Department of Social Work

Ball State University

Field Experience Report Format
NAME: Deric Batt

Date: March 13th, 2015

Organization/Agency/Entity of Experience & site: Muncie OUTreach

Contact Person: Laura Janney
Briefly describe your experience & observations (list activities & how
they compared to the IWB):
The group largely ran as a support group, helping LGBT teens and
young adults address issues of discrimination and adversity, while also
helping them learn certain skills (such as resume building, which was
discussed on the night I was there). The group opened with each member
discussing a positive and negative experience of the last week. After this,
the group discussed the proposed Religious Freedom Restoration Act and
its potential effect on the group members and others like them. The group
planned to create pieces of art against this measure and against Governor
Pence, which they would distribute and sell at the Indy Pride event in June.
After this, the group moved on to discuss resume building and job
interviewing skills, as was the nights theme.
What social problem is addressed by this organization? What target
population do they serve?
This group sets out to address the problem of discrimination against
LGBT individuals, giving them a place to reflect on their experience and a
safe place to discuss their life and ordeals they face. To this end, the group
largely focuses on LGBT young adults, while also welcoming LGBT allies
into their ranks. The group seemingly does both support group work as well
as coalition advocacy against discriminatory and dehumanizing policy
proposals, as evidenced by their rebellion against the RFRA and alliance
with organizations like Indiana Youth Group, a LGBT advocacy center for
younger individuals.

What is the organizations history in social change?

Muncie OUTreach does not appear to have a significant history of
statewide social change, but they have been instrumental in helping LGBT
youth in Muncie find an accepting and welcoming center to help cater to
their issues. They have stepped in and offered services for LGBT youths
that are sometimes not otherwise provided, such as a yearly donation drive
that gathers prom dresses for underprivileged youths and LGBT teens who
might not have the support of their families or what have you. Their brand
of social change appears to be in creating a safe haven for LGBT teens,
improving their situation and circumstances and letting them know they are
not alone and are valued.
What conclusions did you draw about their efficacy?
Muncie OUTreach seems to be effective in helping the youth that
come in for support. The group was incredibly open and honest about
everything, even with two strangers (Another BSU student and I) in their
presences. Mrs. Janney spoke about helping a youth who was talking
about committing suicide on Facebook the night before, so that is another
positive area.
For a group with seemingly limited resources, Muncie OUTreach
seems to be very effective in what they do, running a tight ship that has, to
great effect, improved the lives of the individuals they serve.