Psychological Sounding Board

As a people, we need psychological intervention. There is a need for us on an individual and family level sort out our dysfunction. I’m not too proud to say I am suffering as a result of dysfunction.

It was only later in my 30’s and late 20’s that I realised the need to go for counselling. At first, I thought I was mentally ill and might have deep-lying problems As I was displaying very dysfunctional behaviours with no explanations. Though I learnt to let go or manage these behaviours and relationships I have for the better.

I have been a few times and it’s a slow process but I’d say I have had around 40 sessions. I’m hoping to get more in life further down the road. This is where black people come in we need a level of therapeutic measures. Men do not talk about feelings or express how they may feel but this does not have to mean you cry or have anger. You could be verbalising the frustration or anger you have.

A belief exists that you can pray a problem away if you are religious or push through it. This can build character but the problem will express itself through other behaviours. I appreciate there is a level of mistrust of using these services, though there is a level of confidentiality (although if something which is harmful to you or another is disclosed then the counsellor must disclose it to the authorities).

I most likely come off like the ideal Aquarius I am. Many black people go to see the doctor if they are physically ill. If you are mentally sick there is a reluctance to see a therapist or counsellor at an early stage to resolve the issue before it gets serious. As a people we let things get out of hand then take the nuclear option of sectioning the person and prescription medicine with its numerous side effects. This in many (but not all) can be avoided, with more education and an open mind.

If we understand that a lack of vitamin D, unfamiliar western lifestyles, dysfunction, individual processes against our collective nature and no one accord in different households we would be better off for going to the counselling services.

It doesn’t matter the race of the counsellor so long as they are professional and are a sounding board for our problems, which we find difficult to resolve between ourselves. The legacy of this could be greater communication between ourselves and more ability to recognise dysfunction which could halt greater incidence of mental health issues.

Here are some sources from both the UK and America on how you can get access to counselling (please click on the title):

UK (National)

NHS

Mind

US

Mental Health America

Shape – Affordable Therapy

Pro Bono/ Free Therapy

Back To My Old Self

I use the title back to my old self as I feel less stress, though I know what the world is about and also why as a people we behave the way we do. Often the most uplifting thing is to think about yourself and only those who would also think about you rather than thinking or bothering about those who wouldn’t otherwise, its one less stress and more time to expand the mind and live your life resembling a way you can do this.

Looking at a way to get to this point, think about the enlightened network like this:

• What are the pros
• What are the cons
• What difference would it make if I dont have this information or join the network

I answered these for myself and realised, it was important for me to be within the enlightened network, but to borrow a cricket theme I didn’t get too bogged down as there is a way you can over analyse things.

This is some of what I got from my time being part of the conscious network:

• An understanding of the need for my own income
• A step to opening my mind to why we behave the way we do
• How to have a more critical eye at the world
• That western mainstream (Glitzy) media is not the place to become informed about my own culture

On reflection I gained much culturally and historically, from an information-based point of view but there is a shelf life, if you are part of the ‘conscious community’ I would say the average life, especially for people based in the UK, is to be part of it for a year or two before you see through the thin dysfunctional veneer of people, who are prominent.

Its a choice but as a good batsman would do back your own knowledge otherwise you’ll be open to all kinds of misinformation and egos.

Ethics

I see from my own network that there is a lack of ethics. I have learned over the past few months this is an important aspect of any community. There is no code of conduct in the West or East (where we reside). Mostly due to colonialism and slavery. Some talk about a code and that is good but there are different caveats to it.

The codes in the West are built on ancient philosophy from Greece. The Greeks culturally may not fit into the lives of culture of black people but the essence can be taken from it. For example in the event of a black person being responsible or a spokesperson for black people, they be selected based on virtues they have rather than charm and charisma. As virtues often mean when times are hard they make the best decision for the best possible outcome.

Currently we as a people have a open market which means any black person can come and sell an idea without us the black public being circumspect (critical of comparing it to other person’s and ideas). Another example is to use utilitarian view points where the greatest good for the greatest number, whilst it works in theory, in practice there is no agreement amongst anyone.

Most laws are based on justice and fairness (sounds like libra which is their motto I digress). This is Kantian but it is not very possible since there are strict laws to follow and as a race only in our home countries could this be followed, rather than in the west.

If black people are to take up a philosophy, we would need repercussions for not following conduct. I dislike rules and repercussions, though the situation is important to develop this. For example if taking up a position of spokesperson, elders would need to consider who can or cannot speak for us. This could start with middle age people now, who grow into older people. The repercussions would be public disapproval and not being deemed fit morally to represent our people. I can but name a few people this might apply to right now.

Currently there is some accord finally being struck namely with the 2020 election as now black people are starting to ask for more from politicians. This may be a start but we know it would need to start off locally then regional, national then international. Blacks have different variations in our culture and there would need to be some relativism (basically cultural variation) to a group of ethical codes.

Virtues of character seems the best bet with a utilitarian approach to use. Since there is metaphorical sacrifice which needs to be made to get social, economical and political justice. Individually we would all need to do our bit at home, whilst in the bigger picture this is a philosophy we could follow if only black people had a unified nationality or religion.

Starting you Own Group/Venture

This space has resources often to help you create or find a venture or group. Often if you are creating one then business plays a part as you want to be able to be self-sufficient from the start or near there if you are funded.

One of the difficulties organisations have is looking at a business model to begin with. The first question being who do I sell services to if people who are in need want to use it and likley cannot afford.

This can be answered by partnering with a local organisations or services and selling your service to them.  An example would be a day centre for vulnerable adults, the adults pay through their personal budgets to attend. Or a local authority pays for each person to attend sessions at a workshop your organisation provides as it finds it cheaper to use an external source rather than an internal one.

One thing to consider would be going to tender to get these services. Its where public services set out what service they need then your service shows if it ticks all the boxes and matches what the outcome of the service will be for the end user.

Organisations can also use membership or subscription to sustain itself depending on what you do in general. Like a business a organisation to be most effective must have a unique offering and benefit to the local and wider community. They can have a less unique purpose but there will be more competition for end users and funding. It may have greater challenges.

Check out the sources on building a organisation below:

Funding and Resources

Setting Up A Business

Social Enterprises information

Social Enterprise Body

Community Interest Companies

Charitable Organisational Structure

Aquarius, at last

This post is off beat, I am a big fan of astrology and I am of a humanitarian sign, I get it most of you most probably don’t believe in signs and I respect it. The point of this is the way in which I came to creating Upliftment Information.

I have always been interested in volunteering and uplifting people through my skills and experiences, I currently work in the third sector (charity) and have experience both in central and local government departments. I have previous experience in international development despite studying a law degree (which I disliked after my second year, due to its cut throat nature). I grew up thinking I was a Capricorn, having to follow a straight path in life but it turns out I’m Aquarius as I was born on a cusp between the two but my parents are Taurus and Capricorn/Sagittarius.

So all the work and volunteering I have undertaken has involved helping people who are disadvantaged and uplifting them. Even as a retail worker I like to help people, off course there are days when I am fed up but who doesn’t feel like that. I work in a charity also with people suffering with mental health.

How does my sign affect the information I give, this site has been live for four years so far, and it was at a time in my life when I wanted to go down a different career path, but I wanted to give my skills and experience to projects, granted I’m a black guy so I’ll focus on my own people first but it doesn’t mean anyone else can access the information if you think its useful.

Finally, in my mid-30’s I am coming to peace with how I am and ignoring the need to try and be conformist or traditional, as it does not work for me.

I’m a dreamer, idealistic and do things in a unorthodox way, explain that without astrology, personality tests like Belbin and Myers Briggs Don’t come close.

I hope this site in the main has been of use so far.

 

 

Procurement

The theme this time is the three pillars of procurement, Accountability, Capability and Transparency. This is a wide ranging perspective on black based crowdfunding campaigns and promotions. In the black sphere/network there are people who will ask you to donate to there projects but there is a lack of substance.

I have yet to see a person who is well known to black people who has shown accountability, showing they will accept the plaudits of success as well as the consequences of failing to deliver. There is an example with the numerous videos out there where some people are talking heads, saying this needs doing but that needs doing, when clearly they are not looking at a way to look forward and use their energy to make things happen.

Some talk a good game, but when delivering then they can be found wanting, one way this could be started would be to create a pilot project, prototype then when it is up and running, measure the failure or success the measure how capable you may be with the real thing. This will show how capable you are to deliver the final product you would like funding for.

Committing to the development of a project, campaign or promotion is one thing, showing them value for their money is another. Many of the black talking heads are not good at giving updates, and if there are updates not giving credible ones, which are very vague. If a project is to be transparent, having access to the plans (as far as possible – if confidentiality or data protection), a clear direction of where the project is going and open access to the project. Clearly, some black projects are closed off and so it can be disappointing if you have pledged financially to the cause.

Based on what is said if all three of these conditions are like this then a project is not worth investigating on, we all make mistakes even I did (and I apologised see the blog). Think before you put time, money and effort into someone’s campaign as they might just be trying to create a wave with no foundations behind it.

In another 4 years

Recently, there has been a lot of debates between people in the so-called ‘conscious network’ who are arguing amongst themselves. This lead me to the belief, which I have had for a few years, that nothing will change.

There will be the same debates and arguments about the same issues and problems and issues amongst people and the childish behaviour of those who should know better will continue, whilst our people struggle economically, financially and politically across the world, and a few opportunists will fill their pockets.

I predict one of two things either all three or two of three will have cashed out of the enlightenment network and someone else will be around to take their place or new people will join and the current three will be around trying to oust the new scammers.

Going back into an area of interest in the past few months has found that religious institutions and churches are making headways, whilst some black churches which make millions per year, do not see that reinvested in such ways through community centres or services to help local residents get jobs, access local services or pay bills.

All those years ago this blog and site was created to help people access information to improve their communities using the regeneration experience and knowledge I have to access different resources within their communities. If only one person found the blogs or the tools on the site useful, I am glad but being honest its a hobby so I will only post sporadically and not very often, if I have no new information and resources to giveaway.

Banks with food

I have noticed in the retail sector, I have seen there has been an increase in the use of food banks to donate food waste. This is usually in the UK open to registered charities who want to collect the food to feed the homeless and those who are on a low income.

This has led me to ask if black organisations have used food banks, I have through my work seen one black organisation, which is a food bank mainly a church but I have yet to see this on a wide-ranging scale. Black people are suffering as much if not more than other races, due to systematic racism (being denied access to jobs and housing) and are most likely to be on the breadline compared to other races.

I notice that there are a lot of churches and community groups signing up to have food banks and all is required is a charity number in the UK, though I am not sure what you need in the US for example. I know black people are proud people but going to a food bank makes no difference if you are poor or struggling for a month.

I have left a list below of food bank directories for the UK and the US if you were interested in working with one or wanting to set one up within an organisation you might work with or a religious group you are part off.

List of food banks in the USA:

http://www.feedingamerica.org/?referrer=https://www.google.co.uk/

List of food banks in the UK:

Find a Food Bank

A solution to a underwhelming event

Recently, I was looking forward to going to a black event but this was dispelled as soon as I had entered the event.

There are several things which I will note:

• The reception was not courteous
• The leaflet had random pieces of information
• No itinerary for the days events
• No schedule for the speakers
• The event information was a Facebook page
• No activities for children
• There was no menu

This could easily have been:

• A warm welcome
• Simple but effective design of a leaflet/flyer
• A itinerary of what would be happening on the day
• A schedule of the days events
• Having a website as a first point of contact, with a Facebook page as a signpost
• Speakers being on time
• Activities for children
• Food menu as it had a cafeteria

The effect of being more organised:

• A value for money event
• More support in future
• A service which is worthwhile
• More transparent operation
• People who are capable of delivering a great event
• Repeat custom

The event could have been cheaper, and the atmosphere considering the topic it was focused on could have been more welcoming and interactive. It is some thing which an event organiser may think about as well as the committee of the organisation.

Freeloading

There is a lot of killer content out there, some of it is useful some does just that to your concentration. I’m more of a blog reader, though I also listen to podcasts as I work, travel to work or just out and about. One of the things which has struck me and other is how these videos make money.

Looking at the business side of these services is important if you want to understand the reason why they can keep this stream of content and information flowing. They get advertising money from adverts on their videos from the streaming channel. This is now being stopped by google for less desirable videos as there is a concern that too many truthful videos are benefiting from businesses who are purely interested in keeping you distracted with superficial and none nonsensical videos.

Most of the people who do truth seeking or providing videos could benefit from continuing to get the advertising money from these video which you watch without paying but google (in reference to YouTube has stopped this). Before my tirade ends, I have heard and seen some videos where these Video bloggers and podcasters have asked for financial support but there has been a lack of support from blacks, which is typical of my own people, we would rather pay a European for the same request and why because we do not value our own products.

There have been some instances where some people have asked for donations and the audience of the blog have told that person to get a job, or why should they pay for it. These are the kind of people that queue up for the latest gadget or item of clothing or have subscriptions to something which they rarely watch or because there friends have it, when that money could be used for something which they may have watched for years.

A way around this which I have discussed in a previous blog is the video blogger could have adverts at the start, middle and end of the videos, this way you will not be able to complain about the video blogger asking you for money and you will be able to continue to access your free information.

The other alternative to this is where a video blogger had decided to not bother create or release any content until they got a minimum number of donations or supporters on a service named patreon. If you have watched a lot of this persons content putting something towards it shows you will have a level of ownership.

Further Information:

Patreon (www.patreon.com)