As far as the entire group working together in the project, we could have used a bit more organization. But I need to stress that the project was still very successful and needed very little improvement if it were to be done again sometime in the future. For example, we could have had students designated at a table for the work days during the week we asked for donations. Instead, some students wondered back and forth between the two tables, not sure of which one to be present at. And at the shelter, it almost seems as if people were in the way. We did designate jobs. But I don't know how to fix that problem. We might have gone into more detail in designating jobs for certain people at certain times to prevent people from sitting around and wondering what to do. But once again, this is a good problem to have. So I'm not exactly criticizing.
I have been very influenced by this project. I volunteer all the time. I sing around the city and help out at many events. I've even taken part in Habitat for Humanity. But with this project, I saw first hand where products of domestic violence seek safety and shelter. I have never seen violence up so close. I almost felt alarmed in the shelter. All my life I've only been surrounded by safe and healthy environments. Although my parents have fostered many children who have come from broken households, I never stepped foot in the environments that they actually came from. My eyes have been opened to the harsh reality of violence and how it affects people. The general public definitely looks past domestic violence. It doesn't affect people as much when it's in the newspaper or on TV. I feel that domestic violence isn't as popular as the war in the media because it's viewed as a private matter that should be kept secret. And because of this, awareness of the problem is diminishing, and therefore, less and less people are coming out and admitting of their abuse. This is leading to more violence. This problem will not be solved unless every community takes part in spreading awareness and preventing it. Violence is very clearly a global problem. Sadly, I feel very little action is being taken locally to prevent domestic violence. There is only one shelter in San Antonio for women and children with a kennel for pets. Number one-that shelter needs to be renovated and expanded. Number two-there should be many more shelters in San Antonio. This would most definitely spread awareness locally of domestic violence as well as offer more opportunities for women and children escaping the violence to seek the help offered. This would be a great start to the prevention process of domestic violence in San Antonio.
