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July 12, 2024

Abstract

Students with disabilities enrolled in online community college courses can benefit from using change management models. This paper examines the Lewin Change Management Model and the ADKAR Change Management Model, illustrating their relevance in promoting an inclusive and equitable educational environment. Educators play a crucial role in implementing and sustaining change through the in-depth analysis of these models. Students of color with disabilities face unique challenges that require a comprehensive understanding and proactive measures. Authentic leadership, particularly in educational settings, is also discussed, demonstrating its importance in promoting trust, transparency, and ethical behavior. The paper provides practical recommendations for communication, continuous monitoring, and evaluation of change initiatives. The paper advocates for more supportive and inclusive learning environments for Hispanic/Latino students with disabilities in community colleges by utilizing a collaborative and adaptive approach.

Introduction

The pioneer of applied behavioral science, Kurt Lewin, once said, ā€œNothing is more practical than a good theoryā€ (Scherer et al., 2015, p. 27). On page 27 of Scherer et al., the term ā€œtheoryā€ originates from the Greek word theorein, meaning ā€œto see.ā€ He discovered that seeing things in a new way is possible through this method. Lewin developed the Change Management Model in the 1940s; it is not only a foundational theory in organizational change but also a practical tool for addressing the obstacles faced by students of color with disabilities in the education system. This model is not a theoretical concept, but a real-world solution applicable in various educational contexts, particularly in promoting classroom success for students of color with disabilities. It consists of three stages: ā€œUnfreeze, Change (or Transition), and Refreezeā€ (Schein, 1999, p. 59). Another theory to be aware of is the ADKAR Change Management Model, which was developed to apply specifically to the digital classroom. As the critical implementers of these stages, educators play a pivotal and valued role in significantly impacting the success of students of color with disabilities.

Change Management Selection

The Lewin Change Management Model and the ADKAR Change Management Model provide valuable frameworks for promoting the success of students of color with disabilities in educational settings. With its Unfreeze, Change, and Refreeze stages, Lewin’s model helps remove existing barriers and develop inclusive practices within schools. To complement this, the ADKAR model emphasizes the importance of Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement in encouraging and sustaining organizational change. Together, these models underscore the pivotal role of educators in creating an environment where all students can thrive in a digital world. To ensure positive outcomes for disabled students of color, educators must understand and address the difficulties they face, which are more severe than those of other students. The first step in the Lewin Change Management Model is the ā€˜Unfreeze Stage.ā€™ Unfreezing is a crucial phase that sets the foundation for successful change.

To begin building a new way of operating, one must break down the existing ā€œstatus quoā€ (Schein, 1999, p. 59). Unfreezing ensures that the old behaviors, attitudes, and processes are open to scrutiny and change, paving the way for the necessary adjustments (Schein, 1999, p. 59). Educators need to start by understanding the specific needs and challenges disabled students face. Understanding those needs involves assessments, gathering feedback from students and parents, and reviewing current teaching practices. During this stage, the organization begins to transition towards a new way of operating. Uncertainty can be resolved by exploring new approaches. Change is a process rather than an event; this phase can take time and acceptance (Schein, 1999, p. 60). It is helpful to provide ongoing support to both students and teachers through additional resources, one-on-one support, or specialized instruction tailored to individual student needs. For teachers, it might involve professional development opportunities and collaborative planning time. In this final stage, the organization solidifies the new state after the change through cognitive redefinition (Schein, 1999, p. 61). Changes are subject to internalization, and the latest working methods are now the norm. This stage aims to ensure that the new behaviors will not revert. Ensuring the new inclusive practices remain a staple in the school’s culture and policies includes updating curriculum guidelines, physically modifying the classroom environment, and standardizing assistive technologies. 

The ADKAR Change Management Model, developed by Prosci, is a goal-oriented framework that guides individuals and organizations through change (Kiani & Shah, 2014, p. 78). ADKAR stands for Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement (Kiani & Shah, 2014, p. 78). Applying this model to the classroom can effectively support the success of students of color with disabilities by addressing their unique needs and promoting an inclusive and equitable educational environment. Awareness is about understanding the need for change (Kiani & Shah, 2014, p. 81). It involves recognizing why change is necessary and the risks associated with not making a change. Educators need to become aware of the specific challenges faced by students of color with disabilities, such as varying degrees of success based on accessibility (Narciso, 2023). Awareness involves acknowledging the intersectionality of race and disability, as well as how it affects their educational experience. Teachers and administrators should communicate the importance of inclusive practices, highlighting how these practices benefit all students and foster a supportive learning environment. Using data and research to demonstrate disparities in educational outcomes for disabled students of color makes a compelling case for change.

Change becomes accelerated by the ‘desire’ component of the ADKAR model (Kiani & Shah, 2014, p. 81). It represents the willingness to support and engage in the change, creating motivation within the individuals involved (Kiani & Shah, 2014, p. 83). This component is particularly crucial when addressing the needs of students of color with disabilities, as it fosters empathy and understanding among educators, making them more receptive to change. By sharing stories and experiences of disabled students of color, educators can build a personal connection, finding a collective desire to improve the educational environment and a solid commitment to change. Knowledge involves providing the information and training needed to support the change (Kiani & Shah, 2014, p. 81). It includes understanding how to change and what it looks like in real-time. The administration can offer training sessions for teachers on culturally responsive teaching practices and inclusive education strategies tailored to students of color with disabilities. Providing access to resources, such as books, articles, and toolkits, that guide the implementation of inclusive practices is also beneficial (Johnson, 2018). Ability is about turning knowledge into action. It involves developing the skills and behaviors required to implement the change (Kiani & Shah, 2014, p. 81). Establishing mentoring programs where experienced educators can support others in developing inclusive teaching skills is paramount. Creating support systems within the school, such as inclusion specialists or diversity coordinators, can help teachers implement new practices. Reinforcement, the final component of the ADKAR Change Management Model, is not just an afterthought but a crucial element in sustaining changes for students of color with disabilities (Kiani & Shah, 2014, p. 83). It ensures that changes are implemented and maintained over time, involving the implementation of mechanisms to sustain and solidify them (Kiani & Shah, 2014, p. 81). Inclusive practices should not be viewed as temporary, but rather embedded into school policies and procedures to ensure sustainability. Practices include revising curriculum standards, assessment practices, and disciplinary policies to reflect inclusivity. As the primary drivers of these changes, educators are responsible for their implementation and maintenance, thereby demonstrating their commitment to the success of students of color with disabilities.

Change Management Model Application

As one delves into the intricacies of change management, it becomes clear that the overall focus must extend to the specific challenges faced by disabled Hispanic/Latino students, as well as other students of color, in community colleges. The need for inclusive online courses for this demographic is not just a matter of strategy but a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Effective communication, monitoring, and evaluation strategies are not just tools but lifelines for these students, offering them a chance at a more inclusive and accessible education. The selection of Kotterā€™s 8-Step Change Model for this scenario is not arbitrary. It is a deliberate choice, as this model provides a clear roadmap for engaging stakeholders, managing resistance, and ensuring long-term success (Tang et al., 2019). As outlined in the goals, the approach emphasizes creating a powerful coalition, forming a magnet of urgency, envisioning change, and systematically sustaining and implementing it. Precisely, the model’s focus on urgency aligns with the immediate need to make online courses more accessible for disabled Hispanic/Latino students, and its emphasis on developing a vision for change resonates with a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. Leadership and cultural approaches are also crucial. Transformational and authentic leadership, which inspires and motivates stakeholders through a shared vision, aligns well to foster inclusivity and accessibility. Culturally responsive leadership, which values and incorporates the cultural backgrounds and experiences of Hispanic/Latino students, further strengthens this approach.

Leadership Style and Considerations

A powerful leadership tool is authentic and genuine leadership, a method that promotes successful mental capacities and creates an environment for self-development in both leaders and followers (Luthans & Avolio, 2003, p. 243). For this leadership approach to be practical, relational transparency, self-awareness, internalized moral perspectives, and balanced processing are essential (Avolio et al., 2004). Combining these factors fosters a culture of authenticity, transparency, and integrity within the organization, thereby enhancing its trust and collaboration. A leader is usually someone who can influence, motivate, enable, or sanction others in one or more ways (Reed et al., 2019; Khun, 2022; Quintanilla & Moreira, 2016). A formative influence, among others, is evident in any leadership situation, regardless of the circumstances. Leaders inspire and guide others toward common goals, not simply holding a position of authority (Nazem & Eftehary, 2014; Khun, 2022; Quintanilla & Moreira, 2016). This process requires a profound understanding of human behavior, organizational dynamics, and the context in which leadership emerges.

For an organization to grow, it must pay attention to its leaders’ paths to lead. Work relationships need to thrive with a mix of leadership skills and morals to drive organic growth. It is clear that, even though transformational leadership is influential enough to make waves in the industry, some routes are better suited to the needs and approaches of individuals and businesses. Embracing change and exceeding expectations are essential components of transformational leadership, widely regarded as adequate. Leading effectively, however, can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Alternative situational, transformational, and servant leadership approaches can also be helpful depending on the context and individuals involved. A transformational approach has limitations, which is why other leadership theories can create healthy work environments, if not work environments, then safe learning environments. With education and work in a secure environment, people from all walks of life can succeed and become leaders. A more inclusive and adaptable method of developing leaders is possible when diverse leadership styles are incorporated to cater to diverse needs and foster a productive work environment. Job satisfaction and employee growth are positively influenced by authentic leadership, which is also linked to other organizations. This form of leadership is transferable to the education sector. Authentic leadership encourages followers’ commitment to team building, promotes social engagement reliance (Avolio et al., 2004), influences the organizational behavior of administration and students, and respects their evidence (Moriano et al., 2011). The principles of authentic leadership, such as genuine concern for others and ethical conduct, are highly relevant in educational settings, where trust and integrity are of paramount importance.

Educators can cultivate authenticity in their leadership style to support and nurture student engagement. An organization’s culture needs to be constantly updated and adapted to develop authentic leadership. Through honest and transparent relations with employees, flexibility-oriented cultures, and authentic leadership form the basis of an organizationā€™s long-term growth strategy. A genuine leader can connect effectively with followers by empathizing, being transparent, and being genuinely committed to the community (Northouse, 2021; Azanza et al., 2013). Organizational culture shapes leadership practices and outcomes (Nazem & Eftehary, 2014). A culture that values flexibility, openness, and continuous learning supports the development and effectiveness of authentic leaders, enabling them to navigate challenges and drive positive change. When addressing inclusive digital education for students of color with disabilities, it is essential to maintain a tone of genuineness throughout their curriculum. Employees and students can be resistant to leaders.

Trust can be difficult to maintain during significant changes. The change may give employees or students a sense of uncertainty and skepticism regarding their leader’s intentions and whether it will benefit them. The vision and subsequent steps must face persuasive communication tactics for the change initiative to succeed. Aligning the change with the organization’s central values and vision and being open to feedback helps maintain credibility. Even though motivating is generally a positive experience, it works differently for everyone. The changes in consideration are relational transparency, tailored learning experiences, advocacy, accessibility, and mentorship support. Collaborative learning, such as discussion groups or peer projects, can help online students strive for excellence.

For this reason, many leaders find it toxic to overmotivate their employees. When someone feels pushed this way, they will have to work on a project they are not interested in completing. A result of this is the making of mistakes and the loss of productivity.

However, authentic leadership can strengthen relationships and trust within the organization, creating a more cohesive and supportive work environment. Authentic leaders can mitigate resistance by demonstrating transparency, actively listening to concerns, and involving employees in the change process, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment. It would be helpful to have diversity and inclusion training to promote leadership development. Stopping destructive behaviors at the leadership level is the most effective way to maintain a robust and authentic work culture. Nevertheless, determining the proper practices to handle toxic leaders requires some time, effort, and reading.

Organizational Culture Assessment

Organizational change initiatives can have a profound impact on a company’s culture. Change management must consider several critical cultural aspects to ensure smooth transitions and sustainable results. Organizational culture guides employees’ behavior by setting norms and standards, thereby helping to motivate leadership behavior, as Schein (1985) noted. Therefore, authenticity in leadership may be correlated with a culture that aligns with authenticity within the organization. Individual, team, and group routines, reporting roles, essential practices, policies, and behaviors are all included in these areas. However, managing these changes can have a positive impact on student morale and course satisfaction. Ineffective management of these situations can cause stress, decrease productivity, foster distrust, and even lead to employees or teachers leaving their employers (Cekuls, 2015). This type of authentic management struggle is similar to the challenges faced by disabled Hispanic and Latino students in community colleges, where institutional culture and policies significantly impact their academic success and overall experience. Just as employees need supportive environments during organizational changes, these students require inclusive practices and resources to thrive. Without adequate support systems, disabled Hispanic and Latino students may experience increased stress, reduced academic performance, and a higher likelihood of discontinuing their education, mirroring the adverse outcomes seen in poorly managed organizational change.

Therefore, understanding and addressing cultural aspects are crucial in corporate settings and educational institutions to foster success and inclusion for all students. An authentic leader combines positive psychological capabilities with a well-developed organizational context, resulting in leaders and their associates being more aware of themselves and regulating positive behaviors, thereby fostering personal growth (Luthans & Avolio, 2003, p. 243). Avolio et al. (2004) argue that authentic leaders exhibit optimism, hope, trust in their relationships, and a commitment to morality and ethics. Four characteristics of authentic leadership are identified and validated by Walumbwa, Avolio, Gardner, Wernsing, and Peterson (2008). In the context of community colleges, particularly for disabled Hispanic and Latino students, the principles of authentic leadership are crucial. These students often face unique challenges that require leaders who are self-aware and capable of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Authentic leaders in educational settings can build trust and optimism among disabled Hispanic and Latino students by being transparent and ethical, thereby creating a sense of belonging and safety. Students thrive in an environment where these leaders think about their diverse needs and implement policies and practices that address them. By embracing balanced processing, leaders can ensure that the perspectives and needs of disabled Hispanic and Latino students are considered when making decisions, leading to more equitable and effective outcomes. Thus, authentic leadership dynamics are beneficial in corporate settings and essential in educational institutions to support the success and well-being of all students.

Luthans and Avolio (2003) propose a model of authentic leadership that stresses the importance of a positive context and positive psychological capabilities. According to the authors, effective leadership development requires an understanding of the organization’s context. In their view, the organizational context includes corporate vision, strategy, and culture as prerequisites to original leadership development. Any effective change management initiative must consider these organizational cultural aspects because they influence employees’ perceptions and adaptability to change. Communicating effectively, engaging employees to share helpful information, providing resource support, and continually reinforcing changes are essential (Cekuls, 2015; Dutta & Kleiner, 2015). To manage changes to organizational culture effectively, leaders must communicate clearly and consistently; transparency about the reasons for change, the benefits, and the expected outcomes helps build trust and reduce uncertainty. Involve employees at all levels in the change process to gather insights, address concerns, and foster a sense of ownership. Training, tools, and support help teachers adapt to new roles, practices, and expectations. To ensure that new behaviors and practices sustain themselves over time, leaders must model the behaviors and attitudes they want to see in their teams by implementing reward systems that reinforce positive behaviors. Strengths and opportunities to consider are the following: a curriculum that fits all students, regardless of socioeconomic background or disability status; a leader (teacher) who is there to serve all students equally; a leader that is transparent and works toward the success of all students, a leader who is a role model to other fellow teachers and supports those who also offer online courses in a way that is positive for the entire student body, meetups and huddles that invoke inclusivity amongst staff and administration, at least monthly; training sessions or mentoring positions for those who want to better their online courses diversely, working with other teachers and mentors in a digital way that helps students process information faster; video, discussion boards, online meetings, one-on-one tutoring sessions, and more. For an organization to make decisions and behave as it does, it must hold on to fundamental beliefs.

Organizational change can be more coherent and consistent if new initiatives align with core values. Dutta and Kleiner (2015) recommend that change initiatives evaluate current practices, modify them if necessary, and align them with new objectives. Introducing new processes and behaviors into employees’ routines is easier when they know the day-to-day practices and rituals (Dutta & Kleiner, 2015). The emergence of an increasingly empowered workplace is enabled by social behaviors such as inclusion, as Northouse (2019, p. 332) explains. A lack of career structure, a capable staff, and low pay are among the problems Bush and Middlewood say are affecting American education. Empowering students helps drive positive, transformative leadership when a diverse group of educators comes together. Both servant leadership and authentic leadership influence organizational culture. 

Communication Approach

Effective communication is crucial for engaging organizational stakeholders and persuading them of the importance of the change. Initial communication should include a series of town hall meetings and workshops to explain the urgency of making online courses more accessible to Hispanic/Latino students with disabilities. These sessions will present data on current accessibility gaps and the benefits of inclusive education. Tools such as email newsletters, social media updates, and an internal project website can exist to keep stakeholders informed. These methods ensure that all community members are consistently updated on progress and can provide feedback. Regular updates will maintain momentum and reinforce the commitment to change. Resistance to change is a natural response, but it can be effectively addressed through personalized communication strategies. One-on-one meetings with key influencers within the organization are not just a formality; they are crucial in understanding and addressing their concerns, thereby mitigating resistance. These meetings will involve open and honest discussions about the proposed changes, allowing us to address any misconceptions or fears directly. Doing so can build trust and understanding, which is essential for successful change management. For groups that demonstrate reluctance, creating focus groups and workshops can provide a platform for open discussion. These sessions should emphasize the benefits of the change, using testimonials from other institutions that have successfully implemented similar changes. Highlighting positive outcomes can help to shift perspectives and build support.

Moreover, creating a feedback loop where concerns are expressed and addressed promptly ensures manageable resistance. Transparent communication about addressing concerns helps build trust and reduce opposition.

Plan Monitoring and Evaluation

Continuous monitoring of the change management plan is not just a one-time task but a critical and ongoing process that is key to its success. The role of leadership in establishing a dedicated change management team responsible for tracking progress and reporting is crucial. This team’s use of Gantt charts and progress dashboards is not just for showing; it is a practical way to visualize and communicate the implementation status. Leadership responsibilities include setting clear milestones and deadlines, ensuring accountability, and providing the necessary resources for the change team. A regular review meeting with the change management team and other stakeholders can assess progress, address any issues, and adjust the plan if necessary. In the field of education, mentoring plays a vital role. The budget allocated to education for success is often insufficient, resulting in the need for adjustments to internalize skills and for peer mentoring to thrive. According to Bush and Middlewood, effective onboarding and induction ease the transition to a new institution. In mentoring, another professional has the support to succeed. Intensive induction into the multifaceted aspects of working in an extended school had a positive influence on employees’ attitudes outside of school, according to Blake et al. (2009). According to Bush and Middlewood, in the 1980s, teachers’ performance upgrades showed accountability. However, by the end of the 1990s, teacher evaluations had become the primary means of evaluating teachers. Accountability is a key factor in addressing political, moral, or professional issues in this type of succession planning. Assessing the success of the change management plan involves both quantitative and qualitative measures.

Surveys and questionnaires will be distributed to students and faculty to gather feedback on the accessibility and effectiveness of the online courses. Focus groups and interviews with students will provide deeper insights into their experiences and any challenges they face. Authentic leadership has a positive impact on employee growth and job satisfaction (Bamford et al., 2012). In this study, Leroy et al. (2012) examined followers’ commitment to team building, the importance of social engagement at work (Avolio et al., 2010), the behavior of employees at work, and the opinions that employees felt compelled to believe based on emotional rather than factual assumptions (Moriano et al., 2011).  Culture influences authentic leadership in the same way water flows down a stream. As a result of a flexible culture and authentic leadership, companies can achieve long-term growth when honest and transparent relationships with employees form the foundation of their success. If an authentic leader displays empathy, transparency, and genuine concern for the community, they can connect with followers (Northouse, 2021; Azanza et al., 2013). Data collection mechanisms include using learning management system analytics to track student engagement and performance. These metrics will help assess whether the changes are having the desired impact on student success. According to a study on employees ‘ trust in managers, the effectiveness of authentic leadership remains mediated by ethical moderating and transparent leadership. As a result, commitments alter themselves at this level.

 Consequently, there is a fair chance for employees to have a positive interaction when there is a high transparency level” (Wong et al., June 2016, volume 118, pp. 829-848). Study subjects included the relationship between superiors and subordinates and employees’ psychological attitudes. Kehan et al. (2016) used “effective commitment, authentic leadership, trust and supervisory relationships, and trustworthiness.ā€ Experts will communicate the results of these evaluations to all stakeholders through detailed reports and presentations. This transparency ensures that everyone is aware of the progress and can contribute to further improvements.

Plan Summation and Conclusion

Leaders must understand their strengths, weaknesses, and the impact of their actions on others. Relational Transparency is critical. Being open and honest in communication helps build trust and credibility. Communication is essential for demonstrating integrity and ethical behavior, as well as maintaining trust (Nazem & Eftehary, 2014; Khun, 2022). Understanding and addressing the concerns and emotions of followers is vital in managing resistance and creating productive engagement. Adapting to and responding to unforeseen challenges is essential for maintaining momentum and support during times of change. Authentic leadership’s reassurance and confidence in managing change is unparalleled, making it crucial for any organization. By embracing authentic leadership principles, leaders can create an environment where trust, respect, and collaboration flourish, ultimately leading to sustained organizational success and individual growth. Essentially, this plan is a set of strategies and a call to action for all. It is a testament to the commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in education. By engaging stakeholders, addressing resistance, and monitoring progress together, one can ensure the success of digital online courses for Hispanic/Latino students with disabilities. Teacher autonomy enhances transparency in education, as teachers feel most responsible for their students. Direct action to build community (Northouse, 2019) is a means by which people develop stewardship commitments and care about movements. As a result, organizations, including our audience, can navigate the complexity of change initiatives more effectively by addressing these critical cultural issues and implementing effective leadership strategies, fostering a resilient and adaptable culture that supports long-term growth and success. This long-term growth is particularly significant for disabled Hispanic and Latino students in community colleges, who face unique challenges in accessing and succeeding in online courses. When educators empower themselves with autonomy, they can tailor their teaching methods to accommodate the diverse needs of these students (Quintanilla et al., 2016; Wang, 2016). Transparency in education facilitates more open communication and a deeper understanding of the specific barriers faced by students with disabilities, ultimately leading to more effective and personalized support systems. Creating a sense of belonging and mutual support among students can enhance their educational experience and encourage higher engagement and retention rates (Youngs, 2017). This plan is not just about change but about creating a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. It addresses systemic issues of inclusivity and accessibility while catering to the specific needs of Hispanic/Latino students with disabilities in the community college context. Its adaptability is its strength, ensuring it can weather any storm of change and provide equitable opportunities for all students to succeed in their online courses.

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by on

April 6, 2024

Introduction

According to the Global Risk Report for 2022, released by the World Economic Forum, the first paragraph notes that the last 18 months have been marked by a cycle of rapid digitalization across industries. Although the climate crisis and debt crisis were the most pressing concerns in the survey, it is clear that other issues, both within and outside the office, will also exacerbate over time. Conservative school boards have become platforms for far-right agendas that undermine the interests of public education, students, parents, and administrators (Henrikson, 2023; Lambert, 2022). While expected to remain nonpartisan, school boards are alarmingly ideologically driven (Henrikson, 2023; Anderson, 2024). There needs to be more direction and accountability regarding values and ethics, highlighting the importance of compliance, as it enables informed decisions. The public’s voice matters the most for the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) nonprofit Make Us Visible California.

ā€œIt [ethical leadership in education issues] proves how diverse California’s socio-political geography is, which MUV CA must contend against. A longer-term strategy for MUV CA will involve getting parents, teachers, and students involved in school boards.ā€ Charles Joesph Sato Montesa, the director of MUV CA, stated. “We are trying to understand what we are dealing with hereā€ (Montesa, March 4, 2024).

Far-right figures have utilized school boards as a vehicle for directing public education, affecting students, parents, and administrators in ways that are detrimental to all parties involved (Henrikson, 2023; Lambert, 2022). An ethical leader must adhere to the principles recognized by the majority as ā€œsound foundations for the common goodā€ (Kim et al., 2022). In Southern California, especially, far-right vitriol has also trickled down into school boards across the state. 

Across the state, school districts operate independently, allowing for different curricula to be taught (Montesa, March 4, 2024). According to Kok et al., aspects of the social responsibility framework require organizations to assess their social responsibility and public interest within their confines (Kok et al., 2001). ā€œWorking conditions, diversity and inclusion, organizational structure, management style, communication, transparency, education, and ethics awareness are all vital components of that frameworkā€ (Kok et al., 2001). However, these changes must be initiated locally by grassroots organizing. Grassroots organizations are the only way parents and advocates can help educators teach their children by influencing school boards.  Accountability must occur for the organizations that allow such hatred to creep into school boards and for the practices of book banning, forced outings of LGBTQ+ students, resistance strategies against trans rights in schools, and the elite manipulating school boards for their organizations to keep the working class under their control. To reduce the influence of right-wing ideology, we must resist the resistance that often goes unaddressed. 

Summary of Ethical Issues

There have been few cases of overrun school boards dealing with government agencies (Henrikson, 2023; Anderson, 2024), despite the requirement that government agencies be nonpartisan. To follow these values and ethics, discussing compliance is essential. Values and ethics depend on one another; without them, there is no ethics or compliance. 

According to photojournalist Kelly Stuart, it is damaging to show people how none of the school board’s current leadership is from ā€œorganic mamas; it is elites and people with tons of money trying to destroy the public school systemā€ (Stuart, April 3, 2024). 

Multiple school districts face the same far-right agitators traveling to meetings and exerting their influence on malleable parents to convey their organization’s message in all forms. Some of the top influences include Erik Prince, Betsy DeVos, Ginny Thomas, and Justice Clarence Thomas (Stuart, April 3, 2024). When forced outing policies came to light in a couple of Southern California School Districts, the Rainbow Youth Coalition and lgbtq crisis Hotline saw a 600% rise in phone calls regarding feeling suicidal.

  Stuart calls the issues she reports on school boards a ā€œwar of chaosā€ (Stuart, April 3, 2024).  She never planned to have so much involvement as a photographer (Stuart, April 3, 2024). However, there is no agreement to disagree with these types of agitators, which started to emerge during the anti-vax movement of the COVID-19 pandemic (Stuart, April 3, 2024). They will not speak to the media unless they deem the reporter on their side (Stuart, April 3, 2024). ā€œAnd if you are not, you are risking your life to report on them. It is scary. Some of these elite people can kill [you] and make [you] disappear,ā€ she said (Stuart, April 3, 2024). 

Elements such as wealthy and influential people pulling the strings are why a change in ethics can no longer come from the top; change must start from the bottom (locally) and work its way up from there. According to Stuart, suicides did happen once these outing policies came into effect. Parents had to leave the districts where they lived, and some kids became homeless (Stuart, April 3, 2024). She mentioned that those policies have a tangible impact, although it is hard to put a face to the conflict since they are confidential crisis hotlines. It often takes parents from different school districts to compare notes and consistently attend these meetings to identify the agitators creating so much chaos within their districts for their children. While Governor Gavin Newsom has made an effort to require media literacy in the classroom (Carillo, 2023; Dirks, 2024), these policies are not being effectively implemented in the California Bible Belt. It is up to public education advocates and parents to do the job.

ā€œThe most important thing to do is to track the pattern and then show up [to the local council and school board meetings], and you know, be willing to follow them to the other places they are going. Call them out and tell them that they are not organic. Tell them they are continuing the AstroTurf grouping,ā€ said Stuart (Stuart, April 3, 2024).

Australia has a formal system to promote compliance with its values statement and code of conduct (Kernaghan, 2003). The Public Service Act requires reporting to parliament on APS values and code compliance (Kernaghan, 2003). Agencies must have procedures in place to determine code breaches and impose sanctions, such as employment termination, salary reduction, and reassignment of duties (Kernaghan, 2003). 

These sanctions are not practiced when operating with school boards (Shah et al., 2022). Despite its underutilization, termination of employment is used chiefly as a nonpartisan measure to address values applicable only to those in significant leadership positions in the educational system (Shah et al., 2032). There needs to be a leadership overhaul that integrates core values into public service values (Mahoney et al., 2022). In Southern California, right-wing activism is having a significant impact on school boards with instances of censorship, book banning, racism, and violence against educators and activists. Stuart is one of many who emphasize the urgent need for scientific publication and long-term documentation of these developments, highlighting the role of organizations like the Council for National Policy and Turning Point USA in negatively impacting education (Stuart, April 3, 2024). It is important to discuss strategies with other parents for countering an AstroTurf group’s efforts to undermine the transgender community, including tracking patterns connecting with different communities and exposing their true intentions. They emphasize the importance of small group organizing and coordinating efforts with other school districts to share information and create a united front. 

Montesa believes it is essential (2024) to adopt a framework adaptable to all independent school boards. He said that meeting people where they already are is the best way to start addressing issues, especially those related to public education disparities (Montesa, March 4, 2024). Montesa finds that progress is held by ā€œdynamics that happen amongst all marginalized communities, especially communities of colorā€ (2024). ā€œWhere we can start to acknowledge our shared values is what brings communities togetherā€ (Montesa, March 4, 2024). 

ā€œWhen we discuss visiting visibility, we want to close gaps. The issue is humanitarian, and we talk about stopping hate at the end of the day,” Montesa said. The key is to build bridges and understanding. We are on our way to doing that. In addition, marginalized groups often do not get their voices heard in schools” (Montesa, March 4, 2022).

Dimensions of Media Literacy in Ethics

Disseminating information to the public is at the heart of educational values. Believing in upholding the highest standards of public service is essential; it is the backbone of any honest and trustworthy society. Without it, no media literacy is available to students and their parents. This leads to a downtick in knowledge regarding many subjects prominent in post-high school years, especially on social media. One must reinforce the values that define us and strive to create an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued (Wang et al., 2017). Informing public servants of their responsibilities and expectations, and fostering greater bipartisan support for shared objectives, can help them achieve their goals more meaningfully. One must prioritize avoiding partisan conflict, as it can overshadow more significant issues at hand (Kernaghan, 2003, p. 717). It is essential to engage in constructive dialogues that are respectful and focused on finding common ground rather than resorting to divisive and polarizing rhetoric. This approach can lead to more productive and meaningful discussions, helping us arrive at mutually beneficial solutions. (Kernaghan, 2003, p. 717). 

Regarding corporate social responsibility and environmental management, Alexander Dahlsrud considers multiple dimensions, such as the ecological dimension, the socio-economic stakeholder, and the voluntary dimension. The most important topics are social, economic, and voluntary. It is also important to note that, according to Khoury et al. (1999), corporate social responsibility refers to the corporation’s overall relationship with its stakeholders. These relationships include ā€œemployees, competitors, customers, owners, government suppliers, investors, and communities.ā€ Social responsibility involves investment, community outreach, employee creation, employment relations, financial performance, and environmental stewardship (Khoury et al., 1999).  

Unfortunately, school board operations often disregard codes of conduct that impact media literacy education (Shah et al., 2023). In the education system, termination is typically a last resort, bypassing partisanship and focusing solely on values relevant to leadership roles (Shah et al., 2023). There is a need for a leadership paradigm shift that prioritizes core values aligned with public service principles (Mahoney et al., 2022).

Ways to Combat Right-Wing Extremism in Education

Moreover, there is a pressing need for comprehensive ethics training programs tailored specifically for school board members. These programs demonstrate the importance of making ethically informed decisions, resolving conflicts, and upholding the values of inclusivity and diversity within educational institutions. By equipping board members with the necessary skills and knowledge, they can navigate complex issues with integrity and fairness. Regarding the improvement of public education, Montesa finds that it takes more than one answer to find a valuable solution (March 4, 2024). 

ā€œA lot has to do with attracting more diverse and qualified individuals to the school. It has to start from within our communities and begin with educationā€ (Montesa, March 4, 2024).

Taking proactive steps to enact positive change within conservative school boards is necessary to address their ethical challenges. Firstly, enhanced oversight mechanisms should ensure that school board members uphold impartiality and prioritize the interests of all stakeholders. Protecting these interests could involve establishing independent review committees composed of diverse community representatives to monitor board decisions and hold members accountable for any deviations from ethical standards. 

It is crucial to select definitions that retain the social aspect and voluntariness. According to Van Marrewijk (2003), for a CSR strategy to be successful, the contacts should be tailored to each business. As a result, when discussing education, all dimensions must be addressed to ensure effective engagement with stakeholders, and the definition must apply to a variety of contexts, specifically within the realm of education. The education system is not a corporation, but as big as one. Therefore, it is vital to use harmony with the definitions and analyze them to find a definition that fits precisely for education and its social construct. 

Stakeholders and Corporate Social Responsibility Connection

Therefore, the social, environmental, and economic impacts are the biggest concern for stakeholders, especially considering that education is a government institution. The optimal approach to corporate social responsibility involves proactively identifying and addressing social issues before they escalate and taking responsibility for any actions that impact individuals, communities, or the environment. The Commission of European Communities outlined a comprehensive definition in 2001, describing it as a ā€œvoluntary integration of social and environmental concerns into a company’s operations and stakeholder interactions.ā€ This multifaceted approach encompasses a range of relevant subtopics. According to the Business for Social Responsibility in 2000, corporate social responsibility involves ā€œethical values, compliance with legal requirements, and respect for people, communities, and the environment, contributing to sustainable business successā€ (IBLF, 2003; The Business of Social Responsibility, 2000). 

Responsibility and Values Regarding Ethics in Education

Kernaghan (2003) emphasized the importance of leadership in integrating the correct values into public service. Senior public servants should inspire a shared vision and lead by example. In contrast, leadership based on values and ethics is essential at senior levels (Kernaghan, 2003). Values should be encouraged at all levels of an organization with dispersed leadership roles to integrate public service and core values (Kernaghan, 2003). Learning points such as values, ethics, and principles, clarifying and clearing the clutter, building a firm foundation, and shining core values remain a part of the discussion (Kernaghan, 2003). Furthermore, how does one get compliance amongst those involved? 

Conclusion

In conclusion, parents and organizations are unethical in creating and targeting school boards to influence LGBTQ+ issues through organizations such as the Council for National Policy. These right-wing groups have expanded their efforts to manipulate school board meetings and controversies; however, parents resist these movements. Then, those groups, the right-wing groups, also resist the positive movements against them. Currently, parents in California who are resisting the anti-trans movement are sharing strategies for countering intimidation and misinformation. Some notable school districts include Glendale, Chino, Fontana, Murrieta, and Temecula (Castle, 2023; Carillo, 2023). Christy Hurst, a Los Angeles-based school administrator in Southern California, notes a 600% increase in calls to a crisis hotline for LGBTQ+ youth due to recent policies (Hurst, April 3, 2024). There is also an anonymous woman who maps connections between far-right groups and individuals who face daily death threats. Stuart, a photojournalist and mother in Los Angeles, consistently faces backlash and threats for reporting on anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric (Stuart, April 3, 2024). Activists in Temecula, including Jen Reeves, have been facing severe harassment and vandalism due to their advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights (Reeves, April 3, 2024). Both Montesa and Stuart (2024) mentioned the importance that digital platforming and social media have in outing the ethical fallout created by the lack of media literacy in public education, which is causing a rise in violence against marginalized groups and those who speak for them (Montesa, March 4, 2024; Stuart, April 3, 2024).

ā€œHow else will you reach and grow an aggressive movement, if not word of mouth and social media? It is the new word of mouth, right? It is like how this is where people are, and I have seen so many people, but this is how you raise engagement across younger generations,ā€ said Montesa (Montesa, March 4, 2024).

Therefore, corporate social responsibility can aid social-emotional learning by fostering empathy and caring for others, a teaching tool that can be incorporated into various curricula and local education policies. It is essential to consider this as education programs play a crucial role in the movement towards involving and evolving children. Promoting accountability and transparency within school boards requires greater community engagement and dialogue. Forums and town hall meetings serve as regular feedback mechanisms, enabling community members to voice their concerns, provide input on key decisions, and hold board members accountable for their actions.Ā 

ā€œToo few people are making the decisions, and often, these people should not be making these decisions. We focus so much on pedigree and an [broken] education system that naturally gravitates to our primary schools. That is not right.ā€ Montesa said (March 4, 2024). ā€œI want to see a school system that the students, teachers, and parents leadā€ (Montesa, March 4, 2024).

Furthermore, revisiting the process of selecting school board candidates could also lead to positive outcomes. Utilizing social media is necessary to further community engagement among Generation Z and older generations due to literacy differences (Hassoun et al., 2023; Hyman, 2021).

ā€œSocial media is compelling. [I] took a photo of this Glendale school board candidate named Jordan Henry, who was at a huge rally and standing next to a bunch of Proud Boys (white nationalists). That photo tanks him. It showed him with, like, [fascist] people in masks…it made him look bad,ā€ said Stuart. ā€œAnd that photo was everywhere; everybody took it and put it everywhere…he lost the race badly. So, the most important thing for parents to do for people who are resisting or allies is to watch the patterns or the patternā€ (Stuart, April 3, 2024).

Implementing transparent and merit-based selection criteria and robust vetting procedures can help ensure that individuals with a genuine commitment to public education and ethical leadership are elected to serve on the board, as administration leaders, and as educators (Thompson, 2016; Wang et al., 2017). Overall, the emotional and social behavioral impacts of conservative school boards can create barriers to students’ holistic development, perpetuate inequalities, foster less inclusive environments, and provide fewer examples of media and health literacy, while also being supportive of diverse identities and experiences (Papp-Zipernovszky et al., 2021). Addressing the impacts of far-right board members requires promoting equity, empathy, and respect for all members of the school community (Anderson, 2024; Henrikson, 2023).

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Photos Courtesy of Mana.Alaksa on Instagram, 2023.

Transformational leadership characterizes itself through ethical behavior that empowers diverse communities nationwide. It is something one would expect to innovate over time, especially within the cultural diaspora. Applying authentic leadership and a transformative nature encompasses nonprofit organizations that do not seek financial gain to achieve their goals, complete their projects, and deal with other situations. Integrating ethical leadership, morality, and authenticity can help communities grow (Bauch, 2006). When using the concept for the goals set forth, complexities become understanding to others. According to Northouse’s book on Leadership Theories (2022), ā€œ[conceptualizing] is the capacity that gives leaders the power to analyze a multitude of problems and solve them without any creative sacrifices in the process” (p. 261). Shayne Nuesca, M.S., is the subject of the following paper. A recent Syracuse University alumni, Shayne Nuesca, is a Content Strategist and one creator of the ā€œMana.Alaskaā€ and ā€œSPRHDRSā€ media collectives. Nuescaā€™s projects, such as ā€œMana, The History We Inherit,ā€ are the first collection from the collective, bringing together past and present experiences of those with Filipino culture, particularly in Alaska. While Filipinos have settled in Alaska for some time, many of their stories are untold. As a natural storyteller, Nuesca found like-minded individuals to work as a team to tell stories through various mixed methods of oral stories, art, and photojournalism. This project started from the ground up in the past year and found success through communication and cultural community building. The goal was to target the Filipino diaspora in the Alaskan community and manage to reach other urban centers across the nation. It is excellent to learn from someone such as this regarding educational outreach in multiple literacy forms. Some characteristics of a leader, like Nuesca, are someone who passes down knowledge to others (Wang, 2016), including a ā€œcommitment to shared goals and being a visionary that takes the program to new heights; emotional intelligence, such as empathy and expert authority in teaching, also play a role in closing theoretical gaps in organizational practiceā€ (Wang, 2016, p. 82). Like research skills, digital skills play one of the most vital roles in connecting to diverse audiences online in a meaningful capacity. This paper explores the topics of authenticity, ethics, and the connection to organizational culture in education. Nuescaā€™s framework, according to Northouse (2022), aligns with authentic leadership, involving servant, pragmatic, and theoretical approaches.

Leadership and Strategic Challenges of the Interview Situation

Much of it was on the groundwork when supplemented with digital platforms. It is clear from considering both Burns’s perspective on leadership roles and higher education perspective that ethical leadership embeds itself in the morality of a leader that impacts a follower; therefore, more work is necessary in terms of creating a leadership theory that passes down critical thinking to other incoming leaders (Northouse, 2022, p. 430; Bacon & Byfield, 2018; Burns, 1978). Due to systemic discrimination, hyper-urban and rural areas remain disconnected from other geographic locations (Carbajal, 2018). Authors found that many technological issues relate to the ability to access stable data for extended periods (Greene & Murphy, 2021). Therefore, innovators like Nuesca continue to innovate ways to bypass obstacles in front of her vision for creating a cultural community beyond borders. According to Northouse (2022), transformative and adaptive leadership align directly with diversity, equity, and inclusion, necessities within most structural systems. Although DEI is still a rapidly developing subject, it is necessary to create profound changes in a highly patriarchal and transactional culture that lacks the soft skills, compassion, and empathy to lead others through meaningful teamwork building.

ā€œI think I got to a point where to be completely candid, I just got tired of working for people. In a way, it came to a point where it was like, what type of legacy does one want to leave behind?ā€ Nuesca said in a virtual Zoom interview (2023). As someone whose resume includes the Alaskan state government and, most recently, an NPR news affiliate, she says that what primarily drives her is the ability to leave something behind in a ā€œmeaningful way, in a valuable way for my communityā€ (S. Nuesca, Nov. 10, 2023). Open discourse in a particular field can make a huge difference, especially in communication. Communication is rooted in community; empathy and compassion for humanity go hand in hand with a humble, authentic leadership style. It is clear that organizational culture sets standards for behavior in employees that determine their leadership behavior; thus, a relationship between ā€œauthenticity, morality, and organizational cultures aligns accordinglyā€ (Schein, 1985). Northouse found that authentic leadership differentiates into broader aspects of observation. One is called a pragmatic approach; the other is called a theoretic approach (2022). Nuesca kept both approaches in mind as she maneuvered a new field while using her journalism and leadership skills to create a collective free of toxic positivity.  

Assessment of Organizational and Strategic Dynamics of the Situation

Because of the fast-paced changes in almost every industry, many leaders and business owners had to pivot to continue making a positive community impact, regardless of ways of communication. What other leadership factors may be necessary to consider now for effective management? Like all the other news organizations she worked with over the past few years, that is like understanding user habits about Alaska newsreaders. There is a level of disinformation that we have to sift through. When misinformation or disinformation pops up, it spreads rapidly, and one must correct it quickly. However, it takes a lot of research, outreach, and understanding of user behaviors to be an exceptional leader. Empirical studies have shown that when educators matched servant leadership with followers who desired it, this type of leadership positively impacted performance and organizational citizenship behavior (Otero-Neira et al., 2016; Ozyilmaz & Cicek, 2015). An essential leadership and followership challenge to address is equity in accessibility. Digital literacy in leadership is far more prominent as a challenging skill rather than a soft skill. This essay aims to present a concise overview of the significant aspects of the interview on leadership conducted and to rely on critical thinking to verify the data against other research. Moral, relational transparency is all about openness to sharing one’s authentic self, actual thoughts and feelings, and internalized moral perspective (Northouse, 2022; Azanza et al., 2013). Furthermore, according to (Northouse, 2022), letting go of characteristics such as egoism, utilitarianism, and more is essential. It is imperative not to have a selfish mindset when taking on roles that pass down skills one has learned to others (Northouse, 2022, p. 427).

Specific Leadership-Focused Recommendations and Approaches

Consider the scenario below from a step-by-step management approach, such as a strategic ā€œlong-termā€ permanent solution versus a ā€œresolution of immediacy.ā€ Both servant and authentic leadership drive the influence of organizational culture. The relationship between flexible cultures and authenticity, honesty, and transparency relates to employees at an internal level that should be stimulating (Azanza, G., 2013). With the rise of new companies and their subsequent growth, it is evident that management will always be needed. Those who maintain a business find themselves in higher education first. Therefore, one should always want the right people in management, as the best leaders have the most productive followers who also turn into influential leaders. It cannot just be anybody, especially when passing lifelong knowledge to new generations. Strong managers possess significant critical thinking skills, and one of the best leadership theories to derive from is servant, authentic, and ethical leadership. Mumfordā€™s (2000) competency criteria for a leader include skills essential for a positive workplace to sustain itself successfully.  There is more than one list of what translates to being a strong, competent leader (Mumford et al., 2000). That is why Nuesca (2023) focuses on audience engagement and community leadership as one concept. Conceptualizing in management refers to the servant leaderā€™s thorough understanding of the organization’s purposes, complexities, and mission. ā€œThis capacity allows servant leaders to think through multifaceted problems, know if something is wrong, and address problems creatively per the organization’s overall goalsā€ (Northouse, 2022, p. 261). Nuesca (2023) cites consistent, organic growth with remote communities in Alaska, which can have validity for other states needing digital and media literacy. Nuesca (2023) knows there is a way that you can communicate with people so that they do not feel shut down or isolated in those situations. 

ā€œAnd I think the nice thing about Mana and SPRHDRS is that they are like a collective because they are a group of us. Thus, being more open to people’s ideas provides the space for that because it is a group working toward one thing. Thus, it was in a better space to kind of foster that.ā€ Furthermore, it was unlike any time she spent as a follower in an organization. Nuesca’s success in community engagement and outreach is detailed, showcasing the strategic use of digital platforms and organic campaigns to expand the collective’s reach. Trust, interdependence, genuineness, empathy, risk, and success in leadership behavior are emphasized.

ā€œTeam-wise, it [Mana] started with three, and then we expanded to about 15. Furthermore, that is, on the content and events side of things. We had zero stories this time last year. Then we expanded that to about 30. Then, 17 made it to the museum. We had no expectations for our launch event. We thought that it would just be like us and maybe 50 people. We had 50 chairs, right? We have 50 chairs in that atrium, and 1500 people came,ā€ Nuesca cited her first museum curation with the state as a success of servitude in leadership (2023). ā€œSo I think we could only get a sense of our reach, just like a small sense of our reach on digital. We had worked on some digital, like organic campaigns on Instagram, and Facebook and all of thatā€ (S. Nuesca, 2023). Behavior associated with trust, interdependence, genuineness, empathy, risk, and success will lead to more beneficial and productive results. Being an effective leader requires knowing how to get things done. The collective gained unanimous support from the Filipino American National Historical Society, Alaska Chapter.

Executive Summation of Key Leadership and Related Factors

While their following on Instagram is modest, it is clear that only some things are about one’s number of followers. It takes a strong team with a strategic leader who knows what obstacles are ahead and how to solve them. For significant societal displacement impacting many communities, building a community is essential. ā€œI think we only had 300 followers on Instagram before that weekend. And then our Facebook is laughable. The beginning was laughable. There were about 50 people who were interested in our content, but it ended up being that the word got out through the community. Also, folks are sharing our stuff without asking, so we did not account for that,ā€ says Nuesca. Northouse (2022) allows followers to identify with something greater than they value. Followers became effective at accomplishing their jobs and fulfilling their job descriptions. ā€œAnd I was adamant that we ended up on there, no matter where we were in the paper. That is another example of seeing things through and contributing to the common goal. And that was to get as many people as possible at the museum, whether 50 or 100 or 1500,ā€ Nuesca said. ā€œSo I think supplementally, the digital stuff was just that, supplemental to our outreach. However, we used it to inform our decisions, like how we would approach folks, where we would post up, and what events we would do to promote the exhibit. So it was not like, yeah, it was not all for naught,ā€ says Nuesca. ā€œI had put out a press release. Two people replied, but another email went to the managing editor, and they finally listened. We sent this press release two weeks ago, but here is why the public would miss out if this does not get news coverageā€ (S. Nuesca, Nov. 10, 2023).

Conclusion

Servant leadership also affects the way organizational teams function. Furthermore, digital and online literacy are essential for leaders of the 21st century. Different leadership theories, such as servant leadership, require an ethical response, authenticity, transparency, and an open mind adaptable to daily challenges (Northouse, 2022). Nuesca cites word of mouth through the Filipino community and persistence that landed her collective a front page in the state newspaper. ā€œI tend to be like a driver regarding leadership style. One needs to see things through. We [the collective] wanted it to be in the Anchorage Daily News because that is the paper of record for the state,ā€ Nuesca said. Besides serving, Greenleaf (1970) states that a servant leader also has a social responsibility to care for the marginalized. According to Northouse (2022), transformative and adaptive leadership align directly with diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is necessary within the educational system. ā€œWe do not see ourselves as having one person in charge or one leader. So, it is a collective, which speaks to just cultural values like Filipino cultural values, as everything has to be done with a collective approach to the community goals. So that has driven us [Mana] the most,ā€ Nuesca said. ā€œSomebody flew up from California just to see this exhibit in the hallway in some museum in Anchorage, Alaska. This fact is a testament to just our team.ā€ In becoming a servant leader, a leader uses less institutional power and control while shifting authority to those following the leadership (Graham, 1991).

In Mana, The History We Inherit, members of the collective share their past and current experiences with Filipino culture, particularly in Alaska. Despite Filipinos’ long presence in Alaska, many of their stories are untold. Nuesca brought together like-minded individuals to tell stories through oral stories, art, and photojournalism. Communication and community building started from scratch last year and were crucial to this project’s success. Despite their modest number of followers on Instagram, it is clear that only some things are about numbers. Inheriting stories in real-time to bring permanence to them through various art mediums is vital for Filipino communities as their elders are highly regarded for their learned knowledge over generations. In summary, servant leadership and community building interconnect in the context of cultural growth. By prioritizing service, empathy, and the development of individuals, servant leaders contribute to creating a connected web of a positive and inclusive community within an organization, fostering cultural growth and sustainability.

References

Azanza, G., Moriano, J. A., & Molero, F. (2013). Authentic leadership and organizational culture as drivers of employeesā€™ job satisfaction. Revista De PsicologĆ­a Del Trabajo y De Las Organizaciones, 29(2), 45ā€“50. https://doi.org/10.5093/tr2013a7

Bacon, H. R., & Byfield, L. (2018). Theorizing Social Justice: Funds of Knowledge as Praxis. https://core.ac.uk/download/232775490.pdf

Bauch, P. (2006). ā€œReflective, Ethical, and Moral Constructs in Educational Leadership Preparation: Effects on Graduatesā€™ Practices.ā€ Journal of Educational Administration 44 (5): 487.

Beauchamp, T. L., & Bowie, N. E. (1988, January 1). Ethical theory and business by Tom L. Beauchamp. Open Library. https://openlibrary.org/books/OL2395733M/Ethical_theory_and_business 

Berkovich, I. (2014). ā€œA Socio-Ecological Framework of Social Justice Leadership in Education.ā€ Journal of Educational Administration 52 (3): 282.

Carbajal, Jose (2018). “Patriarchal Culture’s Influence on Womenā€™s Leadership Ascendancy,” The Journal of Faith, Education, and Community: Vol. 2: Iss. 1, Article 1. Available at: https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/jfec/vol2/iss1/1

Burns, J. M. (1978). Leadership. Harper and Row. 

Gini, A. (1997). Moral leadership: An overview – JSTOR. Moral Leadership. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25072897 

Gentry, H. (2016). A Structure for Utilizing Multicultural Principles to Strengthen the Servant Leadership Approach. https://core.ac.uk/download/235396879.pdf

Graham, J. W. (1991). Servant leadership in organizations: Inspirational and moral.

Leadership Quarterly, 2, 105-119.

Greenleaf, R. K. (1970). The servant as leader. Westfield, IN: Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership.

Heifetz, R. (2021, June). Leadership: The Adaptive Framework – Tij Forum. TIJ FORUM. https://tijforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Leadership-The-Adaptive-Framework.March-2021.pdf 

Ljungholm, D. (2016). Effective Servant Leadership Behavior In Organizations. Linguistic and Philosophical Investigations, 15(), 239-245.

Mumford, M. D., Zaccaro, S. J., Harding, F. D., Jacobs, T. O., & Fleishman, E. A. (2000). Leadership skills for a changing world: Solving complex social problems. The Leadership Quarterly, 11(1), 11ā€“35. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1048-9843(99)00041-7

Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory and Practice (9th Edition). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US). https://reader2.yuzu.com/books/9781071834473

Otero-Neira, C., Varela-Neira, C. and Bande, B. (2016). “Supervisory servant leadership and employeeā€™s work role performance: A multilevel mediation model,” Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 37 No. 7, pp. 860ā€“881. https://doi-org.links.franklin.edu/10.1108/LODJ-11-2014-0230

Ozyilmaz, A., & Cicek, S. (2015). How does servant leadership affect employee attitudes, behaviors, and psychological climates in for-profit organizations? Journal of Management & Organization, 21(3), 263ā€“290. doi:10.1017/jmo.2014.80

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Kehan Xiong, Weipeng Lin, Jenny C. Li, & Lei Wang. (2016). Employee Trust in Supervisors and Affective Commitment: The Moderating Role of Authentic Leadership. Psychological Reports, 118(3), 829ā€“848. https://doi-org.links.franklin.edu/10.1177/0033294116644370

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Photo Courtesy of Getty Images

RokuTV owners might want to know about this deal ahead of Black Friday. The newest season of the RokuTV SoundBar is available to purchase before the holidays. To top it off, Roku is running more than one promo right now, meant to show that wealth is no longer a factor in truly enjoying revolutionary surround sound.Ā 

TCL Roku TV Wireless SoundBar will be a:

  • 2.0 channel soundbar
  • Output a maximum of 120W 
  • Multiple EQ settings are available in the TV sound settings menu.
  • Wireless music streaming is available via Bluetooth

At $179.99, Roku TV users can use the code TCLROKUSOUND, dropping the price to $99.99. And that deal is still valid, according to Roku. It’s an affordable price point for the working class. Thereā€™s also a chance to win a TV plus soundbar on the Roku Blog through December 10th.

No wires mean no installation hassles. With Bluetooth and WiFi as connectors, it’s also possible to boost the sound by attaching other subwoofers. Itā€™s straight-up expandable, making it possible to turn any room into a small theater itself. Sound is accessible, especially for Roku users.

“I mean, there was a time when having a killer home theater setup was, you know, just for someone with, maybe you know who’s really into audio and wanted everything perfect, but these days, TV’s have gotten huge, and they’re accessible. You can get a great TV for not very much,” said Anders Steele, with Rokuā€™s Public Relations Department.

An audio expert himself, Steele feels that the target demographic of Roku has fundamentally changed as years go by.

“TV’s have gotten big and expensive, but they’ve also gotten thinned so the sound of TV’s these days isn’t what you know when the big boxes that I had when I was younger may be able to reproduce, it’s just not possible so, soundbars are a good way to to get the sound that you want. And even way better than what TV’s have been doing,ā€ said Steele.

More specs are on the TCL website, like adding a wall-mount and compatibility with other Roku remotes. The box only comes with three components, a power cord, the soundbar, and the kit to mount it up. With simplicity on the mind of Roku leaders, TV isnā€™t the only home product becoming more accessible, especially during the pandemic. 

“We’ve had COVID and not a lot of people feeling comfortable going to the theater. At the same time, we have seen movies like Dune coming out simultaneously digitally. So you can create a perfect home theater experience,ā€ said Steele.

What Roku and TCL were hoping to create was an experience of sound fit for everyone. The new SoundBar won’t become an eyesore that collects dust. It’s clutter-free, as TCL puts it. It’s easy to move. Itā€™s portable and easy to keep out of sight.Ā 

“Suddenly, you’re booming if you want to be. And it’s a good feeling, actually,ā€ said Steele.

Considering how many movies are opening streaming only, itā€™s time to embrace the whole at-home movie experience. This trend is here for the long haul for apparent reasons. Good movies deserve even better bass.

“Streaming services are kicking, but there’s so much good stuff out there, and first-run movies are coming out and these devices, especially this one,ā€ said Steele.

Steele pointed out that Roku’s audio teams are globally pushing the boundaries of sound and science. As far as what’s coming in 2022, Roku seeks to consistently improve its products and optimize them for the consumer experience. In short, thereā€™s always room for improvement.

“We have people heading our acoustic designs department in Denmark. We have a separate facility there who came from like Bang and Olsen or Dynaudio, which is very high-end,” said Steele. “We have an anechoic chamber and facilities in San Jose, CA. We’re constantly working on our audio products. The price is excellent compared to competitors and compared to what’s out there for what you get.ā€

Considering that Black Friday is early to town this year, it’s possible to see some more great deals to complement the Roku you already have. One Twitter user tweeted that the ‘best investment I ever bought was my RokuTV bundle with the Roku SoundBar.ā€™

Even with movie theaters opening up across the country, it’s essential to have home comfort as an alternative. A marketing campaign aimed at leaving customers with their own decisions to make is a good one. Itā€™s true; the TCL Roku soundbar is for family and parents too.

“We’re not looking to make a killing on selling audio products. We’re trying to enable people to have a good and inspiring home theater experience. That’s our goal,” said Steele. “Being that it’s wireless, you don’t need to hire someone to help you install. You plug it in, and the automatic setup just works. It’s not an exciting answer, but the truth is, this product is for everyone.”

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Photo by alleksana on Pexels.com

Say bye to the problematic personalized news feature.

For the average consumer, it will be considered a win for privacy. Today, the company silently turned off their ā€œPersonal Newsā€ feature on their Google Assistant.Ā 

The end of another Google AI-based program impacts the Android community and Google product users at home. While a standard news feature remains on the Google Nest Mini (6:30 on a Friday), thereā€™s no reasoning behind why itā€™s gone, according to a report from The Verge. As far as consumers go, many are left to wonder whatā€™s next for the tech giant.

Googleā€™s met their fair share of concern over privacy–or lack thereof–regarding their AI projects. On top of security concerns, thereā€™s also the concern about not controlling your news feed. Thereā€™s the concern of fake news hitting the airwaves.

And through it all, top media organizations continue to create short headlines for Google. Some outlets abandoned the route entirely–while engagement through audio remains the oldest living mode of communication.

Forty-one percent of Americans are listening to regular podcasts, a study with Pew Research Center found. Another 83 percent of the public listens to traditional radio. 

An algorithm isnā€™t currently capable of producing audio-rich news for a large audience demographic. Since the need for audio production is still growing in the digital sector, maybe Google will introduce something new. 

We are finally saying goodbye to a nosy, algorithmic news option that has operated since 2019. Soon, another algorithm will take its place. The goal? To better serve their audience.

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Taken during the 2017 Point In Time Count outside of Downtown Fullerton.

By Ashlyn Ramirez

Fullerton Mayor Bruce Whitaker tries to walk a fine line on the city’s housing crisis. He acknowledges the growing problem of homelessness but then throws up his hands and says heā€™s powerless to do anything about it. 

ā€œI think itā€™s very important that people can find adequate living space without consuming their entire incomes,ā€ Whitaker told the Daily Titan, the student newspaper at California State University, Fullerton. But he was quick to add in the 2017 interview that ā€œthe government itself is part of the culprit of driving prices up.ā€ 

The city of Fullerton still accepts state and federal money to provide affordable housing. Since that 2017 interview, the city has received millions of dollars towards various ventures to clean up the streets.

Orange County also recently received $5,764,931 in federal funding for homeless assistance. Itā€™s not clear where all of the money goes while a strained community struggles to make ends meet.

Somehow, millions of dollars turn into only 145 new units since 2017, with 45 still in construction. The New Vista Shelter consists of eight homes for transitional youth ages 18-24. Yet, Fullerton accounts for almost 1,500 unsheltered individuals alone, and Orange County as a whole saw a 43 percent rise in homelessness since then.

The problem could be even worse as the reports do not factor in people living out of their cars or ā€œcouch surfing.ā€ In Orange County, the backdrop for the crisis is one of the nationā€™s wealthiest communities, a landed aristocracy served by teachers, nurses, and shopkeepers who canā€™t afford what passes for affordable housing in the county.

Throw in demand created by Cal State Fullerton and its working-class student body, and the magnitude of the problem starts to take shape. How made is it? The title of the American Civil Liberties Union 2019 report on Orange County ā€” ā€œThis Place is Killing Meā€ ā€” says it all.

Local government must address the humanitarian crisis presented by homelessness through permanent and affordable housing, the ACLU report concludes. 

The ACLU found the county can house their homeless but will not due to lack of political will. On top of that, the report found living conditions in affordable housing are just as bad–if not worse–than sleeping on the street. 

CSUF graduate student Christopher Rael, 33, said he was short on tuition one semester at community college during the 2008 recession. He saved money for school, and life happened. The money was gone to a cause. There was no one to fall back on. 

ā€œFor example, when I was sleeping in my car, I did have a job at the time. So that huge misconception about pulling yourself up by your bootstraps? I was doing that,ā€ said Rael. But he was only getting 6 hours per week. And itā€™s hard to live off $80 weekly in any part of California, even over a decade ago.

Rael said his parents werenā€™t ā€œequippedā€ to support an adult in college. So, he found himself sleeping in his car. Telling anyone his situation was not an option. Sometimes, you have to pay for tuition or pay for a roof over your head. 

When at a financial aid meeting to understand the metrics behind FAFSAā€™s Expected Family Contribution, Rael said, ā€œI explained that I could show that I’m literally homeless. I could walk you out to my car right now, where all my stuff is in my back seat. And he [the worker] looked me square in the face, and Iā€™ll never forget his words.ā€

The worker told Rael that he could lie to him [about being homeless], and it wasnā€™t a risk that he was willing to take. But another worker, a Havard-trained psychologist, was able to secure financial assistance for him. 

CSUF has one of the highest cases of housing and food insecurities in the state system, according to a 2018 report. Out of 23 schools, CSUF is also the least-funded public university in the entire CSU system. 

The price of living there simply does not fit the mold of a budget college experience.

In 2016, City Council-member Jennifer Fitzgerald spoke about wanting to steer CSUF away from its commuter school status. She also spoke about her efforts to end homelessness in Fullerton. ā€œIā€™ve worked really hard over the last four years on ending homelessness in our community,ā€ Fitzgerald said. 

She said she wanted to ā€œexpand affordable housing for students.ā€ Itā€™s been almost five years since then. Itā€™s been ten years since Fullerton knew about their ten-year-plan to eradicate homelessness.

Fullerton does not want affordable, permanent housing or shelters near the university. Unless itā€™s volunteer work that they can leave when done with their good deed for the day. Why? Because the university does not fall under a designated geographic location required to have affordable housing there. 

With almost 20 percent of unsheltered individuals living out of their car in the past year, thereā€™s no doubt there are college students who canā€™t afford a place or a commute.

Addressing an underrepresented community

According to a county report, the average median income for a Fullerton resident is $80,000. Thatā€™s almost 60 percent more than the average American, who makes about $47,216 a year. 

Relying on a median income to address affordable housing issues drives out locals, single families, educators, and college students alike, said Fullerton Personnel Commissioner and Climate Action Campaign Advocate Jose Trinidad Castaneda, 29.

Castaneda, a Fullerton resident and public servant is also a full-time board member of Abundant Housing in Los Angeles, an organization focused on promoting affordable housing. He monitors 17 city council meetings virtually during his current workweek. Having served as a translator for five years, Castanedaā€™s interest in the lack of affordable housing began out of necessity.

ā€œMy housing story began when I was looking for housing myself, and I found that nothing was affordable,ā€ he said. So in 2018, Castaneda began organizing to get accessory dwelling units approved and drop the fees bound to them–just one way to combat the lack of affordable housing statewide.

Whitaker was not available for comment at the time of this publication. Fullerton City Councilmember Fitzgerald was also not available for comment when reached out on LinkedIn and email. Fullerton City Councilmember Jesus Silva replied with a thumbs up on LinkedIn with no further analysis.

Moving forward by acknowledging the past and present

The lack of comment years later is telling of a hidden narrative. Itā€™s too little, too late for many to call any part of Fullerton their home unless youā€™re white, white-passing, or financially stable. 

ā€œThe city is segregated,ā€ Castaneda said. ā€œItā€™s economically, financially, and racially segregated.ā€

By 2019, ACLU SoCal found violations in the housing that Orange County offers–including abuse, harassment, neglect, and lack of cleanliness. And just like in 2016, reports existed to guide officials towards ending homelessness.

Part of the problem is policies impacting those with mental health or substance abuse issues, keeping them from the help they need. Castaneda believes that there are not enough types of housing units geared towards very low-income residents.

ā€œI think the police and sheriff are just acting according to the councilsā€™ will. And city councils and elected leaders have done everything to tell themselves and tell their constituents that doing anything to help solve homelessness or help people in need is only going to attract more homeless people,ā€ said Castaneda. 

When it comes to Whitaker, Castaneda says he doesnā€™t even listen to him anymore. He does not find him a credible source.

No accountability remains commonplace amongst local officials.

A 2016 Fullerton Housing Authority reported that those in charge of reaching yearly goals for projects like multi-family rental housing and low-income housing loans failed to do so. Almost a million dollars went towards extremely low-income renters in only one fiscal year. 

Other years there was nothing spent at all. 

Lack of oversight happened because of the minimal amount of housing units subsidized by donors. Therefore, thereā€™s no track of specific rent-controlled projects and the demographics of people who need them. 

Another public document found almost $100,000 spent solely on monitoring/policing expenditures and about $2,700 in relocation in the 2018-2019 fiscal year. The same year, the ACLU published their piece on Orange Countyā€™s negligent emergency shelters.

If a one-way bus ticket costs $4 for an adult, that money will send at least 675 unsheltered out of the city that maybe could not go into a shelter. 

The most common story told by residents is one of the voices falling upon deaf ears. Fullertonā€™s government spent money allocated for homeless assistance on one-way bus tickets before, said Castaneda. 

A beacon of ocean waves and sunny skies is where the lost get sent across counties and institutions, culminating into other pits of gentrification.

While Rael finishes his M.A., he teaches underprivileged communities in Long Beach. Over the years, heā€™s created school programs that give back to those on Skid Row. He believes adding sociology classes into the high school curriculum and taking police officers out of schools is a start to combating povertyā€™s stigmas young. 

Until the pandemic ends, though, Rael plans on staying put for the safety of his students. So, there are other ways he gives back to a community that he was a part of not long ago.

ā€œI don’t put it on the Internet. But every day, when I walk to the coffee shop, I come out with donuts. They’re not just for me. You know what I mean; people are sleeping outside that can use breakfast. You know it’s a little bit like that that makes a major difference,ā€ he said.

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Social media is an unlikely strong asset to the elements of journalism. Photo by me | 2013

I met a small group of like-minded women that lived near San Francisco when I was maybe ten-years-old, living eight hours away. My parents didn’t particularly enjoy it, but they were like older sisters to me at the time.

We messaged through AIM chat like we were buddies that went to different schools. I can’t sit here and recall a conversation today, but I can discuss the impact it had to meet other creative people at that age.

To date, I don’t meet many other writers in my small town. When you’re a journalist, the circle gets even smaller. Therefore any support you get matters; remote support is so much more than one can think.

So here’s part of the inspiration I drew from–something that social media gave me and continues to give to so many others around the world: interactive engagement and consistent communication.

Also, thanks to Wikipedia for existing during those long nights with lonely, angry insomnia. Which actually was a little bit of asthma and sleep apnea too. But I digress.

Eventually I celebrated my 18th birthday at Bubba Gump Shrimp with my parents and two of my internet friends there. We all happen to follow each other on social media today. They do not know that I still have my gift from that day, almost a decade ago. A black, minimal yet strongly bound and empty notebook for me to write in.

That was the first push I had to follow a dream that seemed to be fading with the dying print media industry.

My internet friends and I are not close anymore but I get the comfort of knowing when I open my Instagram, I’ll see a post from up north or in South Korea. One of them got married in the past year and the pictures were breathtaking. In times like these, those thoughts are comforting.

The midpoint for a random but empowering kinship? A simple Linkin Park message board attached to the official website in 2001.

Next came designing Xangas, one of the first [and many] underground blogging platforms. And then, Myspace. I knew HTML, simple website design, blogging and photo manipulation before I left high school in 2010.

At such a young age, I never realized that I was a part of a prolific moment meant to change the way that humans interact forever. For so long, we were bound by our physical capabilities to move, to see, to feel.

Now, you can connect with someone hundreds of miles away. All of this with the touch of a button. In an era where internet bullying had just become a tangible pain [that now 59 percent of teenagers endure], I found solace from the bullying I experienced in public online.

This was unheard of at the time.

And the internet is still a very toxic place to inhabit. In fact, over three quarters of high school students two years ago did not understand the concept of media literacy, a Stanford University study found. People cannot tell between advertisements and the latter.

Since social media is mixed with all facets of communications, it’s clear that e-commerce is stepping on the toes of the press. Implementing a strong strategy to bring in various consumers through the means of education is imperative for survival.

That’s why I enjoy the career path I chose and the learning that comes with it. I am interested in how human interaction changes through the various modes of engagement over this particular modern age.

Since digital interaction is blowing up right now, it’s clear that addressing the digital divide was going to have to happen sometime. Media and digital convergence will continue to rise and the wealth gap will follow along with it.

Especially with the struggles we’re facing with COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus. The digital divide is a staggering problem grown wildly out of control since the loss of net neutrality. COVID-19 makes it worse.

It’s clear that the use of internet and the products aligned with it [smartphones, laptops, etc.] has gone up, according to Pew Research Center and other internet study trends.

But the amount of unique consumers isn’t going up at all. Only half of the world has internet access. Why is that?

That means that our internet is designed for those who are privileged enough to afford it. That’s not right. The digital divide is real and it’s going to cause problems in an era where a pandemic changed the course of history.

Studying what these statistics mean for us is how those in the communications field can assist in helping businesses stay afloat.

I have gained a lot already from this program about what it takes to use the skills I enjoy, such as writing, and use them to better the lives of both small and big business. I hope to find out more about why social media works in the ways that it does. What does this mean for our future, especially while we are all stuck in self-isolation?

What does the rise of social media engagement reliance mean for the way we process physical emotions in reality? Can social media be a saving grace or is it wrapped up in a wealth disparity gap that we might never break down?

Whatever the case is, it’s 3 am on the west coast so I’m going to wrap this up, add in some outbound links and pictures later. This is the first thing that I’ve really finished since I started my own quarantine a month ago. It’s moments like this where I don’t feel as defeated.

I just want future generations, or even older generations to realize the good behind the internet and why we need to understand the impact of social media–mentally and culturally.

Every bit matters right now. And we’ve all got the time to read.

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Even digital media nine years ago can be showcased on WordPress for those on a computer or those using a phone. Just like that, a picture can travel from a blog across the entire social media spectrum. The Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. Photography by me.

Based on your experience with WordPress, what are your impressions with working with WordPressā€”the pros and cons? It started as a blogging platform but has evolvedā€”should it still be relegated for small blogs, or do you see enterprise use? Are there any blogs that you regularly follow? Pick one and critique it. Why do you like this blog? What is it about the content that makes you go back? How about the design/layout?

I learned the ins-and-outs of an almost daily student news publication during my time at Cal State Fullerton. I was on the editorial staff. Little did I know that an entire digital media spread was humanly possible to transfer from print to the web through a sole content management system.

It’s not effortless. It’s tedious. But the reach and possibilities that stem from WordPress are too immaculate to touch.

Any beginner can develop a website through this platform and become a business owner or a blogger. Or both. The management after is fairly seamless.

But friendly to everyone? Maybe not totally. That’s why there’s experts in WordPress though. We have to make money somehow.

The fact that every individual starts off with the same edit screen no matter what widgets they download makes it so that as a writer, I can easily take the skills and ideas put into another client’s website and repurpose it until my fingers fall off.

It’s like how these TikTok ferret videos of the SAME ferret keep appearing everywhere. Once it’s on the internet, it’s forever right?

https://twitter.com/erinmhk/status/1232338023192330241

Just like that, there’s a Tweet embedding into my blog post with the act of a copy-and-paste of a URL link. WordPress is teachable to a novice wanting to learn. Fixable when altering is needed. And it’s mobile-friendly with their own simple iPhone application. From blogs to media publications and even e-commerce websites, WordPress can do it all.

I feel like WordPress is the top of the list like how Adobe Premiere Pro is more well-known than Final Cut Pro. You’re paying for both the name and the goodies that come with it. This also low-key means that paying for good service prevails for a permanent revenue stream.

Even the crappiest, most mundane business can make money if they have the literacy or hire someone that harbors that capability.

With WordPress you can monetize in more than one way and expand it through sharing. But you have to know how to make all of that happen too… which is why using different tiers of paid WordPress services work for all business backgrounds.

WordPress propels small business consumerism to large markets. Think of it as like, going viral.

Downside? Those less skilled in the digital realm that lack those really good widgets are going to have some really boring pages. In the end, it’s about making minimalism pop. And WordPress captures that essence.

If you know how to work WordPress, you’ll embolden your chances of maintaining the type of clientele who doesn’t want to take the time to pick up a website and the subsequent blogging that comes along with it.

I know it’s going to sound crazy but I’m not big on following bloggers right now. I used to be huge on following artists on another platform we all know as Tumblr. It was mainly for the aesthetic and being able to talk through pictures. Sometimes, pictures being worth more than a thousand words is way better than actually having a thousand words to sift through.

For example, look at the blogger on Tumblr known as user ‘thisisnthappiness’:

A theme is consistently followed that draws people in that focuses heavily on the visual aspect. In short it’s all about showing, not exactly telling.

Their blog is on Tumblr, has its own separate domain and is transferred to WordPress. That means the reach as an artist online is subsequently global. For example, this blogger has been around long enough to maintain these platforms and even open up an e-commerce section to make money off of instead of advertisements.

The fact that simplicity can tell a story is something that consumers vie for when consuming content online is very telling. With the options that WordPress offers to their users, it’s clear that their model is pertinent to content creation in the future.

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I’ve went from print journalism to marketing, public relations, advertising and back again. For now, I’m trying to stay in the social media manager realm because it allows me to write blogs.

Meaning I get to exercise my journalistic creativity on the regular. But seriously though, I cannot express enough how underpaid and undervalued I am as a content creator. I’m marketing a brand to retain clients and often I’m still stuck cleaning a break room.

How can I continue to create an organic outreach that reaches real customers when I’m not taken seriously?

This is why I’m in school. I’m kind of hoping that with the next tier of degree in my life, I’ll get taken a little more seriously. I want to help companies grow and I’m generally not given the resources or time to make that genuine connection happen.

Unfortunately living in the metropolitan area that would see my value in Southern California is a six-figure endeavor. I’m talking like, almost a quarter of a million dollars a year just spent on living comfortably.

And I’m not at that point in my life yet. I don’t know if I’ll ever be close. It seems like my generation really got the short end of the stick and somehow it was so bad that the impact has trickled down to literally everyone except the 1 percent.

Connecting to an audience in a prolific way is something that I crave. I constantly find myself reading these feel good stories but the problem here is that they’re all bandaids for some kind of poor practice. There’s better ways to connect to an audience.

I like to do it in writing because I have social anxiety. But then that anxiety took over my words too. Being in this program has really changed me. It’s caused me to become more humble but to also see that I’m worth more than minimum wage.

Journalism is the core of the communications field. The digital convergence that happens with public relations, marketing and advertising is propelled by media convergence. I have always felt like journalists are held to a higher standard than anyone else. This is because the public trusting us is vital to democracy.

We need to strive to do better. I will never not express how important it is to keep going for the optimum outcome. I know that not everyone in the Newhouse School is there for a journalism degree. Some might hate writing entirely. But when we all work together and pay mind to the ethics behind our careers, our lives are a little bit easier.

I hope I can take the inspiration I draw from this program and really make a difference in the world through telling news via different mediums. I’ve always been a writer. A poet too. But there’s an urgency I feel regarding closing the gap that is the digital divide by exposing misinformation and promoting social awareness as our whole world inches further into the future.

I feel like I really understand why good marketing, advertising, PR and journalism will always go hand in hand with each other. One cannot function without the other in our realm.

The amount of mediums is way too many to count and hard to keep track. Right now I’m loving podcasts because it’s a really old idea with a modern twist attached to it.

Multimedia is this whole different ballgame that really gives writers new and creative ways to tell the stories that they write. If journalists like myself can’t keep up with that, we’re going to slowly lose the media literacy we’ve grown to have.

Digital convergence isn’t going to stop, so we need to hop on the bandwagon and ensure that what does come out is used to the fullest extent of the product or service’s capabilities.

Having a free press is my everything. It’s a gift unlike any other. It’s used as a curse, in some situations. I respect it above all else though, always. If more people lose their respect towards this profession, we’re going to see more open hatred across the board.

I feel like so many demographics have been looked over until recently. And this new wave of marketing towards the younger generations through the likes of big data collection is super creepy. Highly intriguing to watch change happen so quickly though.

Who would’ve known that AARPANET would turn into this massive worldwide conglomerate that corporations are fighting to control the access to? A social awakening is happening that is only going to continue to grow.

As human behavior continues to change, we’re currently seeing something unlike anything that’s been recorded by historians before. It’s not Ancient Aliens or anything, but it’s still pretty great.

The ways culture is portrayed across the world is solely because the internet is here to allow for mass sharing. I’m all here for it. Let’s keep sending memes.

It’s so hard to say what else lies in the future. I’m kind of hoping that eventually I’ll have some brain implant that’ll allow a laptop to type my thoughts for me since my carpal tunnel will probably eventually take my hands out.

Other than that, all I can do is hope that there will be some regulations that will keep customization convenient and 75 percent less invasive. Wait no, maybe like 95 percent less invasive. I’m hoping for the best.

Kind of seems like we’re living in a dystopian universe already though. At least we’re all in this together, right?

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Classes like this one have taught me a handful of useful tidbits for the future. I feel like this blog has also helped me express my feelings, opinions and what not to the best of my ability. All while getting to drop facts in between.

I’ve got a glorified diary. I plan on using it as much as I can.

I have to pre-write to write.

It’s insane how all of the topics discussed over the term are things I’ve already recognized in real life but never knew the proper terminology for. I’m so excited to continue learning.

As someone who suffers from massive anxiety to the point where I can’t check my email or grades, being able to free-flow while weaving in my understanding of class topics helps me truly get the stuff that I’m reading and watching.

I guess this is essentially the tip of the iceberg with the beginning of my graduate school career. I’m over here, hand writing my last blogs for this class while thinking about my finals. Stressing. Multimedia for one and a case study for another.

The thing that I’ve truly enjoyed about this course though is the way I can now analyze and tie in the importance of digital/media convergence. I can especially see it because I recently got a new job-which at the time of typing this bit I am probably going to never go back-and I happened to be in an office setting instead of being at home.

Totally new to me. Even this program is. But I do enjoy being able to still feel like I’m in a classroom learning, instead of trying to teach something myself with very little to no direction.

So last week, all of a sudden I was staring at three computer screens. Holy second screen experience! And a keyboard and a mouse that work! I’ve been working from a broken laptop for almost a year! This is nuts!

I was able to take what I’ve learned in journalism from my undergrad and what I’ve learned about journalism innovation at my short time at Syracuse and really do a lot of work in a short amount of time. It took me 57 hours, but I got them set up with social media posts across six platforms until the end of March.

It was easily enough work to earn a grand. Turns out they thought it was worth half of that. All of this work I put into this company to make them look good and it kind of wasn’t worth the effort.

Honestly though the fact that this client thought that it was okay to pay me California minimum wage is really the result of the lack of media literacy in the country. It’s super simple to look up the average wage of a social media manager in the United States.

Add in a copy editor and marketing/personal assistant to the mix and the costs add up. I digress, though.

I’m over here incredibly upset that I’m late on my work at a super crucial time but at the same time I’m grateful that the little bit I’ve taken from this program I’ve already learned how to use to further my career path.

And I got to really experience a true multi-screen experience for a little bit that I wouldn’t have before. Even if the client was lackluster, Syracuse got me there and helped me see my worth.

There’s always people that need someone to write and edit for them. Until then I’m going to write my little heart out on this blog and hope that it provides context into myself as a person.

I’ve seen what places like Vox and the Washington Post have done for journalism. I’m writing about the Washington Post for my case study. Those are things that can be applied to basically every aspect of communications. I’m constantly intrigued with the versatile manner that journalism fits within this broad industry.

However with the way things keep changing, it’s crucial to continue to revamp and rebrand the communications industry as a whole. Especially the media, both new and old.

I can’t express enough how amazing it is to take these skills that I’ve honed over the years and use them to better something else.

Considering how my alma matter is potentially shutting down the newspaper that I gained all of these skills from as a writer, I feel like the best way I can combat the reality of a dying newspaper by furthering my knowledge in multimedia. Period.

News needs to be told. We just have to understand the obstacles that we are dealt with.

Being able to connect to consumers is the best way to continue to close the digital divide. Now we just need WiFi accessible to everyone. I hope to see that in the near future. Everyone should have the opportunity to have access to a virtual library.

Without access to simple things like blogging, student journalism and student-ran communications groups across the nation, we will never be able to dominate in the media literacy field.

I want to see a day where being a digital era journalist is considered just as important as any STEM major. I don’t think people understand how much goes into becoming an expert on a topic, hunting down verifiable sources and putting together a package that works across a multitude of platforms.

Being a watchdog is hard right now. It’s like trying to get an alcoholic to quit drinking when they just aren’t ready. But if we, as journalists, are able to gain trust and understanding, then the public might be ready to trust us later.

With the next round of presidential elections looming in the corner, I feel like finding new ways to innovate news and find news is more important than ever.