Ideopolis Volume 7, Issue 2, Spring 2020

Volume 7, Issue 2

Spring 2020

idea noun \ī-ˈdē-ə, -ˈdēə also ˈī-(ˌ)dē-

ə or ˈī-dē\: a thought, plan, or suggestion about what to do; an opinion or belief; something that you imagine or picture in your mind polis noun \ˈpä-ləs\: a Greek citystate; broadly: a state or society especially when characterized by a sense of community

Celebrating the Class of 2020 While nothing can replace the experience of walking across the stage at Commencement, the Department of Political Science wanted to do a little something special for our extra special class of 2020, so Dr. Schmeling created a video for our graduating Political Science, Public Administration, and Geography majors, as well as students who received an INGOS minor or certificate. You can find the video tribute with a full list of our graduates here: https://youtu.be/HFBhDjoshlw.

We also reached out to our graduating seniors asking them to send us brief bios.

Starting on page 4, you’ll find some of the students who make our department the best on campus! Also in this issue, you’ll meet several of our alumni, including a current state representative, and read insightful articles written by current students.

Enjoy!

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Alumni Spotlight: Karen Alzate ’13

by Silvia Castro ‘21 “I’m a first-generation student, I attended Pawtucket public schools ,and I can be equally as smart and respected as any man that has held a seat in office,” said RIC alumna Karen Alzate. In 2013, Alzate graduated Rhode Island College with a major in Political Science, minor in Sociology, and an INGOS certificate. Alzate decided to study political science because she wanted to become an immigration attorney.

Her father had been deported, and she observed how immigration lawyers had not been completely honest with her father. This experience made Alzate want to be a lawyer for the people. She could relate to their current struggles and was able to talk about the policies and future of undocumented individuals. In 2019, Alzate earned her M.A. in Community Development from Roger Williams University.

sponsor to The Reproductive Privacy Act aimed at keeping abortions safe and legal in Rhode Island, as well as prohibiting the state from interfering with an individual's reproductive health care. She also took part in putting together a legislative commission to study how to reach more people of color within the education field. “There are not enough people of color becoming teachers. There is this norm that people coming from poverty stay in poverty and we want to change that.” Through this commission, Alzate can discuss with other legislators the possibility of implementing policies to hire more people of color. This year, Alzate is working on tax incentives that would benefit schools and social services, and she is also currently working on housing bills that could eliminate many barriers people are facing.

Currently, Alzate is the member of the RI House of Representatives for the 60th District, which includes her hometown of Pawtucket.. In 2018, she won office with the help of an endorsement from current Senator Sandra Cano.

At the time, the current state representative of Pawtucket was endorsing an anti-immigration bill that aimed to cut services for undocumented individuals. The city of Pawtucket is a diverse city and rallied against this current representative which created the path and the push to have a representative who was for the people of Pawtucket. At first, this wasn’t something Alzate had in mind for her future; she was initially opposed to the idea of running for office and didn’t want to be very open about her father's deportation. But through her mother's encouragement she decided to run.

I asked Alzate for one piece of advice she would give to current RIC students, and here’s what she said: “Do what you want to do even if you're afraid of it. Running for office was scary! I never saw myself in that position, and yes. sometimes I don’t know what I’m doing, but that is okay because I am happy and passionate about my job. I like to say: Do something that will make you wake up in the morning ready to go to work happy. Do what you want to do. You cannot advocate or see changes if you don’t try. Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Running for office was a fun experience for Alzate; she enjoyed knocking on doors and spreading the word to get the people to vote. She wanted to be seen by the community as someone representative of the people, as someone they could know to trust. As a state representative, she has sponsored and endorsed many bills and was a co2

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Spring 2020

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Normally in the spring, Ideopolis would be filled with

Ruben G. Rubio Devin E. Santana Allison P. Tougas

news about departmental goings-on: the Department of Political Science Career Day, the Pi Sigma Alpha Induction, the “Washington Week” internship winners,

Congrats!

Congratulations, all!

and, of course, updates on what student organizations like the Poli Sci Club or Pre-Law Society are up to. Sadly,

WASHINGTON WEEK WINNERS

with everything having been cancelled, there’s not much to report, but we did want to recognize the newest

Each year in the spring, the Poli Sci department invites

members of Pi Sigma Alpha as well those students who

RIC students to apply for the “Washington Week”

should have been in DC this summer.

Internship. Students selected for this spend one week in DC working in the office of a member of the RI

PI SIGMA ALPHA WELCOMES NEW

congressional delegation and receive a stipend of

MEMBERS

$1000.00 from Student Community Government to offset their travel and lodging expenses. This year’s

In October of this year, Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, will celebrate its100th

winners were:

anniversary! With any luck, we will celebrate the Pi Sigma

Natalia Acarapi Mendoza (Pub Ad)

Alpha Centennial with a Pi Sigma Alpha Alumni Event in

Joseph Alexander (Hist)

the fall, where we will be able to recognize the newest

Allyn Ashton (Pol)

members of the Alpha Beta Epsilon chapter of Pi Sigma

Noah Paknis (Hist)

Alpha.

Alexis Rapoza (Comm)

CAP & GOWN WINNERS This spring, the annual Cap and Gown Ceremony was

source: https://www.pisigmaalpha.org/

cancelled. It is at this event that departments honor

2020 Pi Sigma Alpha Inductees:

graduating students with departmental awards. This year,

the Herbert R. Winter Award for Excellence in Political

Brielle Blais Michael G.Davis Jake H. DeBlois Keith Toste Alison P. Macbeth

Leslie C. Medina

Science went to Stuart Daniels. The North Providence League of Women Voters Award went to Tylar Rodrigues. For more info about these awards go to: www.ric.edu/politicalscience/Pages/awards.aspx.

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CONGRATS, GRADS! Mike “Young Michael” Brousseau class of 2020.

In 1996 Michael started attending classes in the art department at Rhode Island College, he left before finishing a degree to pursue a career as a tattoo artist. After more than 20 years, he returned to RIC as a student in the Geography program. With the guidance of his advisor, Dr. Mark Motte, he was able to finish his studies and, after an internship at Providence Public Library, Mike decided to further his education in the Masters of Library Science program at URI. He has been accepted into the program and he starts in the fall of 2020. Michael is very grateful for his time at RIC and to the Geography Department for making him feel right at home as an older student returning to campus life.

Michael Brousseau B.A. in Geography My name is Leighasia Dagraca. My major is geography. The three professors that have had a true influence on me are Dr. Motte, Dr. Dixon and Dr. Bonin. They taught me skills that I can carry with me forever, and I do plan to remain in contact with them. I volunteered at WaterFire and Save the Bay. I hope to gain a career that will relate to my new skills. My biggest challenge was keeping the motivation to finish college, but thanks to my supportive mother and Dr. Motte, I have made it. Thanks for the experience!

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Leighasia Dagraca B.A. in Geography

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My name is Lucy Di Naro, and I am from Cranston, RI. I am graduating with my Bachelor's in Political Science and Public Administration with a minor in Health Care Administration. Thanks to the countless friends and family members who have supported me in my three years at RIC, I have happily accepted a position as a Research Assistant at Romash Communications, a Political Consulting firm based in Jamestown, RI. I want to express my gratitude to the faculty, staff, and students of the Political Science Department for creating an excellent environment for students to pursue their curiosities. Stay safe, and cheers!

Lucille Di Naro B.A. in Political Science B.A. in Public Administration Minor in Health Care Administration Hi, my name is Arriana-Marie and I am a 2020 graduate! After four years at Rhode Island College, I earned a Bachelor’s in Political Science with a minor in Justice Studies. During my senior year, I completed an internship at the RI State house in the Law Revision department. It was an exciting experience. Two of the amazing honors I have received during my time at RIC is being inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success and Alpha Kappa Delta, the National Sociology Honor Society. During my senior year, I was also treasurer of the Pre-Law Society. The most important thing I learned during my experience at RIC is time management is everything, and you should follow your dreams; every step is worth it. In the fall, I will be going back to school to earn my paralegal certificate and in the future, I hope to apply to law school.

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Arriana-Marie Fiske B.A. in Political Science Minor in Justice Studies

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Patricia Flores Danielli B.A. in Political Science B.A. in Public Administration

Spring 2020

Patricia is a Peruvian immigrant. She migrated to the United States with her mother in hope of reaching the American dream. As a first generation college graduate, she hopes to be an inspiration for her siblings. She is graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Administration, and a minor in Philosophy. She is a Dean’s List student and a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society. As an immigrant, she has always been interested in working and advocating for the immigrant community. In the spring of 2019, she completed an internship at DORCAS International Institute, where she worked as a case immigration intern. Her experience at RIC has not only provided her with the learning tools necessary to work at any government agency, but it also has given her a sense of personal gratification and the confidence to be anything she wants to be. Her career vision is to work one day for DHS as an Immigration Analyst, while also setting a positive example for those that come to this country in search of the American Dream.

Minor in Philosophy What a journey it’s been! I will be graduating with a majors in political science and public administration. Being a transfer student from CCRI, I adjusted to RIC well, and am happy I was able to participate in some of the events put on by the department and the Poli Sci Club: Debate Watches, trivia nights, luncheons, etc. I thoroughly enjoyed many classes offered by the department, especially those taught by Professors Leazes, Motte, and Schmeling. Hands down, my most unforgettable memory was spending a week i n Wa s h i n g t o n D. C . i n t e r n i n g f o r Congressman Langevin after being chosen by the Poli Sci Department. It was a unique one-of-a-kind experience and I am grateful to the department and SCG for the amazing opportunity. I will now be searching high and low to find full time work in politics, publicadmin, or a similar field. Congratulations Class of 2020! I wish you all well in the years to come.

Jake Hall B.A. in Political Science B.A. in Public Administration

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Madeleine Leblanc B.A. in Political Science

Spring 2020

I am thrilled to be graduating with a double major in Political Science and Public Administration, as well as a minor in Communication. During my time at Rhode Island College, I have completed two internships; both a congressional placement in Congressman Langevin's Warwick office and a position as research assistant at the Department of Veteran Affairs. I’ve enjoyed my time on campus by being an active member of the American Democracy Project, president of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, and a member of the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success. Most recently I received the RIC Student Leadership Vital Contributor to the Community Award. I am excited to continue my career in Rhode Island by accepting a position on RI Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea’s campaign. I would like to thank all my professors who have motivated and taught me throughout the years!

B.A. in Public Administration Minor in Communication My name is Emily Long, and I am graduating from the Political Science department here at RIC. Two of my favorite classes at RIC were POL 203 Global Politics, and POL 332 Civil Liberties in the United States. Both of these classes piqued my interests, and truly helped me solidify my passion in the field of law. With this inspiration, I am pursuing law school post-graduation, starting by enrolling in LSAT prep classes. Over my four years at RIC I have been challenged mentally and physically, working full time and attending classes full time. I Emily Long have wanted to drop out numerous times, cut my B.A. in Political Science losses and just pretend college didn’t happen. With my support system I always was able to shake those Minor in Justice Studies thoughts, and with perseverance and patience, I am now graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, with a Minor in Justice Studies. I have made the Dean’s list multiple semesters, and I have also been inducted into the National Society for Leadership and Success. I want to thank Dr. Weil, Dr. Brophy-Baermann and Dr. Motte for their assistance in helping me graduate; all of your guidance and dedication to your job truly made a difference in my life.

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Tylar Rodrigues is a Rhode Island College graduate of 2020. In his time at Rhode Island College he has become Vice President of the Political Science Club, President of the Alpha Beta Epsilon chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, and was awarded the North Providence League of Women Voters Award. Tylar has the goal of becoming President of the United States one day so that he can be the change he wants to see in the world.

Tylar Rodrigues B.A. in Political Science

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Environmental Policy in Costa Rica: It’s Not All Green

by Alison Macbeth ’21 Pura vida, pure life, is the motto of Costa Rica. When I first landed in Costa Rica, pure life was the first thing that I fell in love with - the friendly people, the green mountains outlining the Central Valley, the warm January sun and the conscious connection to the earth. I was impressed with Costa Rica’s status as a global leader in environmental policy as well as their ranking as one of the happiest countries according to the Happy Planet Index. Eager and excited, I began to delve into the environmental policy through a course in my study abroad program. I soon discovered that although Costa Rica may be leading environmental efforts, they are not without significant challenges and greenwashed campaigns.

Over the past several decades, Costa Rica has stood out compared to neighboring countries in progressive policies preserving peace. In 1948 Costa Rica abolished their standing army and invested their military budget in the wellbeing of their citizens specifically in healthcare and education. While Costa Ricans remain very proud of being a country of peace, they also recognize that their protection comes from powerful countries such as the United States. Similarly, Costa Rica realizes that their economy largely rests on the Western economy which has fluctuated as multinational corporations have moved out of Costa Rica to find cheaper labor.

Despite these challenges in the global theatre, Costa Rica has recognized they have something that urbanized countries don’t have - forests, oceans and biodiversity. In fact, Costa Rica contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity ,which is a lot for a small country. They have

The author in Costa Rica

approximately 500,000 species, 12 different microclimates and several shark nurseries. While the global environmental leaders desperately try to preserve biodiversity, Costa Rica has begun to advertise itself as a source of global life rather than a resource for exploitation.

Against the global trend, Costa Rica’s land protection is increasing. About 26% of the land is protected in one way or another compared to 14% in the United States.

Additionally, progressive policies in the past several decades have changed the trajectory of depleted forests and doubled tree coverage. Nearly 50% of Costa Rica is considered forested in comparison to 1980 when the country was about 25% forested. Part of the success of their reforestation campaigns has been Payment for Environmental Services (PES) where foresteers are paid to preserve their forests. This funding comes through the state, often through foreign investments. (continued on page 14) 9

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ALUMNI UPDATES Albert Nani III ’84 (Pol), JD Southern New England School of Law ’94, is Human Resources Analyst III, RI Department of Administration.

Nicole Ryan ’14 (Pol) is Confidential Assistant for the Director of Business Development, City of Providence.

Albert Nani III

Nicole Ryan

Michael Smith ’79 (Pol/Public Service), MPA KennedySchool of Government, Harvard University ’84, works in the Office of Strategic Initiatives, Office of the President, Rhode Island College.

Julia Testa ’19 (Pol/Pub Ad/INGOS) is Student Engagement Specialist, Goodwill of Northern New England, Lewiston, ME.

The RIC Anchorman and Michael Smith

Help us create Alumni Updates and keep in touch with you by filling out our Jotform Alumni Survey at: https:// form.jotform.com/81836149461159.

Visit our Alumni Profiles page at: http:// www.ric.edu/politicalscience/Pages/ Alumni.aspx.

Julia Testa

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INGOS CORNER

In the Know about INGOS? This fall we are launching our new International NGOs program, redesigned with student and faculty input.

The matriculation of all new INGOS students (and current students upon request) will be under these new guidelines. The main difference between this new program and the old one is the reorganization and redesign of our key courses and the removal of the language requirement for the certificate. Please see the new guidelines on the next page for more information.

Another difference is the introduction of a new class, INGO 305 Professional Development, offered this fall and spring. This course is designed to help students navigate post-graduate career life. Whether you are preparing for graduate school or seeking work with a nonprofit or NGO, INGO 305 will help you develop a plan, set achievable goals, and produce the materials (resume, cover letters, personal statements) to be successful after graduation. All INGOS students are welcome to take this class as an elective. It also can replace INGO 303 Pre-Internship seminar for certificate students who already know where they want to intern or minor students who do not plan on interning while at RIC. Another new feature is an alumni program for certificate students. When you declare your interest in obtaining a certificate, you will be paired with an INGOS alum working in the field. These connections are designed to provide academic and professional guidance for students interested in pursuing international NGO studies, either in the workforce or through graduate school.

Finally, remote internships are available this summer and the fall. A number of organizations have specifically requested INGOS students thanks to the hard work and commitment of our current interns and alumni. Contact Professor Robyn Linde at rlinde@ric.edu for more information.

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and free exams as well as HIV testing. Through this,

Mapping Hope

young girls are being protected from immediate physical harm but are also given the opportunity to

by Genesis Orellana-Cabrera ‘21 Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a common practice in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East that takes place annually from July to September during break from school. In these countries, it is a cultural ritual of

strive for a different and improved future.

Hope for Girls and Women is not the only organization in Tanzania working to reverse the practice of FGM. Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) is an international team committed to humanitarian action

partially or totally removing the external genitalia of girls and young women for non-medical reasons.

According to the United Nations, approximately 140 million young women have been forced to undergo the procedure of the mutilation or cutting of their genitals.

It has resulted in multiple health risks such as bleeding, infections, pain, and even death. In order to fight against the violations of their human rights, many organizations have provided aid and refuge to protect

and community development through online open mapping. Open street mapping allows its users to put the world's most vulnerable people and places on the map. HOT established open street mapping for Tanzania and its work has had a great impact in the fight against FGM. In order to offer a safe place to the young girls that are in risk of undergoing FGM. Unmapped places make it difficult to rescue girls before they are forced to

young girls from FGM.

undergo the cultural ritual that violates their rights. By

Hope for Girls and Women is an organization founded

organizations like Hope for Girls and Women to take the

in 2017 by a Tanzanian activist, Rhobi Samwelly. After being forced to undergo female genital mutilation, she dedicated herself to protect the rights of young girls in East Africa, specifically Tanzania. Hope for Girls and Women runs several safe houses located in various regions of Tanzania which provide shelter and support to those experiencing violations of their human rights like the practice of FGM, child marriage and violence.

The organization relies on donations to offer the victims free classes that support women’s entrepreneurship skills, such as tailoring and computer training. After these courses, women will have better opportunities to generate a higher income and support their families while becoming more independent. Likewise, Hope for Girls and Women is committed to providing health care 13

mapping, HOT has made it more accessible for girls into the safe houses during “cutting season” and train them for a brighter future.

When I was first introduced to mapping, I did not understand how much of an impact my work will have on real lives. Professor Robyn Linde, director of the International Nongovernmental Organization Studies (INGOS) program, introduced us to FGM and humanitarian mapping. As a class assignment, each student was responsible for completing 12 hours of mapping Tanzanian territory. Personally, it was a great learning experience that allowed me to realize that in many parts of the world young women are facing a threat in their own homes. Hopefully, by placing their homes on the map, we may be able to save their lives.

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ahead in environmental policies, they also provide an example of how easily environmental policies can be greenwashed without genuine and authentic practices.

Environmental Policy in Costa Rica (continued from page 9) Rather than using forests as a source of lumber, forests are being seen as carbon capture hubs. Because Costa Rica contains rainforests, cloud forests, and dry forests the potential of carbon processing is significant.

Working for the “Whitehouse”

by Jake Hall ‘20 This semester, I was hired as an intern at U.S. Senator

Eco-tourists from all over the globe travel to Costa Rica to be inspired by extravagant beauty as well as the initiatives put in place by the environmentally minded government. Public parks are scattered throughout the metropolitan area. There are limits on cars to prevent exhaust pollution. Some hotels are rated by green leafs rather than gold stars. A substantial part of the Costa Rican economy is tourism. Overall they have capitalized on important environmental measures and have become leaders in the global movement towards conservation, reforestation and sustainability which fuels ecotourism.

Sheldon Whitehouse’s Rhode Island Office. I have previously interned for U.S. Congressman Jim Langevin in both his Rhode Island office and in his DC office during the “Washington Week” program, and was eager to continue my experience in the U.S. Congress, this time in the Senate. I have been working in the Office since January and have accomplished numerous tasks and assisted the Senator’s staff with various projects. I have mainly helped to file the Senator’s personal, executive correspondence, and have assisted his scheduler with planning and putting events into his calendar. A main responsibility of interns is to answer phone calls, and log the opinions of constituents who call to express their concerns about political issues.

Senator Whitehouse’s Office provides a paid internship to those seeking college credit. I am using this internship to fulfill my internship requirement for graduation. Working at Senator Whitehouse’s office is an eye-opening experience. I have seen firsthand how a Senator conducts their business at the state level. An internship such as this provides a valuable experience, especially for a political science/public administration major such as me.

Sadly, as they have attempted to expand the economy, the environment has taken a toll. Many so-called ecotourists' lodges and activities push out wildlife. Beaches which are supposed to be public are hidden within luxurious resorts for rich tourists. Golf courses hog clean water resources that local people are dependent upon.

High traffic in national parks has caused wildlife to be exposed to plastic wrappers and other harmful human leftovers. The more research I conducted and eco-tourist encounters I experienced, the question of authentic ecotourism became prominent. While many honest efforts of sustainability are progressing, there are still significant discrepancies in the expanding Costa Rican tourism sector.

In the end, Costa Rica is still a model for other countries to follow. Environmental policies are essential for the health of the country, the wellbeing of the people and the rights of everyone involved. While Costa Rica is far

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This has certainly been a semester like no other. As I write this, we still don’t know what the fall semester will bring. While I hope that we will be back on campus, even if we are, it is very likely that some of our fall courses will end up being on-line or hybrid rather than in person. I know the uncertainty means that some of you are holding off on registering for classes, but please consider doing so if you have not.

RIC’s current budgetary situation means that, once again, I’ll be told by the dean to cancel under-enrolled classes a few weeks before classes start. If you need to have your universal hold removed, please reach out to your advisor or to me as soon as possible.

goodbye to two faculty members; Dr. Nancy Oppenlander and Dr. Larry Weil have both decided to retire. Normally, my colleagues and I would get together to wish them well, but of course, this semester is anything but normal.

I want to thank my colleagues for everything they did to quickly redesign their courses mid-semester. I want to thank our students for their understanding, and, for their perseverance. I also want to thank our administrative assistant, Amy Tibbetts, for holding down the fort from home.

I truly hope we will see each other in the fall. I want our new Political Science, Public Administration, Geography, and INGOs students to have the chance to check out the Political Science lounge and meet our current students and faculty in person. I want to see what Dr. Schmeling and Dr. Rogol dream up for Constitution Day in September. I want to recognize our newest members of Pi Sigma Alpha at a special Centennial Celebration of Pi Sigma Alpha over homecoming weekend in October. I want to attend a Poli Sci Club Election Night Party in November. I want to enjoy our end-of-semester Holiday Party in December. But, what I want MOST of all is for all of us to be safe and healthy. I do hope each of you is okay, and that you’re hanging in there.

Normally, I would try to get the spring issue of Ideopolis out in time for Accepted Students Day in early April. I like to take hard copies to that event so that prospective students can take an issue home with them and learn more about our department, our students, our alumni, and our faculty. This year, there was no Accepted Students Day, no Political Science Department Career Day, no Pi Sigma Alpha Induction Luncheon, no Cap and Gown Ceremony, no students sent to DC for Washington Week, no graduation party and of course, no graduation. These are the annual events that bring us together… not having them, not having Poli Sci Club and Pre-Law Society meetings, not seeing each other in the classroom or the lounge, all of this has made me appreciate even more the department, my colleagues, and especially, our students.

Please take care of yourself and keep in touch.

Dr. Michelle Brophy-Baermann

This year, we said hello to a new faculty member, Dr. Yuree Noh. We also said 15

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Ideopolis Rhode Island College Department of Political Science 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave. Editor Michelle Brophy-Baermann

Visit the Political Science Department's website, Facebook page, and Instagram!

Copy Editor

Amy Tibbetts

IDEOPOLIS WANTS YOU!

If you like to write and have ideas for the newsletter, consider joining the Editorial Board. Ideopolis comes out once each semester.

Send all comments, questions, suggestions, news and more to mbrophy@ric.edu.

Find this and previous issues of Ideopolis online at: http://issuu.com/ideopolis, or on the Political Science website.

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