim, a double-major in nursing and history, thinks otherwise. She doesn’t think it’s fair to implement what she thinks is “restrictive education” when every student at the university is equally paying for it.
For the most part—upperclassmen like what they see. There have been some suggestions to make an exception list for the lowerclassmen that want to register outside of their class standing. Some students are very determined and want to get ahead. This process would be similar to making exceptions on the maximum credits a student can take by filling out the credit-overload form.
Shaw adds that she feels for students who know what they want and are trying to take large loads to finish early. She believes most students wouldn’t put in the effort to turn in these types of documents to the Registrar if they weren’t serious about getting ahead.
A more detailed schedule and frequently asked questions can be found on the Registrar’s web page.
With a new priority registration system, students can expect less traffic on the UA server when attempting to register for classes. This is especially useful for upperclassmen that are looking to fulfill those last few credits to complete their degree.
Crystal Shaw, a senior majoring in natural sciences, couldn’t feel any more positive about this change. She thinks it’s a good idea since upperclassmen are in more of a time-crunch trying to get into the classes they need to graduate.
A student’s worst nightmare on registration night is finally gaining access to UAOnline after many failed attempts, only to find that the class he or she needed is now full.
Of course there are several alternatives such as seeking approval from the instructor to be added to the waiting list. However, that’s just more of a hassle busy students do not have the patience to go through.
Most of the time students may just wait until the semester starts to be waitlisted in the course. Alternatively, they end up waiting to see if a student will drop and a spot to open up. That’s a big if.
Still, this is more run around that occurs for the student. For upperclassmen, it’s a heavy weight being placed on their shoulders if there’s a chance the class they need is unavailable. This priority registration system should help clear that inconvenience.
Shaw adds that most lowerclassmen are indecisive and are still trying to figure out what they want to do.
Zlata Sushchik, a senior majoring in business management, agrees. She thinks as a senior, it’s important to get first pick for classes to graduate. Some 100-level courses are full within the first five minutes. Sometimes, freshmen register for several classes and drop half of them within the first week. This is not fair to those striving to be in these classes.
Sharon Kim, a double-major in nursing and history, thinks otherwise. She doesn’t think it’s fair to implement what she thinks is “restrictive education” when every student at the university is equally paying for it.
For the most part—upperclassmen like what they see. There have been some suggestions to make an exception list for the lowerclassmen that want to register outside of their class standing. Some students are very determined and want to get ahead. This process would be similar to making exceptions on the maximum credits a student can take by filling out the credit-overload form.
Shaw adds that she feels for students who know what they want and are trying to take large loads to finish early. She believes most students wouldn’t put in the effort to turn in these types of documents to the Registrar if they weren’t serious about getting ahead.
A more detailed schedule and frequently asked questions can be found on the Registrar’s web page.
Monday, February 21, 2011
How to Involve Youth in Sustainability Programs
[Intro]
You may have heard the common phrase “today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders”. It is a concept that is believed by many Alaskan tribes. Rural communities want to focus on engaging youth to become future leaders for our state. It’s one thing for today’s youth to become involved with sustainability programs. It’s even better when they want to apply this experience to their future. University of Alaska Anchorage journalist Lizzy Abellera reports:
[Voicing]
Not many children or young adults typically look at environmental issues. If they do, it’s only because it’s a required assignment they must complete for school. At a young age, youth in our community should start to consider the actions they are making that may impact our environment. These decisions will affect them in the long run and acting now can give them exposure they need to open their eyes. Children and young adults under 17 years of age may receive many benefits if they start becoming involved now. Michelle Davis from the US Environmental Protection Agency expresses how she feels about this:
[Actualities]
Time: 6s
Title: Michelle on teens
“Sustainability programs help teens think about their tribe. They see the bigger picture and will apply these concepts for themselves and their future.”
[Voicing]
If youth activities are promoted now, they will have a likelihood of growing into leaders for Alaskan tribal organizations and communities. There are several local programs running that are good examples of where and how to start. Brenda Trefon, from the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, shares her advice on how she gets youth involved.
[Actualities]
Time: 5s
Title: Brenda asking for help
"Always ask for help and learn from others ... it’s amazing with how much work can be done in one day."
[Voicing]
An important concept to remember is that youth and other community members should re-introduce themselves as environmental workers when becoming involved. Since tribes and rural villages are so small, it's easy for someone to see you as one person. However, when you reintroduce yourself as an environmental worker, you are presenting yourself as someone different representing the community.
Many of these established programs work hand-in-hand together. Charlie Ess who represents the RurALCAP organization, shares his experience of working with youth.
[Actualities]
Time: 3s
Title: Charlie kids find stuff
"Kids just love to find stuff and they love to be involved.”
[Voicing]
Charlie talks about how they love to pick up things they find laying around. He tries his best to set a good example by being that person who picks up the can on the ground and throws it away.
[Actualities]
Time: 3s
Title: Charlie pick up can
"You are the best example there is for the kids... so go pick up a can."
[Voicing]
When organizations give youth a chance to become more involved in their community, they not only help out others but they are helping themselves out too. A common stereotype with youth is that all they eventually do is get themselves into trouble. They're troublemakers. They shouldn't be trusted. With the help of these programs giving them these opportunities to prove others wrong, they are helping to build and set goals for themselves, and to reach them.
Michelle likes to reflect on a saying she always heard her mom tell her long ago.
[Actualities]
Time: 3s
Title: Michelle trouble
"A teenager that is put to work is one that stays out of trouble".
[Voicing]
The power of youth should never be underestimated. They are capable of much more than we could imagine. AJ Salsoski, Community Development Supervisor at RurALCAP had his doubts of first working with youth.
[Actualities]
Time: 7s
Title: AJ employment opportunities
"There aren't a lot of employment opportunities for them in rural areas ... So getting youth involved gets their foot in the door and they get exposure to real job experience."
[Voicing]
Youth involvement in programs will continue to grow and be promoted within rural areas of the state. Several of these smaller projects have had much impact to become permanent, ongoing programs. Youth can enjoy the benefits of building their resume and engaging in employment opportunities -- all while helping to benefit their community.
You may have heard the common phrase “today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders”. It is a concept that is believed by many Alaskan tribes. Rural communities want to focus on engaging youth to become future leaders for our state. It’s one thing for today’s youth to become involved with sustainability programs. It’s even better when they want to apply this experience to their future. University of Alaska Anchorage journalist Lizzy Abellera reports:
[Voicing]
Not many children or young adults typically look at environmental issues. If they do, it’s only because it’s a required assignment they must complete for school. At a young age, youth in our community should start to consider the actions they are making that may impact our environment. These decisions will affect them in the long run and acting now can give them exposure they need to open their eyes. Children and young adults under 17 years of age may receive many benefits if they start becoming involved now. Michelle Davis from the US Environmental Protection Agency expresses how she feels about this:
[Actualities]
Time: 6s
Title: Michelle on teens
“Sustainability programs help teens think about their tribe. They see the bigger picture and will apply these concepts for themselves and their future.”
[Voicing]
If youth activities are promoted now, they will have a likelihood of growing into leaders for Alaskan tribal organizations and communities. There are several local programs running that are good examples of where and how to start. Brenda Trefon, from the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, shares her advice on how she gets youth involved.
[Actualities]
Time: 5s
Title: Brenda asking for help
"Always ask for help and learn from others ... it’s amazing with how much work can be done in one day."
[Voicing]
An important concept to remember is that youth and other community members should re-introduce themselves as environmental workers when becoming involved. Since tribes and rural villages are so small, it's easy for someone to see you as one person. However, when you reintroduce yourself as an environmental worker, you are presenting yourself as someone different representing the community.
Many of these established programs work hand-in-hand together. Charlie Ess who represents the RurALCAP organization, shares his experience of working with youth.
[Actualities]
Time: 3s
Title: Charlie kids find stuff
"Kids just love to find stuff and they love to be involved.”
[Voicing]
Charlie talks about how they love to pick up things they find laying around. He tries his best to set a good example by being that person who picks up the can on the ground and throws it away.
[Actualities]
Time: 3s
Title: Charlie pick up can
"You are the best example there is for the kids... so go pick up a can."
[Voicing]
When organizations give youth a chance to become more involved in their community, they not only help out others but they are helping themselves out too. A common stereotype with youth is that all they eventually do is get themselves into trouble. They're troublemakers. They shouldn't be trusted. With the help of these programs giving them these opportunities to prove others wrong, they are helping to build and set goals for themselves, and to reach them.
Michelle likes to reflect on a saying she always heard her mom tell her long ago.
[Actualities]
Time: 3s
Title: Michelle trouble
"A teenager that is put to work is one that stays out of trouble".
[Voicing]
The power of youth should never be underestimated. They are capable of much more than we could imagine. AJ Salsoski, Community Development Supervisor at RurALCAP had his doubts of first working with youth.
[Actualities]
Time: 7s
Title: AJ employment opportunities
"There aren't a lot of employment opportunities for them in rural areas ... So getting youth involved gets their foot in the door and they get exposure to real job experience."
[Voicing]
Youth involvement in programs will continue to grow and be promoted within rural areas of the state. Several of these smaller projects have had much impact to become permanent, ongoing programs. Youth can enjoy the benefits of building their resume and engaging in employment opportunities -- all while helping to benefit their community.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
My social media policy
Social networking sites, such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and blogs have become an integral part of everyday life for millions of people around the world. Social media is important when it comes to networking with individuals to promote news, services and events, and to look for and establish sources for stories.
There is a fine line between what will be acceptable for a journalist (or anyone else in the journalism/public communications industry) when using his or her own social media networking site. This fine line must be identified as a journalist who is representing an organization must adhere to these guidelines to ensure the reputation of an organization remains credible and unbiased.
First and foremost — you should do nothing that could undermine your credibility with the public, damage an organization's standing as an impartial source of news or otherwise jeopardize the organization's reputation.
- Recognize that everything you write or receive on a social media site is public. Anyone with access to the web can get access to your activity on social media sites. And regardless of how careful you are in trying to keep them separate, in your online activity, your professional life and your personal life overlap. You must remember that your professional life will take precedence in any given environment. You worked to establish a reputable name for yourself, now you must maintain that image.
- Use the highest level of privacy tools available to control access to your personal activity when appropriate, but don't let that make you complacent. It's just not that hard for someone to hack those tools and make public what you thought was private. A word of advice to anyone using social networking sites... if it's not okay to say it to your mom, it's probably not okay to say it online. More food for thought: don't say anything you know is inappropriate... ever.
- You should conduct yourself in social media forums with an eye to how your behavior or comments might appear if we were called upon to defend them as a news organization. In other words, don't behave any differently online than you would in any other public setting. It is our job to remained unbiased to our audience through our stories and this also applied to our commentaries. We need to remain a credible news source.
- While we strongly encourage linking to our organization's website, you may not repost the organization's copyrighted material to social networks without prior permission. For example, it is o.k. to link from your blog or Facebook profile to a story of yours on the organization's site, but you should not copy the full text or audio onto a personal site or Web page. This will only help us maintain the utmost professionalism through our organization and to keep it strictly business.
- Journalism should be conducted in the open, regardless of the platform. Just as you would do if you were working offline, you should identify yourself as an organization's journalist when you are working online. If you are acting as an organization's journalist, you must not use a pseudonym or misrepresent who you are. If you are acting in a personal capacity, you may use a screen name if that is allowed by the relevant forum.
- You should always explain to anyone who provides you information online how you intend to use the information you are gathering.
- When possible, clarify and confirm any information you collect online by later interviewing your online sources by phone or in person.
- While widely disseminated and reported, material gathered online can be just as inaccurate or untrustworthy as some material collected or received in more traditional ways. As always, consider and verify the source.
- You must not advocate for political or other polarizing issues online. This extends to joining online groups or using social media in any form (including your Facebook page or a personal blog) to express personal views on a political or other controversial issue that you could not write for the air or post on your organization's website.
- Your simple participation in some online groups could be seen to indicate that you endorse their views. Consider whether you can accomplish your purposes by just observing a group's activity, rather than becoming a member. If you do join, be clear that you've done so to seek information or story ideas. And if you "friend" or join a group representing one side of an issue, do so for a group representing the competing viewpoint, when reasonable to do so.
- Realize that social media communities have their own culture, etiquette and norms, and be respectful of them.
- If you are writing about meetings and gatherings at an organization— always ask first if the forum is on or off the record before distributing information or content about it.
And a final caution — when in doubt, consult with your editor.
Source information is copied from: NPR.org (I really liked their social media policy the best. I wanted to mimic a lot of what they stated in their own social media policy because it was very thorough and I felt it touched bases on many areas I would not have thought of on my own. I agreed with much of what they had to say and added my own rules on top of them for further clarification.)
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Who knew media was now new media?
New media is on the fast-paced rise and there's no slowing it down. New forms of technology are constantly emerging and give consumers more of a reason to derive from the old school of journalism to adopt the new school of mobile media. What innovative techniques does Apple have up their sleeve and what will they come out with next? The way people currently receive their news may soon be replaced with touch-screen platforms such as the iPad. Is it possible for the printing press to become obsolete in the next ten years or so? As the current generation is becoming lost and consumed in new-age technology, current journalists hold the fate of the future of journalism in their hands.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Helping the homeless this season
The month of December is a time to give and receive. Children are making their Christmas wish list that may include the new Xbox Kinect or the next hot item off the market. Shoppers are making their lists, checking it twice, and ensuring they covered every single family member to have a gift under the tree. While the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is now in full swing, some folks are not worrying about having to get so much done in so little time. These folks are not planning to attend lavish company parties or enjoy the luxury of gift-giving. They are not wasting time trying to stuff stockings or even put up a Christmas tree. These folks are trying to figure out where they will be sleeping tonight.
A record number of people will be sleeping at Brother Francis Shelter and Bean’s Café for the next coming weeks. The Anchorage Daily News reported that a total of 355 people, which is about twice the normal this time of year, will occupy both of these homeless shelters.
Bean’s Café has a capacity of sleeping 124 people. Brother Francis, the city’s largest emergency homeless shelter, can sleep about 150 people. These record numbers of homeless individuals seeking emergency shelter services can possibly be a continuing trend.
Susan Bomalaski, executive director of Catholic Social Services which oversees these shelters, told the Anchorage Daily News about the economy playing the major factor of why the number of homeless people is increasing in the community.
“The cost of housing is just not affordable for everyone,” Bomalaski said. “This is not just in Alaska but the lower 48 as well.”
Homeless shelters are not only seeking monetary donations, but also basic household items that will help sustain the new reoccurring visitors. With below freezing temperatures this time of the year, there is a dire need for blankets, sheets, towels, clothes, and especially cold-weather gear and boots.
“The correlation of cold weather and the holiday season makes the people’s response rate go up when it comes to helping out. People tend to be more generous,” Bomalaski said.
Agencies are working closely with homeless shelters to donate food, clothing, basic necessities, and even furniture to these facilities. Each person, family, and overall shelter have their own wish lists they are asking from the Anchorage community.
Catholic Social Services has a basic wish list published on their web site that can go towards any of their several housing facilities. Monetary donations received will fund towards the bare necessities.
Bean’s Café will be distributing their “Beanie Boxes” which ask for particular men’s and women’s hygienic products.
The Covenant House has published their wish list which is asking for many of the same items as other social services. They provide a transitional homeless shelter for youth ages 17 to 20.
The Safe Harbor Inn, Alaska’s only non-profit motels, allows for community members to fill up Christmas boxes for families referred staying here that will be given to them on Christmas day. There are two locations in Anchorage, one on Muldoon and one on Merrill Field, which have a total of 105 rooms occupied by families with children.
All of these emergency shelters have one major goal: to help get these individuals back on their feet. They want to be able to help these people move into permanent housing and independence. Services are provided to help them successfully transition to a self-sufficient lifestyle through gaining reliable employment.
Deborah Pope, a staff member from Safe Harbor Inn Muldoon says they constantly have an overwhelming list of referrals.
“Once we have an empty space, we will fill the spot ASAP,” said Pope. “We have a large waiting list but are working with a lot of agencies, especially Alaska Housing to help these families move on for themselves quickly.”
However, this ideal plan is not a rapid success. People who follow these plans don’t always get out of the shelter. People who work full-time are only being paid at minimum-wage and is still not enough to uphold self-sufficiency.
Pope says, “Most people don’t end up coming back here, but it’s possible. Our case workers work closely on a one-to-one basis with these families to make sure they are fully back on their feet and will be for the long run.”
Many people caught in a budget can still find numerous ways to help out the community. Giving towards homeless needs does not always require the use of funds, but giving the gift of time toward these individuals can make all the difference as well.
Kyla Brown, a mother of three sons is one of the participants in the Safe Harbor Christmas boxes this year. She says, “I’ve been making calls to different homeless shelters to see how my boys and I can volunteer and help out. I raise them to be kind and generous to others.”
Michael Scott from First National Bank of Alaska is giving his two cents by filling backpacks of gifts and necessities for children staying at these homeless shelters. This is part of the Lunchbox Program from Bean’s Café and the Anchorage Homebuilder’s Association.
Scott says, “It’s nice to contribute and make a child’s Christmas a bit more special, especially for those that cannot afford these basic things.”
The homeless trend is something that has been talked about in the Anchorage community for quite some time. Although there may not be a quick cure to reduce the number of homeless occupancy, there are several things community members can do to continue to help.
“Education is important,” Bomalaski says. “People need to be educated and understand exactly why these people are homeless and how it happens. There is a lot of publicity about it, but people need to realize how the homeless are trying to recover. This is what I feel will help alleviate the rate of homeless people over the year, and not just during this time.”
A record number of people will be sleeping at Brother Francis Shelter and Bean’s Café for the next coming weeks. The Anchorage Daily News reported that a total of 355 people, which is about twice the normal this time of year, will occupy both of these homeless shelters.
Bean’s Café has a capacity of sleeping 124 people. Brother Francis, the city’s largest emergency homeless shelter, can sleep about 150 people. These record numbers of homeless individuals seeking emergency shelter services can possibly be a continuing trend.
Susan Bomalaski, executive director of Catholic Social Services which oversees these shelters, told the Anchorage Daily News about the economy playing the major factor of why the number of homeless people is increasing in the community.
“The cost of housing is just not affordable for everyone,” Bomalaski said. “This is not just in Alaska but the lower 48 as well.”
Homeless shelters are not only seeking monetary donations, but also basic household items that will help sustain the new reoccurring visitors. With below freezing temperatures this time of the year, there is a dire need for blankets, sheets, towels, clothes, and especially cold-weather gear and boots.
“The correlation of cold weather and the holiday season makes the people’s response rate go up when it comes to helping out. People tend to be more generous,” Bomalaski said.
Agencies are working closely with homeless shelters to donate food, clothing, basic necessities, and even furniture to these facilities. Each person, family, and overall shelter have their own wish lists they are asking from the Anchorage community.
Catholic Social Services has a basic wish list published on their web site that can go towards any of their several housing facilities. Monetary donations received will fund towards the bare necessities.
Bean’s Café will be distributing their “Beanie Boxes” which ask for particular men’s and women’s hygienic products.
The Covenant House has published their wish list which is asking for many of the same items as other social services. They provide a transitional homeless shelter for youth ages 17 to 20.
The Safe Harbor Inn, Alaska’s only non-profit motels, allows for community members to fill up Christmas boxes for families referred staying here that will be given to them on Christmas day. There are two locations in Anchorage, one on Muldoon and one on Merrill Field, which have a total of 105 rooms occupied by families with children.
All of these emergency shelters have one major goal: to help get these individuals back on their feet. They want to be able to help these people move into permanent housing and independence. Services are provided to help them successfully transition to a self-sufficient lifestyle through gaining reliable employment.
Deborah Pope, a staff member from Safe Harbor Inn Muldoon says they constantly have an overwhelming list of referrals.
“Once we have an empty space, we will fill the spot ASAP,” said Pope. “We have a large waiting list but are working with a lot of agencies, especially Alaska Housing to help these families move on for themselves quickly.”
However, this ideal plan is not a rapid success. People who follow these plans don’t always get out of the shelter. People who work full-time are only being paid at minimum-wage and is still not enough to uphold self-sufficiency.
Pope says, “Most people don’t end up coming back here, but it’s possible. Our case workers work closely on a one-to-one basis with these families to make sure they are fully back on their feet and will be for the long run.”
Many people caught in a budget can still find numerous ways to help out the community. Giving towards homeless needs does not always require the use of funds, but giving the gift of time toward these individuals can make all the difference as well.
Kyla Brown, a mother of three sons is one of the participants in the Safe Harbor Christmas boxes this year. She says, “I’ve been making calls to different homeless shelters to see how my boys and I can volunteer and help out. I raise them to be kind and generous to others.”
Michael Scott from First National Bank of Alaska is giving his two cents by filling backpacks of gifts and necessities for children staying at these homeless shelters. This is part of the Lunchbox Program from Bean’s Café and the Anchorage Homebuilder’s Association.
Scott says, “It’s nice to contribute and make a child’s Christmas a bit more special, especially for those that cannot afford these basic things.”
The homeless trend is something that has been talked about in the Anchorage community for quite some time. Although there may not be a quick cure to reduce the number of homeless occupancy, there are several things community members can do to continue to help.
“Education is important,” Bomalaski says. “People need to be educated and understand exactly why these people are homeless and how it happens. There is a lot of publicity about it, but people need to realize how the homeless are trying to recover. This is what I feel will help alleviate the rate of homeless people over the year, and not just during this time.”
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Giving thanks and giving turkeys
Anchorage community programs offer help to serve Thanksgiving dinners
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it is usually a day spent for families to be brought together over a large feast with plenty to go around for seconds, and even an abundance of leftovers to serve over the next few days. This may not be the case for everyone.
Members of Catholic Social Services Alaska need help to provide ingredients for a hearty Thanksgiving meal for those in need on Monday, November 22nd. They are calling this drive the Thanksgiving Blessing. CSS Alaska is joining forces with Food Bank of Alaska, Congregation of Beth Shalom, Muldoon Community Assembly, and St. Patrick’s Parish to serve about 1,400 low-income families to distribute a turkey and all the fixings.
“When we mention 1,400 families, we’re only talking about East Anchorage, specifically the Muldoon site,” says Ellen Krsnak, the CSS Alaska contributor of the program.
CSS Alaska, one of the largest social service agencies in the state, serves as the main contact point for two emergency shelters, two homes for teens, a food pantry, an adoption and pregnancy support programs, and services for individuals with disabilities. These different programs focus to help men, women, and children for temporary and emergency shelter, case management services, counseling and family support, meal services, and so much more.
This year, the Muldoon Assembly Community along with St. Patrick’s Parish has joined forces with CSS Alaska to become one “mega-site” as Krsnak likes to call it.
“We are one mega-site because we are the main contact for the entire East Anchorage vicinity.” Krsnak says.
The deadline on the brochures to donate food items for the Thanksgiving Blessing was listed as November 13. However, Krsnak still assures that all programs are very much open and willing to take more donations.
“We have been working with big drives from all Catholic schools to meet our numbers,” she says. “We wanted to make sure we gave ourselves a deadline of at least 10 days to guarantee we have everything we need for Thanksgiving dinners.”
This program is open to the public and all members of the Anchorage community. There is a larger focus to help those that are identified as low-income families. There is no proof of income that is needed to obtain this type of assistance; however there is a distribution list available which lists the site families should go to. This is dependent on the zip code from where a family resides. The only necessary item to bring is proof of address which shows the zip code.
More information about this event can be food at CSS Alaska’s main website at www.cssalaska.org or Food Bank of Alaska at www.foodbankofalaska.org. The sites for donating, volunteering and assistance being requested can be found here.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it is usually a day spent for families to be brought together over a large feast with plenty to go around for seconds, and even an abundance of leftovers to serve over the next few days. This may not be the case for everyone.
Members of Catholic Social Services Alaska need help to provide ingredients for a hearty Thanksgiving meal for those in need on Monday, November 22nd. They are calling this drive the Thanksgiving Blessing. CSS Alaska is joining forces with Food Bank of Alaska, Congregation of Beth Shalom, Muldoon Community Assembly, and St. Patrick’s Parish to serve about 1,400 low-income families to distribute a turkey and all the fixings.
“When we mention 1,400 families, we’re only talking about East Anchorage, specifically the Muldoon site,” says Ellen Krsnak, the CSS Alaska contributor of the program.
CSS Alaska, one of the largest social service agencies in the state, serves as the main contact point for two emergency shelters, two homes for teens, a food pantry, an adoption and pregnancy support programs, and services for individuals with disabilities. These different programs focus to help men, women, and children for temporary and emergency shelter, case management services, counseling and family support, meal services, and so much more.
This year, the Muldoon Assembly Community along with St. Patrick’s Parish has joined forces with CSS Alaska to become one “mega-site” as Krsnak likes to call it.
“We are one mega-site because we are the main contact for the entire East Anchorage vicinity.” Krsnak says.
The deadline on the brochures to donate food items for the Thanksgiving Blessing was listed as November 13. However, Krsnak still assures that all programs are very much open and willing to take more donations.
“We have been working with big drives from all Catholic schools to meet our numbers,” she says. “We wanted to make sure we gave ourselves a deadline of at least 10 days to guarantee we have everything we need for Thanksgiving dinners.”
This program is open to the public and all members of the Anchorage community. There is a larger focus to help those that are identified as low-income families. There is no proof of income that is needed to obtain this type of assistance; however there is a distribution list available which lists the site families should go to. This is dependent on the zip code from where a family resides. The only necessary item to bring is proof of address which shows the zip code.
More information about this event can be food at CSS Alaska’s main website at www.cssalaska.org or Food Bank of Alaska at www.foodbankofalaska.org. The sites for donating, volunteering and assistance being requested can be found here.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Actress turned author talks about new book release
Hilary Duff appeared on last night’s showing of Jimmy Kimmel Live to talk about the release of her latest book, “Elixir”. Duff, 23, is best known for being Disney’s “Lizzie McGuire” several years ago who recently became a hockey wife. Duff struts out from back stage looking radiant in her little black dress.
Kimmel starts the interview by flipping through the last several pages of Duff’s book and reads a provocative excerpt. Duff says, “It’s a novel for young adults—its about a young girl making her way through life as a photojournalist.”
Duff explained to the audience how she turned from actress to fashion designer, and finally becoming an author. She decided to write a novel because of her “urge” to tell a story from several ideas she had. After meeting a handful of the right people her stories came to life.
Duff, who has been traveling around the nation to promote her book talks about some of the odd things she has witnessed during signings.
“One kid tattooed his arm with my signature,” Duff says. “That was my first body part. He will be absolutely mortified once he’s forty.”
Duff’s husband, Mike Comrie of the Pittsburgh Penguins was not able to join his wife on the show. She says he’s in Pittsburgh until April for the season and has to visit him most of the time. Duff’s wedding ring flashes towards Kimmel’s way.
“That’s the largest ring I’ve ever seen!” Kimmel calls out. “It’s almost bigger than a puck!”
Duff talks about marriage life and says how she and her husband are the most competitive couple. “We both just want to win when it comes to competition,” says Duff. This is in reference to the photo of the married couple go-carting during their honeymoon trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Kimmel ends the interview promoting Duff’s book which is out in stores now.
Kimmel starts the interview by flipping through the last several pages of Duff’s book and reads a provocative excerpt. Duff says, “It’s a novel for young adults—its about a young girl making her way through life as a photojournalist.”
Duff explained to the audience how she turned from actress to fashion designer, and finally becoming an author. She decided to write a novel because of her “urge” to tell a story from several ideas she had. After meeting a handful of the right people her stories came to life.
Duff, who has been traveling around the nation to promote her book talks about some of the odd things she has witnessed during signings.
“One kid tattooed his arm with my signature,” Duff says. “That was my first body part. He will be absolutely mortified once he’s forty.”
Duff’s husband, Mike Comrie of the Pittsburgh Penguins was not able to join his wife on the show. She says he’s in Pittsburgh until April for the season and has to visit him most of the time. Duff’s wedding ring flashes towards Kimmel’s way.
“That’s the largest ring I’ve ever seen!” Kimmel calls out. “It’s almost bigger than a puck!”
Duff talks about marriage life and says how she and her husband are the most competitive couple. “We both just want to win when it comes to competition,” says Duff. This is in reference to the photo of the married couple go-carting during their honeymoon trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Kimmel ends the interview promoting Duff’s book which is out in stores now.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Alaskans dial for relief
It’s hard to ask for help, especially when a person does not know where to go or where to start. By simply dialing the numbers 2-1-1, Alaskans are able to connect to over hundreds of programs over the state that are ready to provide assistance. The Alaska 2-1-1 program is a call-center that will route Alaskans to the correct social service or not-profit program. This emergency resource center provides precise contact information for essential services to men, women, and children of all ages.
The United Ways of Alaska created the Alaska 2-1-1 program and has been operated by the United Way of Anchorage since it started in August 2007. Callers of the line are able to obtain referrals to health and human services which include: basic human needs, physical and mental health resources, employment support services, community crisis or disaster recovery, and much more.
Karen Bitzer, director of the Alaska 2-1-1 program says the major aid to expect this winter season is for homeless and financial assistance. She describes what a caller to the 2-1-1 line experiences:
“An information referral specialist offers help to each caller, asking what sort of aid they may need. We are becoming more proactive about what assistance programs to offer individuals, such as the state’s heating assistance program. We try to provide as many referrals as possible.”
Each call specialist asks what zip code the individual resides in which helps to narrow down the service programs to what’s closest to them. There is a reassurance of no run-arounds with dealing with calls, and the goal of the 2-1-1 program is to connect Alaskans with the correct resources. Even when a person does not state what further aid is needed, the call specialists will make recommendations before a person starts plummeting in need again.
According to the Alaska 2-1-1’s website, the five most requested services are: homeless financial assistance programs, general relief, food pantries, low income and subsidized rental housing, and homeless shelters.
The data collected from the call center will provide information that wasn’t available prior to the types of services Alaskans need. This information will also serve to show which regions they are most called for. By collecting information from incoming calls, it will help policy makers determine the services that must be delivered to these identified gaps and to measure trends coming across all areas of the state.
Southcentral Alaska includes Anchorage and leads the number of calls for aid, measuring at about 51 percent of the total calls to the help line. The Mat-Su Borough leads in second taking up to 10 percent of the total calls, and finishing with other regions around the state averaging at a rate of about 4.9 percent of the total calls.
The 2009 snapshot of calls also views the call volume recorded throughout the year. From January to October 2009, there was a steady rate of about one thousand calls taken per month by trained information and referral specialists. There was a spike in the months of November and December when calls taken were more than twice the average of previous months.
“There was a streamline approach for inquiries of rent and utility (homeless) assistance where all calls were exclusively made through 2-1-1,” says Bitzer. “This started in November last year until about March 2010 when we noticed the decrease in volume.”
The call center is only open during regular business hours from 8:30 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The total number of calls taken last year reached 13,060. The projected numbers for 2010 are to reach about 25,000 calls. Online searches, on the other hand, totaled to about 24,713 queries on its 24/7 database.
The possibility of pushing the call center to be available 24/7 is highly likely, as Bitzer says the program staff has also been monitoring calls during off-hours.
“We are looking to expanding the center hours,” says Bitzer. “When voicemail messages are left during our off-hours, the calls will be returned the next day. We are able to find more trends through these off-hours calls as well.”
More information about the Alaska 2-1-1 program can be accessed through the official program website at www.alaska211.org. Calls can be made to the 2-1-1 program directly or by dialing 1-800-478-2221.
The United Ways of Alaska created the Alaska 2-1-1 program and has been operated by the United Way of Anchorage since it started in August 2007. Callers of the line are able to obtain referrals to health and human services which include: basic human needs, physical and mental health resources, employment support services, community crisis or disaster recovery, and much more.
Karen Bitzer, director of the Alaska 2-1-1 program says the major aid to expect this winter season is for homeless and financial assistance. She describes what a caller to the 2-1-1 line experiences:
“An information referral specialist offers help to each caller, asking what sort of aid they may need. We are becoming more proactive about what assistance programs to offer individuals, such as the state’s heating assistance program. We try to provide as many referrals as possible.”
Each call specialist asks what zip code the individual resides in which helps to narrow down the service programs to what’s closest to them. There is a reassurance of no run-arounds with dealing with calls, and the goal of the 2-1-1 program is to connect Alaskans with the correct resources. Even when a person does not state what further aid is needed, the call specialists will make recommendations before a person starts plummeting in need again.
According to the Alaska 2-1-1’s website, the five most requested services are: homeless financial assistance programs, general relief, food pantries, low income and subsidized rental housing, and homeless shelters.
The data collected from the call center will provide information that wasn’t available prior to the types of services Alaskans need. This information will also serve to show which regions they are most called for. By collecting information from incoming calls, it will help policy makers determine the services that must be delivered to these identified gaps and to measure trends coming across all areas of the state.
Southcentral Alaska includes Anchorage and leads the number of calls for aid, measuring at about 51 percent of the total calls to the help line. The Mat-Su Borough leads in second taking up to 10 percent of the total calls, and finishing with other regions around the state averaging at a rate of about 4.9 percent of the total calls.
The 2009 snapshot of calls also views the call volume recorded throughout the year. From January to October 2009, there was a steady rate of about one thousand calls taken per month by trained information and referral specialists. There was a spike in the months of November and December when calls taken were more than twice the average of previous months.
“There was a streamline approach for inquiries of rent and utility (homeless) assistance where all calls were exclusively made through 2-1-1,” says Bitzer. “This started in November last year until about March 2010 when we noticed the decrease in volume.”
The call center is only open during regular business hours from 8:30 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The total number of calls taken last year reached 13,060. The projected numbers for 2010 are to reach about 25,000 calls. Online searches, on the other hand, totaled to about 24,713 queries on its 24/7 database.
The possibility of pushing the call center to be available 24/7 is highly likely, as Bitzer says the program staff has also been monitoring calls during off-hours.
“We are looking to expanding the center hours,” says Bitzer. “When voicemail messages are left during our off-hours, the calls will be returned the next day. We are able to find more trends through these off-hours calls as well.”
More information about the Alaska 2-1-1 program can be accessed through the official program website at www.alaska211.org. Calls can be made to the 2-1-1 program directly or by dialing 1-800-478-2221.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Uniting to increase the graduation rate
The United Way of Anchorage campaigns year-round within the community to create lasting impacts on those in need. They have held the vision of promoting assistance for members within the community by encouraging everyone to focus on education awareness, income stability, and access to health. This non-profit organization works to connect individuals to the right resources when they need a helping hand. There are several programs and projects that exist statewide. The United Way is the connection to route individuals in need to the appropriate neighborhood programs.
This year the United Way of Anchorage wants to shift their focus on an important issue that was formulated by their annual Community Assessment Project (CAP) report. These reports are released every spring which gathers data about Anchorage’s economic, education, health, natural environment, and public safety landscapes. Starting in 2006 when this report was first assessed, the United Way has been able to gather view on the quality of life from families in the city. This year’s local data collection reflects their new primary focus: increasing the graduation rate. This is also in correlation with rejecting the amount of violence and substance abuse within youth members.
Pam Scheve, the Donor and Relationship Manager of the organization, is going around to different areas of the community to promote this campaign. She likes to start her workshops by simply asking what volunteers know about the organization and what exactly it does for the community.
Scheve says, “Most people can’t answer what our organization does, but they know we’re out there. We want to educate and spread the word about The United Way and our vision.”
To increase the graduation rate, the United Way of Anchorage established Anchorage United for Youth (AUY). This diverse leadership group commits to helping youth reach their potential by following a shared community plan and focusing on strategies for youth success.
“The more youth succeeds, our community succeeds,” says Scheve during one of her presentations. This is the trend the organization wants to set forth for the long run.
In the 2007-08 school year, the high school graduation rate was 64.3%. This is nearly 2 out of every 3 high school students graduating, which is sufficiently low. After implementing a shift towards improving this graduation rate from the United Way of Anchorage, there was a noticeable increase in the following 2008-09 school year with a rate of 70.5%.
"It's wonderful to see the rates increasing," says Scheve, "but that doesn't mean we should stop. We need to strive for more."
The percentage of high school students who use alcohol has decreased significantly as well. The CAP report reflects the numbers starting in 2005: about 76% of youth admitted to alcohol consumption at least once; 41.3% of youth still currently consume alcohol; and 27.9% admit to being binge drinkers. The 2009 numbers show a decrease of several percentage points in all areas: 66.5% of youth admitted to alcohol consumption at least once; 34.9% still currently consume alcohol; and 22.6% are considered binge drinkers. This is based on a completely voluntary survey by Anchorage high school students. This reflects a positive impact on what Anchorage United for Youth can do and will continue to do.
Anchorage United for Youth has created several opportunities for young adults that help to develop more positive and supportive environments. A good example is the Step-Up program which kept 29 at-risk teens off the streets and in the classroom during the 2009-10 school year. Through United Way partners, 313 youth were able to receive clinical substance use and mental health intervention and treatment. These numbers are from the recent CAP report.
Giving time and acting as positive mentors towards youth is the biggest help the United Way is asking for from volunteers and advocates of the community. Scheve recommends visiting www.liveunitedanchorage.org to learn more about how to help and how to get more information on the various community partners.
This year the United Way of Anchorage wants to shift their focus on an important issue that was formulated by their annual Community Assessment Project (CAP) report. These reports are released every spring which gathers data about Anchorage’s economic, education, health, natural environment, and public safety landscapes. Starting in 2006 when this report was first assessed, the United Way has been able to gather view on the quality of life from families in the city. This year’s local data collection reflects their new primary focus: increasing the graduation rate. This is also in correlation with rejecting the amount of violence and substance abuse within youth members.
Pam Scheve, the Donor and Relationship Manager of the organization, is going around to different areas of the community to promote this campaign. She likes to start her workshops by simply asking what volunteers know about the organization and what exactly it does for the community.
Scheve says, “Most people can’t answer what our organization does, but they know we’re out there. We want to educate and spread the word about The United Way and our vision.”
To increase the graduation rate, the United Way of Anchorage established Anchorage United for Youth (AUY). This diverse leadership group commits to helping youth reach their potential by following a shared community plan and focusing on strategies for youth success.
“The more youth succeeds, our community succeeds,” says Scheve during one of her presentations. This is the trend the organization wants to set forth for the long run.
In the 2007-08 school year, the high school graduation rate was 64.3%. This is nearly 2 out of every 3 high school students graduating, which is sufficiently low. After implementing a shift towards improving this graduation rate from the United Way of Anchorage, there was a noticeable increase in the following 2008-09 school year with a rate of 70.5%.
"It's wonderful to see the rates increasing," says Scheve, "but that doesn't mean we should stop. We need to strive for more."
The percentage of high school students who use alcohol has decreased significantly as well. The CAP report reflects the numbers starting in 2005: about 76% of youth admitted to alcohol consumption at least once; 41.3% of youth still currently consume alcohol; and 27.9% admit to being binge drinkers. The 2009 numbers show a decrease of several percentage points in all areas: 66.5% of youth admitted to alcohol consumption at least once; 34.9% still currently consume alcohol; and 22.6% are considered binge drinkers. This is based on a completely voluntary survey by Anchorage high school students. This reflects a positive impact on what Anchorage United for Youth can do and will continue to do.
Anchorage United for Youth has created several opportunities for young adults that help to develop more positive and supportive environments. A good example is the Step-Up program which kept 29 at-risk teens off the streets and in the classroom during the 2009-10 school year. Through United Way partners, 313 youth were able to receive clinical substance use and mental health intervention and treatment. These numbers are from the recent CAP report.
Giving time and acting as positive mentors towards youth is the biggest help the United Way is asking for from volunteers and advocates of the community. Scheve recommends visiting www.liveunitedanchorage.org to learn more about how to help and how to get more information on the various community partners.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
PFD recipients Pick. Click. Give and receive
Alaskans waiting anxiously for the month of October is equivalent to that exact feeling when its nearing Christmas time. Alaskan citizens having their permanent fund dividends, or PFD, either mailed or deposited to their bank accounts this month look forward to the various ways extra money in their pocket will stretch for themselves.
A down payment towards a new vehicle, a month’s worth of rent, or even paying off a credit card is a rewarding feeling itself. Being able to have the choice of donating it is even better. Through the PFD Charitable Contributions Program Alaskans have the choice to “Pick. Click. Give” to participating non-profit organizations of their choice.
This is the second year for the Pick. Click. Give program. Throughout the campaign months from January 2010 to May 2010, a total of nearly $1 million dollars coming from more than 9,500 Alaskans have been made towards the program. This is nearly twice the amount from last year’s contributions. 100 percent of proceeds go straight to the organization of choice.
The purpose of this program is to support eligible non-profit organizations in a reliable way. Donors are able to donate at least $25 up to their entire dividend through the PFD application process, which is filed in the beginning of a new year.
The first year of Pick Click. Give. Was already a success on its own. Preliminary figures from the Alaska Department of Revenue estimated about 5,163 Alaskans filing online selected the option to donate towards a non-profit. The approximate donation totaled to $545,000.
Although donations through the Pick. Click. Give program are only filed online, it is still encouraged for donors to make a direct contribution to the specific non-profit serving the community. A list of all participating organizations can be found on the official PFD Charitable Contributions Program website, www.PickClickGive.org.
The program would not be successful without the generous contributions made from the Rasmuson Foundation. They helped to fully establish the Pick. Click. Give. program and will be paying for the majority of the operating costs for the first three years, including any costs incurred by the state of Alaska to process donations. Other organizations worth recognizing for the tremendous success are: the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, ConocoPhillips, BP, the Mat-Su Health Foundation, the Foraker Group, and the United Way of Anchorage. The Nerland Agency has been an integral part of marketing who helped spread the message about the power of individual giving.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Editorial | An Epic journey for Providence Health Systems
When people hear the word “epic”, it connotes a sense of greatness or heroism. To overcome reoccurring obstacles is epic, as well as finishing a long-awaited journey. Several folks at Providence Alaska Medical Center would have to disagree. The journey of Epic at the large hospital campus was sure a long-awaited journey. It was also a big obstacle to overcome. To hear this word, however, makes several employees at Providence nervous and anxious—maybe even cringe.
Epic is the term that has been thrown around the past 12 months and is here to stay. It is software that integrates the healthcare organizations’ databases which span from clinic, access, and revenue functions into one system. This electronic medical record and charting system will steer clear from the use of paper trails that some clinics still rely on. This software will streamline the work of clinical providers, hospital staff, and patients to ensure a patient’s visit is admitted, charted, discharged, and billed correctly. It puts patient care at the utmost front. Indeed, it is epic to have such advanced technology to hold all mediums in one system, however its greatness does not ware off on individuals who have been a part of the hospital system for years.
The problem many individuals feel about switching over to Epic is how reliant the hospital will be with electronic systems. Many healthcare providers and workers at Providence are not used to the advanced technology medium. Comments heard here and there express how concerned and frightening this transition actually is. Many people in the healthcare organization have been working there for years, even decades. There have already been many changes along the way with the latest system implementation in 2005 when the hospital implemented a system called McKesson. They are not ready for another switch.
People shouldn’t be scared of technology, because we live in its generation. As systems and products are constantly advancing with new discoveries, so should an organization’s workflows. People need to be ready to adapt to something that will benefit a larger population. I’ve heard people confessing they are not ready for change, yet change is inevitable. We live in a society where being efficient is expected. Being able to incorporate all of the miniscule workflows and constant bounce from system A to system B will save a tremendous amount of time and work. Epic will synchronize all of these tasks.
Working in a hospital organization has one primary concern: care for the patient. Being able to work in a system that integrates all different systems that Providence formerly adopted will ensure patient care is top notch. Employees and staff of the organization need to learn to utilize all their resources available to them—and Epic is willing to provide that.
The system is looking to streamline many of the overlapping workflows that departments within the hospital may either tend to overlook or have conflicting issues with. Epic will provide organized and reliable modules to straighten these cranks out. For example: a patient missing registration information when being admitted will have the precise information on file for greater accuracy due to Epic having “stops” in the system that inform a staff member what information is necessary. A patient will have the correct coding and billing of procedures being done at a visit because of constant confirmations built into the Epic system that will ensure defined checks are met. A patient will also be fully-aware of their encounter visit information being charted by soon having access to their own records from the comfort of their own home.
Providence Alaska Medical Center contracted with Epic in October 2009 and signed on for an 18-month implementation phase to end in May 2011. They were the guinea pigs of the product which brought great interest to the Providence Health & Services Board of directors towards the Providence Health Systems organization as a whole. This will now be brought to Providence Region systems located in Washington, Oregon, California, and Montana.
The entire region implementing this new product will benefit patients across all hospitals and clinics. It is foreseen to develop long-term relationships to patients and to provide the best care possible.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Celebrating Cyrano's
Cyrano’s Theatre Company, located in downtown Anchorage, is hosting its Friend-Raiser on Wednesday, September 29 to help raise funds for its upcoming 2011 season at Cyrano’s Off-Center Playhouse.
The Friend-Raiser will be a time to debut the playhouse where attendees will get to view an intimate back stage tour of the theater. Suggested donations are $30. Sandy Harper, the lively owner of Cyrano’s, assures that this event will please the theater-lovers’ appetite. She is very passionate about her theater and wants to open this season with a bang.
All proceeds not only pay for the viewing of the dress rehearsal, but also for the overall theater. Refreshments of wine and hors d'oeuvres will be offered. Harper and her husband, Jerry, also plan on honoring two outstanding volunteers for their work devoted to the company. This is a new tradition to start this season.
There will be a teaser dress rehearsal of the theater’s first show of this season, “The Seafarer” written by Conor McPherson, the top Irish playwright. Harper says how this show will feature five juicy male roles as a way to entice the viewers to come and see the play.
The nonprofit company operates year-round with a different play every month. Other upcoming events to look for the rest of this fall season are “Winter Bear” by Anne Hanley and “Assimilation” by Jack Dalton, both Alaska writers. These will premiere at the playhouse between Oct. 29 and Nov. 21. “This is Where We Came In” by Alan Ayckbourn will be a winter play premiering Dec. 3 through 22, just in time for the holidays with families that would like to attend.
Cyrano’s Theatre Company is located on Fourth Avenue and D Street downtown. Tickets to upcoming shows can be purchased by calling (907)-263-ARTS or by visiting CenterTix.net. Harper suggests asking for 10 Play Punchcards by directly calling Cyrano’s at (907)-274-2599 where viewers can obtain punch cards to see 10 different shows while directly supporting the theater.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Supporters walk it out downtown
Neighborhoods surrounding the Delaney Park Strip have been getting a lot of traffic lately. On Saturday, September 18, two major organizations celebrated their individual walks early in the morning. The American Heart Association held their annual Heart Walk at the east-end of the Delaney Park Strip while the National Down Syndrome Society held their Buddy Walk at the west-end of the park. Gloomy weather and low clouds which formulated light fog in the morning didn't stop these participants from supporting their loved ones.Festivities for members who participated in the Heart Walk started at 9 a.m with the actual walk beginning promptly at 10. Advocates from the American Heart Association promoted individuals and encouraged all attendees to lead healthier lifestyles while raising dollars needed to life-saving research. Posters attached to the back of walkers signified those in remembrance who suffered heart-related illnesses.
The Buddy Walk, which started one-hour later at 11 a.m, had supporters in bright neon green shirts that were not hard to miss. Celebrating its 14th year in Anchorage, the event was designed to spread awareness about Down syndrome. The walk being its sole fund raiser for the year focuses on promoting knowledge to the community about the organization and persons with Down syndrome, versus collecting donations. It was encouraged for a team of "buddies" to form representing someone with Down syndrome that came up with the exact name of this event.
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