The Medallion, Issue #32 - April 2021 by Honors Student Association at FSU

the

a publication by the FSU Honors Student Association

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 0 3 Let's Talk About Activism

Inclusivity in Activism A Discussion with CARD-FSU

Representation without Stereotypes

Issue #32 April 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS 01

Letter from the Editor

Community Guidelines

Let's Talk About Activism

Activism in Tallahassee

Activism and Self-Care

The Medallion's Monthly Mantra

Inclusivity in Activism

A Discussion with CARD-FSU

Representation without Stereotypes

Callista's Corner An Advice Column

About Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Campus Resources

Letter from the Editor Dear Reader, Welcome to the end of the semester! I am proud of every one of us for making it through this difficult and unpredictable year. Before the frenzy of summer classes, full-time jobs, or applying to graduate/medical schools takes up all of your attention in these next few months, take some time for yourself to relax. We all deserve a bit of a break, both mentally and physically. Read a new book, cook or bake something you've never tried before, or just sleep in for a few days. Most importantly, however, make sure to keep up with HSA on our social media over the break! We'll be hosting giveaways, making bucket lists, and featuring a few of you on our IG story! This month's issue of The Medallion focuses on activism, a term that most of us have become more familiar with in the past few months. Covid-19 did not hinder social movements across the globe and many of us became involved in these online campaigns for justice and equality. Conversations have been raised about who should be involved in the fight for change, how much each of us should be expected to do, and how evolved we should strive for our society to become. No one person can answer these questions, it is up to every one of us to hear each other out and work towards a compromise that benefits every member of our community and our World. The social problems raised in this issue have much more depth to them than we are able to discuss here. My staff and I hope that this edition raises questions in you and encourages you to seek out answers for yourself by conducting research or holding discussions with those whose perspectives you have not yet considered. It is up to each one of us to further these conversations, examine our own prejudices, and to work together to make a difference in our World!

Your Editor-in-Chief,

Karyna Bugos

COMMUNITY GUIDELINES Conversations about any topic pertaining to activism can be uncomfortable or awkward, so it's important that you and your conversation partner(s) stick to some guidlines to have the most productive talk that you can. These are just some suggestions to get you started, but make sure to create your own community guidelines within your circles as well.

1. Self-Reflect Step back and understand how your own identity, lifestyle, or unconscious biases may contribute to the problem.

2. Make Space It's fantastic that you want to advocate for others, but make sure that you are uplifting their voices rather than talking over them.

3. Listen Acknowledge that you may not be an expert on the topic and seek resources and suggestions from those that are. Empathetically take in the perspectives of others.

4. Take Action After reflecting, making space, and listening, act on the conversations that you've had. Identity future steps.

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According to Newsella, activism, broadly speaking, is “the use of individual or group action to cause social change.”

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for others in your community to follow. Activism is a method in which people can

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Breaking it Down:

Activism at all Levels Level 1:

PERSONAL

Level 2:

COMMUNITY A community activist is someone who is committed to changing their own local environment in a positive way. Being an activist for your own community puts you in the unique position of being able to understand the nuances and lived experiences of those around you. Community

Most social change starts at home. The only way that society at large can progress is if individuals make it their own responsibility to educate themselves and those around them. Difficult conversations around the dinner table about hard subjects can be

activists are important because often people in smaller communities have a difficult time having their voices heard, and being an activist at the community level can mean bringing the microphone to those who are often left behind.

awkward and intimidating, but the first step in realizing change is talking to those that are closest to you by fostering understanding at the personal level. Furthermore, personal activism is about reflecting on the ways that you can change your lifestyle to advocate

Among many others, here are just some examples of how you can be a local activist: organize protests, attend and contribute to town halls and meetings, call local representatives, and organize and distribute resources to those in need.

for others and support meaningful causes. For example, if you want to be an advocate for environmental sustainability, a form of personal activism could be reducing your own carbon footprint by being more cognizant about your time in the car and the foods you consume.

Level 3:

NATIONAL

Level 4:

GLOBAL Being a global activist means not only fighting for change in your own personal, local, or even national lives, but it also implicates the broader world beyond your own borders. With the prevalence of social media, being a global activist has never been easier.

International issues and human rights violations abroad circulate the internet at a faster pace than ever A national activist is someone who works to enact change nationwide. Often, this means being a part of a larger organization, such as March for Our Lives, that works on a national level by organizing large-scale protests in big cities. These types of organizations also directly lobby the federal government.

You can be a national activist by joining one of these large-scale activism groups, but you can also engage by calling your federal representatives or senators. Being a national activist could also include working on a campaign for a federal legislator that stands for what you believe in, writing a petition, or even running for office yourself. There are ultimately many, many ways to get involved in activism on a national level.

before, and as a global activist, you can participate by spreading factchecked information and resources, donating to international campaigns and protests, and pressuring your government to take action.

What separates surface-level actions and campaigns from those that achieve and fight for results?

D O O d G en an v i r d oal

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A C T IVI S M I N

TALLAHASSEE

FSU's Center for Leadership and Social Change has a lot of opportunities for students to educate themselves about social issues and make a difference in their community!

Sign up for a community service trip with EngateTLH! They offer different projects from day-to-day and provide transportation to and from the service sites. Examples of service trips include volunteering at Tallahassee's Second Harvest Food Bank or helping plant a community garden Participate in training workshops by yourself, or with an oncampus organization that you're involved in! These workshops allow you to educate yourself on social issues, examine your own personal biases, and listen to the perspectives of those around you.

Go on a Florida State Alternate Break trip during your spring break (or any other University-wide break!) These trips allow students to partake in short-term community service, strengthen their leadership skills, and make an impact.

On and Off-Campus, there are a lot of different

ways in which you can make your opinion heard and amplify the voices of others! Participate in SGA and local elections! These elections often have more of a direct impact on ourselves and those around us than larger elections (such as presidential elections) do. SGA determines which student organizations get the most funding and passes a lot of campus-wide changes. Local elections determine city-wide laws that impact us closely as well as how our city politicians will vote in larger elections and decisions. Participate in local marches, rallies, or events raising support for social issues. Donate time towards a cause that you support and educate yourself on the issue. These events are normally posted on Facebook by advocacy groups, but you can find information about them on most social media platforms. If you do join a march this summer, make sure you stay safe! Bring a buddy, be aware of your surroundings, wear personal protection equipment, and take care of your physical health while you are out in the sun.

activism + self care Self-care is one of those aspects that falls to the wayside when discussing activism. But self-care is crucial to maintaining the movement. If people supporting the change cannot support themselves, they cannot maintain the movement. As that age-old adage states, ‘you cannot pour from an empty cup.'

“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” -Eleanor Brown

So how do you go about making sure you prioritize self-care? After all, in activism, there will always be more pressing issues. How can you spare precious time to pamper yourself? Without rest, any movement will burn out. If you participate in any activism, movement, or organization, make sure to prioritize self-care and support members throughout the process as they work on creating change. Keep reading to see our tips for practicing self-care while being active in the movement for change.

steps 1. Slow down. No one expects you to forgo your mental, physical, and emotional well-being for the cause. If you are overwhelmed, take a break and let yourself have a breather. 2. Listen to your body. Drink some water, put on sunscreen, and nourish yourself. 3. Listen to your mind. Even if your physical health is fine, activism is stressful and can be taxing on your emotions and mind. 4. Ground yourself. Grounding is a technique used to make you aware of yourself and the world around you. One simple technique is to close your eyes, breathe deeply, focus on the sounds around you, and recognize the textures of the world around you and the feeling of your own body. 5. Know your boundaries. Sometimes you can feel pressured into acting in ways you don’t feel comfortable with. Allow yourself to say no and not be pressured into doing/saying things you feel uncomfortable with. 6. Rest. Activism is grueling, and it reflects on your body. It’s important to rest and replenish yourself.

Monthly Mantra: I am proud of myself for how hard I am trying.

Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. Activism is a beautiful display of people’s abilities to gather and incite change, but it also can be exhausting. Take time to acknowledge that through this process, you are doing your best. While your best may look different from your friends or neighbors, you are putting extra effort into raising awareness and inciting change for an issue that you care about. It’s okay to take moments, even days, to recharge. -Jenna Kruse, HSA Mental Health Chair

Inclusivity in Activism:

Ways to Make Protests More Accessible for People with Disabilities This is by no means a full, comprehensive list of measures to keep protests accessible. This is simply a combination of options and solutions compiled from conversations with other disabled protestors, reading resources, and a long discussion with an ADA compliance officer. For social media, ensure that photos, videos, and information are accessible. Screen readers cannot typically read text within a photo, so instead you can provide alternative text descriptions for images, graphics, and hard-to-read fonts. Add captions on any videos and press releases. And, make sure all information about protests and events have clearly stated information on the location’s accessibility. It is not enough to assume protestors know there’s no ramp or public bathrooms.

Flashing lights, loud noises, and a myriad of other things can trigger seizures and meltdowns. While a certain amount of these triggers are unavoidable at protests, we must do our job to minimize the risks. Instead of using flashlights on the pulse/flash setting, use the steady beam. Another way to accommodate this is by not aiming bullhorns directly at people at close range, instead, aim it just above or at a solid surface so the sound will reflect and disperse out.

Center disabled people. Don’t ask disabled protestors to move to the back of the march. Don’t march so quickly that people cannot keep up. Accessibility should be constantly in the discussion while planning and enacting protests. Disabled people should not be afterthoughts to your activism.

If there’s no need to be in-person, hold events virtually. If there’s a discussion circle rather than a march, livestream it so that those with limited mobility or transportation can access it. Or hold Zoom meetings so that no one has to be unnecessarily exposed. Other options include Signal group chats, or threads in Facebook groups. This keeps the conversation accessible to participants from across a wide area and keeps the comments and ideas recorded for future reference. Furthermore, this solves financial accessibility as those driving or traveling from far away to participate in these discussions could stay at home and not spend money on gas or Ubers to attend.

Be mindful of the Hard of Hearing/Deaf communities. In outdoor spaces, sounds must be projected to be hear over the general noise, especially since there’s no barriers to reflect the sound back. Deaf/HoH people often rely on lip-reading to understand others. With face masks, this is impossible. Furthermore, speaking louder or removing the mask can increase the water droplets expelled from the mouth and spread COVID19. To mitigate this risk, socially distance and use electronic amplification like megaphones whenever possible. Also, wipe down everything with disinfectant wipes between people.

Not everyone can march. For those with mobility issues, provide a safe space for folks to congregate, exchange ideas and begin community planning. When marching, use accessible spaces, like sidewalks, ramps, or paved areas so that people with wheelchairs or canes can still congregate. When hosting community events, don’t choose spaces that do not have ramps or street-level doorways for folks using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. If someone wishes to march but still may not be able to sustain the pace for however long, allow people to drive behind the marchers. Don’t shame people who prefer driving over being in the streets; regardless of mobility issues, distancing due to being immunocompromised, or any other condition, invisible illnesses exist and disabled people do not need to justify their accommodations. It’s more important that they’re supporting the cause in whichever way they can.

Moreover, do not assume you know who is disabled, their limits, or how best to accommodate them. Do not demand emotional labor from disabled people to educate you on their lives and experiences. Do not assume everyone is able-bodied and can fulfill the same physical requirements of protesting you can. Everyone has bad days, and sometimes what was possible for them before is not possible today. Recognizing this makes it easier for everyone to rest up and not overexert themselves. Don’t call for disabled people to identify themselves. Even if you think everyone in your group is able-bodied, organize with accessibility in mind. This way, accommodations can become destigmatized and normalized. For more ideas on how to make protests more accessible, check out this blog created by a disabled protestor, Erin Hawley! https://geekygimp.com/crip-the-resistance-thoughts-and-resourceson-accessible-protests

Responses by Tammy Dasher, a consultant at CARD-FSU. Q. What is CARD? CARD’s purpose is to serve individuals across their lifespan by helping them become valued members of their communities. The FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) is dedicated to providing individuals with Autism or related disabilities, their families, and professionals who work with them with free consultation, resources, and educational support to build knowledge, infrastructure, sustainability, and capacity within the community. The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at FSU (CARD-FSU) in the Autism Institute was established in 1994 and is one of 7 centers funded by the Florida Legislature and coordinated as a grant program through the Florida Department of Education. The idea for CARD originally came from a group of parents who had limited resources available to help their children.

Q. What kinds of services does CARD provide to those on the Autism Spectrum? The FSU CARD serves 18 counties in the panhandle of Florida with offices in Tallahassee, Panama City, and Pensacola. CARD has extensive experience serving individuals with ASD and provides services for communication, social, and

behavior challenges, as well as provides information, consultation, and technical assistance to families and professionals associated with CARD clients. The Center also offers partnerships to professionals and pre-professionals who serve, or are preparing to serve, the client population. CARD-FSU currently serves over 4,300 individuals ranging from infancy to adulthood and has excellent working relationships with the early intervention system, school system, and healthcare providers in the 18-county catchment area and the network of 7 CARD sites across the state of Florida. CARD also has an Autism-Friendly Business Initiative where businesses receive education and support not only to be more welcoming to those with ASD, but also to promote the hiring of individuals with autism. You can find more information about this on our website (fsucard.com).

Q. How have your services adapted to the pandemic? We have been working remotely since March 2020. All of our trainings and meetings have shifted to Zoom. We have been able to continue to offer services this way with no disruption. For some clients in our more rural counties, it has actually been easier for them to attend Zoom meetings. However, we look forward to being able to get back into classrooms to offer assistance and support to the teachers working with our clients.

But those with autism often look just like everyone else—their need for support is still there, but people don’t see it. Their social difficulties are confused with rudeness, their sensory needs are glossed over as unnecessary, and the anxiety that often accompanies autism is not taken into consideration. Also, very few people with autism fall into the “savant” category that is often portrayed in movies and TV shows. I think this is an unhelpful misconception to foster.

Q. How has the COVID-19 Pandemic impacted individuals with ASD and their families? Many of my adult clients have expressed that they have felt very isolated during the pandemic (many people have felt that way—autism or not!). Attending classes virtually has been ok for some, and others have struggled. Many families have struggled to teach their children when they have been receiving virtual lessons or have been quarantined. CARD has still been able to provide resources for families, but many therapies (speech, applied behavior analysis, occupational therapy) have been harder for families to access during the pandemic. Some of these therapies are offered remotely, but there are often long waiting lists.

Q. What are some general misconceptions about Autism? How can members of the community help to smash those stereotypes? I think one of the most important points to educate people about autism is the idea that it is a spectrum disorder. Each person with autism is unique just like anyone else. For those with fewer challenges, autism is very much a hidden disability. If we see a person who is visually impaired, using a wheelchair, or with the characteristic features of Down Syndrome, we know that they may need some supports.

I believe education is the way to “smash those stereotypes.” We don’t use the “R” word anymore, but I have heard neurotypical people laugh away their social missteps by saying “I think I’m on the spectrum.” Individuals who actually ARE on the spectrum take great offense to this as it mocks their daily challenges. I think we should be more accepting of neurodiversity in all the forms in which it appears.

Q. How can neurotypical individuals advocate for those with Autism and related disabilities during Autism Awareness Month and beyond? If you know someone with autism, you can advocate for them by accepting them as they are. Their brains might be wired a bit differently, but they are not so different from you! They have the same goals, desires, and struggles as anyone else. Be aware of sensory issues—your friend with autism may prefer a quieter environment. Be patient in your communication—people with autism may need more time to think about what they want to say, especially in social situations. Be understanding of social missteps, but don’t be afraid to gently explain a better way to handle the situation next time. Also know this: the adults with autism I have met during my 28 years in this field have been some of the most loyal, kindest people I have ever met.

CARD would love to have FSU students volunteer with them —particularly when we return to an on-campus lifestyle. They have events like Kickin’ It for Autism and Touch A Truck (see flyers from past events below) that are great opportunities for volunteer experiences! Those interested in volunteering can sign-up on their website.

VISIT THESE LINKS TO GET STARTED!

- Autism Friendly Business Initiative: https://fsucard.com/services/community/ - Volunteer with CARD Sign Up: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/3050fa394 8c2413c9479fbc4f371522c - CARD Website: https://fsucard.com/

REPRESENTATION WITHOUT STEREOTYPES MANY MOVIES AND SHOWS TRY TO HIGHLIGHT THE STORIES OF THOSE WITH AUTISM, BUT MANY MISS THE MARK. USING WHAT WE LEARNED FROM OUR INTERVIEW WITH CARD-FSU, HERE'S OUR REVIEW ON WHAT THESE SHOWS AND FILMS GOT RIGHT, AND WAYS THEY COULD IMPROVE.

RATINGS: MUSIC (2021) Sia's film, starring Kate Hudson, Leslie Odom Jr, and Maggie Ziegler, has been universally lambasted by critics and autism advocates for it casting a neurotypical actress, Maggie Ziegler, as an autistic person, its stereotypical portrayal of autism, and the use of physical restraint for its main character. Moreover, the story is convoluted, messy, and self-indulgent.

2/10

RAIN MAN (1988) Prior to Rain Man, there was little awareness of what autism looked like. This film focuses on a young schemer who learns his father has died and left millions to his estranged brother who is an autistic savant. While this movie publicized autism, it also created the autistic genius stereotype, spearheading the idea that everyone with autism has special abilities.

5/10

THE GOOD DOCTOR (2017- ) Adapted from a South Korean show, this drama series follows a young autistic surgeon with savant syndrome adjusting to a big city hospital far from his small-town past. Freddie Highmore, who plays Shawn, is not autistic, and the show sometimes struggles to accurately portray savant syndrome.

6.5/10

ATYPICAL (2017) This Netflix show follows Sam, an autistic teen, as he begins dating and gaining independence. Certain traits were portrayed well, however critics complained that Sam's autistic traits were used as a punchline. While the production spoke to parents of children with autism, they failed to consult actually autistic people and told their story without their input.

7/10

COME PLAY (2021 ) Based on a 2017 short film, this horror film features a monster named Larry that manifests itself through phones. The protagonist is a young non-verbal boy with autism, who struggles to communicate after the monster possesses his screen-reader. The film centers around the family's need to connect with Oliver and work with his needs in order to survive this creature.

8/10

EVERYTHING'S GONNA BE OKAY (2020- ) This comedy show focuses on a family dealing with grief and readjusting as the eldest son becomes the head of the household. It stars Josh Thomas, Kayla Cromer, and Maeve Press. Thomas, who is autistic and writes the show, casts autistic actors for characters with autism and regularly consults advocacy groups to make sure the show is authentic and realistic.

10/10

A NEW HSA ADVICE COLUMN FOR ALL YOUR QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS, FEATURING RESPONSES FROM CALLISTA PAYNE!

S ' A T S I L L R A E C N R CO

Hey Callista! I am officially vaccinated, and side effects aside, I have never felt this great. I'm beyond excited to go out and actually enjoy living life again, and finally stop wearing this mask. My family and friends keep getting annoyed with me though, saying I should keep masking, socially distancing, etc., for literal months. Haven't we waited long enough??? Sincerely, Modern Moderna Mary

Hey there Modern Moderna ! First off- congrats on getting your vaccine! I also got moderna, and understand the drive to start getting out and about again. I would say it would benefit you to consider what your friends and family have been saying, though. The CDC recommends continued mask wearing, even for those who are completely vaccinated, because even if your body is doing ok with COVID, you can carry it and give it to unvaccinated people. This doesn't mean you can't get back to some level of normalcy! You could probably feel safe eating outside at restaurants and enjoying leaving your home, but clubbing isn't super safe just yet. I'd also recommend checking out the CDC website for more info! Stay safe and social distance until the WHOLE population is safe. Best, Callista

Callista, Last summer I wasn't nearly as involved in different social movements in the way I wish I could have been. COVID gave me more motivation to stay home, but I feel like a lot of the 'activism' I was involved with was performative. I'm worried about repeating that all this summer, especially as I can see more traction gaining in the movement again. COVID is still going on, and I don't want to be complicit in social causes that are important to me. What should I do? From, A Pandemic Protestor

Dear Pandemic Protestor, First off: I refuse to call you performative. Your question shows that you have genuine conviction about the issues you're concerned about, and will let that drive you towards positive change. Give yourself grace about last summer, because like you said- COVID is and was a major concern. This summer, just try to be intentional with your activism! Focus on donating to good organizations, having honest conversations when you can, and motivate those around you to do good as well. I'd also recommend you check out the self care and activism article Jen wrote! Best, Callista

Dear Reader, Do you want some advice from a loud second-year theatre major in the honors program? Have no fear, your hyper-specific column is here. Submit your questions for the column to @fsuhonors on Instagram for a chance to be featured in Callista's Corner!

Sexual Assault Awareness Month THIS MONTH, APRIL, FEATURES AN ANNUAL CAMPAIGN TO BRING ATTENTION TO SEXUAL ASSAULT AND EDUCATE COMMUNITIES ON HOW TO PREVENT THESE ASSAULTS

The basis for this yearly campaign began in the 1970's when the Bay Area Women Against Rape opened the first rape crisis center in the United States. In 1976, Take Back the Night marches began as a way to protest the fear that women encounter walking streets alone at night. Take Back the Night has since expanded internationally and includes male survivors and supporters in their yearly marches. This past April, most of the events hosted by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center have been online. They have been hosting Instagram challenges, online concerts, and online discussions for anyone to join in. If you want to get involved in any of these events, you can join from their website!

Campus Resources Title IX Office: File a Title IX report if you have been the victim of sexual misconduct. Visit https://knowmore.fsu.edu/title-ix/title-ixsigned-statement/ to see FSU's full Title IX statement. Phone: 850-644-6271

FSU Victim Advocacy (VAP): VAP offers emotional support, crisis intervention, referrals, and assistance in student conduct and legal aid for victims of crime. Their phone lines are open 24/7 to talk through options with victims. Phone: 850-644-7161

University Counseling Center: The UCC offers both in-person and telehealth appointments for those seeking counseling services. Phone: 850-644-8255

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Editor-in-Chief: Karyna Bugos

Content:

Jennifer Lamont Callista Payne Jamie Guterman