Where Art Thou Country?

How Education Today Is Killing Our Kids & What We Can Do To Change It!

2009-11-03T10:59:00.010-05:00

Ok, yes the title is a little drastic, but it is catchy! However, education today is creating a seismic schism in the creative development and engagement of our young students and the reality of standardized, statistical orientated teaching & learning. When you look back at your days in class, how many times did you feel as though what you were learning had nothing to do with your eventual dreams or goals for your life? Or that schools were so focused on getting the best standardized test the idea of allowing students to be creative was thrown completely under the bus? Sadly, it is worse today more than ever before. Pablo Picasso once said, "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up". I believe this resonates loudly today with the ever growing iron fist of standardized testing. Students are no longer seen as creative human beings that are capable of so much when given the opportunity and the resources to mold and build their own futures.

Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D. one of the most well-known experts on creativity, innovation and human resources puts it like this: "In a nutshell, it's that we're born with immense natural talents, but our institutions, especially education, tend to stifle many of them and as a result we are fomenting a human and economic disaster." He goes on to argue that with the advent of mass testing of students, arts and creative development have all been downgraded and teachers are forced to adhere to rigid testing standards and regulations. In a recent 2009 report by the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future, "one of every three new teachers will leave the profession within five years" and "more than a third of the nations 3.2 million teachers could retire over the next four years."

In order for keep this national tragedy from causing major economic and educational disruptions in our nation's schools teachers must be given the tools, resources, and leeway to work with students on an individual level, instead of the traditional means of learning, i.e. chalk/white boards and lectures. In our ever growing tech savvy society, where social networking and innovation are changing the way we get information and share that info with others, we must do more to engage and empower our young people to come out of their shells and explore their own creative and innovative talents with teachers leading the way.

In a recent study by Gallup to measure the hope, engagement, and well-being of America's students, in which 70,078 students in grades 5 through 12 from 335 schools and 59 districts located in 18 states and the District of Columbia were polled, the results were quite powerful.

Half of students are hopeful; these students possess numerous ideas and abundant energy for the future. The other 50% are stuck or discouraged, lacking the ideas and energy they need to navigate problems and reach goals.
Half of students are engaged; they are highly involved with and enthusiastic about school. The other half of students are either going through the motions as school or actively undermining the teaching and learning process.
Nearly two-thirds of students are thriving; they think about their present and future life in positive terms, and they tend to be in good health and have strong social support. Just over one-third of students are struggling or suffering.
25% of responding students meet the criteria for classification of hopeful, engaged, and thriving. These students have abundant energy and ideas about the future and are enthusiastic about school and what it has to offer.

Generally, this report in my eyes tells us that we have much more work to do to give our young people the ability and opportunity to share with us their creative talents and to live a life that they enjoy, that is not based on parental or cultural expectations of what they should or should not do with their lives in the realm of career and education. The expectation for most students is finish high school, finish college, get a job, raise a family, and retire. However, this expectation is rooted in the decades past. Educational objectives and wanted outcomes must measure up to the needs and wants of today's generation without barring students from engaging in the arts and real experiential learning.

Lets not kid ourselves, we are in a national crisis. In a recent hearing held by the US House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor, experts testified that "only about 70 percent of students graduate from high school with a regular high school diploma" and "in the 50 largest cities, only 53% of students graduate on time". When students are not in the classroom learning and truly being able to reach their goals and dreams it effects all of us. The McKinsey Corporation recently found "that if minority student performance had reached white students by 1998, GDP in 2009 would have been between $310 billion and $525 billion higher or approx. 2 to 4 percent of GDP". We cannot continue to ignore the economic and cultural impacts of a failed education system that is truly leaving out and ignoring many of our most desperate youth.

Education today seems to be primarily focused on right and wrong--or simply put failure. There is no longer a view in most public schools that making mistakes is a means to learn from this and to grow as an individual and as a creative talent. Students are given rigid standards by way of standardizing testing and if they don't meet those prescribe standards they are considered a failure. We stigmatize those students--they are called dumb, ADD, ADHD, special, etc. Instead we should try and figure out what their creative talents are--what they want to learn, who they are as a human, their hopes and dreams. And with that information, design a curriculum that is based on those individuals goals and ideals, without getting rid of a strong curriculum that includes math, science, reading, writing, etc. I believe that every child deserves a well-rounded education so they have the opportunity to decide their own future aspirations, and not the system deciding for them.

What if we measured student success on the outcome of our students goals and creative talents and not based on a one-size fits-all test? What if we taught students self-leadership, personal development, and creative exploration along with a core college prep curriculum? Lets not merely measure student success on what past generations believed was important, but lets explore the realm of what has not yet been discovered. There is so much to learn from our young people and I believe that the future of education and America's social and economic status in the world depends on.

One of my favorite collection of words by Sir Ken Robinson is this: "Education is about developing human beings, and human development is not mechanical or linear. It is organic and dynamic." And by this I believe he is saying education cannot be forced, it cannot be spoon-fed, but must come up from the hearts, souls, and minds of our young people and their own quest for identity and creative exploration.

Generation Y: How the Creativity of Millennials Can Change the Workplace & The World.

2009-11-02T15:15:00.019-05:00

The job search has begun, constant Internet searching and a review of contacts opens some leads, and the perfect job is right around the corner (hopefully)--now it’s time to find that dream company that just so happens to have a position that fits that new young employee just right. As a millennial and young employee in the 21st Century, every day I probably spend 70% of my time thinking of how inefficient, disorganized, non tech-savvy, and mundane some employers can truly be (including my own). Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to have a job with benefits with the way the economy is today. However, with that said, simply paying me is not going to keep me working for an organization I do not fully believe in or feel as though I'm truly making a positive impact on those I serve and for my future. For many young people today or Generation Y, we see our place of employment as an extension of who we are and the ideals we hold for the present and our futures. We ask ourselves, "Is this job going to lead me to a higher paid position?", "does my company pay for graduate school?", "do my co-workers listen to my ideas and opinions?", and "do I come in everyday and feeling as though I'm making a positive difference?".

I'm sure there are hundreds of questions that go through the minds of those young workers under the age of 30. Our generation was created on the idea of achieving anything we put our mind to, that technology is our friend, and that multi-tasking is the norm. We hold ourselves to high standards when it comes to setting goals and achieving them and we expect those around us to treat us as equals regardless of age or educational background. The old school idea of a top-down work structure does not bode well in our minds. We view the work place as a bottom-up structure where we are able to create positive change every single day without having to deal with red tape and four different executive officers for approval. If we have a great idea for a new product or service we expect to be heard!

Another vital characteristic of our generation involves efficiency-do not waste our time in a two hour meeting with no agenda where nothing is accomplished. Older generations are use to a regular 8 hour or more workweek, where even if they have completed assigned tasks or have nothing to do, it is the norm to stay in the office anyways. This is considered a complete waste of time for younger generations. After a certain point it becomes quite depressing to sit in an office space with nothing to do and then to be assigned mundane tasks to simply waste time.

Young employees also view the need for independence and time to decompress throughout the day. Employers that offer yoga, gyms, cafeterias, lounges, etc. allow young employers to relax and refresh their minds. Many companies that year around are voted best workplaces for young people such as Google and Microsoft are all known to have built their work place structures around the habits of Generation Y. When employers invest in the lifestyles of young people and their employees in general they see much greater benefits in the workplace and productivity. Young employees also strive to make big changes in a short period to time. This means employers must allow their young millennial workers to design meaningful projects and tasks that will have a real impact on the company. Mixing in social awareness and volunteer programs is also a positive as our generation has been built on the idea of giving back, making a positive difference in the lives of others, and social change.

Communication is also a vital aspect to connecting with Generation Y. Younger workers, even with all of their technology use, are quite personable. They expect a fast-paced communication stream from phone, e-mail, web conferencing, and any other form of communication that diversifies team work and openness. If workers are capable of working from home once a week with these and other communication means, this would greatly impact the work style of younger workers and the company as a whole. Young people have no problem working from home and are quite use to it--especially with the advent of online courses and assignments. The typical brick and mortar cubical workplace is not conducive to how young people work efficiently. Give them the opportunity to go outside the office and mingle with clients and attend conferences. The more engaged you can keep young employees the more chance you have of retaining them and motivating them to become great innovators within your company.

Those under 30 also have a deep belief in their abilities, accomplishments, and visions for success. When they feel as though they are trusted and their company supports and believes in them this will pay huge dividends in the long run---as trust is vital to build a strong employee-employer relationship. We see the world as our playing ground and we intend to shape it with or without a corporation leading the way. Entrepreneurship and especially social entrepreneurship have both created a new era of business development, that along with the Internet and social networking, has a created a huge swelling of young people becoming quite successful at a young age. Many young workers see their time working for a company as a means to further their own creative ambitions in hopes of running their own business one day. And with the Internet and social networking this has made it easier for young people to find similar people who hold the same ideas and interests to create their own entrepreneurial dreams. Although the 40-Year plan of working with one company and retiring is over, the hard work and innovative talents of our generation will reap major dividends in quite a short period of time as long as employers are willing to accommodate the new work styles of Generation Y.

And lastly, we should not forget about performance management. Young workers take pride in excelling at a high level and achieving set goals and objectives. Ensure that these goals young employees are working on are both measurable and purposeful. Rather than criticizing, encourage and ensure young employees are given the adequate tools and resources to achieve their work plans and mentor them along the way. Many organizations are use to pulling in employees for a quick 20 min. evaluation on his or her work performance--however, instead the approach has to be updated. Instead of micro-managing from afar--use constant communication, team work, and observation so projects are constantly being improved throughout the process, making no need for a twice a year review of an employees work. Young employees will see this as a means for growth and development, instead of a mere attack of his or her perceived mistakes or imperfections.

Generation Y truly is an inspired, motivated, idealistic, and creative workforce. Employers should do more to reach out to this untapped group, where constant thinking and innovative abilities far outweigh the risks. Creating a corporate culture that embraces who Generation Y is will reap major benefits in the short and long-term for company growth. The challenges of our ever growing global economy will only become fiercer and greater, which is why now we should tap into the power of Generation Y today.

Stats from a recent study done by Deloitte Consulting on Generation Y (14-27 years old) and their employment experiences w/ my responses in parenthesis:

53.7% prefer opportunities for advancement, while only 7.9% are looking for better job security. (This shows that Generation Y employees are clearly focused on how far and fast they move up in the workplace--the greater impact they can make on the company as a whole and in their career development the better).

45.3% of respondents reported the economy will either have a "positive impact" or "no impact" on their marketability in the workforce and just 1 in 10 believes current economic conditions will create greater opportunities for their job skills. (Generation Y truly believes in its abilities in the market place, even with a sluggish economy. They know that they are independent, marketable, and engaging--and the fact they are willing to except reduced benefits/salary for a greater chance to influence major projects within a company says a lot about Gen Y's tenacity.)

63.5% cited "opportunities for growth and development" as to what influenced their decision to join their current employer, while only 49.8% cited "salary & benefits". (Generation Y is looking for real opportunities for their own development--so that they will quickly learn the tools and rules of the game. The more developed they are--the more likely salary and benefits will increase and their ability to move in different areas of the job market.)

69% are very or somewhat satisfied with their current job; HOWEVER, 47.9% say they intend to leave within 6 months to 2 years. (There is no longer the typical work for 40 years and retire plan--Generation Y has grown up seeing their parents and their friends laid off in the blink of an eye--they will stick around until they feel as though their value has diminished or they the need to do something new and more innovative--employers must learn to keep up.)

86.9% indicate they have worked with their current employer for less than 3 years; HOWEVER 49.8% describe themselves as senior level staff or managers. (Members of Generation Y work hard and play hard. They learn quickly and enjoy mingling with the boss--they are focused not only on their own growth, but also making positive change in the work place--and they expect to be rewarded with more responsibility and even more challenging/innovative tasks/positions.)

77.7% indicate they have an "effective" or "extremely effective" working relationship with their boss. (Generation Y can learn a lot from their boss and do so quite fondly. They speak their minds, ideals, and feel that with a great boss anything is possible.)

Opening Minds and Empowering A New Generation: Jake Rudin, Cornell '13

2009-10-20T18:14:00.007-04:00

The first Young Innovator Profile is Jake Rudin, who graduated from Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School in Tennessee, ranked as #41 out of the Top 100 High Schools in America per US News & World Report. He is currently attending Cornell University where he will be attaining his BA in Architecture.

Jake truly understands the importance of sharing knowledge and breaking down barriers between young people and adults. When young people truly love what they are doing in the class it will reflect on their work and aspirations in life. Check out his answers to some pretty interesting questions below!

*How do students learn best in and outside the classroom from your perspective?

Through enjoyment. If a student isn't having fun learning, they won't retain anything. As a student, I could sit in a lecture I enjoyed for hours, not take any notes, and still make a 100 on the test.

*What are important characteristics you see in teachers that are able to truly motivate and empower their students?

Teachers who do the best at their jobs often share a love of learning with their students. They don't mind being corrected in class or hearing stories from students. They want to relate their subjects to everyday life, but not in a cheesy over-the-top way. It comes naturally through their teaching.

*What are some best practices that you have learned as student from MLK, one of the top high schools in America? (study habits, working with others, goal setting, curricula, etc.)?

The best practices I learned were how to remove obstacles that were in the way of my goals and how to be a leader. Removing obstacles was a big part of getting good grades, getting into the college I wanted, and getting recognized as someone special in a school where everyone has talent. Being a leader always came naturally to me, but being in a school where everyone was smart forced me to really focus on my leadership abilities.

*What best practices that you have seen at MLK as a top learning institution that SHOULD and COULD be transferred to other high schools across America?

Wide ranges of choice as far as classes go (again, the more subjects, the more likely it is that students will enjoy what they're learning).

*How can we move from the mentality of just focusing on teacher development to a more holistic approach to developing and empowering & educating young people?

Focus on how students see teachers: not as peers, but as authority figures. Bring the teachers closer to the students and you will see that the two are not so different from one another: they both just want to share their knowledge.

*What are some barriers you see that are blocking true school reform from occurring?

Money is obviously a serious issue. However, tradition and culture also dictate a large portion of how schools teach and what schools teach.

*What are your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself five years down the road?

5 years from now I will be graduating with my Bachelors in Architecture from Cornell University and be working at an architecture firm while I finish my Masters degree.

*Although MLK is known for its academic excellence, what else keeps you driven and poised for success?

The idea of getting into a good college and that my academic performance in high school could positively or negatively affect the next 5 years of my life.

*What are some attributes that you see in your peers that could help others succeed in school and life?

Open-mindedness. Never underestimate the power of an open mind. New ideas are literally the wave of the future, and seeing things through another's eyes can not only lead to a better understanding of yourself and your own morals, but to a better understanding of an idea and its effect as a whole.

*How can schools play a vital role in developing and empowering student leaders to become innovative and idealistic social entrepreneurs?

Give them freedom. Letting a student's imagination wonder and letting their creativity flow is the best way to develop and empower a student.

Saving DC Youth: A Call for Action

2009-10-20T16:06:00.009-04:00

As a central office employee for DC Public Schools I witness everyday through data, stories, and discussions the issues our students and young people face here in the Nation's capital. We currently graduate only 68% of our students (SY 07-08), which when you look at our 90% daily attendance rate for students, shows there is much work to do in that regard. Some 70% of students receive free or reduced lunch and we have a 19% truancy rate. According to the DC Dept. of Health one out of every 100 young people ages 13 to 24 is HIV infected or has full-blown AIDS. The problems we face are grave and although we have made some strides with closing the achievement gap and increases on standardized test scores, both district and national, the question I always ask is are our young people better off than they were a year before? And simply put no! Until we come to a full realization that we have tragically failed to adequately educate and empower our young people to take control of their lives and understand that the decisions they make have life changing consequences we have failed.

Too many times we simply focus on teacher development, repairing crumbling schools, and discipline policies--ALL of these things are vital for success, however we fail to realize the importance of a new and holistic approach to how we work with young people. There must be an increased focus on youth empowerment and development in the District that starts from Pre-K through graduation. When I look at these declining and troubling statistics I see that we are simply not preparing our young people for the real world nor developing their minds and leadership capabilities. We must help them to remove the obstacles from their paths, so that they too can dream big and achieve the goals they have been destined for. Simply forgetting about this lost generation will only increase the degradation our nation faces in the short and long-term as it relates to crime, poverty, and global competition economically. In order to combat these troubling facts and to once again renew our nation's creed that every child gets an equal education and my belief that every child is equipped with life long tools to achieve at the highest level after graduation we will be developing a new leadership continuum program that will start from Pre-K through 12th grade.

As this process unfolds we will be meeting and talking with DC students, teachers, student leaders and administrators from across the country from some of our nation's top high schools in an effort to learn and share best practices in student leadership, development, and youth empowerment. The program will consist of four vital levels developed from leadership programs at top graduate MBA schools and four-year universities. Each year will have four key focuses (self, community, experiential learning, and global exploration) and will contain independent and group activities,and age appropriate resources that teachers, families, and students can use to strengthen their leadership abilities and empower them to achieve in school and in life.

We believe that this program will give new credence to youth development and leadership outreach within our schools that we hope will build up a more empowered and inspired generation of young people in the District. Over the next few months I will be posting interviews with top students from some of the nation's top schools on school reform, leadership, and empowerment as a means to stoke a conversation on how we can all share best practices to improve the educational experience and lives of some of our most disadvantaged young people. I truly believe that it is never to late to lift up the hearts and minds of our young people--allowing them to experience a true learning environment where they are allowed to imagine, create, perform, and build their dreams and aspirations. This is our calling, our purpose, and mission to truly lift up a lost generation of young people.

I hope you join us in this endeavor to give our young people an educational and life experience they most rightly deserve.

Creating A Generation of Entrepreneurial High Schools

2009-10-18T19:09:00.008-04:00

The most important and intriguing experience that a young person can gain from his or her high school is an independent, entrepreneurial drive to succeed in life. Within this environment the student is challenged to think creatively, to challenge him or herself in every subject, work cooperatively with fellow peers, and to truly take ownership of his or her educational success. A great example of a public school doing just these things and ranked by U.S. News three years in a row as America's Top High School is Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia.

Students who attend Thomas Jefferson or TJ as they call it relish in the ability to gain a top notch education without having to attend a private school. Students are encouraged to be actively involved in not just learning through dependence on a teacher, but to challenge themselves and partake in individual projects from building an alternative-energy system for the school to studying the evolution of species. Students who attend TJ truly take education as a means to success not just in the short term, but for their future lives down the road. Not only are they just focused on their studies, but most students are actively involved in over 150 clubs and groups that the school offers from a Latin Honor Society to a speciality club call Stonecutters "which airs reruns of The Simpsons" and other pop culture media(1). All students eat lunch at the same time and are able to do so anywhere they want--many take this time to work on projects and to discuss life and plan for the weekend with friends.

Even with the challenges that TJ provides its students--from AP courses to senior year long science and technology projects, the freedom and ownership that students are entrusted with is a shining example of what the future of education reform should focus on--empowering our young people to succeed and providing them with the tools needed to do so. There are hundreds of top notch public schools across this country that are showing exemplary success every single day. When we start to focus on each student holistically and truly listen to their needs and guide their talents and ideals, education reform simply becomes a product of the dedication and ability of young people. We spend so much money and time developing our teachers as leaders and motivators bringing out their talents and abilities, but we soon forget about the students and their needs as well.

Successful schools should continuously share best practices with those schools who are struggling and those who are aiming to reach the top. Sharing best learning, teaching, and motivation practices will put our nation's schools back on track to once again become brain centers of learning, creating, developing, inspiring, and empowering a new generation of entrepreneurial high schools and students.

(1)-Washingtonian, Oct.2009

Vital tools for improved high school learning and innovation:

*create a network for students, teachers, and school innovators to share best practices
*learning & teaching frameworks from top school districts should be shared
*improved curricula (more career and college track courses)
*innovative student learning (both independent and group learning)

How We Are Failing A Generation & What We Can Do To Change It

2009-09-30T15:31:00.005-04:00

By: Joshua Aaron Murphy

Education reform today seems to be entirely focused on measuring success via standardized testing, graduation rates, and teacher accountability. Of course these are all important—but the question still remains—are our young people better off today for today’s national and global challenges than past generations and even comparatively to other developed nations? The answer is NO. We have all seen the studies showing how our students measure up in math and science to other countries and even how students measure up with their peers in America—not so good.

It truly can’t be because we don’t have enough testing and grading---because we do! Nor can it be because we aren’t trying hard enough to implement strategies to graduate students from high schools, because we are! Nor can it be because teachers aren’t being held accountable—because to be perfectly honest, it doesn’t seem school systems in general are holding themselves accountable. I think the key link here that we are missing is the link between success in the classroom and the sense of empowerment, motivation, hope, purpose, and success our young people feel once they are in school and out of school.

Do our young people feel as though they have a purpose on this earth? If so, do they feel as though school is helping them reach that purpose or those goals? Do young people feel as though adults listen to them? Do they feel as though their creativity and independence are being encouraged and cultivated in an active, clean, safe, and inspiring learning environment? In a sense, do young people today feel a sense of self-worth and self-motivation derived from a core belief that education in the 21st Century is a means for success not only in the present, but the future? Are we helping to mold our young people, to truly utilize their gifts and talents—whether it is in music, art, football, soccer, technology, science, or a whole myriad of other possibilities and career interests? Is the voice of Generation Y being heard? Do we care? If so, what can we do to implement a new strategy for empowering and engaging a lost generation? We must, we can, and we will—for the sake of not only our nation’s best interest, but for a better society on earth.

I feel as though we have in a sense allowed our own judgment to be clouded by a national educational system in limbo that has never truly been re-calibrated to focus on the needs, ideals, and aspirations of Generation Y. We have to focus not just on the textbooks, the desks, and the buildings, the teachers, or the standardized tests, but on the hearts and souls of our young people. We must not only engage the youth of today, but empower them—shock and awe---to realize that their future is in their hands—and we are all simply a very small, incremental part of that process—guides of sorts---they are the builders, the molders, thinkers, creators, designers, dances, singers, athletes, and dreamers. We are here to listen, to assist, to mentor, to be a light for a brighter, clearer path in their quest for happiness, success, growth, and long-term stability and prosperity.

We can do this by:

A.) Instituting constant communication between young people and adults.
B.) Mentoring, guiding, and rehabilitating those students who are in need of the most help to succeed.
C.) Constant motivation, positive thinking, and support to give our most disadvantaged youth hope for a brighter tomorrow.
D.) Creating a system that cultivates and mixes with the goals, visions, and ideals of our young people—that embraces diversity and independent growth.
E.) Training those who worth with our young people to have empathy for them, to work with them, to be better listeners and guide them to positive directions.
F.) Investing in creating a clean slate in the lives of your people—essentially starting over and giving them the opportunity to write their own destiny, their own future, and vision for life.

We can do this—we must, in order to create a more just, free, open, and prosperous society for today and for the future. Education reform is not just about a building or a book or a teacher, it is truly about the hearts and souls of young people—they need us now more than ever—we cannot leave them now—instead we must focus intently on engaging and empowering them to aim high, to never give up, and guide them through the trials and tribulations of life so that they too will become free, independent, idealistic, and successful individuals.

Best Wishes,
Joshua A. Murphy

Seeking A Lost Generation

2009-09-30T14:49:00.006-04:00

Seeking A Lost Generation

As we seek to bridge the divide between past and current generations of young people and adults, there is much still to learn. Many young people feel lost, without a purpose and without hope for a better tomorrow. However, they must know that each generation has faced untold challenges, controversies, and failures. With these challenges comes the opportunity of success, prosperity, innovation, and idealism.

In order to truly engage and positively influence young people today, we must do more to empower them, to educate them, and to truly engage them. Young people thrive for independence, creativity, individuality, and purpose. They seek out those who will listen to them, who will help them grow, and who will guide them as they seek to influence the culture and society around them. Young people today must be challenged to think boldly and differently—and that failure is not reason to quit, but even more reason to explore and truly understand his or her path and future in life.

In our schools where students spend a large portion of their day—we can do this with experiential learning, actively engaging, involving, and teaching our young people to be independent learners and thinkers in the 21st Century. Young people must learn to reflect on their experiences and interact in a group to solve complex problems—without fear of being “wrong”. Young people must also be listened to and heard. Allowing young people to explore who they are as individuals, as leaders, as thinkers, and builders is vital for true experiential learning to take place inside and outside of the classroom.

While at home, parents must consistently and actively take a hands-on approach with their children—ensuring they are completing assigned tasks and are capable of interacting with different cultural groups and individuals who may not share the same ideals or beliefs. As young people build respect for others starting at home, they will go into a world based on the idea of embracing others who are different, not shunning or ridiculing those who are not just like them or their way of life. Parents should also seek to assist their children in their exploration and discovery of their goals and visions for life. Many children at a young age show signs of their future interests. Parents should be willing to engage their children in these activities and others to create big picture thinking and life exploration.

Communities also play a vital role in engaging and empowering a new generation of young people. Communities—which includes businesses, both profit and non-profit, and leaders---must invest in a strong self-sufficient environment that embraces art, culture, education, creativity, and social independence. Communities should embrace young people and include them in different councils and policy making decisions, and economical growth and prosperity. Young people hold a wealth of ideas and creativity that should be encouraged and utilized from an early age. Teaching a new generation about hard work, independence, and the need for continued economic innovation is vital for success in the 21st Century.

I truly believe that we can engage and empower a new generation of idealistic builders, thinkers, and artists. We must be willing to learn from the youthful and energetic minds that are crying to be heard and understood.

Best Wishes,

Joshua A. Murphy

Empowering A Generation: Replicating Success and Building Self-Worth

2009-09-25T18:56:00.005-04:00

Having spent a year and some change in the nation's capitol, I have been disheartened with the quality of life and support that many residents of the district live in every single day--especially that in which our young people must endure. Their lives intertwine with many citizens across the world that are impoverished, uneducated, dimensioned, and unheard. Their cries for help are ignored and their basic needs are unmet within their communities. For decades many of our leaders have outright ignored millions across this great nation who have been left behind. As we have seen in this current global economic crisis no one is left unscathed when our own greed and self-interest take hold over basic principles of ethics, humanity, and social responsibility.

The saddest part when we choose to ignore the plight of those less fortunate is that those most affected are the most vulnerable to start with--young people. Many never know that they are being treated as second-rate humans--without such basic needs as shelter, clothing, food, health care, or even a good education. In the end we all suffer, as success and self-worth are seen as two commodities that many are not able to reach or even imagine. The idea that we can fail our young people day in and day out and not feel their pain or hear their cries for help is astonishing. In order for America and the world to truly rise from its own failures and unjust ways, we must begin to put people first. We must understand that this generation of young people will soon inherit this planet.

When I went into a DC Public School to perform a student audit I was somewhat surprised, even though I had worked in a DC school for a year and knew the failures of the education system here and the strides we are attempting to make. However, some classes that should have had at least 25 students in them had 5 or 6--the other students were nowhere to be seen--a matter of fact, some had only showed up once in a 2 or 3 week period. I was truly alarmed and saddened that somehow we have accepted this as the status quo. However, I also knew how badly schools, the local government, and parents in the region had failed to truly understand and provide for the many young people across the district. And as I walked into every classroom I had a chance to interact with the students--many of them wondering why this young looking employee from the Chancellor's Office was in their classroom and others not really caring one bit.

I was excited to see teachers teaching and students learning--although many slept at their desk or had an iPod in as the teacher taught--but this essentially is what they are expected to do. Not many people praise them, believe in them, motivate them, support them, or even care about them. Many go home every single day to an empty house where they care for there brothers and sisters. Their only lunch and dinner will be what they have at school (which isn't the healthiest of foods) or a quick stop to McD because it's inexpensive and quick, especially when they are in a one parent home (mom is working two jobs). For many in DC and the nation, this is a cycle and recipe for failure and disaster. Not only do these young people live in social environments that breed violence, drugs, lack of innovation, etc., but they head to a neighborhood school that is an extension of that community. Instead of being a model for success, independence, hope, education, and constant learning, schools simply become just another place to act up, get in trouble, and essentially learn absolutely nothing.

The question then remains, how do we break this cycle? How do we instill within our young people that life can be successful, that their goals and visions for a better life can be realized, no matter what their past or present life is like. No matter the toughness of their path or lack thereof, anything is possible if you truly believe in yourself, put in the time to succeed, and never give up. Living a life of self-worth, happiness, and success and happiness is no easy task, especially with the negative forces surrounding us each and everyday, but it is possible. I believe that there are some important ingredients to creating lasting self-worth and success in ones life, no matter what he or she has done in the past or what condition they live in or how their school looks or how good their parents are. Each one of us has within us the ability to formulate and create a life of ultimate success and self-worth.

1.) Faith--young people must have faith in themselves and their abilities to positively change their lives and the environment around them. It starts out with simply imagining a better home, a better life, a better neighborhood, and knowing that you can be a part of that vision and that hope.

2.) Living With A Purpose--I think for many young people, they simply don't see a purpose to this whole thing called life. They question their parents, they question their teachers, they question learning and simply put--they question life. When you can wake up every single day with a reason for doing so--knowing that that new day is a another opportunity to succeed at your dream, your vision--it truly becomes a miracle and the positive energy you put into that day will reap many benefits.

3.)Innovative Drive--When you have the purpose--excel at it, stay determined, and never give up. If you believe in your own innovative ideas and abilities you can't fail--at least not due to your own doing. The worst way to fail is because you caused that failure. Do all in your power to succeed and surround yourself with positive/uplifting people who can help you on your path to success.

4.) Individuality--It's important to be yourself--whatever that entails--enjoy life to the fullest and know what you stand for--never compromising your beliefs and ethics for positive social change. It is impossible to enact success and know your self worth if you don't know you! Individuality also entails constantly learning--education is not just during school or in college--but learning is something you should always embrace and partake of all the days of your life.

5.) Be The Change--Represent what you truly believe in and stand for! Give back to your community and others--knowing that by serving others, in the end you are serving the well-being of mankind. Spread your ideas and hopes so others can join your quest--live the life you were meant to live. Everyone has a purpose and no one deserves not to live a full and prosperous life.

I truly believe that every young person can and should believe in him or herself in all that they do. They should also be given the tools and resources necessary they need to succeed and have self-worth. The problems America and the world face are too big to leave a whole generation left behind. My hope is that I will be able to spread this message through words and sound to as many young people as possible--as a mentor, friend, and leader.

Have Faith In Yourself

2009-08-30T19:13:00.004-04:00

As I reminisce on the passing of the Liberal lion Ted Kennedy and all that he did for this country--from Civil Rights to Health Care to Education, he was truly a man of many ideals and a belief that government could truly be a equalizer and fighter for those with no voice or foundation. This was a man, who like most of us, was not perfect by any means. He had his demons, but overtime picked himself up and became a true model and shining light for those who needed a helping hand. In our day and age it is hard to find those stories of true and lasting faith in oneself, even in the darkest hour--many people simply allow their worries and troubles to overtake their lives and never get back on the path to success.

Life is truly defined by our ability as humans to right the wrongs we witness, to fight for something greater than ourselves, and to consistently strive for perfection in all that we do. No one is perfect, however each day should be a positive step to fulfilling each our own life stories--stories that will travel different paths, new dreams and goals, and hopefully one day that will cross with someone else who holds the same visions and passions as you do. Believing in oneself takes a bold stand to never dwell on the past, but to always live in the present and prepare for the future. There is nothing wrong with doubt, however never allow it to over power the idea of hope and a promise that each and everyday is a new day to fulfill in our lives.

The future may be somewhat frightening for many--with the loss of jobs, health care, and many wars, however, there is always hope for a better tomorrow--that one day the sun will shine brighter, the sky will be bluer than the prettiest ocean, and that our lives will be a beacon of opportunity and innovation for generations to come.

Living With A Purpose & Making A Plan

2009-07-05T21:44:00.005-04:00

"Where your talents and the needs of the world cross, there lies your calling."-Aristotle

Our country and world faces many unique challenges ranging from global warming to economic despair to the need for cleaner energy. However, there is still much hope and opportunity for those who are willing to live life with a purpose or calling. Many people see having a purpose as simply a business model, however it very much is a life model as well. The idea that everything that we do and engage in is driven by a core ideal and passion is one in which will lead to great and positive experiences and successes.

When you evaluate new opportunities and know what your core purpose in life is and what makes you truly happy it will be very easy for you to say yes or no--and forget about the maybe. For instance, I have many passions in life-education reform, inspiring young people, and challenging others to see life holistically as a means to bring true and lasting social change. Whenever I get involved with a new project or even when I'm making new friends or searching for a job, those are the things that stand out for me. Will that new job help me achieve those objectives? Will that new friend be a positive impact on my life and ideals?

It truly makes life easier and the decisions I make less daunting. I believe we all have a purpose on this Earth, although it may not always be apparent or come easy, it is always there within each of us waiting to be tapped, explored, and utilized to make the world a better place. We can all be idealistic visionaries for a better tomorrow--never losing sight of the present in our quest for greatness. You should always ask yourself what mark do you want to leave in the world? What is your point of existence? How you can bring about real and lasting social change? Take some time out of your busy day to write out your gifts, goals, passions, and what makes you happy to determine your purpose(s) in life.

I'm sure once you do that you will discover what truly inspires and drives you every single day. Living with a purpose relaxes you, makes life easier, more exciting, and meaningful. Go create something! Be your own inspiration and live doing what you love!

City Year

2009-06-22T08:43:00.004-04:00

Ten months of crazy full time service, 85 amazing corps members, 1700 hours teaching, building, mentoring, planting, painting, and more, 24 amazing children, and 1 hilarious teacher=priceless. The people definitely made my experience in City Year memorable and fantastic. I learned to love more, give more, live more, and enjoy the greatness that many of us have, but are unable or unwilling to bear witness to. The power to serve is within each and everyone us, so therefore the only question that remains is how can we serve? Although City Year and many other AmeriCorps programs give you the opportunity to serve on a nationwide scale, there is still much to do in our towns and cities across the country. Anyone can pick up a book and read to elementary school students, or plant a garden at a local school, volunteer at a senior citizen home, or create something entirely on your own that fits your skills and desires to serve.

I am so thankful for the friends that I made during my service year and look forward to seeing them all again one day. I know that we went through so much together, the good, bad, and outright hideous. Never again will I get the opportunity to spend 10 months with a group of young idealists who share the same ideals, beliefs, and goals to change the world as I do. Life will continue to present new and grave challenges that will require our generation to rise up and fight for what is right. I truly hope that all of my fellow corps member find their meaning and purpose in this world. Once you do that, share it with the rest of us and get to work! There is so much we still must do. As we look back on our year of service I hope that we all have grown smarter, stronger, and more empathetic to the needs of the least of us.

With profound humility and love, I wish you all a great future and continued success in your search for greatness!

Peace,

JM

What will you shape?

2009-05-24T15:01:00.005-04:00

A great book that I have been reading, the Alchemist, has truly inspired me to see the world as a means to success and positive change, not so much the end, but a new beginning. The notion that we all have a personal legend, or a purpose, is both challenging and uplifting. As we go about our daily lives--the people we meet, the paths we cross, the challenges we face--they are all connected to bringing us closer to our life's mission. The challenge for all of us to jump in somewhat blindfolded--trusting in our faith and beliefs to never leave us astray, but to bring us ever closer to our purpose in this life. The ability within all of us to shape the world in our own liking is quite amazing. The fact that we can create, write, mold, inspire, and drive the present as well as the future is a tool that we should not take for granted.

A society built on sound moral principles and innovative drive is not just a hope of radicals or fanatics, but a hope of all people who see a world that is free, open, and sound in its belief that when people come together, united for a common purpose, we can truly shape the world for the better. As Memorial day approaches lets not forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, so that we can continuous take up and pass on the mantle of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. That through our service to others in all facets of life, we can inspire a generation, lift up a hopeless people, and bring about a new zest for life and happiness to the world. America has always been a beacon of hope and justice to millions across the world, and there is no reason why we should turn our back on the world in times of strife and struggle, instead let our most challenging times be a new model for success, determination, and perseverance.

The world will forever be shaped by the will and hands of mankind. However, the question that always remains is what exactly will this world look like? How will we treat the least of us? How will we solve some of our most complex and challenging social and political ills? Our hands are the key to a great and prosperous future or one that fails to adhere to our core American values of liberty and freedom. We shall create a future that brings about a hopeful and idealistic generation that is ready to rise up to the challenges of today, tomorrow, and forever--creating, molding, building, and inspiring- to create a more just and free society. What is your purpose? What is your call to greatness and the legacy that you will leave? We all have one, but it is up to you to figure it out and to follow along so you too can shape the world for the better.

Planting A Seed & Changing The World

2009-05-07T23:42:00.005-04:00

I have come to the full realization that life is one tough journey and it should be taken in nice, short steps setting the stage for the grand finale. Now, that doesn't mean it will be easy or fast, but to the contrary, there will be many ups and downs, confusion, and upsets--however, failure and learning from that failure will lead to greater success and prosperity in the future. There is such a gratitude and strength in believing in yourself--always reminding yourself that you really can do it, whatever that doing is. Giving up or scaling back should never be an option, but shooting for greatness and the top should be a mandate in everyone's life.

It is said that it takes 10,000 hours of work/practice to become an expert or great in life at a particular subject or talent. So if you begin working on something in your elementary school years and truly believing in yourself, by the time you are in your 20s you should be one of the best at it--practice truly makes perfect (or at least close to it). Think of your life as a garden--one in which that must be nurtured, pruned, watered, and taken care of. You need a nice mix of sunlight and nutrients to be successful or in normal terms you need a plan, a vision, and the will power to achieve full success. You must see everyday as a step in the right direction--never succumbing to self-doubt or any doubt.

You must believe, when no one else dares to believe, fight for success when others are turning their backs and live out the change and potential you wish to see from yourself and from others. My formula for success is fairly simple: everything you do, believe, think about, work for, and envision for your present and future life should be the motive in all that you do. It takes a long time to achieve ultimate success in life--which is defined by the goals you have set and reach that are not only based on success, but happiness. Doing anything that does not make you happy is never right and only leads to wasted time and an unhealthy lifestyle. Think about what makes you happy in life, that provides a comfortable & secure lifestyle for you and DO IT! Don't be afraid to cross new barriers, to knock on new doors, to dream big, and make it known how you plan to change the world!

Fishbowl=Education Reform!

2009-05-05T11:21:00.005-04:00

Today in my class students participated in a feedback activity called the "Fishbowl". Essentially 8 students are placed in the center of the classroom, while the rest of the class sits around them on the outside. A topic is presented to the "Fishbowl" group and they discuss it out loud amongst themselves. After 5 or so minutes of discussion, the "Fishbowl" group is asked to not speak, while the outside group is asked to comment on the discussion that took place inside of the "Fishbowl". This continues to happen until the facilitator stops the discussion. There is also an open chair at all times that allows any member on the outside to come into the "Fishbowl" to either a.) make a point or b.) ask a question for the "Fishbowl" group to discuss then they must leave.

The topic that was first given in class today was how can teachers make school more educational and fun. I was quite excited to see my students intelligently and enthusiastically reply with some awesome answers. They wanted more hands-on activities, instead of just taking notes and hearing lectures. They wished there was more time for art and other extra-curricular activities. Most importantly they wanted to be able to express themselves without fear of being punished. My students understand there has to be a balance between fun and work, but they also felt that there needed to be a reward system, not just a punishment system. The "Fishbowl" activity provided a rare glimpse into the minds of my students and how they perceive education. I truly believe that students hold the key to reforming education and the thought process by which we teach and expect students to learn.

Students do not want to be standardized tested till their brains fall out-they want to experience real learning that is both educational and fun! Students expect to be challenged, however they also expect to know what their learning is actually good for their future and has a purpose. We really need to go back to the basics and begin to listen to the needs and wants of our students--who today are very much different than students of the past. As I continue to work with students and young people, I hope they learn just as much from me as I learn from them.

Creating A New Era of Educational Excellence

2009-04-29T19:24:00.009-04:00

Recent studies have shown the No Child Left Behind Act has failed in its attempt to challenge students and close the achievement gap between minority and white students (1). Today in our country students are taught and trained to pass a test all year long--they are treated as cars on an assembly line or point blank as inanimate objects unable to discover, imagine, or create. However, not every school is a failure--there are many excellent public, private, and charter schools in America, but sadly not enough. Working in the DC school system, by far one of the worse in the nation, has truly shown me how much our nation and education system has failed at the simple task of preparing our young people for the challenges of the 21st Century.

Some blame the teachers and many blame school administrators for their inability to reorganize and retool our society for the challenges of the future. I believe that for far too long we have seen students as the problem, more so than the solution. We blame them when they fail, we force them to take standardized test to compete against other students nationwide, and we do not allow them to partake in self-discovery and tap into their intellectual curiosity. Education and learning is not a race, it's a journey. Something that I learned very quick in my classroom is that no matter how good or bad a student performs on a test, when you truly sit down with them in a small group or one-on-one meeting and talk with them, mentor them, and allow them to explore new thoughts and ideas, they always exceed expectations. Kids of today do not like when their forced to think alike, write alike, or do anything alike. Each child is special and has a unique talent or gift, favorite subject, and style of learning.

It simply then becomes the teachers job to allow and facilitate students to explore their hopes and dreams, goals, and educational standards. The classroom should be an incubator for educational exploration, acceptance, individuality, and creativity. When students are given meaningful assignments that match their intellectual talents and critically challenges them to think outside of the box, to create their own assignments under the guidance of their teachers, I think we would all be surprised at the results. These standards of individual exploration and critical thinking development must be known in the classroom and pursued everyday with every child. Students of all educational abilities should be intertwined with one another and there should be no tracking-obviously behavioral issues should be dealt with separately.

Teachers should be hired on the basis of intelligence, their love for learning and children, ability to motivate and inspire, and ability to reach their students in a meaningful and powerful way. There must be standards of success and continued development for teachers--but there must be an emphasis on recruiting and retaining the best and brightest minds for our young people--they deserve nothing less. In order for America to turn the page on its abhorrent failure to adequately educate and inspire every child that strives for excellence and success, we must begin anew, admit our mistakes, and start over. We cannot expect success teaching our students in schools that reign from the 1960's and curricula that ignore the challenges of our new global economy. I truly believe that it is not too late--we may not be able to save every child, but we must try and we must start now, our future depends on it.

If we start believing in our youth and we develop a new model for teaching and learning, standardized testing would be obsolete--we'd know when we have succeeded by increased graduation rates and college enrollment, economic output, and so forth. We know what must be done, we know how to teach children--we must remember that these changing times require new and innovative ways of teaching, learning, and inspiration. We must create a new mark of educational excellence that embraces students as the solution, as a new beginning of self-worth, self-discovery, and imagination.

(1)http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/29/education/29scores.html

Saving the Planet for the Future

2009-04-19T12:42:00.010-04:00

I was surprised today to hear my pastor preach on the need for Christians and all citizens to stand up for the Earth and acknowledge that global warming is real and we are the main reason for the decline of our Earth. Too many Christians deny the fact that our addiction to oil, increased energy use, and inability to be uncomfortable to save our planet--leaves us with a moral obligation to save our planet from our own destructive addictions and behaviors.

Today on this Earth we have approximately 6.77 billion people and within 40 years that number will reach approximately 10 billion people. Our rapid population growth will create an increased demand for fresh water, energy, food, and other resources. Currently the United States is the biggest energy user in the world with China being a close 2nd. If we continue to depend on oil and coal as our main energy suppliers, greenhouse gases will continue to increase the warming of the Earth resulting in flooding in our coastal regions from melting polar ice caps, increased hurricanes, and drought, among other extreme weather conditions.

More countries will battle it out for resources and life today will be greatly different in the future. In order to reduce this crisis and its impact on our lives, we must begin to make the tough choices necessary. Many argue nuclear power is the answer--however the risk of a nuclear meltdown considering that man is not perfect and liable to mess up, i.e. financial crisis and exactly where the waste will be stored still plagues policy makers, and the cost of building & maintaining nuclear power plants is still of great concern. Secondly, ethanol from corn has been touted as a solution, however the use of corn diminishes our food supply and causes starvation of millions of citizens around the world that depend on corn. And even windmills hold hope of creating clean energy, however due to environmental concerns, there are still doubts there as well.

So the question then is, where do we go from here? Whatever decisions are made pertaining energy reform, there must not be a dependence on one solution. If we can truly create clean coal, invest in mass transit & battery powered vehicles, solar energy, and understand that increased energy costs in our homes should not be an excuse to not have a valid cap-and-trade policy, we can dramatically reduce our dependence on oil and other polluting habits. If the only argument against cap-and-trade is that Americans have to pay more for energy, that is a good thing! We as a people use energy as though there are no consequences to the Earth--the future survival of our Earth is more important than increased energy costs--in the end it will decrease our energy use and create a more responsible and energy efficient society.

Imagine if every American used 10% less energy then we currently use--driving the speed limit, using energy efficient light bulbs, investing in solar panels for our homes, more natural light, using a outside clothesline to dry clothes, etc. There could truly be a revolution in how energy is created and used--resulting in a better Earth today and for the future. The time has come for Americans to make sacrifices for the good of our country and for the Earth. We should always aim to leave the planet better off then we found it.

Check out the Center for America's Progress plan for creating a new green society:
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/09/green_recovery.html

Generation Y: A New Era of Progressive Change

2009-04-14T09:00:00.008-04:00

Our generation--the Millennials--those born between 1982 and 2000 totaling more than 80 million young people--have truly created a new era of social change and civic engagement. We have been shaped by war, terrorism, recessions, and a constant flow of information and technology. Those within the millennial generation or generation y, overwhelmingly support progressive political candidates and issues, ranging from gay marriage to stem cell research to national service. We actively seek the approval of others, thrive on independence and culture, and aim to make a difference in the world in all that we do.

According to a USA Today, generation y voted overwhelmingly for President Obama with margin of 2 to 1. As our generation continues to expand and become of age we are known as an independent mix of idealists, realists, and social changers--able to multi-task and change in an ever stressful society, constant flow of information, news, friends, and communication. Many of our parents tend to always wonder exactly what we are doing with our lives--especially when we spend so much time "finding ourselves" through service, entrepreneurial ventures, parties, and trips. Our generation parties just as hard as it works--seeking to balance a stressful life with amazing friends, activities, and interactive social experiences.

Social networking sites such as Facebook have allowed us to freely express ourselves and our lives on a 24/7 basis--keeping friends as close as the dorm room next door to friends studying overseas in London--updated to what our daily activities are--from simply cooking some pizza for a Friday night movie or watching our favorite show & constantly updating our status to reflect our moods and feelings to the action or drama on the screen. Our generation, more than any other, has been in the center of a new progressive society, poised to make an impact at a young age and driven by the need to stay relevant and empowered.

As time goes on, so will our influence grow and the hope of tomorrow will rest in our hands. Shall we take the challenge and create a new society that embraces inclusion, idealism, volunteerism, and service or will we sputter out and become more hesitant to social change and be defined by a need for too much information resulting in a collapse of our social norms and structure? Only time will tell-- and my hope is that we embrace a culture that embodies a fresh hope for tomorrow, a thrill to serve others in need, and a tenacity that creates rather than destroys.

Interactive Social Media & Its Impact On Society

2009-04-13T22:31:00.007-04:00

In our generation there has been an influx of social networking and social media devices--ranging from AOL, Yahoo, Friendster, YouTube, Myspace, Facebook, and now Twitter. Many still wander what exactly does the creation of these social media devices mean for ordinary people?

Firstly, they allow citizens to express themselves to the rest of the world. For many centuries, the only way to express yourself was to a.) write a letter--that may or may not reach its destination, b.) write for a newspaper, magazine, or even publish your own book with your thoughts on important topics, or c.) aim for fame in hopes of money, power, and influence.

However, in today's fast paced, news saturated, social bubble--people are able to express themselves freely, openly, and interactively in many different social arena's online. You no longer need millions of dollars to make an impact or need to know the high-powered executive to be a part of this new era of social interactive media (although those things help).

Secondly, this new era of social media merges like-minded people and industries together in an effort to make products, services, and even the news more consumer driven. Companies such as Microsoft and CNN, just to name a few, are able to connect with users from all over the U.S. and the world to test new product ideas, news stories, and essentially get instant feedback in a matter of minutes. Rick Sanchez of CNN, who host a daily news show--takes many of his questions and story ideas from social networking users--ranging from Facebook to Twitter. And even Facebook--which has revolutionized the way users communicate with one another and our media driven culture--learned first-hand how their own users respond quickly to change per the recent Facebook site update that sparked thousands of users to backlash.

Lastly, interactive social media has given a new and empowered voice to entrepreneurs, writers, thinkers, and ordinary people to create their own hopes and dreams right before the eyes of thousands. Information flows much smoother, ideas and criticism come quickly, and all users are connected to one another in a split second allowing for constant updates and communication. As the future progresses I imagine more interactive social media frameworks to come along--becoming more prevalent in hand-held devices, vehicles, homes, and work. This will allow for an almost 24/7 communication link between people, business, news, and technology. What the future holds--only time will tell, and it may be coming faster than we think.

Generation We Solve: Manifesto on Social Change

2009-04-11T16:21:00.007-04:00

Generation We Solve

Manifesto for Social Change

Preface

Joshua A. Murphy
Draft #2
"One generation plants the trees; another gets the shade."
--Chinese Proverb

Challenging, exciting, idealistic, innovative, creative, unique=Generation We or as some call Generation Y! Those are just some simple adjectives to describe those who were born in the late 70's/early 80's up to approximately year 2000. And they total upwards of 95 million individuals, who hold a truly powerful sway in the future direction of this country, much more so than the baby boom generation. The energy in which Generation We can harness and utilize to bring out the good in all of us in quite amazing. The challenges our nation and world face are so great and demanding, we will need all hands on deck to bring about positive and real change to our Earth. The many crises our globe faces, ranging from climate change to fighting deadly diseases to spreading freedom and education require that those who wish to spread their ideas be heard loud and clear.

As a member of the first anniversary Generation We Solve team, we are excited that you have joined us on this exciting journey to empower a nation. Throughout this guide you will find out how the founding of this new and exciting organization came about, our definition and beliefs on social change and sustainability, our own model for lasting social change, and most importantly your role in this new and exciting journey as a social entrepreneur to empower a new generation to bring about true and lasting social change.

We truly hope that you see this guide as not the end of a journey, but the beginning. This journey will take us into new communities searching for solutions to social ills that have plagued too many of our fellow citizens for decades. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, you have decided to join us in bringing real solutions to social ills ranging from health education to a new green environment to education reform. We want you to really dig in and feel a part of our organization and utilize your talents and gifts to inspire a whole generation of citizens.

Take your time to explore our guide to social change and feel free to send us your comments, ideas, and suggestions. We are honored that you are standing with us in a new era of social change and idealism!

Best Wishes,

Joshua A. Murphy
CEO & Founder

Frank DiSpirito
CEO & Founder

JOIN...GenWeSolve online @ http://www.genwesolve.com.

READ..our Manifesto on Social Change.

APPLY...for an amazing fellowship.

CREATE..Social Change!

Welcome to Generation We Solve
"In embracing change, entrepreneurs ensure social and economic stability."
--George Gilder
Empowering A Generation to Change The World.

Many of us from a young age have been told that we can be whatever we want--President, an Astronaut, a Police Officer, etc. However, for many citizens, those dreams will never come true. Those who live in poverty, crime, and drug infested communities have greatly lower odds of gaining a high quality education or even graduating from high school. Poverty and lack of economic development, among other potent social ills, greatly reduce the ability of families to create independent and socially sustainable lives and communities.

Generation We Solve recruits idealistic, enthusiastic, and empowered young people to join us in our quest to find the root causes of these social ills that are holding whole communities from succeeding and create real social change solutions to these problems. As you develop these proposals, you will meet with citizens, community leaders and organizations, businesses, and government agencies to create a comprehensive proposal to revitalize, educate, and empower disadvantaged urban communities.

Generation We Solve will provide you with training, support, and continued guidance and mentoring throughout your social change project to ensure your are exceeding expectations, creating attainable goals, and posting measurable gains, staying on a timely track, and most importantly positively impacting communities with real results.

Throughout your social change project you will gain invaluable experience working with different groups and people, analyzing, testing, and creating different social change thesis, and following through and succeeding! We expect that our diverse team of leaders will choose social change topics that truly interest them--the environment, health education, education reform, poverty, economic & business development, etc.

We truly believe in our quest to empower a new generation to change the world and we will do what it takes to ensure you have all the tools, resources, and motivation to succeed.

Generation We Solve's vision is to empower and educate ordinary citizens to become agents of social change.

The name Generation We Solve is based on the idea that our generation is being called to creating lasting social change in our society now. We are capable, intelligent, idealistic, dedicated, and empowered to create solutions to some of our nation's most pressing social needs.

Our tag line--"Empowering a generation to change the world" reflects the idea that Generation We Solve is tasked with not just solving social problems, but empowering our generation in that process so each of our lives are lived to serve others and to bring about social change in our society today.

Generation We Solve's mission is to bring social change in our world through social entrepreneurship, empowering educational workshops, and community service.

These three goals within our mission serve as the core points by which we enact social change.

Social Entrepreneurship--training an army of social entrepreneurs to branch out into our neediest communities to provide unwavering attention, support, and solutions to that community's social needs.

Social entrepreneurs are defined by their love of service, innovation, resourcefulness, and their ability to place social value over monetary value. As a social entrepreneur you will learn to see people as the solution to our nation's social problems and not just the recipient. By empowering, educating, and preparing them to become social entrepreneurs in their own right, you will have gained many new experiences that will change you positively for a lifetime.

As a member of Generation We Solve you will be expected to uphold our core values of social responsibility, creativity, and honesty. You must be willing to learn from your mistakes, to use new and innovative methods to solve complex social problems, value all community members as you value yourself, and to show a determination and zest for social change that inspires those who serve alongside you.

Empowering educational workshops--we must educate not only our team members, but the communities in which we serve on how to create social change plans, the meaning & purpose of social change, and how they can get involved.

Through your service you will have the opportunity to meet with and engage a host of citizens, organizations, leaders, and businesses to empower them joining your social change project. While doing so you will be presenting to them our mission and vision, social change model, and how sustainability is vital for the long term success of disadvantaged communities. As a project leader you will be given the tools and resources necessary to recruit volunteers, sponsors, publicity, and support to ensure your social change proposal succeeds and flourishes.

Community service--we see community service in a different light. Community service is not just the act of volunteering for a couple of hours, days, or even a year--its about creating long-term solutions that will serve the communities for years and create long-term sustainability that last a lifetime.

As you become a part of the communities in which you serve, you will grow with the people, you become their voice, and most importantly you will provide them with long-term solutions to their most pressing needs. Through your service the community will be better off and become independent social entrepreneurs.

Social Change and Sustainability

"No real social change has ever been brought about without a revolution- Revolution is but thought carried into action."
--Emma Goldman

Generation We Solve sees social change and sustainability as two key partners. There cannot be social change without the ability of that change being sustained by the community in which it is serving. The ability of social entrepreneurs to create solutions to pressing social needs such as health education evolves around ensuring there is a lasting impact. For instance, to educate a community on health education would entail creating pamphlets on a whole host of health issues affecting that community, meeting with them to discuss the pamphlet, and bringing in resources to ensure they are able to receive the health benefits in which they need to live healthy and long lives. And it is sustainable in that a healthy community will past that same knowledge down to their children, relatives, and/or future community members.

As an organization Generation We Solve is not focused on patching up social problems that plague our neediest community, we are focused on long-term, sustained, and progressive solutions that allow communities to take control of their own lives and once again gain the right to achieve, dream, and succeed in all aspects of life.

Generation We Solve is aimed at giving communities the tools, resources, and motivation they need to become independent problem solvers within their own communities--to create lasting and sustainable social change.

Social change must come from the community and citizens in which the change is being proposed. In order to do this citizens must be engaged, educated, and motivated to create and follow-through on social change plans. These plans could range from ways to increase student enrollment in schools, creating a new green community model, increasing access to health care and health education for low-income families, bringing in more mixed-use economic development, and so forth.

We invest our resources in projects that are sustainable and create visible social change for the most citizens possible in that community.

We believe that the talent and ideals that our young people possess can truly cultivate a new era of social entrepreneurship that is rooted in the belief that we the people must be willing to solve the many social ills that plague our society and generation. Our generation must be called upon to fight for changes in our nation's social structure, because we will be dealing with these many issues for many decades if we do not take a stand now to solve them.

What is progressive social change? (As defined by the Funding Exchange).

While traditional charities generally respond to the symptoms of entrenched social problems, the Funding Exchange network supports those who identify underlying causes and working to change these conditions. This is a core value of progressive social change as reflected in the phrase, "Change, not Charity" ™. Social change organizing:

Builds community-based responses, not solutions that affect just a few individuals and leave the underlying social problems intact.
Changes attitudes, behaviors, laws, policies and institutions to better reflect the values of inclusion, fairness, diversity and opportunity.
Insists on accountability and responsiveness among institutions, including the government, large corporations, universities and other entities whose policies and actions profoundly affect the living conditions of individuals and communities, whether locally, nationally, or internationally.
Expands the meaning and practice of "democracy" by involving those closest to social problems in determining their solutions.

Because progressive social change involves making significant changes on a systemic level, conflict with those who hold power is often inevitable. The power that social change organizations bring to the table is their ability to organize, to educate and to mobilize.

Progressive social change is a profoundly democratic undertaking. At its best, people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, abilities and ages join together in developing and implementing creative solutions to social problems. Organizing amplifies the voices of those whose interests are too often overlooked.

Money alone does not bring about change; nor do individuals. But when people band together and form organizations to focus their collective power, social change can happen. When a large number of organizations work together toward a common goal, that's a movement. Movements make change.

On the surface, social change movements appear to be spontaneous bursts of energy, a sweep of people, outraged and energized, rising forth to demand some form of change. But in truth, social change movements flow from careful organizing, massive public education, sustained agitation, and, at times, inspired collaboration across the divides of race, gender and class. These movements are driven by human energy, intelligence, courage -- as well as money.

The following may help give a more concrete understanding of social change:

SOCIAL CHANGE- n.

1.) The structural transformation of political,
social and economic systems and institutions
to create a more equitable and just society.
2. Proponents target the underlying causes of critical social problems, such as homelessness, discrimination and poverty.

3. While a variety of organizing and advocacy methods are utilized, social change organizations are characterized by activism, cooperation, persistence, and dedication of their members. (Example: An association of people with developmental disabilities working collectively to address issues of discrimination by empowering its members to advocate for themselves and collectively challenging service providers, government agencies and other institutions to ensure equal access and rights for ALL developmentally disabled people.)

Opposite: Status quo; charity; business as usual;
temporary solutions

One of our nation's must fundamental errors in education reform in our disadvantaged urban and rural communities is that we do not address the underlying causes of failure in our schools--the communities in which the schools are in and that our children are being forced to come home to.

Example of Social Change Model for Education Reform

Americas investment in its public education system is the vital issue of our generation. The reforms we take part in today will dictate whether or not we create a generation of learners, dreamers, thinkers, creators, inventors, and builders for tomorrow. We cannot continue to argue whether or not school vouchers are better than 100% public school education or if charter schools can fully prepare our young people for the real world or if private schools are the only savior for a "real" education. Simply put, we must ensure every child is receiving a first-rate education everywhere regardless of race, belief, or social/economical upbringing. I suppose the big question then becomes what is a first rate education? Lets start with the basics:
(1) Parents who mentor and ensure their child is attending class and respecting his or her teacher,

(2) Students who come prepared and willing to learn every single day and expect a challenge, and

(3) Teachers and school administrators who are fully prepared, excited, and qualified to teach our next generation of Americans.

There are many examples of school systems that fail to accomplish any of those goals and there are also many who greatly match and exceed them--and those are the schools we should be studying and looking at as a model for school reform and social change. We also cannot continue to endlessly throw money at schools that are simply failing our young people. There must be an end to excuses, poor results, mismanagement of resources, and failed expectations. If we expect our young people to want to learn, to be excited and able to do so, we must first offer them a product that is worthwhile and prepares them for not only the challenges of today, but for the hopes and dreams of the future. I truly believe that the future prosperity of our nation depends on the fate of our urban and rural school districts and communities alike. We must begin to truly understand these communities--meeting with parents, students, teachers, administrators, experts, and so forth, to forge ahead in a new model for education reform that directly links with a new model for social change and economic prosperity.

Young people who are engaged in their communities, who see the link between a solid education and a solid job--that believe that their home is a sacred place, that their lives are more important than drugs, gangs, or violence--these and much more are all vital in our quest to change and inspire a new generation of individuals. It won't happen over night or in a couple of years--but through the sharing of ideas and knowledge I believe we can overcome these great challenges. Through the building and linking of young people and parents with not just their school, but their surrounding environment I believe we can bring about real change. Having families create and run their own businesses, helping to build their own homes and schools, making them directly responsible for their own failure or success--and guiding them with the necessary tools for strong financial planning, educational growth, life skills, and so forth--I believe would be a new and interesting model for a better society for many living in poverty without hope or purpose.

We cannot simply depend on schools to do all of these things and still be able to fully educate our young people. There must be a partnership that brings together many ideas, community and business groups, and families. The investment would not only benefit those who join it, but also our society as a whole through the lessening of social welfare, the rise in prison rates, violence, drug use and instead would create a generation of independent, self-motivated, dream driven idealists who would create a new American legacy. When we are able to show young people who have been denied success all their life, who have been told they cannot go over the mountain, and who simply see life as a dead-end, we are able to expand on the idea that we are all in this together and that with every success story comes proof that given a challenge, a chance, and the right education--anything is possible.

We cannot continue to disregard the importance of social and economic change in our mission to reform our schools and our communities--economic and health inequality just to name a few. These ventures and goals are all intricately linked--they feed off of one another for good or for worse. So just close your eyes for a minute and imagine a community that wholeheartedly embraces their culture, their dreams and goals, their schools and leaders, and that feed off success rather than failure, hope instead of hopelessness, prosperity over depression, and the belief that each and every one of us can control our own futures and in turn open up new doors for a better and more enriching life. We can do this and we must or we are putting aside a whole generation of young people into the pits of failure and demise that will affect this country and this world for centuries to come. I challenge our leaders and each of us to stand up for a new model of education and community reform that embraces these ideas and beliefs:

(1) Education reform is linked directly with community and social reform,

(2) Empowering inner city communities to become caretakers and reformists of their own lives and neighborhoods will positively impact our nation for generations to come,

(3) Increasing personal development and life skills within our communities and schools is a method to empower lasting social change,

(4) Challenging all people to take positive risks and become independent entrepreneurs and leaders is a positive step for our society, and

(5) Failure to believe that all people are of self-worth and of vital importance to the future success of America and the international community will only lead to increased social welfare and dependency, lack of innovation, a stagnant economy, and decreased independence on ones own natural gifts, ideals, and hopes.

Through this model the goal is to create a system in which all areas of the community is coming together to reform not only education, but the systemic problems that plague disadvantaged school districts across the nation--poverty, lack of economic development, lack of health services, and so forth. By utilizing the energy and ideas of our nation's must idealistic young people, we can harness that energy to solve long-standing social problems that will not only improve the communities that we serve, but also the long-term future of our country and the earth.

Our Model for Social Change and Sustainability And Your Role

"Unless we involve people in the definition of their problems and the choice of solutions, we will produce a thin governing system that produces public services that patch over problems rather than going to their heart."
--Gerry Stoker, Chair of the New Local Government Network (NLGN) think-tank and Professor of Political Science at Manchester University.

Generation We Solve focuses on:

Community development and economic sustainability in disadvantaged urban communities.

Health (Obesity, HIV/Aids, Health Care Access, Safe Sex Education, etc.)

Poverty (Homelessness, job/skills training, financial education workshops, etc)

Education Reform (After school programs, parents & student education hour, school curriculum reform, etc).

Development and Sustainability (Clean energy, reduced water use, improved economic stability, etc).

As a GenWeSolve Fellow you will focus your social change proposal on improving disadvantaged communities so they are able to become self-sufficient, sustainable, and independent.

Methodology for Creating Your Social Change Proposal:

Meet with community bubble (citizens, leaders, businesses, non-profit groups, and other groups you deem necessary)---As you go out and meet with your community bubble it will be vital that you discuss the vision and mission of GenWeSolve and your role in the organization. Ensure that you keep adequate notes, either with a voice-recorder or a video camera to ensure all information that is vital to the project can be sent to our Social Project Development Team.

It is vital that you communicate with as many members of the community bubble as possible to ensure project feasibility, support, and community engagement. As a project leader it will be your responsibility to keep an adequate contact list of all those you have engaged in the community bubble.

Identify social needs

As you engage your community bubble--take note of the social issues and challenges that you come across. Choose projects that are feasible, measurable, and most likely to succeed. Each community has different social needs and will require different solutions.

And be sure to check our site database to ensure another project leader/team has not created a viable and feasible social change proposal that could possibly be used at your site.

Meet with GenWeSolve Project Development Team for initial brainstorming

It is vital that once you have engaged your community bubble and developed a list of social issues to be solved that you contact our development team. They will guide you through the process of implementing your project, play devil's advocate, and ensure that your proposed solution is the best idea and has all the resources and tools needed to succeed.

Review initial brainstorming data/ideas with community bubble

Once you have met with our development team you will then present your draft social change proposal to your community bubble to gain their feedback and perspective. Please be open to any and all ideas with an open mind and open heart. Listen intently and take all ideas seriously and respectfully.

Re-work proposals and put into action!

Once you have ironed out the details and re-worked your social change proposal with your community bubble and the GenWeSolve Development Team it is time to put your plan into action.

Once you complete this initial process, you will catalog your initial social change project proposal on our website at http://www.genwesolve.com. This will allow you to tag your progress, ups and downs, needed resources to succeed, and any other pertinent information that our team should know in order to assist you.

As you implement your social change project you will have continuous support from the GenWeSolve office. It is vitally important that you recruit a team of appropriate size that you believe will be needed to implement your social change project.

It will also be vital for your team to work actively with your "community bubble" to ensure constant communication, progress, support, and to conduct project changes as needed. As a project leader you must also sign our volunteer contract and ensure that each member of your team is registered with the GenWeSolve office and have signed volunteer contracts as well.

Potential Other Methodology:

THINK....about a social issue that concerns you and that is systemic.

FIND...a community in which this systemic social ill is present.

LISTEN...to the community and understand their needs, listen to their ideas and solutions.

CREATE...a social change plan that addresses those needs and provides socially sustainable solutions that solve that systemic ill.

Generation We Solve's Project Selection Process

$10,000 in grant funding per project—Ten projects per year.
Social change training and support from Generation We Solve
Submit project proposal through our website at http://www.genwesolve.com

The information you provide during the initial application phase will be considered in the selection of your project
- Biography
- Two Recommendations
- College Transcript(s)
- Two essays—one on a social issue and ways you would solve it and how you define social change in the 21^st Century.
- Phone Interview
- Resume
- All applicants must be at least a junior in college/university
- Applicants must have sufficient English fluency and be a US Citizen.
- Applicants must be willing to attend the GenWeSolve Training conference
- Must have shown demonstrated leadership and entrepreneurial qualities.
- Must have record of integrity, honesty, and concern for disadvantaged communities.
- Must be able to clearly explain and detail your social change project
- Must be willing to spend at least a full summer in Washington, DC—providing your own housing and transportation to and from.
- Those selected as GenWeSolve Fellows will be partnered with a local or national non-profit organization in Washington, DC that correlates with their social change vision and goals prior to the start of their project.

Cost of your project—Project must stay within your $10,000 Fellowship grant
- Your project must have a budget requirement under $10,000. We will work with you to ensure all the parameters of your project are met and fit within this budget.

Project must have measurable and attainable goals and benchmarks
- Your project must have measurable goals and benchmarks. In order to ensure your project is successful it is vital that it is mapped out as a year-long project with clear expectations and results.

Project must be innovative and useful
- Your project must provide new and insightful ways to solve a social ill facing a community. Ensure you are actively engaging many sources within the community you plan to serve as well as friends and family to motivate and assist you on your social change endeavor.

Project must attack a systemic social ill
- Generation We Solve is committed to solving systemic social ills that plague disadvantaged urban and rural communities. We endeavor to select social change projects that get at the root causes of these social ills, rather than simply patching them up.

Project must have the ability to be replicated
- Social change projects that have the ability to be re-created for other communities with similar social ills is of necessity.

How Do We Measure Success?

The Number of People Served:

The projects we select must have a wide-range in the amount of citizens the project serves. Those that have the most chance for success and serve the most move further along in the selection process.

Resources provided and needed:

The projects that provide the most resources to communities in an efficient manner, while needing the least amount of resources to achieve success are of utmost need.

Systemic Change

Projects that go after the underlying and systemic problems within the communities being served—affecting public policy, social change & sustainability within the community, and can be replicated in other communities both domestic and foreign are of utmost need.

The goal of your social change project should always be how best to efficiently and creatively change the trajectory of a low-income, undeserved community so that it is able to become independent and self-sufficient in some form of social change that attacks a systemic problem. After your social change project is completed and put into action, we will work with you to determine the length of time that is needed to measure the success rate of the project through an extensive self-response survey, personal interview, and observation of the community served overtime.

It’s Time for Change!

As you have read our guide to social change you have begun the first step in building a better generation for tomorrow. We hope that you feel empowered, engaged, and ready to serve communities and social issues that you hold dearly in your heart and mind. We know that this will not be easy--there will be good days and bad days, ups and down, mess-ups and successes--however, never forget why you are here---and that is to truly change the world. Through your hard work and dedication a community will gain a new ray of hope and life and within itself will become an independent incubator of sustainability and success. Every child and family deserves the opportunity to succeed and live a life of full potential. We all have hopes and dreams and many us never have the opportunity to live them. Thanks again for your service and its time to change the world!

Inspirational & Educational Writings

Discovering Your Purpose

Everyday I am constantly looking at the society and world around us and the issues that shape our daily beliefs, ideas, and visions. These issues range from education to health care to drugs. What makes the human mind tick and the way we think about everything! All those things are as complex as the development of an affordable hydrogen powered vehicle. It is so amazing to just think about how complex humans truly are in life. We all hold so many deep and personal beliefs and opinions about almost everything! We are shaped and molded by not only our own experiences, but from those that we see daily within our families, on the news, or by what we see and read in newspapers, magazines, and on the streets.

Some of us are passionate about ending hunger, while others are fighting for the environment. We all have some deep and strong personal vision on how we see the world and what we as humans can do to improve it and keep it healthy and strong. For me, life is all about being a positive impact in the lives of others, particularly those who are less fortunate and are unable to fight for themselves. I feel very strongly about inner city schools and communities, mainly because that is where my family grew up in and moved away from, which is why I feel as though I am the smart and idealistic person I am today. I want other young people to have the same chance I had in life to be successful in all that

I do.

Life is not only about knowing what we stand for and fighting for those issues, but also about knowing whom we are and discovering our innermost thoughts and feelings. Because once we are able to do that, we can become almost a new light of hope and justice for the world. We become more confident, self-reliant, and faithful in what we are here for on this huge and interesting planet we call Earth. No one person is on this Earth without a purpose and reason for living. Once we find our purpose, we can become visionaries of new ideas and thinking. Some people I consider visionaries are Colin Powell, Oprah, Martin Luther King Jr., and Bill Gates. All of them figured out their purpose in life, pursued it greatly, worked hard, and made a positive difference in the world for the better. Never be afraid to just open your eyes, ears, heart, and soul to the world around you. Because you never know what you might discover deep within yourself!

Equal Education for Many Still Elusive

Imagine a place where ideas are created, dreams are lived, and hands-on interactive experiences are the cornerstone of learning. An education foundation in which children are seen, not merely as test-taking robots, but as active participants and equals in their own educational future now and in the future. A place filled with excitement, interactive learning, cooperation, and respect--where theaters and auditoriums are places of improvisation, acting, and being--science labs to experiment and create, art centers to draw and imagine.

For many schools this is not just an imagination, but a reality. Children are truly able to see themselves in the work they accomplish. They are able to learn not merely by just seeing, but also by doing--they can not just be told to dream big, but they can live their dreams now in the present. Every young mind is such a precious, delicate, and important idea that must be nurtured and expanded. The young mind must be challenged and tested, excited and calmed.

Everyday I get the opportunity to work with young people who do not have all of these necessary resources, let alone the motivation to push themselves further. However, they come to school ready for whatever the day brings them--either good or bad. They learn and make-do with what they have and when they succeed, the smile on their faces makes my work and the work of my peers even more gratifying and heart warming. Even though they do not always listen to me the first time or even third time, they know that I am there to make their lives just a little bit better, to help them go farther than they thought was possible.

And little do they know, they are challenging me to do the same--to stand up in the face of adversity, to live everyday as though it is my last, and to never allow the little things get to me too much. I know that they are special and if they were given the same resources as many of their fellow peers across this nation, they too would be able to attend the best colleges and attain the best jobs in the future. However, as of now, they are at a deep disadvantage in the quest for equal educational opportunities.

I have come to the conclusion that standardized testing would not be a necessity if school districts and our nation would invest in the resources, teachers, infrastructure, and commitment to learning that we all know is possible and necessary for the future success of our country in this global economy. When rural and inner city youth have been trained to expect mediocrity or at worse failure, why should they show respect, concern, love, or a true passion for learning when they know their is no light at the end of the tunnel? Instead they are forced to see education as just another long step to failure, just as many of their parents and relatives have experienced.

It is so hard to see hope, prosperity, or a chance for success when no one believes in you. With the election of President Barack Obama, I truly hope this will be a turning point in education. My students have truly been inspired by the Obama presidency and it gives them hope that they too can become something great in our society, no matter the color of their skin or their current socio-economic status. But, that will not last forever, that is why we must show them this hope and chance for success through action.

When it comes to inspiring, challenging, and growing the minds of our future doctors, entrepreneurs, scientists, thinkers, artists, and so forth--from Pre-K through college, they must be immersed in a full spectrum of educational opportunities and cultural awareness. This is where our present and future must lead us--our commitment to learning must be unwavering, wide-ranging, diverse, challenging, motivating--and without excuses or acceptance of failure.

We should expect nothing less than perfection from our students, parents, teachers, staff, and education administration, both locally, state-wide, and nationally. These are all of our children--no matter where they live, the color of their skin, or what we believe they are. They are the future, are we ready to accept failure or mark a turning point in providing every child with a true and equal education? I say we must for the sake of our nation and for the sake of every child who dares to dream.

Success
Wealth. Power. Happiness. Family. Friends. Partners. Luck. Hard Work. Dedication. Goals. What exactly determines success in the 21st Century and what is the definition of success? Is it achieving a set goal? Making millions off a successful product or service? Is it going to college and living a great life with a family? Ultimately success is defined by each individual. However, if you are aiming to have a successful life that is defined by how you change the environment around you--as an entrepreneur is concerned--how do you achieve that level of success that is noticed by society and be rewarded for it?

For many who achieve success in the business world a string of many actions precipitated full fledged success. For instance, Bill Gates credits the fact that he was able to have access to a computer, in which most citizens did not, as a means for his future success. Imagine if Bill Gates never came into contact with a computer--what would the world look like? Some people are able to truly change society as we know it.

If you look at other success stories in the entrepreneur world, success comes from a myriad of opportunities, luck, perseverance, dedication, and resources. I believe that everyone has a success vision within them, but most will never be tapped. They will never have the opportunities they need, the resources, the support, or the luck. Today success is so narrowly defined and cultivated, that for many if you live outside of mainstream society and do not have the connections or education to progress and push your ideas, you may never be heard or seen. But just because you feel left out of the process and unable to push through to the front, success can be achieved in practically all areas overtime.

Simply start with a vision and truly think about how that vision can become real and truly positively impact society. Read articles, books, magazines, and other success stories that correlate with your vision. Then you must begin to write out those thoughts and ideas--mapping out the pros and cons, mission, vision, overall strategy for success, and any other details that come to mind. And most importantly talk to close friends and relatives that can provide encouragement and advice--the worse thing you can do is keep your vision bottled up. You may end up meeting someone who can move you further down the path to success. It is also vital that you believe in your vision--because people know when you truly believe in your passion and are more willing to join your cause. Lastly, take risks and do not give up. Nothing was ever started and completed without some form of risk taken--whether you need to take out loans to start a venture or work an extra 10 hours a week--whatever those risks are, ensure that they move you along in your quest for success and stay committed.

Success truly is what you make of it and how far you are willing to go. Through your success, I hope you find the most ultimate goal of all: Happiness.

Generation Y: Are You Ready For the Challenge?

We are the future leaders of this world and our decisions today will affect the standards, morals, and policies of this country and world. Either the world will look at us and say “wow, this future generation of leaders and American’s stood up for something, they fought for educational reform, helping those unfortunate, and they made a difference to make the world a better place” or they will see a generation that was apathetic to politics, apathetic to positive change and education, and apathetic to making a difference.

I know it is hard to imagine how we are supposed to take a stand, how we are suppose to initiate this change and revolution, but simply put we must ACT. We must act in the way of voting, debating, volunteering, recruiting, and taking a stand. And in order to act we must educate ourselves—educating ourselves on the issues, the candidates, policy, and how we can make a real difference. Knowledge is the most powerful weapon when it comes to debating and working for change. I believe that we are the next generation to bring about this peaceful revolution of ideas, excitement, involvement, and most importantly change.

To simply not act in this pivotal time would be equivalent to allowing a whole generation to simply erase itself from the history books. There are so many issues that are at a very important stage of change in our history—education reform, health care reform, social security, the future of our environment, and so forth. We have the opportunity to take charge of these issues and to shape them to fit the needs and wants of our generation. A generation that is idealistic, passionate, creative, and willing to take risks for a better tomorrow.

I challenge you to simply not fight for your own survival, but for our nation’s survival. No one is promised tomorrow, so we must live everyday as if it is our last. In the words of President John F. Kennedy, “A revolution is coming - a revolution which will be peaceful if we are wise enough; compassionate if we care enough; successful if we are fortunate enough - but a revolution which is coming whether we will it or not. We can affect its character; we cannot alter its inevitability.”

Imagination Is the Key to Success

For centuries, many of our world’s greatest leaders, philosophers, entrepreneurs, and thinkers have lived by a simple, but yet provocative law. The Law of Attraction-which simply means believing in one’s own goals and self, will essentially create your destiny and life. Many of us wake up daily not without a positive attitude, and without a path to success. We simply go about our day not really giving much thought to the positive things around us and our own imaginations. Just think back when you were a child, always thinking of new games, ways to beat boredom, and you actually brought those creative ways of thinking to life. Yet as you got older, you simply let the problems of the world push you down and halt your thinking and imagination. You let the negative overtake the positive, and you simply lived day by day without giving any thought to what tomorrow held for you.

However, I have very good news for you; it is never too late to turn back the clock of negativity, sadness, hopelessness, and loss of imagination. Great people such as Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr., Einstein, Jesus, Henry Ford, Winston Churchill, I could go on and on lived by this law and this philosophy of life. As kids, growing up we read about them throughout our classes in amazement. We wondered how could these individuals invent such things, create such hope, and inspire so many people.

These great individuals followed their dreams, hopes, and aspirations without regard to the trials and tribulations they would face or the failures they incurred on their way to success. They believed in something, they put one foot out in front of the other, even when they did not have the answer and they made their imaginations come true. See, each and everyday we are all capable of doing great things, as well as bringing our hopes and dreams crashing down.

We can go about each and everyday complaining, moaning, and blaming everyone else for our problems in life. We can go to work not liking our job, we can stay in a relationship that just is not working, or we can bring about positive change in our lives and start over. You, all of us, have the power to essentially bring about a new and improved us, which in the end brings about a better world. What you think and believe is what will come about. So think positive, do positive things, give to others, work daily towards short and long-term goals, and most importantly never quit imagining. Look around you—your computer, phone, books, desk, etc. are all created items from the imagination and hands of man. Never forget that you to are capable of great things!

I challenge you to start that business idea you have always had, to finish the poem you never finished, and most importantly do not make excuses. What you have today is enough to bring about the imaginative and powerful change that we are all capable of doing. I find it very funny and interesting at the people who win the lottery. They always seem to be those who are less off, poor, but at the same time, they are happy, thoughtful, and they have played for years upon years always hoping, dreaming, and knowing that one day, they would win. In addition, when that day comes, we see them on the news and we ask ourselves, wow I wish that were I!

That is the attitude we cannot have. YOU can be and do anything you believe in. That does not mean it is going to happen overnight, but I guarantee you, what you imagine, can and will come true through positive thinking and dedication. Your life can start anew today—stop looking at those that have more than you with envy, why not look at those people for inspiration—for the drive to empower your own life to do great things. Remember that your thoughts of hope or failure are essentially, what you will get. So think and do on the hopeful side, because that is where greatness of life will show its amazing glory.

Article Readings To Help You On Your Journey

Recruiting Volunteers:

http://www.samhsa.gov/fbci/Volunteer_handbook.pdf

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/386781/volunteer_recruitment_and_retention.html

Branding non-profits/social change projects

http://www.iconocast.com/ZZZZZResearch_Files/Non_prof.pdf

http://www.thinkpersonality.com/think/pdfs/valueofbranding.pdf

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/05/branding-non-profits.php

http://www2.guidestar.org/rxa/news/articles/2004/nonprofit-branding-unveiling-the-essentials.aspx?articleId=833

http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/npodesign/npodesign.jhtml?id=37800053

Social Change/Entrepreneurs

http://www.ashoka.org/social_entrepreneur

http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/smsmallbiz/article194830.html

http://www.pbs.org/opb/thenewheroes/whatis/

http://www.skollfoundation.org/aboutsocialentrepreneurship/whatis.asp

http://www.skollfoundation.org/media/skoll_docs/2007SP_feature_martinosberg.pdf

The Emergence of the Web for Social Change

2009-04-11T15:04:00.008-04:00

Technology has always been useful in merging communities and society from small towns in Iowa to far away ventures in Japan. However, technology today is becoming even more useful and prevalent in its ability to unite people and ideas to bring about real social change. A perfect example is President Obama's pioneering use of the web during his campaign for the presidency with the creation of his online social networking community called MyBO. MyBO allowed for ordinary citizens to use online phone banking to connect with citizens all over the U.S., to organize house parties and community canvasing events, and to efficiently raise funds in small amounts, and to dispel rumors and actively convey his message of change.

Never before had a candidate, locally or nationally, harnessed the power of the web in such a shock and awe manner that resulted in millions of users, millions of dollars, thousands of citizen organized events, and essentially victory! The world wide web is consistenly reinventing itself--with the likes of MySpace, Facebook, and web entrepreneurs, but it also creates an opportunity for ordinary people to change the world. A family in a small town in need of funds to help their child and his or her cancer treatment can recurit thousands of activits to help raise the money or a young teenager who has an amazing idea to create a new technology or idea can find hundreds of others who hold similar views and can help spawn a new empire.

If used in a postive manner with an entrepreneurial spirit, the web can be an amazing force for social change and social entrepreneurship. We can bring together people of all ideals, hopes, passions, and needs to revolutionize the way our society helps one another. Through the creation of web sites and use of already established social networking sites, people can unite their own individual passions with those of others on a quest to create new industries, new ventures, new technologies and services, and eventually empower a new economy based on self-sufficiency, independence, and social entrepreneurship. When we generally think of a business and entrepreneurs, we think of big loans, big buildings, and business suits. However, this stereotype is changing--as a new era of young, intelligent, and idealistic entrepreneurs come forth with not dreams of big money and fancy cars, but to actually make a real difference in the world--brining communities and people together for the betterment of man-kind.

The work of Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook, is one in which we can point as model for a new era in web creation aimed at social change. He has turned down numerous billion dollar offers to sell Facebook--believeing that his cause is one in which is more important than creating something big and selling out-but that his work can be one that is long-lasting in his quest to bring people together, making networking and information sharing seamless and easy--and in the end creating more interative ventures through Facebook itself. The power of an idea can stretch very far--but even farther with the emergence of a new web culture that values information, networking, and the power of many voices. As you go about your day, think about how you can postively impact the world and how through the use of the web you can unite people with similar interests, hopes, and dreams to make your vision for social change a reality.

Success

2009-03-30T19:07:00.010-04:00

Wealth. Power. Happiness. Family. Friends. Partners. Luck. Hard Work. Dedication. Goals. What exactly determines success in the 21st Century and what is the definition of success? Is it achieving a set goal? Making millions off a successful product or service? Is it going to college and living a great life with a family? Ultimately success is defined by each individual. However, if you are aiming to have a successful life that is defined by how you change the environment around you--as an entrepreneur is concerned--how do you achieve that level of success that is noticed by society and be rewarded for it? For many who achieve success in the business world a string of many actions precipitated full fledged success. For instance, Bill Gates credits the fact that he was able to have access to a computer, in which most citizens did not, as a means for his future success. Imagine if Bill Gates never came into contact with a computer--what would the world look like? Some people are able to truly change society as we know it.

If you look at other success stories in the entrepreneur world, success comes from a myriad of opportunities, luck, perseverance, dedication, and resources. I believe that everyone has a success vision within them, but most will never be tapped. They will never have the opportunities they need, the resources, the support, or the luck. Today success is so narrowly defined and cultivated, that for many if you live outside of mainstream society and do not have the connections or education to progress and push your ideas, you may never be heard or seen. But just because you feel left out of the process and unable to push through to the front, success can be achieved in practically all areas overtime.

Simply start with a vision and truly think about how that vision can become real and truly positively impact society. Read articles, books, magazines, and other success stories that correlate with your vision. Then you must begin to write out those thoughts and ideas--mapping out the pros and cons, mission, vision, overall strategy for success, and any other details that come to mind. And most importantly talk to close friends and relatives that can provide encouragement and advice--the worse thing you can do is keep your vision bottled up. You may end up meeting someone who can move you further down the path to success. It is also vital that you believe in your vision--because people know when you truly believe in your passion and are more willing to join your cause. Lastly, take risks and do not give up. Nothing was ever started and completed without some form of risk taken--whether you need to take out loans to start a venture or work an extra 10 hours a week--whatever those risks are, ensure that they move you along in your quest for success and stay committed.

Success truly is what you make of it and how far you are willing to go. Through your success, I hope you find the most ultimate goal of all: Happiness.

Peace,

JM

"It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something."
--President Franklin D. Roosevelt

"I have learned, that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours."
--Henry David Thoreau

"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly."
--Robert F. Kennedy

Change Not Charity

2009-03-30T16:35:00.005-04:00

I found this description of what true progressive social change is and I loved it! It bases the idea of social change on the act of not just helping one person, but fixing the underlying problems that plague whole communities--such as poverty, education reform, joblessness, drugs, etc. In order to truly create lasting and sustainable social change, we must be willing to fight for it--changing laws, partnering with other like-minded groups, and educating the populace on the issues at hand. Social change is also based on working with the communities in which the change is being fought for.

It is very important to listen to the needs of the community in which the social change is needed. Social change is truly a hands-on, in the trenches type of system and requires a long-term sustained effort. Charities play a vital role in our society--however too often they are not helping to solve the underlying and systemic problems in which poor, urban and rural communities are facing. People are not just looking for handouts, they are looking for a new rejuvenated American society.

I am hoping to have an organization in place within the next couple of months aimed at bringing together young college graduates to create projects aimed at social change in local urban and rural communities by working with local and state government agencies, community groups, citizens, other non-profits, and businesses. I believe that change must start from the bottom up and it is up to our generation to make that change happen.

Peace & Love,

JM

ARTICLE: http://www.fundforsouth.org/social_change.htm

What is progressive social change?

Builds community-based responses, not solutions that affect just a few individuals and leave the underlying social problems intact.

Changes attitudes, behaviors, laws, policies and institutions to better reflect the values of inclusion, fairness, diversity and opportunity.

Insists on accountability and responsiveness among institutions, including the government, large corporations, universities and other entities whose policies and actions profoundly affect the living conditions of individuals and communities, whether locally, nationally, or internationally.

Expands the meaning and practice of "democracy" by involving those closest to social problems in determining their solutions.

The following may help give a more concrete understanding of social change:

SOCIAL CHANGE- n.1.) The structural transformation of political,
social and economic systems and institutions
to create a more equitable and just society.

2. Proponents target the underlying causes of critical social problems, such as homelessness, discrimination and poverty.

Opposite: Status quo; charity; business as usual;
temporary solutions

Changing Education For Good

2009-03-29T13:16:00.003-04:00

President Obama has made education reform a top tier issue in his administration. He pledges to focus on creating higher standards for teachers, ensuring every child gets early childhood education, and giving every qualified high school graduate an opportunity to attend college just to name a few. However, the President cannot do this on his own. We as citizens must forcefully speak out on behalf of our children and our school systems. Every year more than one million students drop out of high school--which leaves a tremendous gap in our nation's ability to create a socially sustainable environment for the future. Here are five ways you can get involved now to make an immediate impact in a child's life and to help put education reform in the forefront of national politics:

1. Speak Out
Write to your local newspaper or college paper on the importance of ensuring every child gets a first-rate education. In the long run, an educated child is better not just for his or her own good, but for America's overall economy and development.

2. Mentor a Child
Children of all ages look up to those older than them--especially if you can relate to their hopes, fears, and dreams. Visit a local school nearby and volunteer a couple of hours a week or a day to spend time helping a child with his or her homework and mentoring them. Not only will they gain a new perspective in life, but so will you.

3. Contact Your Local & National Representatives
Send an e-mail to your local, state, and national leaders pressuring them to fight for public education and to ensure it stays on the map. Leaders respond to their constituents if they receive a high volume of letters and messages on a specific topic. Tell them how you feel about education, how important it is to ensure public schools are fully funded and strong, and how they can make a difference in ensuring education reform occurs.

4. Create Your Own Program
If you feel very passionate about education reform, start your own program or club aimed at incorporating all of these tools into one. Hold campus or school fundraisers to help low-income schools get the books, supplies, and technologies children need to succeed in the 21st Century.

5. Commit to National Service
There are so many national service programs aimed at reforming America's inner city and rural schools from City Year to Teach for America to Teaching Fellows. Find out which program works for you and make a difference. The more young people we can have dedicated to education reform,the better our nations long-term prognosis will be.

We can all make a difference and truly fight for those who have no voice--children. Stand up for education reform and help spread the word that education reform is vital for a strong and lasting American society.

Men Must Want To Be Great

2009-03-28T13:43:00.007-04:00

As a member of a Fraternity in my collegiate years, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and a Brother for life, I feel empowered to think about the meaning of my time in Sig Ep and how it has created a foundation for who I am today. The history of Sig Ep is broad--founded in 1901 at Richmond College in Virginia by 12 young, idealistic, amazing young men--they dared to be different. Sigma Phi Epsilon was founded on the belief that men must want to be great--and that through this greatness they must abide by a set of founding principles that still hold true today--Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love. Virtue--standing for honesty and truth in all walks of life, Diligence--always striving for greatness through hard work and perseverance, and Brotherly Love--the act of loving oneself first in order to truly love another.

I now know that being in Sigma Phi Epsilon while in college was truly an uplifting and spiritual experience. I learned that life is precious, that each day is a challenge that must be met, and that as a brother I owe to my nation and earth a persistent goal to create positive social change, so we leave this place we call home better off for the next generation. Always striving to learn, build, create, serve, help, grow, and most importantly love. C.A. Jenkens, one of the founding brothers of the Fraternity once wrote "the name of Sigma Phi Epsilon was born in the philosophy of love--the only foundation on which the world can have peace. This is the principle on which our Fraternity was founded."

Jenkens wrote that his founding of the Fraternity came about while sleeping at his desk one evening when he fell asleep and began to dream. He dreamed of an earth filled with death, hate, destruction, and unhappiness, in which he saw "ten hundred thousand monuments to the newly dead soldiers of the earth". He asked the Recording Angel why was this happening and what did it mean. The Angel responded "Men have failed to understand the simple teachings of the Prince of the Earth". Jenkens awoke from his dream wondering exactly what this meant to him and his future. As he slept for the night he dreamed again--this time he saw a world filled with happiness, children walking to school, people singing, churches filled with people, and "the nations of the earth were at peace, every nation with its brother nation."

Lastly, he asked the Angel what brought this change on the earth--and "the Angel of God" pointed Jenkens to a passage of Scripture: Matthew 22:37-40. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."--Thus creating the core foundation of Sigma Phi Epsilon-Love. If we all truly cared for another and loved one another like true Brothers, peace would be the resulting effect. Through love we gain understanding, power, trust, and the ability to live a life based on the care and concern of the least of us. So when someone ask me why I joined a Fraternity I can tell them it wasn't about me, it was about you and everyone else. I am here to serve, to make the world a better place through the betterment of myself and my fellow man. All of our lives should be a beacon of hope, idealism, and prosperity for the rest of the world to replenish from. We shall be the leaders of today, tomorrow, and forever. But, we must always stay true to our ideals and values--because through these core values we will be better men for it and will truly change the world.

HFF
JM
So As You Think, So You Will Be.--Think Great, Be Great.

"I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past."-Thomas Jefferson

This Fraternity will be different; it will be based on the love of God and the principle of peace through brotherhood...its purpose shall be to intensify and perpetuate friendship and promote happiness among its members, to encourage literature and education, and to create such sentiments, mold such opinions, and perform such deeds as shall conduce to the building of a noble and pure manhood.

-Sig Ep Charter, October 20, 1902

Model Outline (PowerPoint Notes)

2009-03-23T21:03:00.004-04:00

Social-Community Sustainability Model for Education Reform
Joshua A. Murphy

Young people who are engaged in their communities, who see the link between a solid education and a solid job--that believe that their home is a sacred place, that their lives are more important than drugs, gangs, or violence--these and much more are all vital in our quest to change and inspire a new generation of individuals.

Objectives in the Social-Community Model for Education Reform

(1) Education reform is linked directly with community and social reform.

Objective #2
Empowering inner city communities to become caretakers and reformists of their own lives and neighborhoods will positively impact our nation for generations to come.

Objective #3
Increasing personal development and life skills within our communities and schools is a method to empower lasting social change.

Objective #4
Challenging all people to take positive risks and become independent entrepreneurs and leaders is a positive step for our society.

Objective #5
Failure to believe that all people are of self-worth and of vital importance to the future success of America and the international community will only lead to increased social welfare and dependency, lack of innovation, a stagnant economy, and decreased independence on ones own natural gifts, ideals, and hopes.

Why are these objectives important?
(1) They could provide a powerful tool in our quest to truly change and empower American society.

(2) They provide a comprehensive plan to tackle not just community and social ills within our urban communities, but the reformation of our education system.

(3) They unite all people to the belief that each and every person has self-worth and contribute to American and global economic and social well-being.

How can we accomplish these objectives and what does this model look like?

We must focus on these vital areas that determine the success or failure of communities and the people that live within them.

(1) Home
(2) Business/Economic Development
(3) School
(4) Government

Model

HOME

Steady Income

In order for a family to succeed, they need a steady flow of income. This ensures their ability to save for their child's education, to be active participants in an economic system, and provide for the community as a whole.

High School graduates at the least

The more education a family has the better off they will be. Education determines social & community status, financial stability/well-being, and the ability to grow and change with the new and difficult times we are facing. a family to succeed, they need a steady flow of income. This ensures their ability to save for their child's education, to be active participants in an economic system, and provide for the community as a whole.

Two loving and involved parents

Family setting is instrumental in the success of a child and a community. Parents that are involved, loving, and care about their child and the social well-being of others around them is a deciding factor in the outcome of a successful social change model.

BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Intertwined in the community (sponsoring school & neighborhood events)

It is vital that business and community groups stay active and involved in the happenings of the community through sponsoring community events, bringing new jobs and development, and providing worth while activities and ventures for citizens.

Varied/Thriving

The more varied types of businesses and economic development within a community the better. A mix of banks, doctors, stores, community centers, churches, and mixed developments the better.

Accessible Transportation

Communities of all sorts, especially rural, need a thriving transportation system for its citizens. This allows for all people to be active participants in the economic development of a community.

SCHOOLS

Engaging and Challenging:

Students deserve schools that have a varied and strong curriculum that is challenging, engaging, and diverse. Increased courses in individual career skills and opportunities are key to college and real-world success.

Connected with families and community:

Schools must not only be connected with its students and staff, but also families and the community as a whole. Schools should be a thriving example of the wholeness of our society—breeding idealistic, intelligent, and driven individuals who feel a need to stay connected to their community.

Teacher and administrative development

Teachers and school administrators must consistently be on the forefront of educational development, teaching strategies, and leadership development to ensure education reform is continuous and ever-lasting.

GOVERNMENT

Low Taxes

People and Communities thrive when they are based on individual needs and economic prosperity. By ensuring small businesses and families are able to diversify their spending, saving, and investments, communities as a whole will thrive.

Business & Community Development

Government must be a partner in the development of new businesses and community needs by providing small business loans, planning, and assistance to new ventures and ensuring fair and stable economic rules and policies.

Limited social safety nets would be necessary to ensure success in times of economic instability:

Once a community is thriving and continuously growing and expanding, this will reduce the need for social welfare—and increase individual economic development and prosperity. Government should therefore switch to safety net mode—ensuring that families are able to have a relatively safe lifestyle and defend against economic instability in times of crisis.

Three important outcomes from this model

1. Improved social & economic output
When individuals have the tools and capabilities to empower their own economic well-being, they are then able to share this with others in their communities—creating a lasting social and economical growth pattern.

2. Lower crime rates
Due to decreased dependence on illegal activities to survive—this will lead to decreased crime, lessen repeat incarcerations, and provide for a more stable community in the short and long-term.

3. Higher graduation rates among students
Young people who grow up in a more stable, economically and socially sound community are more likely to graduate high school and to attend college. This would then create a legacy of economic, social, and educational success.

Conclusion

We cannot continue to disregard the importance of social and economic change in our mission to reform our schools and our communities--economic and health inequality just to name a few. These objectives are all intricately linked--they feed off of one another for good or for worse.
Investing in strong and independent communities will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come and provide a new model for education reform connected to the social and economic well-being of our society as a whole.