The Open Arms Project was created as a vehicle for current and former foster care children to share their experiences. Check out our slideshow presentation explaining our purpose.
The Paradox of Labor, Privacy & Property on the Core Sites of the Sociable Webmolodiez
Trebor Scholz' presentation at a panel Discussion with danah boyd and Ethan Zuckerman
Friday, April 13, 2007, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
The New School, Theresa Lang Community and Student Center
55 West 13th Street, 2nd floor
New York City
The Paradox of Labor, Privacy & Property on the Core Sites of the Sociable Webmolodiez
Trebor Scholz' presentation at a panel Discussion with danah boyd and Ethan Zuckerman
Friday, April 13, 2007, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
The New School, Theresa Lang Community and Student Center
55 West 13th Street, 2nd floor
New York City
BOOSTVILLE is a website giving ideas for creativity, fashion, and programs for smaller hometowns across the globe. Website provides links to resources and materials to ideas for public people & businesses to act upon.
A strategic brand development website for your growing brands, talents, and ideas. With loyalty, recognition, and the proper sources, you may never know how your brand will achieve its real potential.
Wordpress ( Thomasville, GA Sources: Creativity, Fashion & Education ): https://excellicp.wordpress.com/2021/06/26/thomasville-ga-sources-creativity-fashion-education/
Medium ( Boosting Small Town Publicity ): https://leweitgo74.medium.com/boosting-small-town-publicity-ae86fdefc8ad
MI Social Media & Prevention: Getting StartedLaDonna Coy
An introduction to social media in prevention, why it is important, how to get started, plus a little explore/discover stories. Delivered online via Elluminate.
How Social Media Can Help Biking in Columbia County WI Wendy Soucie
This is the presentation given at the Wisconsin Counties Association on social media. I was part of a panel with Jeff Jelinek of Sauk County can Cathy Williquette Lindsay from Brown County. We each showcased how social media helped their county.
Using Empathy Maps to Better Understand your Jury - Drupal Camp London 2015Kubair Shirazee
Requirements gathering has come of age and those at the frontier continue to adapt it to a changing environment, where clients, stakeholders and users are better informed, empowered and in most cases know what they need.
In this environment as analysts we have to deploy tools from across verticals and add value by cross pollinating our own experiences from across the board.
The aim of this session is to introduce beginner and intermediate level analysts, account, project managers and business development leads to an innovative analytical tool that you ought to have in your tool box, and to do so with practical examples - this is an interactive session by the end of which you shall have an appreciation of Empathy maps, when and how to use them by building basic models during the session itself (all required materials will be provided).
The specific model to be covered: + Empathy maps to gain an understanding of your prospects, clients and stakeholders (Jury) to help get them on boarded, to help close the sale or to assist in identifying champions early on in the process that can be leveraged to get organization wide buy in. The learning objectives are to equip delegates with knowledge of a new and innovative business modelling tool that will enable them to better understand their prospects, clients, stakeholders and end users and thereby deliver beyond their expectations.
Analytics to Help You Assess Quality, Relevance, & Usefulness FHI 360
Strategic use of analytics and monitoring can help you make better sense of your web and social media efforts. By leveraging a range of freely available tools organizations can also gather important information about the quality, relevance, and usefulness of the information and resources they provide.
A Presentation About Community, By The CommunityNeil Perkin
A crowdsourced presentation about how online communities work with contributions from 30 planners, strategists, digital specialists and some of the most reknowned thinkers in social media strategy.
The deck was presented at the Tennessee Advanced School on Addiction, June 23, 2010. <a>Who & What Worksheet</a> <a>Where & How Worksheet</a> <a>Listening Template</a> and I blog <a>here</a>.
BOOSTVILLE is a website giving ideas for creativity, fashion, and programs for smaller hometowns across the globe. Website provides links to resources and materials to ideas for public people & businesses to act upon.
A strategic brand development website for your growing brands, talents, and ideas. With loyalty, recognition, and the proper sources, you may never know how your brand will achieve its real potential.
Wordpress ( Thomasville, GA Sources: Creativity, Fashion & Education ): https://excellicp.wordpress.com/2021/06/26/thomasville-ga-sources-creativity-fashion-education/
Medium ( Boosting Small Town Publicity ): https://leweitgo74.medium.com/boosting-small-town-publicity-ae86fdefc8ad
MI Social Media & Prevention: Getting StartedLaDonna Coy
An introduction to social media in prevention, why it is important, how to get started, plus a little explore/discover stories. Delivered online via Elluminate.
How Social Media Can Help Biking in Columbia County WI Wendy Soucie
This is the presentation given at the Wisconsin Counties Association on social media. I was part of a panel with Jeff Jelinek of Sauk County can Cathy Williquette Lindsay from Brown County. We each showcased how social media helped their county.
Using Empathy Maps to Better Understand your Jury - Drupal Camp London 2015Kubair Shirazee
Requirements gathering has come of age and those at the frontier continue to adapt it to a changing environment, where clients, stakeholders and users are better informed, empowered and in most cases know what they need.
In this environment as analysts we have to deploy tools from across verticals and add value by cross pollinating our own experiences from across the board.
The aim of this session is to introduce beginner and intermediate level analysts, account, project managers and business development leads to an innovative analytical tool that you ought to have in your tool box, and to do so with practical examples - this is an interactive session by the end of which you shall have an appreciation of Empathy maps, when and how to use them by building basic models during the session itself (all required materials will be provided).
The specific model to be covered: + Empathy maps to gain an understanding of your prospects, clients and stakeholders (Jury) to help get them on boarded, to help close the sale or to assist in identifying champions early on in the process that can be leveraged to get organization wide buy in. The learning objectives are to equip delegates with knowledge of a new and innovative business modelling tool that will enable them to better understand their prospects, clients, stakeholders and end users and thereby deliver beyond their expectations.
Analytics to Help You Assess Quality, Relevance, & Usefulness FHI 360
Strategic use of analytics and monitoring can help you make better sense of your web and social media efforts. By leveraging a range of freely available tools organizations can also gather important information about the quality, relevance, and usefulness of the information and resources they provide.
A Presentation About Community, By The CommunityNeil Perkin
A crowdsourced presentation about how online communities work with contributions from 30 planners, strategists, digital specialists and some of the most reknowned thinkers in social media strategy.
The deck was presented at the Tennessee Advanced School on Addiction, June 23, 2010. <a>Who & What Worksheet</a> <a>Where & How Worksheet</a> <a>Listening Template</a> and I blog <a>here</a>.
Animal Farm Essay Essay on Animal Farm for Students and Children in .... Analytical essay: Animal farm essay prompts. How to Write an Animal Farm Essay: Example and Tips EssayWriters.us. Animal Farm Essay PDF Muammar Gaddafi Political Theories. Essay Questions Animal Farm George Orwell - Animal Farm by George .... Animal Farm Test Multiple Choice With Answers - ANIMALSD. Final Copy Animal Farm Essay Example Languages. Animal Farm Essay A Grade English - Year 11 SACE Thinkswap. Animal Farm Essay Questions And Answers. Overview of Animal Farm - GCSE English - Marked by Teachers.com. Animal Farm - GCSE English - Marked by Teachers.com. Animal Farm Chapters 1-4 Quiz Psychology amp; Cognitive Science. Animal farm chapter 2 essay questions - copywriterbiohorizons.x.fc2.com. Animal Farm Essay Test. Animal Farm Essay Prompt. Animal Farm Essay - GCSE English - Marked by Teachers.com. animal farm abuse of power essay - howtoanimatedrawingsinphotoshop. 006 Footnote Essay Animal Farm Essays Novel Example Of Footnotes In An .... Animal farm essay topics. Animal Farm Essay Topics. 2019-01-11. Animal Farm Study Guide essay question options. Animal Farm Essay Questions. Animal Farm Answers - 817 Words Free Essay Example on GraduateWay. Animal Farm Essay Plan. Animal Farm Essay Examples - writersgroup416.web.fc2.com. Animal Farm Essay English Standard - Year 11 HSC Thinkswap. GCSE English Literature - Animal Farm example model answers and sample .... Animal farm essay help. George Orwell and Animal Farm. Animal farm outline essay question. Animal Farm: Essay Questions Essay Question Animal Farm Essay Question Animal Farm
Week 1 Discussion 1 Strength Oriented Action
This week’s readings focus on the importance of the ‘culture shift’ that needs to take place in our communities in order to begin an asset building initiative. Using your critical thinking skills, respond to the following questions:
· What do the terms ‘strength message’ and ‘strength-oriented action’ mean?
· What evidence do you see of this concept played out in your local school or organizational setting?
· What about in your community?
· What do you see as the predominant role of adults in your community? Are they more focused on strength or risk and deficits? Do they provide relationships and programs, or just programs?
Include two or three specific actions that you consistently practice, or could immediately incorporate into your daily routine, to support a “strength-oriented action” culture. If you get stuck, you may want to refer to the “Ask Yourself These Questions First” on Tip Sheet #1 located in the required reading for the week.
Instructor Guidance
Week 1
Welcome to week 1 of EDU 635. In this week we begin our learning about communities and the youth that live and play in those communities. We will be looking at the communities and the culture of those communities, and looking at data about our communities to try to build a synopsis of what’s going on there. With all that, we are hoping to identify what role youth programs play in our community, and the roles that adults play in providing those programs.
In your introductions for the week, you will of course be telling us a little bit about yourself. I encourage you to use one of the digital tools listed as options. Later this week and in the future, you will be required to use certain digital tools to help present your messages. So, take the time now to experiment with the tools if you have not used them before. Be sure that you respond to at least three of your classmates’ introductions
The first discussion for this week is labeled “strength oriented action.” When we think about strengths, of course there is physical strength. But that’s not what we’re talking about here. In this discussion, you will be exploring the concept of a “strength message.” In particular, you will want to identify the strengths you see in your own community and in the adults that are providing programs of some sort to the youth of your community. You will also explore the concept of your community’s culture. There is a handy tip sheet listed in the required reading for the week. That will be really helpful for you.
In the second discussion for this week, we’re talking about assets or building blocks for the healthy development of young people in your community. It is really important that you read the required resources for this week to identify those 40 developmental assets. There are also some other resources listed to find information about your particular community, if you don’t already have that. In the discussion posts you should create a table tha ...
How's it Done? MI SA Conference WorkshopLaDonna Coy
This deck is from a conference workshop at the Michigan Substance Abuse Conference (09) where we explored stories about how social media is being done in different but related types of organizations. Examples include, The American Red Cross, CADCA, and Northwest Kansas Regional Prevention Center. Handout http://technologyinprevention.wikispaces.com/file/view/MIHandout.doc
Digital hoarding is driving away users and killing conversionKate Wehner
Digital hoarding is real. When websites are a cluttered, hot mess, users can’t figure out what’s important—and neither can Google. Learn how to diagnose and treat digital hoarding, so that you can focus on your content, optimize your site for search engines, and improve conversion rates.
Understand how digital hoarding affects SEO and conversion rates.
Determine what content belongs on your website, and what can go.
Learn best practices for archiving content on your current website.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
Honest Reviews of Tim Han LMA Course Program.pptxtimhan337
Personal development courses are widely available today, with each one promising life-changing outcomes. Tim Han’s Life Mastery Achievers (LMA) Course has drawn a lot of interest. In addition to offering my frank assessment of Success Insider’s LMA Course, this piece examines the course’s effects via a variety of Tim Han LMA course reviews and Success Insider comments.
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
• The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
• The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the sources of funding and other support flowing to groups espousing pro-Hamas propaganda and engaged in antisemitic harassment and intimidation of students. The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the US House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
• The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
2. Table of Contents
Autobiography ................................ 2
Resume ......................................... 3
Elevator Pitch ............. 4
Thesis Abstract ........................... 5
Statement of Interest ................................... 6
Proof of Concept ............................................... 7
Strategic Process ........................... 8
User Experience Process ............................. 13
Analysis and Conclusions ............................................ 15
Project Links .................................. 18
Bibliography & Credits ................................................... 23
Autobiography ...................................... 24
Resume ......................................................................... 25
Portfolio ................................................ 26
Mindmap ............................................... 37
Moodboards .......................................... 38
Technical Process ..................... 14
The Open Arms Project
3. Autobiography
Greetings, and welcome to the Open Arms
Project, my name is Rashid Umar. After earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, I
found myself working in television production. That is when I rediscovered by love for
news along with discovering social media.
After being out of employment for nearly a
year, I decided to pursue my post-graduate
education in Web Design & New Media.
After discovering the Academy of Art University, I felt that this would be the best platform
to enhance my writing ability, while learning
about media from the digital side of things.
The idea of learning about web design was
also exciting considering that my background in journalism would be a great way to
pursue a career in the field.
Currently, I work as a Content Media Manager
for the SERVC Group, a value engineering
company that specializes in commercial
business solutions. I am part of a small media
team whose responsibilities include, managing several e-commerce sites, writing and
editing content, and other duties necessary.
I can honestly say that my experience at AAU
has led me to pursue this career path and I’m
thankful for it.
4. Resume
Rashid Umar
3332 Mentone Ave #8
Los Angeles, California 90034
inquiries@rashidumar.com
(310) 617-1210
Employment
January 2013 - Present
SERVC GROUP, Content Media Manager, Hollywood, CA
Create content for product and article pages for several e-commerce websites i.e. writing, researching, uploading images, videos and basic HTML coding.
September 2010 – April 2012
ENGAGE: BDR, Online News Editor/ Content Manager, West Hollywood, CA
Research, write, edit, and produce, content, for comedy news website
HAHAJK.com. Works with Wordpress and HTML. Maintain Facebook page,
including status updates, filtering comments and other brand-right outreach
initiatives that drive traffic. Also, maintains YouTube company page and assist
in video production as needed.
September 2009-December 2009
SLINGSHOT LABS, New Media Intern, Santa Monica, CA
Created and managed New Media content, wrote articles for websites
DailyFill.com and MovieFill.com, participated in marketing pitches, and place
video in appropriate place in site.
Education
Academy of Art University, MFA, ONLINE Study June 2008-December 2011
Web Design/New Media
Eastern Michigan University, BFA, Ypsilanti, MI, December 2003
BFA: Journalism, Minor: Communications
Computer Skills
Software: Adobe Photoshop, Flash, InDesign, Dreamweaver, and Illustrator.
Languages: hand coded Action Script 3.0, JavaScript, HTML, XHTML, and CSS
CSS/HTML (compatible with IE6, IE7 and standards compliant browsers),
basic JavaScript (using some JQuery).
5. Elevator Pitch
There are a few sites that provide free information to help guide
prospective and current foster parents in dealing with children; however they
don’t provide information from a child’s perspective. Many of the sites offer
information on how to become a foster parent and how to maintain the status
quo while complying with their respective state laws. This site not only does
those things, but also offer testimonials from current and former children and
how they are adjusting.
The opportunity to organize this project has afforded me the luxury to
tell a story while giving advice to those who are unfamilar with this subject. This
project has enabled me the chance to build a website that can provide the digial
tools for those in need.
6. Thesis Abstract
As a former ward of the state, The Open Arms Project has
allowed me to share my personal story of living in foster care system.
My intent has been to help provide a vehicle for those who have also
either gone through or are currently in the foster care system.
This project has also helped those who may have questions
about my life in the foster care system -- whether they’ve experienced it themselves or not -- as well as, potential and current foster
parents to understand additional things about the plight of the
foster child by supporting an online community dedicated to this
cause.
There were instances where I experienced less than desirable
circumstances that led to me feeling displaced, unwanted, and levels
of dispair. The tough times have also served as the proper motivation
to move forward and overcome adversity, which allowed me to
create this project.
The target audience of the project are users who have lived
in foster care, are currently in the system and need support, or those
who are just seeking information.
Visitors to the site, will be able to view video testimonals,
upload their own content, and provide feedback, all in order to
generate interactivity while spreading awareness.
In conclusion, vistors will hear my story, in addition to others,
through user-submitted content in an attempt to inform and
educate them about experiences in foster care.
7. Statement of Interest
Growing up in Detroit, I experienced some challenges
as a youth. It’s fair to say that being in the foster care system
only made such challenges more difficult. While I was
straddled with the burden of not knowing who my biological
parents were (a notion that remains even today), along with
being adopted, and later being thrust back into the system,
proved to not only be very discouraging, but also motivating.
My thesis project, has challenged me to provide this
tool by incorporating some interactive appeal to this subject.
User-submitted content uploads, and message boards, and
social media contacts are only a few to name.
In addtion, my goal was to create this project to fulfill
the requirements for the MFA program, and also for the selfsatisfaction of telling a story while helping others.
In conclusion, as a teenager, I felt like an outcast in the
different home placements with families who didn’t deem the
idea of “fair and balanced” care a priority for the likes of me.
Moreover, the lies and deception in my family which led to me
being separated from my adopted father, caused me to suffer
some emotional turmoil which would take years to get over.
others.
Now I feel the need to share my story to empower
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15. Positioning Statement
T
here are an infinite number of sites on the
internet about foster care. Not many offer background
stories, testimonials, and advice from a current or
former foster child’s point of view. Futhermore, none
allow users to submit content related to this topic.
The project caters to potential and current
foster care parents who may need some guidance or
just information on what a child in the system may be
experiencing. This will be done with documentaries of
children’s experiences, which would shed some light
into the legal process of a child’s experience, and
provides additional information , which includes the
emotional toll that it takes on the child.
Deep down inside, kids in foster care may want
to be accepted and loved by someone who is willing
to take on a parental role, but it’s more than just
being there for them physically. There may be some
psychological issues with trust of adults, of either
gender, or from just suffering from a severe disconnect
from a family setting.
16. Comparative Analysis
Foster Care Month
Functionality and Features
This site is geared towards raising awareness of foster care, by promoting May
as “Foster Care Month.” The site gives an explanation on what foster care is and
offers user to volunteer their time, as well as, success stories, and calendar
events.
Each page is fully functional and features content relating to the promoting of the
Foster Care Month.
Usability
Users can learn to use this site without any issues. The side navigation offers
submenu choices and the links are functional. The same menu is also located at
the bottom of each page. There isn’t a lot of content on each page, so there won’t
be too much scrolling down or back up.
Visual Design
The visual design of the site offers a blue-themed color scheme and the outline
seems to be or original coding concept, not a Wordpress theme. The typography
is standard and each to read. Users are also met with a photo image on each
page that lightens the mood as well. The user’s goals are met.
How it Relates to my Project
This site being that it is an online platform will be similar to “The Open Arms
Project” due to the fact, that it has links to pages of relevance and has a soft
color scheme. However, it does not provide videos testimonials.
17. Documentary Heaven
Functionality and Features
Documentary Heaven is a site that offers free documentaries from a variety of
genres for users. It does not require any sign up and it allows you to select films
using category options such as activist, celebrity, conspiracy, mystery, war,
technology.
There is a social media widget for following the site online and a list of
documentaries to choose from.
Usability
Users can learn how to use this site simply but clicking on the navigation menu,
for example: the “Documentary Lists” is a list of indexed categories by genre.
Once they search the index they will be able to select from one of the list under a
category. There is also an option to upload a file. After using this system once,
it’ll be no problem to use routinely.
Visual Design
This site design is a basic Wordpress template and is outlined with simple and
warm colors and basic navigation menu. Also, the typography is simple and
standard for web design, particular for a news or documentary site.
How it Relates to my Project
“Documentary Heaven” relates to my project, “The Open Arms Project” because
of the display of indexed documentary choices. Also, the simple navigation and
social media links are comparable.
18. Free Spirit Media
Functionality and Features
Free Spirit Media is a site that offers inner-city youth in Chicago, and opportunity
to learn about digital media production through a variety of programs.
Offers content pertaining to the goals and mission of the program. Each page is
fully functional and offers a wide portfolio of work.
Usability
The site’s navigation is simple to use and easy to read. There are social media
icons as well, such as: Facebook, Google Plus, YouTube, and Twitter. There is
an option to donate to the cause as well as volunteer; users will be able to find
their desired content with a few clicks or less. On the “Our Work” page, the site
has a dropdown menu of several topics to be selected from. In addition, there is
a “features” and “documentaries” selection that leads to a list of videos.
Visual Design
This site design is of the hand-coded variety and implores a black background.
The menu is offers subcategories that is initiates a tooltip one it is hovered
across. Each page has at least a paragraph, no more than two, of content which
demonstrates a “straight-to-the-point” nature.
How it Relates to my Project
“Free Spirit Media” relates to my project, “The Open Arms Project” because of
the display of indexed documentary choices. Also, the simple navigation and
social media links are comparable. The “Our Work” section of the site is
comparable to my project.
19. NYU Authur J. Carter School of Journalism: Foster Care
Functionality and Features
NYU News & Doc is a video journalism website created by the students at New
York University’s News & Documentary graduate program, part of the Arthur L.
Carter Journalism Institute.
The site features a Home, Contact, and Family Tree menu options, as well as,
other categories including: documentaries.
Usability
The site’s navigation, goes across the top, and is shorter than the others, but the
categories are aligned on the right side. At the bottom of the page, there is a
place to leave comments for users who are interested. Overall, the site is simple
to use.
Visual Design
This site design is of the Wordpress variety with neutral colors. The “About”
portion of the site is on the homepage instead on its very own. The
“Documentary” portion of the site offers videos that pop out instead of taking
the
very to another page.
How it Relates to my Project
NYU Foster Care relates to my project in subject and documentary offering.
However, the site is limited in the pages that were built, seemingly lending itself
to idea of it being more of a class project.
20. Adopting.org
Functionality and Features
This site offers A LOT of information to perspective parents who’d like to
adopt children. It supplies users with help on finding children, birth parents,
and also some info on fostering. There are also news articles from contributing writers with information relevant to the site.
Usability
Like the previous site, this has its menu on the left side with links to resources. There is also an option to sign up for newsletter info and to comment on
pages.
Visual Design
The light color scheme is nice. The images used in the top left of the page
are definitely happy portrayal of the subject, however, there is a lot of ads on
the pages. The content seems to be jumbled together.
How it relates to my project
The pages are set up to display information, similar to my project. However,
if there will be any ads they will be placed in a section that won’t seem to run
into the main content.
21. Rashid Umar
WNM 643
Criteria **
Free Spirit Media
Adoption.org
Foster Care Month
Documentary
Heaven
NYU Foster
Open Arms
Personal Testimonals
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+
+
+
Social Media Interaction
+
+
+
+
+
+
Sign-Up Profile
-
-
+
-
-
+
Standard Typography
+
+
+
+
+
+
-
-
-
-
+
+
User Goals Met
+
+
+
+
+
+
Good Visual Hierachy
+
-
-
-
-
+
Attractive Layout
+
-
-
+
+
+
User Comments
The Open Arms Project | 13
22.
23.
24.
25.
26. User Scenario #1
Kirsten Hargraves, 26, was surfing the net when
she stumpled upon a website about foster care.
Having remembered that she once knew an
acquaintence years ago who was a foster child,
Kirsten decided to take a look. She’d become
enamored with the site develoer’s personal story
and wanted to see more of the personal testimonals of some of the site’s other users.
Start
Open Arms Homepage
Click on
Rashid’s
Story
Video Testimonals
End
27. User Scenario #2
Marcus Davis, 16, was recently introduced to
his foster sister. He has heard alot of stories,
some exaggerated, about foster kids. Marcus
decided to Google the subject about teenagers in foster care. Once on “The Open
Arms Project” Marcus was able to read about
foster care, then he wanted read some of the
site creator’s personal story. Marcus was
then inspired to find more resources to
further undrestand more about foster care.
Start
Open Arms Homepage
Click What is
Foster Care?
Click on Rashid’s
Story
Resources
End
28. User Scenerio #3
Sedou Brown is a former foster child who is seeking
to connect with others who also are. Brown, starts
with logging onto the site, then goes through the
video testimonals, then he when to the social media
page and looked to connect.
Start
Open Arms Homepage
Click on
the Video
Testimonals
Social Media Page
End
29. http://www.openarms.com
Google
OPENARMS
ABOUT OPEN ARMS
F T
CHILD’S LIFELINE?
MEDIA AND PRESS
WHAT WE DO
RESOURCES
CONTACT
THE IMPORTANCE
OF FOSTER SIBLINGS
The Open Arms Project
provides a vehicle for current
and former foster care children
to speak on their experiences.
FOSTER CHILD OF
THE MONTH
When I was young,
I found it hard to make
friends. .. click to see
more.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
If you’ve been in foster care and
have an experience that you’d
like to share, feel free to tell us.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
If you’d like to contribute, go to
our Media and Press page to
see how you can. Or, you can
contact me directly on our
contact page.
1
2
3
4
MAY IS NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH!
SELECTED STORY OF THE MONTH
SEARCH
Every year, approximately 30,000 young people leave the foster care system without lifelong
families – most at age 18. On their own, these young adults must navigate a weakened
economy offering fewer jobs and less support for vital services such as housing. They need –
and deserve – caring adults who love and support them.
All children — including the 408,000 American children and youth in foster care — deserve a
safe, happy life. Young people in foster care especially need nurturing adults on their side
because their own families are in crisis and unable to care for them.
Kirsten Hargraves’ emotional story
The Open Arms Project Homepage
5
Angela Charlton of Detroit, MI
struggled for years in the foster
care system. Now, she’s an
aspiring computer software
engineer and poetess. Click to
see her story.
JOIN OUR EMAIL CLUB
yourname@yourdomain.com
SEND
30. http://www.openarms.com/about
Google
OPENARMS
ABOUT OPEN ARMS
WHAT WE DO
The Open Arms Project
provides a vehicle for current
and former foster care children
to speak on their experiences.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
F T
CHILD’S LIFELINE?
MEDIA AND PRESS
RESOURCES
ABOUT THE OPEN ARMS PROJECT
The Open Arms Project was created for the purpose of allowing it’s creator, Rashid Umar,
to share his experiences in the foster care system. In addition, the project has evolved to
allow anyone the opportunity to tell their story and share with others who have similar
experiences or who are seeking information as their own source of reference.
If you’ve been in foster care and
have an experience that you’d
like to share, feel free to tell us.
SEARCH
CONTACT
FOSTER CHILD OF
THE MONTH
Angela Charlton of Detroit, MI
struggled for years in the foster
care system. Now, she’s an
aspiring computer software
engineer and poetess. Click to
see her story.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
If you’d like to contribute, go to
our Media and Press page to
see how you can. Or, you can
contact me directly on our
contact page.
JOIN OUR EMAIL CLUB
SELECTED STORY OF THE MONTH
yourname@yourdomain.com
SEND
Kirsten Hargraves’ emotional story
About Page of The Open Arms Project
31. http://www.openarms.com/lifeline
Google
OPENARMS
ABOUT OPEN ARMS
F T
CHILD’S LIFELINE?
MEDIA AND PRESS
RESOURCES
SEARCH
CONTACT
Love: Encouraging Stories
CHILD’SHorror Stories
Hate: LIFELINE?
WHAT WE DO
The Open Arms Project
provides a vehicle for current
and former foster care children
to speak on their experiences.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
If you’ve been in foster care and
have an experience that you’d
like to share, feel free to tell us.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
If you’d like to contribute, go to
our Media and Press page to
see how you can. Or, you can
contact me directly on our
contact page.
Growing up in Detroit, I experienced some challenges as a youth. It’s fair to say that
being in the foster care system only made such challenges more difficult. While I was
straddled with the burden of not knowing who my biological parents were (a notion that
remains even today), along with being adopted, and later being thrust back into the
system, proved to not only be very discouraging, but also motivating.
FOSTER CHILD OF
THE MONTH
Angela Charlton of Detroit, MI
struggled for years in the foster
care system. Now, she’s an
aspiring computer software
engineer and poetess. Click to
see her story.
JOIN OUR EMAIL CLUB
SELECTED STORY OF THE MONTH
yourname@yourdomain.com
SEND
Kirsten Hargraves’ emotional story
Child’s Lifeline Page which displays text on how to positive and the downside of foster care
33. http://www.openarms.com/media
Google
OPENARMS
ABOUT OPEN ARMS
F T
CHILD’S LIFELINE?
MEDIA AND PRESS
RESOURCES
SEARCH
CONTACT
Foster Care Interviews
User Submitted Content
WHAT WE DO
HIGH SCHOOL, LOW TIMES
The Open Arms Project
provides a vehicle for current
and former foster care children
to speak on their experiences.
FOSTER CHILD OF
THE MONTH
Open Arms creator, Rashid
Umar, talks about his
experiences in high school.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
If you’ve been in foster care and
have an experience that you’d
like to share, feel free to tell us.
Angela Charlton of Detroit, MI
struggled for years in the foster
care system. Now, she’s an
aspiring computer software
engineer and poetess. Click to
see her story
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
If you’d like to contribute, go to
our Media and Press page to
see how you can. Or, you can
contact me directly on our
contact page.
SELECTED STORY OF THE MONTH
00:00 - 00:00
WHAT’S NEW?
According to reports, a foster
family in Phoenix, Arizona was
found guility of neglect and
extortion.
...click to read more
Kirsten Hargraves’ emotional story
RECENTLY ADDED INTERVIEWS
JOIN OUR EMAIL CLUB
yourname@yourdomain.com
SEND
34. http://www.openarms.com/interviews/johndoe
Google
OPENARMS
ABOUT OPEN ARMS
F T
CHILD’S LIFELINE?
MEDIA AND PRESS
RESOURCES
SEARCH
CONTACT
Foster Care Interviews
User Submitted Content
FOSTER CHILD OF
THE MONTH
WHAT WE DO
The Open Arms Project
provides a vehicle for current
and former foster care children
to speak on their experiences.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
If you’ve been in foster care and
have an experience that you’d
like to share, feel free to tell us.
JOHN DOE
John Doe lives in Orlando,
Florida and is a junior in
high school.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
If you’d like to contribute, go to
our Media and Press page to
see how you can. Or, you can
contact me directly on our
contact page.
SELECTED STORY OF THE MONTH
Angela Charlton of Detroit, MI
struggled for years in the foster
care system. Now, she’s an
aspiring computer software
engineer and poetess. Click to
see her story
JOIN OUR EMAIL CLUB
Add Comment
yourname@yourdomain.com
SEND
Jane Doe Anywhere, U.S.A
Quis. Casdam ad modicae consulese co et vis, Cast?
Kirsten Hargraves’ emotional story
Comment
35. http://www.openarms.com/media/usersubmitted
Google
OPENARMS
ABOUT OPEN ARMS
F T
CHILD’S LIFELINE?
MEDIA AND PRESS
RESOURCES
SEARCH
CONTACT
Foster Care Interviews
User Submitted Content
WHAT WE DO
FOSTER CHILD OF
THE MONTH
The Open Arms Project
provides a vehicle for current
and former foster care children
to speak on their experiences.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
If you’ve been in foster care and
have an experience that you’d
like to share, feel free to tell us.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
If you’d like to contribute, go to
our Media and Press page to
see how you can. Or, you can
contact me directly on our
contact page.
SELECTED STORY OF THE MONTH
UPLOAD VIDEO
USER SUBMITTED CONTENT
UPLOAD IMAGE
UPLOAD ARTICLE
Want to share your story? Do you have any images or pictures that represents your experiences in foster
care? Upload your video, image, or written story by clicking one of the icons above.
Angela Charlton of Detroit, MI
struggled for years in the foster
care system. Now, she’s an
aspiring computer software
engineer and poetess. Click to
see her story
JOIN OUR EMAIL CLUB
yourname@yourdomain.com
SEND
Kirsten Hargraves’ emotional story
36.
37. T
he general demographics for the “Open Arms
Project” are teenagers and young adults ranging between
the ages of 14-60. The primary demographic would include
current foster children and those who’ve once lived in the
system. The secondary demographic would include those
who just want to know of the experience for personal reference.
The general users will be comprise of those with
basic internet experience. The more focused (primary)
targets will be able to use their interactive knowledge to
access further information.
“The Open Arms Project” will be a vehicle for both
current and fromer foster care children. The general group
may pursue information online about the foster care system
out of sheer curiosity of information. The primary audience
would be in search of specific information about the subject
matter.
38. Logo: “Open” is in a different color than “Arms” and “Project”. -- I’d
make all three different colors. It kind of looks like “Armsproject” is
one word.
Page 2: The wrong form of “its” is used in the first sentence.
Page 2: I’d change the transition of “In addition” to something more
along the lines of “it has further evolved.” And I’d probably tighten
up that entire second sentence to something like:
“It has furthered evolved into as an opportunity for anyone
involved in foster care to communicate.”
Page 2: What We Do. -- The website is a vehicle. In that sense, it
doesn’t “provide” one. I’d say something like: “Open Arms Project
is a forum for people who are currently or have been previously
involved in foster care to speak about their experiences.”
Page 2: Who Can Participate? - I’d be a little more encouraging.
Rather than saying “feel free”, I’d be proactive and say
participation is encouraged.
Page 2: What Can You Do? - You jump into a first person