Mastodawn

Brittany Thomas Nov 19, 2024

With financial support from the Michigan Justice Fund, two Wayne State University academic leaders developed a pilot prison-to-college program that aids in reentry success for those released from confinement.

#hive55 #reentry #prison

https://www.brittanyathomas.com/2024/11/19/wayne-state-university-supports-returning-citizens-in-the-u-s-with-a-comprehensive-prison-to-college-pipeline/

Wayne State University supports returning citizens in the U.S. with a comprehensive prison-to-college pipeline

Wayne State University COM 5500: Journalism & New Media By Brittany Thomas With financial support from the Michigan Justice Fund, two Wayne State University academic leaders developed a pilot prison-to-college program that aids in reentry success for those released from confinement. Owing to a recent surge of policies and provisions for formerly incarcerated individuals, this program aims to demonstrate that education is one of if not the most important aspects of reentry support for reduced recidivism and prosperity of the justice impacted and their families. November 29, 2024, 10:00 p.m. EST [caption id=attachment_720 align=alignnone width=900] Inmate deciding to make progress or stick to same habits, November 18, 2024. Photo credit: Wikipedia Creative Commons.[/caption] The road to economic and social mobility for formerly incarcerated individuals became clearer in April 2008 when then-president George Bush passed the Second Chance Act. Under this law, barriers to reentry for returning citizens were removed, improving their viability in society and ending a vast cycle of criminal recidivism. [caption id=attachment_711 align=alignright width=500] Former President George Bush signs Second Chance Act into law on April 9, 2008, November 18, 2024. Photo credit: Wikipedia Creative Commons.[/caption] Since this act was adopted, there have been numerous developments in returning citizen support in the U.S., including Obama’s removal of criminal record checkboxes on job applications in 2015, the inauguration of Second Chance Month in April 2017, the rollout of several prison reentry programs across the country, and the initiative’s explosion in financial support by 2022. View an abbreviated timeline here! One allocation of this financial support came to Wayne State University in 2021, and with it, the university launched its first-ever prison-to-school support program. Many programs that centralize education in prisons already existed in 2021 and many more have continued to materialize through the years. But with a $200,000 grant from the Michigan Justice Fund, leadership and advocates of criminal justice and reform at Wayne State have masterminded a program that provides sustainable assistance to the justice impacted upon their return to society. [audio m4a=https://www.brittanyathomas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/S-Hartwell-Interview.m4a][/audio] Dean Hartwell discusses how the Education Transition Coordination program began at Wayne State, November 18, 2024. Audio credit: Brittany Thomas. [caption id=attachment_725 align=alignright width=300] Bolts Magazine shares news about a crucial reentry initiative in North Carolina, November 18, 2024. Screenshot credit: Brittany Thomas.[/caption] “I was lucky enough to talk to some folks from corrections and then from the Michigan Justice Fund about the kind of initiatives they were interested in funding,” said Stephanie Hartwell, Ph.D., Education Transition Coordination (ETC) program co-creator and dean of the Wayne State University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “I had done a lot of proof-of-concept work in Massachusetts around transitioning individuals from incarceration back to the community. But that formative work was done with individuals who had mental illness or major mental illness.” This unique program focuses on stabilizing formerly incarcerated individuals upon their release from correctional facilities, prioritizing a pathway to education after providing support for housing, transportation, health care, jobs and more. A justice-impacted student himself, ETC Program Coordinator Terrell Topps was eager to assume his role in the Dean’s Office and champion the needs of these returning citizens. [caption id=attachment_723 align=alignleft width=300] Jonathan Cohn shares an article by The Boston Globe about biggest needs for returning citizens, November 18, 2024. Screenshot credit: Brittany Thomas.[/caption] While most college-to-prison pipelines provide education access to those presently in confinement, this program prepares returning citizens for lifelong success and longevity by highlighting the needs that are key to their survival. “The first thing we know, what research has indicated, is if I don’t have someplace to stay, I’m not thinking about school,” said Topps. “If I’m not working, I’m not thinking about school. If I’m suffering with substance abuse issues or mental health issues, school is not a priority.” A complete intervention, this program assigns a transition coordinator to each reentry program participant, setting them up with dedicated, step-by-step transition resources. [caption id=attachment_713 align=alignright width=300] Graph showing all factors of reentry program support, November 18, 2024. Photo credit: Wikipedia Creative Commons.[/caption] “In short, we guide them through their transition process at all phases,” said Topps. “If they need somewhere to stay, we locate organizations that assist with shelter. If they need work, we connect them with recruiting agencies that are 'felony friendly.' If they require expungement services, we call upon agencies that assist in removing potential blemishes from their records and eliminate that concern during the hiring process. Three years after its launch, the program has made a palpable impact on returning citizens and has played a significant role in lowering recidivism in Michigan. The program has also grown and is now home to a director, coordinator, two student navigators and one research assistant. For Olivia Furlow, a student navigator for the program and dual social work and public health graduate student who earned a criminal justice degree from Madonna University in 2021, reform isn’t an option; it’s part of the corrections and behavioral rehabilitation she committed to throughout her studies and for her career. [audio m4a=https://www.brittanyathomas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/O-Furlow-Interview.m4a][/audio] Olivia Furlow reflects on the impact the ETC program has had on her career trajectory and personal goals, November 18, 2024. Audio credit: Brittany Thomas. “I was very fortunate to get a full-time reentry position with Health Management Systems of America, so I cover Wayne County and I assist men and women coming home from prison,” said Furlow as she reflected on her growth throughout her time with the program. “Watching the way these programs come together to support one individual to the benefit of everyone else is fascinating to me, and I will forever be grateful to occupy the space that I have been given to uplift the men and women I work with.” [caption id=attachment_728 align=alignnone width=900] The Health Management Systems of America building in Detroit, November 18, 2024. Photo credit: LinkedIn.[/caption] With its pilot period closing soon, the program’s leaders are reflecting on the impact the program has had and vying not to let their findings go to waste. [caption id=attachment_724 align=alignright width=300] Joshua B. Hoe expresses support for prison reentry and criminal reform resources, November 18, 2024. Screenshot credit: Brittany Thomas.[/caption] “It’s painfully clear that incarceration leads to negative life outcomes impacting socio-economic status and contributing to morbidity and mortality,” said Hartwell. “Education is unmatched in enabling returning citizens to stabilize effectively within society, and this program has not only helped several individuals but their circles as well, which gives me much hope for the impact this program will have for future participants.” For more information on the ETC program at Wayne State University, which looks to renew its grant soon and scale the support offered to formerly incarcerated individuals, visit https://s.wayne.edu/etc/. If interested in browsing additional reentry program resources, check out the links below. Browse Second Chance Act programs Learn more about reentry services in Michigan Download the Reentry Guidebook An interactive map showing reentry support organizations and resources in the Detroit area, November 18, 2024. Map credit: Brittany Thomas. NOTE: Please click each provided organization location on the map for addresses, contact information, and a description of the organization's services.

Brittany Thomas Nov 1, 2024

Cozy Corner Podcast Host Brittany Thomas discusses the perils of the modern social media landscape in an informational and insightful installment of her all-things books, TV, music, and media review focusing on Geert Lovink’s Social Media Abyss.

#hive55 #socialmedia #socialcapitalism

https://www.brittanyathomas.com/2024/11/01/book-review-podcast-geert-lovinks-social-media-abyss/

Book Review Podcast: Geert Lovink’s Social Media Abyss

Wayne State University COM 5500: Journalism & New Media By Brittany Thomas November 1, 2024, 1:32 p.m. EST [caption id=attachment_628 align=alignnone width=403] Geert Lovink’s Social Media Abyss (2016) book cover.[/caption] [audio m4a=https://www.brittanyathomas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Podcast-Book-Review-Recording_Geert-Lovinks-Social-Media-Abyss_B-Thomas-COM-5500.m4a][/audio] Brittany Thomas discusses Geert Lovink's Social Media Abyss and its impact on the current social media narrative, November 1, 2024. Audio credit: Brittany Thomas. Cozy Corner Podcast Host Brittany Thomas discusses the perils of the modern social media landscape in an informational and insightful installment of her all-things books, TV, music, and media review. Focusing on Geert Lovink’s Social Media Abyss (2016), Brittany provides a diligent deep dive into Lovink’s research prowess and perception of the state of the “social” in social media today while identifying the strong and weak points of the author's renowned text. Brittany is a graduate communication student in the Master of Arts program at Wayne State University’s College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, holding a bachelor's degree from the college in public relations honors. Her research interests include crisis communication, new media and gender, and this podcast episode concerns the review of a new media issue as required in her curriculum. Geert Lovink, born in 1959, is a media theorist, critic, researcher, and professor of network cultures and interactive new media and director of the Institute of Network Cultures who’s authored a handful of books exploring digital and social media and the dying art of interactivity. He’s known for examining the dynamic interplay between networks and social movements and provides readers with the knowledge they need to navigate a 21st-century digital society effectively. Lovink holds a master’s degree in political science from the University of Amsterdam and a Ph.D. from the media and communication program at the University of Melbourne. Other popular print publications of Lovink’s include The Principle of Notworking: Concepts in Critical Internet Culture (2005), Zero Comments, Blogging and Critical Internet Culture (2007), and The Network Condition: Foundations of Critical Internet Culture (2011). To explore a full list of Lovink’s publications and teaching assignments on digital networks and social culture, visit https://networkcultures.org/geertlovink-archive/biography/. For scholarly works similar to Social Media Abyss, visit https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Social+Media+Abyss%3A+Critical+Internet+Cultures+and+the+Force+of+Negation-p-9781509507764#relatedProducts-section and view “Related Products.” Read Bruce Sterling’s review of Lovink’s Social Media Abyss Learn more about the issue of “platform capitalism”

Brittany Thomas Oct 30, 2024

In light of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation enacted by Georgian parliament, changemakers and advocates at Wayne State University discuss institutional initiatives and resources preparing students to lead transformation in human rights and U.S. policymaking.

#hive55 #Georgia #lgbtqia

https://www.brittanyathomas.com/2024/10/30/how-wayne-state-is-responding-to-georgian-parliament-signing-lgbtq-rights-stifling-legislation-after-president-tossed-out-bill/

How Wayne State University is responding to Georgian parliament signing LGBTQ+ rights-stifling legislation after president tossed out bill

Wayne State University COM 5500: Journalism & New Media By Brittany Thomas After Georgia’s president emphatically rejected it, the Georgian parliament enacted LGBTQ+ rights-stifling legislation, mirroring policy adoptions in neighboring Russia and setting back an already disenfranchised community. LGBTQ+ changemakers and advocates at Wayne State University speak on institutional initiatives and resources that prepare students to lead transformation in human rights and guide U.S. policymaking. October 30, 2024, 4:15 p.m. EST [caption id=attachment_602 align=alignnone width=900] Poster in Wayne State's School of Business explaining Equal Employment Opportunity Act, October 30, 2024. Photo credit: Brittany Thomas.[/caption] Earlier this month, the Georgian parliament passed a wide-ranging anti-LGBTQ+ bill that threatens to further trample the rights of an already sidelined community. The governing Georgian Dream party made the disheartening decision to sign this legislation just one week after Georgia’s president refused to stamp it. The legislation bans same-sex marriage, adoption by same-sex couples, gender-affirming care, gender identification changes on documentation and depictions of LGBTQ+ people in the media. [caption id=attachment_575 align=alignnone width=400] Mastodon post by AP News on October 3. October 24, 2024. Screenshot credit: Brittany Thomas. [/caption] In light of this setback for the Georgian people, Wayne State University educators and leaders are doubling down on their efforts to support disenfranchised communities by safeguarding and spanning freedoms state and nationwide. “It’s unfortunate to see legislation like this being supported in other countries,” said Brandon Shamoun, assistant dean of students at Wayne State University and vice chair of the Michigan LGBTQ+ Commission. “We are a publicly funded institution. We have to make sure that what’s happening in our government and within our campus is in line with inclusivity and anti-discrimination legislation set at the local and federal levels.” [caption id=attachment_576 align=alignnone width=400] User shares news from The Guardian. October 24, 2024. Screenshot credit: Brittany Thomas. [/caption] A first-generation college student, Middle Eastern man and member of the LGBTQ+ community himself, Shamoun is no stranger to overcoming cultural barriers. He vehemently advocates for self-expression and representation, and as a result of his deep activism and engagement with supporting initiatives, he was recently celebrated during Pride Month by the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, and Comerica Bank as an honoree of their Game Changers program. It’s critical for institutional leadership and administration to spearhead programs and initiatives that promote cultural and societal change for LGBTQ+ issues. At Wayne State, several offices are dedicated to doing just that, and the Office of Multicultural Student Engagement (OMSE) provides a student-facing resource and support hub that encourages student success and a sense of belonging, particularly for students who represent historically excluded and diverse backgrounds. [audio m4a=https://www.brittanyathomas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/S-Hawkes.m4a][/audio] Stephanie Hawkes, Ph.D., on how the Office of Multicultural Student Engagement supports student success and sense of belonging for historically marginalized student groups, October 25, 2024. Audio credit: Brittany Thomas. “OMSE was created in 2015 largely out of a retention effort recognizing that there was some differences in success outcomes and retention for different populations of students. We worked to create space where students can learn more about themselves and then others who come from different backgrounds and experiences,” said Stephanie Hawkes, Ph.D., senior director for OMSE. Through partnerships, programming, and even learning communities, we’re creating a campus-wide network where all students, regardless of color or creed, can feel seen and heard.” When asked how OMSE specifically supports students from the Middle East who may have experienced some unjust and dehumanizing treatment before coming to Wayne State, Dr. Hawkes emphasized the significance of resident advisors who share cultural and identity-based similarities with students. “Most recently, we brought on board a team member whose focused area is on Middle Eastern North African students, and so she’s been doing a lot of leg work in connecting with some of the groups that identify with that population or background. Visibility helps students feel that belonging, so if they see themselves represented in either our staff, our programming, our partnerships, that, again, can contribute to some of that sense of belonging.” Now, what does Georgian rule have to do with policymaking in the U.S.? Everything. Sources indicate Georgia is heavily influenced by legislation in its neighboring countries, Russia, Persia and Turkey (Atlas & Boots, 2022; Nations Online, 2023), especially since the country geographically straddles East European and West Asian lands. Just as it is influenced by proximate territories that share demographic and ethnographic similarities, the U.S. may be influenced by bordering territories. This means policymakers must be aware of when freedoms are granted and denied not only inside but outside the U.S., especially if we fund, travel to, or partner on global initiatives with the country in question. [caption id=attachment_570 align=alignnone width=900] Cultural comparison chart between Georgia, Russia, and the U.S. generated using The Cultural Report Group’s Country Comparison Tool. Report accessed October 5, 2024. Screenshot credit: Brittany Thomas.[/caption] As evidenced in the graph above, Georgian people face stricter regulations and hierarchical structuring than Russia or the U.S., as is the norm for many Middle Eastern countries. Despite this, the United States’ and Georgia’s motivations toward achievement and success are relatively close. Although the U.S. has a great deal more individualism and indulgence than either Georgia or Russia, our country still struggles with its power distance, long-term orientation, and uncertainty avoidance concerning cultural autonomy and freedom of expression. So, yes, even the U.S. shows a need for social and cultural improvement. When it comes to a catalyst for change, the best way to start seeing changes is by making them. [audio m4a=https://www.brittanyathomas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/B-Shamoun-clip.m4a][/audio] Brandon Shamoun speaking on taking initiative and igniting change in policymaking, October 21, 2024. Audio credit: Brittany Thomas. “If you have a mission and have the drive, do it, because you never know what changes your actions may spark,” said Shamoun. “It was a grassroots movement to do pride.wayne.edu, and now it’s such a huge resource for folks at the university to look at for allies in the community. That’s why we did it, just to have visibility. It can be kind of daunting, but the next generation can just be their authentic selves. That’s what I’m hoping that my generation of folks can try to build for the next generation.” There are numerous local and global organizations supporting LGBTQ+ rights and helping diversify those individuals in policymaking positions. For a list of these organizations and support groups and more information about the global issue posed by Georgia’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation adoption, please visit the links below. Locate an international LGBTQ+ support organization Read UNAIDS statement condemning anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Georgia Interactive Google map showing proximity of comprehensive LGBTQ+ support organizations. Created by Brittany Thomas. October 24, 2024. Corktown Health Center is a medical facility providing support to LGBTQ+ patients who require or request specialized attention. UNIFIED is the only comprehensive HIV service organization in the tri-county area. The Ruth Ellis Center provides primary and behavioral health care to LGBTQ+ homeless, at-risk, and runaway youth. Affirmations is a nonprofit community center serving LGBTQ+ in Ferndale and neighboring communities. Embodied Wellness, PLLC is a health institution that specializes in holistic and personalized wellness services for the LGBTQ+ community.

Brittany Thomas Sep 27, 2024

PRSA Detroit and Wayne State University invite five Detroit-area professionals to discuss the future and ethical use of generative AI in a conference panel for students, faculty, PRSA members and other professionals.
#hive55 #prsa #Detroit #AI

https://www.brittanyathomas.com/2024/09/27/prsa-detroit-wayne-state-university-partner-to-discuss-ai-advances-and-ethics-in-pr-practice/

PRSA Detroit, Wayne State University partner to discuss AI advances and ethics in industry

Wayne State University COM 5500: Journalism & New Media By Brittany Thomas PRSA Detroit and Wayne State University’s College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts invite five Detroit-area professionals to discuss the future and ethical use of generative AI in a conference panel for students, faculty, PRSA members and other professionals. September 26, 2024, 11:50 a.m. EST Panel discusses advancement and ethics in AI for community and PRSA members at Wayne State University, September 24, 2024. Photo credit: Brittany Thomas. Wayne State University and PRSA Detroit hosted five metro-Detroit professionals for a timely panel discussion regarding the future and ethical use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Held at the Schaver Music Recital Hall inside Wayne State’s Old Main building at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, the event welcomed a large audience of students, faculty, PRSA members, and other professionals from around the city for networking, refreshments and the panel program. [audio m4a=https://www.brittanyathomas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Megan-PRSA-Incoming-Pres-copy.m4a][/audio] Incoming PRSA Detroit Chapter President Megan Bonelli on the decision to select AI ethics for this year’s panel, September 24, 2024. Audio credit: Brittany Thomas. “With it being Ethics Month in the industry of public relations, AI was top of mind because it’s a tool that we’re all exploring, learning together, and having to adapt into our day-to-day work whether we like it or not,” said Incoming PRSA Detroit Chapter President Megan Bonelli on why AI was chosen as this year’s panel topic. “We want to make sure there’s a diverse amount of voices because it’s important to talk about this from all the different perspectives it impacts.” Incoming PRSA Detroit Chapter President Megan Bonelli addresses the audience at the ethics panel, September 24, 2024. Photo credit: Brittany Thomas. The panelists took turns describing their personal and professional uses of AI and shared the trajectory of these technologies in their work to familiarize other professionals with the varying applications of AI depending on the industry and organization. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cGxZ9qZ4Iw Panelist and 98Forward Senior Director Ernest Wilkins on his personal application of AI, September 24, 2024. Video credit: Brittany Thomas. “I plan to further leverage AI by leaning into AI-driven video creation and artificial voices to streamline my content production,” said Nina Knauf, panelist and senior account executive for Truscott Rossman. “It’s about embracing AI as a collaborator that enhances our creative capabilities rather than replacing them.” To close out the discussion and emphasize the inevitable expansion of AI capability and function in industry, the speakers offered students takeaways and tips to practice now as they complete their studies and look to the job market. One prominent theme was first learning to responsibly utilize AI in the classroom, so the skills would more easily translate to the workplace. [audio m4a=https://www.brittanyathomas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Professor-Nails-copy.m4a][/audio] WSU Professor of Journalism and Director of the Journalism Institute for Media Diversity Alicia Nails speaks on the student application of AI, September 24, 2024. Audio credit: Brittany Thomas. “The person who can do both AI and wing without it is going to always be in a better position than the person who’s become so dependent on AI. So, what are the proper uses of it?” asks Alicia Nails, professor of journalism and director of the Journalism Institute for Media Diversity at Wayne State University. “Students need an appreciation for [AI] it. It is the future. But we need to make sure we’re using it responsibly. They shouldn’t let uncertainty using these technologies prevent them from learning what they need to learn. My advice is don’t let it cripple you and don’t let it be a crutch.” Looking around the room, several early-career professionals who graduated from post-secondary institutions across the country before the AI explosion sat listening. Students attending college today will be highly advantaged or greatly hindered by their increased exposure to AI technologies in the classroom. However, given that professionals at all levels are learning these tools together, those already in the workforce must keep up with AI innovation outside the classroom. [audio m4a=https://www.brittanyathomas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AL-audio.m4a][/audio] Wayne State University graduate Alex Leroux shares her perspective on keeping up with AI in the field, September 26, 2024. Audio credit: Brittany Thomas. “I think I could definitely do more in staying on top of it, being aware of it and learning it,” said Alex Leroux, Wayne State alumna and business communications manager for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. We have to use it. We have to trust those experts that focus in it, just as we're trusting doctors with medicine to help heal us. I am trusting the experts and then trusting myself to use the AI programs in an ethical manner and to help my work. PRSA Detroit next welcomes members and nonmembers to CRIMSON Agency at 155 W. Congress St., Suite 501, Detroit, MI 48226 for Media Matters: A PR Pro’s Guide to Reconnecting through Relationships on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. There is a cost for nonmembers to attend. Learn more about PRSA Detroit Register for Media Matters: A PR Pro’s Guide to Reconnecting through Relationships Read more about the ethical use of AI in PR practice

Brittany Thomas Sep 16, 2024

TechTown Detroit and Wayne State University’s Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development held a faculty seminar discussing efforts to elevate Detroit's economic impact through corporate engagement and entrepreneurship programs.

#hive55 #economicdevelopment

Brittany Thomas Sep 6, 2024

I've created this account to support the requirements of my Journalism and New Media course this fall. I look forward to sharing my perspective on emerging issues throughout the semester!

Pronouns	She/her/hers
Website	https://www.brittanyathomas.com/