Thesis Ideas Request

[wetslide]

Hey,

Currently I'm a graduate student working on my masters in International Care and Community Development. I am currently looking for practicum sites where I could 1. learn about a culture not my own, 2. learn about a specific social change activity, and 3. gain access to 10-15 consultants in my research focus. My research focus includes but isn't limited to using photography for individual empowerment and for increasing awareness of marginalized groups.

I am already looking at Big City Mountaineers, for whom I've already volunteered (my dad is on the national advisory board).

But I am also looking for other (preferably but not necessarily) not-for-profits that have something to do with climbing or outdoor activities. Anyone know of anything that matches these criteria (even a little bit)?

Thanks in advance.

[genepires]

there is some outfit on the eastside (kirkland maybe) that was a nonprofit for getting poor kids in the outdoors. They were asking for contributions and gear a couple years ago.

[Rafe1234]

for increasing awareness of marginalized groups.

 

You mean like aid climbers or something?

[Coldfinger]

Why not look into joint base Lewis-McChord?

 

Might be folks who can tell you about PRT's etc., seems like they have expertise in far more difficult international community development situations than you might find in the private sector.

[Marmot Prince]

for increasing awareness of marginalized groups.

 

You mean like aid climbers or something?

 

More like inner city kids without the opportunities most of us had. This looks pretty cool.

[AlpineK]

Don't know if it fits, but there are organizations like this

 

Earthcorps

[Pete_H]

for increasing awareness of marginalized groups.

 

You mean like aid climbers or something?

 

More like inner city kids without the opportunities most of us had. This looks pretty cool.

 

Geez bro are you not allowed to have a sense of humor where you live or what?

 

 

On another note, is there any research that actually shows hoods in the woods programs actually work?

[Off_White]

Anecdotally, I know several people my age who attribute these sort of programs with changing the paths of their lives and averting personal disaster, though I do think it was more of a residential school program than a one month session in the woods.

[DPS]

I knew a guy who joined the Peace Corps and built outhouses on the Makulu circuit or some such thing.

[wfinley]

Check out the Dzi Foundation: http://www.dzifoundation.org/

 

Likewise Summit Climb offers a "service trek" (http://www.summitclimb.com/new/default.asp?vid=70). You could contact either group for more info.

[John_Scurlock]

you might consider contacting North Cascades Institute, as they have a number of programs specifically directed at outdoor education for young people.

[wetslide]

for increasing awareness of marginalized groups.

 

You mean like aid climbers or something?

 

More like inner city kids without the opportunities most of us had. This looks pretty cool.

 

Geez bro are you not allowed to have a sense of humor where you live or what?

 

 

On another note, is there any research that actually shows hoods in the woods programs actually work?

Yes, I actually could give you more information about that than you probably want to know. Basically they use a tool called "40 developmental assets" pre and post-trip. And yes, the program (big city mountaineers) is very effective.

 

[wetslide]

And thanks for the input.

[G-spotter]

for increasing awareness of marginalized groups.

 

You mean like aid climbers or something?

 

Buying ropes and draws for boulderers so they can do real climbing ?

[BootsandPants]

Outdoors For All is a great local group that helps out and does a lot of good in our community. Lots of outdoor recreation activities they run programs for (ski, snowshoe, rock climb, kayak, biking) with a demographic many aren't aware of or turn a blind eye to.