It is anticipated that the initial discussion post should be in the range of 250-300 words. Response posts to peers have no minimum word requirement but must demonstrate topic knowledge and scholarly engagement with peers. Substantive content is imperative for all posts. All discussion prompt elements for the topic must be addressed. Please proofread your response carefully for grammar and spelling. Do not upload any attachments unless specified in the instructions. All posts should be supported by a minimum of one scholarly resource, ideally within the last 5 years. Journals and websites must be cited appropriately. Citations and references must adhere to APA format.

Classroom Participation

Students are expected to address the initial discussion question by Wednesday of each week. Participation in the discussion forum requires a minimum of three (3) substantive postings (this includes your initial post and posting to two peers) on three (3) different days. Substantive means that you add something new to the discussion supported with citation(s) and reference(s), you are not just agreeing. This is also a time to ask questions or offer information surrounding the topic addressed by your peers. Personal experience is appropriate for a substantive discussion, however should be correlated to the literature.

All discussion boards will be evaluated utilizing rubric criterion inclusive of content, analysis, collaboration, writing and APA. If you fail to post an initial discussion or initial discussion is late, you will not receive points for content and analysis, you may however post to your peers for partial credit following the guidelines above.

Initial Response

Instructions:

For this first discussion, please introduce yourself to the class in a creative way.

1. Create a PowerPoint to introduce yourself to the class.
2. Creatively display a presentation that captures you as an individual.
3. Choose background and graphics that best represent you as a professional graduate student.
4. Feel free to include your work experience, your motivation for returning to school, the state you live in, your career goals, etc.
   1. What is your dream social work job?
   2. What do you like to do for fun?
   3. Include anything else you would like us to know about you!
   4. Feel free to use photos and/or colorful graphics and background.
   5. Respond to 2 peers post to welcome them to the class!
5. Post the completed narrated PowerPoint to the discussion board. 

POST

 What do you like to do for fun?   Traveling, dance, shopping ,skatingmy dream is my nonprofit organization  https://crescentcityfalconshealthcareservices.com/

Brenda Ann Pitts grew up in New Orleans, LA. She attended L.E. Rabouin High School and graduated in 2010. She is a single mother of three kids. In 2013 she was in a very abusive relationship. It took her three months to seek help because shelters was full. She was able to receive help from Crescent House New Orleans Family Justice Center in New Orleans, LA. While in the shelter, Brenda saw a need to help people with disabilities. She is a Certified Nursing Assistant for 10 years and a Medical Assistant with an education Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management from Herzing University. She has also volunteered and assisted at numerous homeless shelters in the New Orleans area. Brenda wants to break the generational cycle by empowering women, men, and families to divorce unhealthy patterns. Brenda, founder Crescent City Falcons Healthcare Service transitional housing will help improve the community of New Orleans, LA.