Shepard Symposium on Social Justice

With this presentation I hope to help clarify not only what “privilege” is, but how wide of a scope it can encompass. I hope to make it a more inclusive term, applicable to a wider range of individuals, presented in a format that makes it more generally relatable and takes away some of the attacking “us vs. them” rhetoric that tends to polarize the concept. I hope to help try and bridge the gab that the term usually creates between being able to collaboratively work across boundary lines of “privilege” to mitigate the social hierarchies that it reinforces and the negative outcomes those hierarchies may have on a great many people.
I hope to address not only “white” (racial/ethnic) privilege, but also socio-economic privilege, gender privilege, language privilege, privilege due to sexual orientation or gender identity, religious privilege and privilege constructed around nativity and citizenship. I also hope to pose the concept of “privilege” in a more humanistic framework, which gives some of the power back to the individual who can then conceptualize the concept in terms of ownership instead of hopelessness.
I hope to help generalize the concept of “privilege” to a wider scope of social justice, which creates a sense of social inclusion and responsibility for all. Placing it in the framework of a national concern attacking U.S. ideology and creating a barrier to participation in the social “rights” for a larger scope of the population leads towards unity in belief of a better future and a stronger social network as a nation rather than a divided nation of those who have and those who have not.
As a country there are a lot of things that we do very well, however, there are many areas in which we set a negative example in a big way in a worldwide comparison. Incarceration, punitive punishment, distrust of government, social economic disparity, distribution of wealth between the “rich” and the “poor,” gender inequality, LGBT rights, disenfranchisement of racial/ethnic minorities, treatment of native populations, etc., are all ways in which we set a very poor example worldwide.
Knowledge is power and acknowledgment of these issues is the first and most necessary step in rectifying them. Ignorance and avoidance do not create a more sustainable future, yet we obviously have a society in which it has been made very acceptable to behave in ways that help to preserve an unhealthy status quo that harms many people in one way or another. Advocacy for unity towards a more empathic, knowledgeable address of issues pertaining to social justice is necessary if we hope to reach that future. The Shepard Symposium seems like a wonderful way to do just that.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

In this student presentation and PSA created in Synergy's Spring 2017 English 2015 "College Composition and Rhetoric II" class, we three students will show our short video we created in class last month.  Then, we will discuss how young African American males (wearing baggy clothes and a hoodie, for example) are inaccurately, culturally scripted as "unhealthy=dangerous" to society. We will also suggest that individuals who want to get a conceal and carry permit should have to learn more about the negative effects of stereotyping young African American males as part of their permit training.  And, we will touch on how this topic affects us all in Wyoming, in the context of recent Wyoming Legislative actions about conceal and carry permits on campuses and in schools in our state. 

In the fall of 1996, my mom Nancy Woodhull, was diagnosed with lung cancer. But she approached her death just as she approached her life — as a journalist and a feminist. She was founding editor of USA Today and the cofounder of the Women, Men and Media Project, which studied women’s portrayal and involvement in the media. She received comprehensive nursing care throughout her battle with cancer. And she realized the nurses, many of whom were women, were the ones on the pulse of what was happening in healthcare, not the white male doctors in lab coats often featured in stories. She became concerned about the lack of media coverage of nurses, and so on her deathbed she devised a survey to determine how the media portrays nurses. After my mom died in 1997, the project commissioned by Sigma Theta Tau International was carried out in her honor and titled the Woodhull Study on Nursing and the Media in her honor. 2017 marks that study’s 20th year.

The outcomes showed overwhelming that nurses are virtually invisible in media coverage of health care. In the publications studies, nurses were referenced in only 4% of articles related to health care. That study was then used to challenge media outlets to engage nurses, and was used as a tool to empower nurses to speak up.

This presentation will give an overview of the project, share insights on how data based projects can be a tool for change, and also offer information on an update to the study happening in 2017.

This is an experiential, action-oriented and integrated class that aims to provide a learning environment in which students explore the intersections of climate change and Nordic ski racing in any way she/he chooses. Students proposed a project of their choosing and determined the best way to present this project. Throughout this course students traveled to compete in the World University Games as well as regionally and nationally while at the same time engaging in immersive learning about the impacts of climate change on nordic skiing. They contextualized their learning to the abroad region and collected on-site data, ideas and observations to address the class objectives.

This study was funded, in part, by a University of Wyoming Faculty Grant-In-Aid.

Background. The purpose of this study was to examine nurse leadership related to nursing care of Native Americans. The need for nurse leadership development emerged as a priority during the Growing Resilience Phase I Pilot project on Wind River Indian Reservation (WRIR). Institute of Medicine reports have charged health professionals to reduce health disparities through improved cultural competence and have charged nurses specifically with increasing leadership opportunities at all levels of nursing practice. Advances in nursing science and its contribution to eliminating health disparities and improving Native American health hinge on building nurse leadership and improving cultural competency. Nurses are in a unique position to enhance their leadership contributions for the purpose of improving health and healthcare. Nurses serve in a variety of community settings and healthcare facilities and are trained in individual, family and community health, therapeutic relationship development, and leadership. Nurses offer a holistic approach to patient care, focus on wellness rather than illness, and have training in health promotion.

Method. A descriptive-qualitative methodology was used. Phone interviews were conducted with 11 native and non-native nurses employed by public and private agencies that serve Native Americans on WRIR. Participants were asked semi-structured questions regarding perspectives of patient/nurse relationships, attitudes and values, and nurse leadership. A pseudonym was selected by each participant and was used during the interview, data transcription, and data analysis processes. Thematic analysis involved constant-comparison through the examination of (a) similarities and differences and (b) relationships between concepts. Note that Native American perspectives of their relationships with nurses has been sought in a separately-funded project.

Results. Participants were of varying ages, gender, and educational preparation. Two interrelated themes were identified that revealed dichotomies in nurses’ perspectives: (1) Contextual Dichotomy: Shared Patient-Nurse Values versus External Forces and (2) Relational Dichotomy: Patient-Centered versus Stereotype-Driven Care. Theme 1 described the contextual factors that influence patient care. Shared values of Native American patients and nurses (e.g. holism, respect, trust, caring, and family) were discussed as essential to therapeutic relationship development, which is at the heart of effective nursing care and nurse leadership. At the same time, the shared values may contrast with external forces that undermine relationship development. External forces were described as unsupportive work environments within healthcare settings and systems, racial tension, poverty, high rates of chronic disease, and the extent of nurse education and experience in the provision of culturally-competent care. Theme 2 described participant commitment to the therapeutic relationship and patient-centered care. Participants described the importance of understanding and meeting the unique needs of each patient and family, but also advocating on their behalf. Yet, this commitment was challenged by stereotypes of Native Americans exacerbated by the heretofore-mentioned external forces. This was evidenced by a lack of regard for the Native American patient rather than acceptance and appreciation under specific circumstances.

Conclusion. Nurses function in these dichotomous realities, struggling at times to meet personal and professional expectations.

Funding was provided, in part, by INBRE in collaboration with Dr. Porter, PI for the Growing Resilience Phase II project.

So often outdoor activity is equated with health and wellness. We are told to take a walk, go for a hike, get some fresh air. As a single mom, who has two incredible and very active children who love to be outside, I made a decision to be more active. This summer, when my kids wanted to ride their razor scooters, I looked for a razor scooter to ride with them. They don’t make them for people my weight, but I took a chance and got one anyways, and so far so good. Before too long the seasons changed and we were eagerly anticipating snow. My kids have all the necessary gear to withstand the cold, snow pants, gloves, hats, baklavas, snow boots, scarves, you name and it they have it. It occurred to me my first day out with them, I did not have any of the gear I needed to be outside playing in the snow with them. Meanwhile, my parents moved and found the cross country skis I had stored at their house in college, and promptly forgot in the intervening decade and a half. As I transported the skis in my car, my son asked if he could try them out. In the persistent manner of 4 year olds, he continued to ask to ski over the next several weeks. This prompted me to get serious trying to locate winter gear in my size. It doesn’t exist. I was lucky to find some men’s layers, because apparently it is acknowledged that men are generally bigger. However, there is nothing for women at all in my size. My personal solution to this problem is a combination of truly ugly men’s base layers and custom designed and made outerwear. I acknowledge my solution works because I have the resources and determination to make it work, but I am paying more than twice what it would cost anyone else for the gear I have. Moreover, not everyone has the resources available to have custom gear made. How is it then in a country plagued by an obesity epidemic, that the people who could most use time outside and reconnecting with the outdoors have an invisible barrier to overcome? A barrier that is based on the size you are coupled with industry deep stereotypes and assumptions about your capabilities and interests.

The Albany County Downtown Clinic (DTC), based in Laramie, encounters many patients struggling with diseases like obesity, chronic pain, and psychological disorders. The most common of these psychological disorders are depression and anxiety (Anne Marie Hart, 2016). Recent research shows that particular probiotics work as adjuvants with already known medications for anxiety and depression, in order to improve communication between the gut and the brain (Pirbaglou et al. 2016). This research addresses the question of how to successfully brew kombucha, a fermented probiotic drink, with additive microbes, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus helveticus, and Bifidobacterium longum, which have all been associated with positive communication between the gut microbiota and the brain; ultimately, balancing mood (Zhou et al. 2015). Although a probiotic pill containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus helveticus, and Bifidobacterium longum exists which is called Essential Probiotics, an easy to make and affordable food product that contains these probiotics does not. In fact, after searching PubMed, there are no articles that have been found that augment kombucha with these specific probiotics, making this a novel idea. Thus, the Microbiology Capstone Fall 2016 semester class designed to augment the existing SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) of kombucha by adding a mood enhancing probiotic pill that already exists on the market. The kombucha was augmented with psychobiotics: Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus helveticus, and Bifidobacterium longum, all contained within the mood enhancing probiotic pill. Psychobiotics are defined as live organisms that provide health benefits in patients suffering from psychiatric illness (Tang et al. 2014). In order to assess this, the microbiology techniques of isolation, enumeration, and quantitative comparison were used. Once a psychobiotic kombucha was generated in the laboratory, the psychobiotics were isolated from the drink by using selective media, and later enumerated. A control kombucha was also brewed in the laboratory and characterized by pH and overall taste. Finally, the control characterization of kombucha was later compared to the psychobiotic kombucha. Although the psychobiotics did not grow to an efficacious and active titer in the kombucha, a fully functional recipe for kombucha was created. We are planning to pass on our knowledge to the DTC so that their patients can brew an easy to make, affordable kombucha at home. We plan to conduct probiotic education classes at the Downtown Clinic so that we can share the importance of probiotics and how they can benefit mood, and the overall wellbeing of patients with anxiety and depression.

Hart, AM (2016, September 21). Personal Interview.

Pirbaglou Meysam, Katz Joel, Souza Russell, J. de Souza, Stearns Jennifer C., Mehras Motamed, Ritvo Paul, “Probiotic supplementation can positively affect anxiety and depressive symptoms: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials,” NutritionResearch., 36(2016)888-889.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0271531716301154.

Zhou Linghong, Jane A Foster, “Psychobiotics and the gut–brain axis: in the pursuit of happiness, “Psychobiotics and the gut–brain axis: in the pursuit of happiness,” Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment., 11(2015) 715–723.

Tang Fengyi, Reddy Bhaskara L., Sair, Milton H. Jr., “Psychobiotics and Their
Involvement in Mental Health”, J Mol Microbiol Biotechnol 201

We (Erin Clingman and Shawna Coleman) are social work interns at Wyoming Equality (an LGBTQ non-profit outreach for the state of Wyoming.) Due to Wyoming being one of the most rural and least populated states in the country, we find it powerful to create a visual representation of the many barriers to transgender healthcare access across the state. These barriers to healthcare include travel distance, lack of medical care options, competent practitioners, and weather. We have found these barriers to be unique to Wyoming, but hope that this research will serve as an example of other rural areas in the nation. Our intent is to show how difficult it is to acquire competent, inclusive, and necessary treatment for Wyoming’s transgender population.

A map of Wyoming will take up a large amount of space on our poster. Here, we will label the towns in which we know Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is provided. Our poster will clearly show the distances people are forced to drive to obtain HRT. With information provided from the census, Transgender Center for Equality, and the Williams Institute, we hope to present these lack of resources in the most understandable way possible.

We find that our poster will primarily be based within qualitative research in hopes that our presentation will supply a real world relevance to anyone who participates. Surrounding the map, we will provide quotes from transgender individuals in regards to their own obstacles when accessing transgender healthcare around the state.

Furthermore, we realize that we are two cis-gendered women speaking on behalf of of the transgender population. We find it important to have representatives from the population itself present as we discuss the transgender experience. Overall, in our poster we hope to convey cultural competence and grasp the many barriers the transgender population in Wyoming encounters.

Quick review of my background as a nurse.
How is women's health viewed throughout the world?
-Developing vs developed countries
-Idealistic care vs minority care
Short synopsis of women's health in the U.S.
-Important players
-Important milestones
Current discrepancies in care in the U.S.
-Access to care (minority, immigrant, and refugees)
-Rural health vs urban
A review of current politics
-Affordable care act, the influence on women's health
-The age old discussion of abortion vs non-abortion sentiments
Conclusion: Where do we go from here, especially as healthcare providers?

Introduction: It is estimated that by 2020 more than 5 million of the service members who served after 9/11 will have transitioned out of the military (U.S. Government Accountability Office, 2013). The college setting is the new frontline for many veterans (Zinger & Cohen, 2010). Currently, there is no data addressing staff and faculty perception of what Student Veteran (SV) needs are or barriers the University of Wyoming (UW) faces when addressing those needs. The overall goal of this research study is to assess how prepared UW is to address SV needs. Methodology: A cross-sectional convenience sample was recruited to capture individuals who may provide knowledge of how UW is addressing student veteran needs. A total of 114 faculty & staff members and 77 SVs (N=180) completed the anonymous survey. Results: Initial analyses indicate: both groups agree that training for faculty and staff on the SV population is an area of utmost need. Both groups identified space for the Veteran Services Center as an issue. There is also agreement that lack of transition assistance is a barrier.  Social acculturation is an area that SVs identified as a need whereas staff and faculty did not. Discussion & Implications: The results show that UW is supportive of SVs, but there are still barriers. The lack of understanding of the SV population is one of the greatest barriers that SVs face on campuses (Parks, Walker & Smith, 2015).  America’s veterans are driven to success and that drive does not end when they leave the military. They want to continue to be productive and accomplish their goals in a new way and for many; higher education is their new battleground.

Wyoming Pathways from Prison has four central objectives: [1] provide no-cost college credit, in partnership with Wyoming community colleges, to incarcerated people; [2] engage in valuable service to the state of Wyoming; [3] mentor UW students in teaching and leadership; [4] provide students with valuable real-world experience through teaching and assistance to the Department of Corrections. Taking these objectives into consideration, the panel would like to have a dialogue.