Principles of Success Motivational Program January 2020 Newsletter |
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Our Principles of Success Motivational Program celebrated its sixth year of operations with the culmination luncheon on December 14, 2019, when we recognized 27 young men for completing the program. Keynote speaker Mr. Darrell Brown, Retired Senior Vice President of US Bank, spoke about success. He inspired and challenged our 2019 participants to make a commitment to achieve success at the highest level based on the five levels of commitment as follows (1) I will think about it, (2) I will try, (3) I will do the best that I can, (4) I will do what is required, and (5) I will do whatever is necessary. His message was powerful. We know that all highly successful people operate at the fifth level and that our young men can achieve a high level of success in their life if they operate at the fifth level starting now in their school work and continuing throughout their life. Another highlight of the luncheon was hearing from some of the program participants themselves and from some parents. Eight of our 2019 program participants shared comments about what the program had done for them. I was happy to hear that several of the young men improved their school grade point average since entering the POS program. Some parents then spoke about the positive change they had noted in their sons. The parents also praised the Parent Workshop series led by Dr. Erica Holmes-Graves. They highly recommend that every participant’s parent/guardian attend the three workshops, if possible. One parent stated that she “initially did not see the benefit of attending the Parent Workshops” but soon came to learn that she did not know what she did not know and proceeded to talk about what she specifically learned during the workshops.
As the executive director, I am honored to lead this program that is having a huge impact on young men in our community. Over the last six years we have culminated an average of 30 young men per year. Additionally, it has been an honor and pleasure to work with the other 15 men who have served as facilitators and mentors on an annual basis. These men have donated their time, talents and financial support to this program. We recognize that some of these men are retired from very successful careers, and some have young families of their own, yet they all find the time to participate in the development of our program participants. We thank you all for your generosity.
I wish you all of you a very happy, healthy New Year and look forward to the coming year as we continue to nurture and inspire our young men. Don Dyer, Executive Director |
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Paying It Forward I have always had a passion for working with youth, specifically young men of color. From 2008 -2013, I was the Volunteer Director of the Teen Mentor Program at the Watts Willowbrook Boys and Girls Club. I joined Principles of Success in 2016 to continue to fulfill that passion. Much of my success in life can be attributed to my mentors so I enjoy doing the same for the youth today. |
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Seeing is believing! Throughout the course of the program, young men of color are introduced to a wide range of successful men of color, different career paths and the lessons that they have learned along the way. It allows the young men to see people who look like them and who were born and raised from the same places as they were and who are now living successful and productive lives. It inspires and encourages them because the message is that they can do it too. On top of building self-confidence, we help the young men build successful study habits, learn test taking skills and improve and complete homework prep. This is one of the foundational sessions that |
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helps get the young men off to a great start to the school year. The biggest testament to the success of the program is that every year some former participants come back and work with the next wave of mentees in an alumni capacity because of the benefits they have themselves reaped from attending. It is my honor to be a volunteer for this organization. Henry Williams, Volunteer for POS Principal Account Manager @ Google B.A. in Marketing & Communications (University of California Santa Barbara) |
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It Takes A Village As a single mother raising a young black man, I always feel compelled to provide him with the support and resources he needs to face this ever-challenging world. As a mother, you want to be your child’s everything. I have learned, though, that there are some lessons that are more effectively conveyed when they come from other sources. One of the many challenges of parenting for me is understanding when to let go and allow my child to stand on his own. I want to trust that all the wisdom I have given him over the years will take root. My son has already faced racism, bullying, and dealing with teachers who did not have his best interest at heart. I have constantly visited my son’s school to fight on his behalf. In time, I began to see the need for my son to have a strong male mentor. As if God heard my heart before I could speak it, I met a young lady at work who told me about the Principles of Success (POS) program. She raved about the positive changes she saw in her son and believed my son would also benefit from the experience. A year later she sent me a reminder to sign up, and I was beyond excited when my son was accepted. The Principle of Success program is a hidden gem, a beacon of hope, and a light in a seemingly dark world. At a time when there is a great need for leadership in our communities, POS provides a refreshing sense of community to the participants and their families. It is reminiscent of a time when there really was a village of people to help raise the children, a time when neighbors watched over our children as their own and men stepped up to help |
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the fatherless and mentor them into greatness. The POS program is an answer to the many questions and concerns we share as a community. My son has learned what manhood looks like from men who look like him. He has been inspired to face challenges and handle pressure with confidence. He has also learned how to manage and invest his money and present himself in a professional manner. My favorite take home message is that “a setback is a set up for a comeback!” You can be down, but never count yourself out. I have so much gratitude for the men who dedicate their time to our young men. POS does not stop with the children. It provides workshops for parents to discuss the ups and downs of parenting, share our stories, bond with each other, and understand that we are not alone in the challenges of parenting. It creates an inspirational atmosphere for children and their parents or guardians. Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican political activist once said, “Always try to associate with people from whom you can learn something. All the knowledge that you want is in the world, and all you have to do is go and seek it.” The men of POS represent black excellence. It has been an honor to participate in such a rich program, which has had a powerful impact on my son’s life, as well as mine. I look forward to participating again next year. With gratitude, Denisha Randle |
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The Principles of Success is an outstanding organization that has helped my grandson become a more confident and responsible young man. We first heard about the program when Jelani was a 10th grader at Westchester High School. Jelani was very smart but did not take initiative due to his being very shy. During the first meeting, we encouraged Jelani to speak to other young men in the program but he was terrified. His mother and I were introduced to the program’s mission statement and knew this was exactly what Jelani needed. We felt the Principles of Success would help him develop his social and professional skills. The program had a diverse set of mentors, and I think this is the strongest component of the program. I was delighted to know that successful men from many backgrounds and professions would be giving their knowledge to the next generation of young black men. The mentors made it very clear to the new participants that this would require their effort in various ways. All the young men would need to dress in business attire, complete their required readings, and come to every session. Each month Jelani would attend the program’s meetings dressed in slacks, a dress shirt, and a tie. |
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He did not know how to tie a tie until one of the mentors taught him how to. My grandson learned the importance of first impressions, public speaking, and other things that would help him in his academic and professional life. After each meeting, Jelani told me about the bankers, executives, and school board members that spoke that day, I could see the excitement in his face. By the end of the program, I could tell Jelani was not the same shy 10th grader he started as. He graduated 7th in his high school class with leadership positions in many clubs. He is now in his 3rd year at UCLA and has returned to speak to a new cohort of Principle of Success participants, a symbol of his improved confidence. I know Jelani has used interviewing tips he learned from the Principles of Success to secure many scholarship and academic opportunities. I cannot express how much admiration I have for the Principles of Success and those who ensure its prosperity. Sharold Jones, Grandmother to Jelani Mora POS Class of 2014 |
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POS Application Period begins March 1st! We are excited to announce that the 2020 application period will begin March 1st and end March 31st. If you know of a young man who would benefit from participating in the Principles of Success Motivation Program, please encourage him and/or his parents to visit the website at principlesofsuccessmp.com for more information and to apply. Preference will be given to young men from single-parent households and/or those who face academic or other unique challenges. |
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