CSR Direct Project

November, 2016

An introductory podcast is yet to be recorded, published, and linked here.

The videos below are my first attempt at recording videos for this CSR Direct Project, to explain just what is the CSR Direct Project. Please bare with me as I begin to get more comfortable being infront of the camera.

Thursday, March 31, 2016

The need for setting priorities seems rather obvious.  Especially, at this stage of the development, where I’m the sole person working on this Project.  But, this project was always meant to invite, enlist, and encourage people in the community to help with the creation and updating of this work.

Since the beginning of 2016 I’ve been working to figure out how best to move to the next level of development of this project.  I’ve had so many ideas all along the way, ever since 2010, when I started it.  By the way, it has been very helpful and important to take my time, for many reasons I will articulate at a later time.

Continuous Priorities

We (myself, and those who help) will work to continually update the following subjects, events and resource information.

Advocacy is on many peoples minds, in the early part of the year because the state legislators are at the capital, in session, making decisions.  Advocacy for human rights and social justice needs to be a year long effort.

Advocacy Events Google calendar (Minnesota)

CSR Minneapolis Advocacy Page, www.csrmpls.info/advocacy

CSR MN Forums, Topic on MN Day(s) on the Hill (list)

CSR MN Forums, Advocacy Events Forum

Fundraising is an important subject, for community awareness all year long.  The more awareness, the potential for quicker funding goals achieved.  And, for potentially more involvement by the community.  You know the saying: “Many hands make light work.”  A very important issue these days is who to decide, and who is deciding just what is the work that needs to be done.

Fundraising Events Google calendar (Minnesota)

CSR Minneapolis Fundraising page, www.csrmpls.info/fundraiser

CSR MN Forums, Fundraising Events Forum

Current Priorities

I’ve chosen 3 resource subject areas on which to focus this first quarter of 2016.  But, I will continue to work on them until they are completed, to the best of my (our) ability.  And yet, all through this resource development, I will work on the web development.  Or, graphic look, images, fonts and the like.

The 3 resource subject areas are Food, Shelter, and Technology.

Free Community Meals [food] was the first subject I researched when I first started developing this project.  In Minnesota, we have many organizations and faith communities and nonprofits that provide free meals to those in need.

All of these are currently being researched to be completely updated.

CSR Minneapolis, Free Meals Google Calendar.

CSR Minneapolis, Free Meals page.

CSR MN Documents, Food Resources Documents page.

CSR MN Forums, Free Community Meals Forum Topic.

CSR MN Forums, Supportive Food Resources Forum.

Food Shelves [food] are another resource for those that may still have housing, income and a job.  But, they may still need help with putting food on the table. In Minnesota, we have many organizations, faith communities and nonprofits that provide food shelves to those in need.

All of these are currently being researched to be completely updated.

CSR Minneapolis, Food Shelf Google Calendar.

CSR Minneapolis, Food Shelf page.

CSR MN Documents, Food Resources Documents page.

CSR MN Forums, Food Shelf Forum Topic.

CSR MN Forums, Food Shelf Resources Forum.

Shelter Resources [housing] are an obvious priority, for those that need a safe place to sleep, eat, and be protected from the elements.  Especially, here in Minnesota, with it’s frigid winters.  Here, we’re beginning to identify available shelter resources, starting with Minneapolis and western metropolitan Twin Cities, MN.

All of these are currently being researched to be completely updated.

CSR Minneapolis, Shelter Resources Google Calendar.

CSR Minneapolis, Shelter Resources, page.

CSR MN Documents, Shelter Resources, Documents page.

CSR MN Forums, Shelter Resources, Forum.

Phone Services [technology] are an obvious priority these days, not just a necessity.  For the community of people in poverty and dealing with homelessness, having that form of connection with others is mandatory. 

All of these are currently being researched to be completely updated.

CSR Minneapolis, Phone Resources Google Calendar.

CSR Minneapolis, Phone Resources page.

CSR MN Documents, Free Phone Short List PDF document.

CSR MN Documents, Technology Documents page.

CSR MN Forums, Free Phone Services Forum Topic.

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Welcome back everyone. I am here to speak to the development process.  Specifically about the amount of time I have taken.  To put it simply, I’ve taken the time I needed while dealing with current circumstances.  Most of it very difficult.  This has been a personal process as much as a professional one. 

I don’t want to take too much time explaining, but it certainly deserves some attention.  And frankly, I didn’t know how to explain it for years.    All I was doing was listening to my gut, as the saying goes.

The initial influence and concept idea came easy.  In 2010 I became very aware of community resources I never knew about.  It was a simple personal need that lead me to think of some very natural ideas that no one else was utilizing. Taking care of a personal need, putting all the local free community meals in a Google calendar became something that could be published and extremely helpful to the whole community  The ripple effect outward was, and is very natural, and strong.  Everything else came out of that.

It has been the nature of the helping community that has proven to be a significant problem.  And yes, I do understand the significance of saying that.  And yet, it would be the elephant in the room if I didn’t. 

Thirty years ago or more, in 1983, I began working with peers and professionals to learn what it means to live outside the alcoholic/addict family system.  And, in the process, do the work required, to heal from the abuse and humiliation that set me up to be sexually molested.  This happened while participating in the Boy Scouts, during my Jr High school years.

This was a very dark time for me.  I kept the secret for years, and later found out multiple boys were molested.  Everything was swept under the rug.  These experiences would define the rest of my life.

I began this work because other organization were not!  So, there is a definite social advocacy aspect to the work of the CSR Direct Project!  But, I have found I can be very distracted and deeply frustrated when even beginning to address those social issues.  This is where continuing my personal work over the years, including now, has been and is so valuable! 

The CSR Direct Project is here to facilitate our community to take back ownership of resource information, and work together to build the most complete and up to date listings, in multiple formats.  And, to begin wrestling with how to talk about what really is happening in our community.  Not what we wish, want, and hope is happening.

The image above is a graphic visual showing what it means to get pulled off track or off course.  And therefore what kind of effort it takes to get back on course.  Sometimes, it comes up in a very subtle way, and then takes me far out of the way.  What does this mean, specifically?  During my time in the shelter system, and focused on the development of this project, I have witnessed too many staff, supervisors, and management act off, inappropriate, out of control, rude, and the like.  This is not an exaggeration.  There are many, many stories and anecdotes, I have to tell, that articulate the truth of my experiences. 

Today is Sunday, June 8, 2014. and I've decided to break my silence, so to speak, since I haven't posted in many months.  So much has been going on, and I've wanted to post many times.  I've just been overwhelmed by where to start, and how to explain this project.

Every day things unfold for me, sometimes directly, sometimes indirectly relating to this project.  But, developing this new non-profit business to create a new model in resource information through technology is very important to me.  A mission, to be sure. 

Oddly enough, people I've talked to over the past few years about this work, didn't seem to see that this project was to be a job.  Not only for myself, but for about 3 others.  As I was showing the resource info web development progress to a Catholic Charities mid-manager, he turned to me and said "This should be your job."  "No kidding?!", ran through my mind right away.

And, as it turns out, something I've discovered in the past 4 years, a mission extension of another personal mission.  To fully recover and find relief from being raised in a severely alcoholic family system.  My father being a drunken Marine that never recovered.  A functional drunk, for the most part.  And, from being sexually molested by a Navy Seal, acting as an assistant Boy Scout Master.

Poignant side note: In August of 2012, I attended the first of 2 Metro Stand Downs for Veterans located at the Boy Scout Base Camp at Fort Snelling.  I was there to help with voice mail outreach provided by Open Access Connections.  I've been working with them, doing outreach for about 3 years.  At the first stand down I noticed an odd feeling come over me.  I was at a Boy Scout Base Camp, with all sorts of military men walking around, a few with weapons.  After a few moments, it dawned on me why I had the odd feeling.  But, I was clean, clear, and very good because of my personal work over the years.

Though, I've been preparing for this kind of mission for decades in that recovery process, I began conceptualizing this particular project (and mission) about 4 years ago, June of 2010.  I had just ran out of money and found myself on the streets for a few days, then a shelter.

Long story short (to be articulated further at a later date) I've been staying in the shelter system ever since... focused on this project.

Some have suggested, and many others have had opinions and attitudes they've wanted to "offer" about getting out of the shelter first.  Then, work on the project.  Essentially, I've said no. 

It's only because of staying in the shelter system, going through this experience have I further developed awareness and skills needed to complete this kind of project, to my satisfaction.

Very simply, I want this project to develop out of the social manure of the homelessness experience, and circumstance.  This project is NOT just for the poor or homeless! it is for everyone, one community.  Fragmented, to be sure.

There is so much more to say about this, and I'm running out of time to get this posted before going back to the shelter.  But, first things first!  Those of you in the general public do not know the range of people in the shelter system.  And then, assumptions are commonly made to the detriment of everyone.

Monday, September 30, 2012

Today was the second time in two weeks where David/CSR Direct Link was able to provide me with immediate viable information which will help me assist and refer clients to resources in the community. Collaborating and having a website available for all twin cities resources in one place is going to make my job 10 times easier. Thank you!

Jessica Marshall, SNAP Coordinator Catholic Charities, Higher Ground Minneapolis, MN

Catholic Charities Opportunity Center

p.s. from David

The subject Jessica and I were talking about today was resource information for ex-offenders.  Since I’ve been living in the Minneapolis shelter system for the past 3 years focused on this project work, and laying the ground work for this project, and making connections, I’ve talked to many ex-offenders, lived with many ex-offenders, be-friended many ex-offenders.  And, hear a great deal of frustration from ex-offenders committed to turning their life around.  Often enough, just digging down and holding onto the good, kind, productive person they already are.  And, often enough learning to, struggle to handle deep painful feelings from years of abuse, being devalued, disenfranchised, harassed, and more.

Jessica and I have had many conversations regarding the homeless community, and where and how the ball gets dropped, so to speak, regarding genuinely helping people in this community.  Every Monday I do Voice Mail Outreach for Open Access Connections from 8:30 to 10:30am, at the Catholic Charities Opportunity Center.  Jessica comes in on Monday’s as well, to work with clients there.  Her office is right behind where we set up, so we’ve had many opportunities to chat.

Jessica had made a list of resource information for ex-offenders as a task/project for Catholic Charities.  I took a look at it and knew there were resources not listed, and suspected there were several others we hadn’t even learned.  So, I showed her what I knew of regarding some links and information online.

Jessica’s comment, compliment above refers to that conversation, and information yet to be posted on my websites.  The project development has gone through many twists and turns, and is still at the ‘prepping for content’ stage.  Or, design stage. The adding content stage is just getting started.

One thing you will learn, especially regarding this project, my work is NOT half baked.  It is and will be the best clean, clear source of information online.  And, with deeper moral integrity to boot.

I have also found just listing a bunch of “stuff” does not really provide a resource service.  It is the mission of CSR Direct Services to facilitate complete information, as well as explanation and interpretation of said information, where it is possible. That is where CSR MN Forums comes in.  The CSR Minnesota message board where the community can come in and add resource information, and build The Need Be Network ~ Need a Resource, Be a Resource.

Also, we are NOT responsible for the services provided by others, but were are capable of genuinely doing a good job, that is not half baked.

Here is what I learned, when I looked into it further, this evening.  Right now, I’m at the Higher Ground shelter.  I’m posting this from the shelter.  I can because of the new hotspot donated by someone named Carson.  It’s lights out, and I’m working to finish this, so I can get to bed.

This year I happened to notice the anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy.  As a person with the recovery I have behind me, I do not look at this tragedy in the same way as many, if not most others. 

I don't want to take too much time on  this subject, but simply say that this is a good use of social media, to process and remember social tragedy.

For some reason watching and listening today's memorial online has me tearing up.  Maybe I'm taking on the feelings of all these people reading the names of their loved ones.

The real lesson here is the value of getting beneath the surface reaction of hate, anger, and fear to the simple yet painful feelings of hurt and loss.  Because that is at the heart of this kind of circumstance.

Real relief and resolve can be had when a person, any person gets to those feelings at ones core.  And, we can keep ourselves from that relief and resolve by avoiding that process and medicating ourselves.

You and I can always choose the better path, make the better choice.  And, when we do, everyone around us benefit or suffer from our choices.

This is part of the reason why I'm doing this project.  This kind of issue in our life, and the history we have here.  I will do my best to speak up, and help us, our community to see how our thinking needs to turn around.  That there is too much suffering, unnecessary suffering in this world, our community.  Minneapolis, St Paul, and greater Minnesota.

In 2008, Jim Miller had a dream, a vision of sorts about the Dakota 38.  Until this dream, he says, he did not know anything about the Dakota 38.

2012 was the 150 Anniversary of the mass hanging in Mankato, MN.

This is a serious, and clear example of how years ago the thinking in this community, and the nation was so deeply misguided, and brutal. This seems to me to be a very clear and graphic example of how the native peoples of our area, were betrayed, lied to, and killed, for so many wrong reasons.

There is always a very poignant and sobering question when it comes to this kind of story, even with whatever brutality the native warriors committed.  The question being, put in their circumstance, put in the position they had to deal with... what would you do?  The American government was so wrong in its actions, the set up of this circumstance, prior to this war that broke out, to expect anything else would be deeply naive and ignorant.

Watch the video below!  Research for yourself, and learn about the Dakota 38, plus 2.  Was it the largest mass execution in American history?

The American government represents ALL of us.  I will never point the finger at the government in a way that separates me from them.  And, when it, the government, and people or organizations in authority, are wrong, we need to speak up!  We need to influence change.  We need to be sober, and use wisdom, not indulge the troubling patterns of an addictive, or addict based society, with all the quick fixes, and ways to medicate.  We need to be strong, pray for strength.

Click on the blue bar (link) above, and also see the additional links below for more information.  See the full length video below to watch documentary movie about the Dakota 38, plus 2.

TPT Video Archive

Dakota 38 plus 2, 2008 memorial ride website

MPR NEWS Report 2012

I Have a Dream Speech Martin Luther King's Address at March on Washington August 28, 1963. Washington, D.C. When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring fro...

As a man, I do not have a problem saying that watching this speech brought me to tears.  The way he articulated his message, and the depth of his investment of doing right, and leading others seems unmatched, in my opinion.

Enhance your social media management with HootSuite, the leading social media dashboard. Manage multiple networks and profiles and measure your campaign results.

I just tried to log into Hootsuite, the social media management dashboard, and the downtown central library did NOT allow me to even go to their site.  And, this was with my own laptop.  Very frustrating.  When I tried from a library computer, I thought maybe it was just their limitation, their computer firewalls, etc.

It wasn't the computer, it was the internet connection.  I just went to the Hootsuite website with no problems using my Clear Wireless hotspot. 

Went over yesterday to PC's for People.  They didn't have what I needed, but helped me get it anyway.  They provide an awesome service to the community is multiple ways. 

Check them out, click blue button above.  Consider donating your old commuter, monitor, etc.  Or, see if they can help you with your computer needs.

Home Page for Hennepin County Library, providing services for Minneapolis, MN (US) and surrounding suburban areas.

There is so much more important things to write about than this, but about 12:30pm, I just had my power cord stolen.  This includes the cord that goes to the outlet with the 3-prong plug, and the converter that goes to my HP Pavilion dv7 laptop.  This cord powers the machine and charges the battery.  So, this machine will only work now, as long as my battery holds out, then I'm SOL as they say.

MAD AS A HORNET!

NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ASAP!  I use this laptop everyday, several times a day, for many purposes.

With all due respect to the security guard that said it, I do NOT want to hear any "it could have been worse" BS.  A theft is a theft.  For me, this is NOT the time to be minimizing what happened.  Of course, for security, it serves their purpose by saying that. They want to feel better about it.  It does highlight the fact that security cameras are woefully minimal on the 4th floor.  Another security guard said "it's all about the budget, we'd love to have more cameras up here."

When I think about it, there could be a certain strategy on the part of the thief.  Since the laptop is much more identifiable, and obvious, a missing power cord was not noticed right away.  So, the thief had more time to get away because of it being so innocuous.

I've been sacrificing a lot to work on, and build on this project vision.  Three years living in a shelter system that sucks for many many reasons.  And, recent threats because of not dropping assault charges from a sucker punch from a genuinely mild comment.  How absurd. 

Popping off, out-of-control, for what?!  In the end, to get negative attention. I will say that I'm grateful for many people coming to my defense, and wanting to protect me.  I am truly grateful.  The people making the threats on my life need to mind their behavior, or reap some serious consequences.  And the question remains... over what?!

Actually, MORE THAN MAD AS A HORNET!

There's so much going on, and so much to write about, I was easily eager and ambitious to write on a regular basis.  But, obviously, that hasn't happened, for several reasons.  Partly because I'm more eager and ambitious to do the work, rather than write about it.  Which I think is something we all struggle, wrestle with on from time to time, if not on a regular basis.  The question of how much organizing, and writing about the process is necessary or worthwhile, and how much is just wasted time and effort.

At this point, I really am just missing opportunities.  That it really is just about my being rather new to posting my thoughts and ambitions online.  Especially, in light of all the nonsense that I myself has seen online, besides all the complaining I've heard and heard about from many sources.  Having said that, an aspect of my obstacles is simply that I'm very eager to sort out the details of my vision

ASSAULT AT OPPORTUNITY CENTER And then there's the assault, or sucker punch a couple weeks ago, May 10th, affects of which still linger on.  Not just on my head (I looked away at the wrong time, and fell back after the punch, hitting my head on the cement), and bruises on both elbow, and stitches on my right. The original tennis-ball sized lump on the crown of my head has dropped down to about marble size.

But, also the threats by his buddy suggesting somehow I "deserved it."  That I should take it like a man.  And, by the way, drop the assault charges by on his buddy. The guy had to know he was going to "catch a case" as they say, sucker-punching a white guy right outside the Opportunity Center with a police squad car right across the street with two officers watching.

I firmly believe he picked me, not just because I was white (several African American buddies of mine clearly confirmed this), but also because I am a safe person.  Many guys I've talked to said I'm dealing with it well, that had they been hit like that, well lets just say there really is a thing called 'street justice.'  I've seen the results of beatings and muggings and heard many first and second hand reports that are trustworthy.

There is a serious set up here too.  Black man takes a shot at a white man, so the white guy must deserve it.  And, if the white guy goes after the black guy to 'get revenge", set things straight as they say.  And, many I have talked to have said it.  Well, the fact that it was me, doing what I'm doing in and for the community.  The fact that it is well known in the shelter and street community that I don't "party", drink, do drugs, smoke anything.  Well, "he" (the white guy) is just another affluent, privileged white dude putting a black man down. 

BTW, there is much more to this story, and NO I did NOT deserve it.  I am not affluent, nor did I come from it.  And I have gone through the hard work of dealing with peer pressure, successfully many times and for many years.  It gives me the opportunity myself to learn about going through this kind of experience, victim services and how the legal 'system' works at this level.  Being the the shelter system, or homeless, there are much more troubling issues not commonly known, appreciated, let alone prevented by those in 'authority",

This past weekend I was listening to KNOW 91.1 radio here in Minneapolis, MN.  Click on the text link to go to the live show and see the current calendar.

The show I listened to this past weekend was "The Moth: True Stories, told live."   This particular show had a member of Run DMC who told the audience about a serious time in his life.  It was well written and well told, and had everyone in the audience in awe as well as laughing.  We all came to understand that Darryl "DMC" McDaniels had one of those feeling or emotional moments.  One of those times where everything seemed not just okay, but great.  That his "strange" feelings didn't make sense, but still... there they were, as real as the nose on his face, as they say.

Listen for yourself.  I hope it helps to support those times you when you had, having or will have one of 'those' moments.  Moments of self-awareness that contradicts what you had long understood.  That everything happens for a reason.  Challenge conventional ideas, consider being a leader.  You can do it.

In this story Darryl McDaniels, after searching to understand what is going on about the emptiness he was feeling, discovered he was adopted.  So Darryl asked Sara McLachlan to help him do a remake of Harry Chapin's "Cats in the cradle" - Run DMC style.

Check out the new Emergency Food Shelf Network website

Here is this weeks Express Sites.

Warehouse Sales (5/6)

 New Hope: 5-7pm

South St Paul (5/7)

 Central Square Community Center: 4-6pm

St Louis Park (5/7)

 Lenox Community Center: 4-6pm

St Paul Hazel Park (5/8)

 Hazel Park Church: 4-6pm

St Paul West 7th (5/10)

 West 7th Community Center: 10am to 12noon