Leadership L.I.V.E News
Creating Cultural Change in Communities and Schools
In April 2011, Leadership L.I.V.E conducted some informal surveys with middle and high school students. We asked how many felt the anti-bullying campaigns in their schools were effective. Approximately 200 responded with 93% saying they felt they were ineffective. We then asked how many want to become leaders for social change. Approximately 100 responded with 91% expressing an interest in becoming a leader. Yet how much time do we spend on anti-bullying campaigns and consequences of poor behavior rather than teaching children to become leaders for inclusion? Are we truly listening and guiding children toward their interests in leadership and desire to be a part of making positive change?
After having done the "Include ME! Challenge" school assemblies in Montville Township, we had many children and young adults ask us how to become leaders. Each of them were looking for opportunities to get involved in leading inclusion and social change projects. As a result "Leadership L.I.V.E" evolved and students began this year's project called: ""10 Years-One Voice" in celebration of Pathways' 10th year anniversary! A special logo has been created by students in Leadership L.I.V.E in celebration of the anniversary that is shown below.
Leadership L.I.V.E visits Carlo's Bakery!
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Young adults from Leadership L.i.V.E visited Carlo's Bakery to begin plans for the Pathways' 10th Year Anniversary Party in May 2012! The "Include ME!" logo will be changed for this year only in celebration of our anniversary. That logo is featured above. The theme will be "Ten Years-One Voice." We go to met Mauro Castano and Buddy Valastro from the Cake Boss. Mauro sat with us and discussed how to decorate the cake we would like for the anniversary and is pictured above.
Leadership L.I.V.E Presents to Montville Township Board of Education
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The students from Leadership L.I.V.E met with Dr. Paul Fried, Superintendent of Montville Township Schools in November 2011. Dr. Fried invited them to present to the Montville Township Board of Education on December 20, 2011. The Pathways' Rock Band played first followed by a presentation that outlined the Leadership L.I.V.E goals for 2011-2012 school year as follows:
1) INCLUSION OF ALL YOUTH:
The youth leaders are aware of the ever growing problems of bullying, teen depression and suicide, and the intentional exclusion of children that occurs every day in their schools and communities. In today's world, exclusion has become more rampant and insidious with the advent of social media and the internet. The youth in Leadership L.I.V.E, who are teenagers themselves, know this all too well. As a result, they are working tirelessly to get people to unite at the grassroots level in order to reach their goal of making inclusion and acceptance of diversity a part the culture of every school and community in the United States. This group of youth leaders are working the following:
a) Creating a 10th year anniversary celebration for Pathways in May 2012 that will put "Include ME!" in the forefront. The goal is to have 1,000 people in attendance.
b) Sending video tapes and invitations to celebrities giving them an opportunity to unite their voice with youth everywhere to make "Include ME!" a national campaign.
c) Designing peer to peer school assemblies that promote "Include ME!" and unite youth leadership toward having a voice for change in their schools and communities.
d) Promoting the participation of students in the initiation of inclusive programs and practices. For example, Montville High School students initiated inclusive football, soccer, and rock band programs. Plans are in the works for an inclusive weight lifting and a music entertainment show in spring 2012.
2) ONE VOICE:
a) The youth leaders are creating a community advisory committee consisting of adult leaders they have chosen in their community and schools. This advisory committee will review programs, assemblies and other ideas the students put forth. They will give input and collaboratively work with the students to help them achieve their objectives.
b) The students have developed a concept called, "Classroom Connections." The goal of this program is to explore ways to improve the communication and collaboration between students, teachers, and administrators. Students want a voice in their education and have a vested interest in helping their schools strive for excellence.
c) Student initiated "Leadership of the Year" awards that will give students the opportunity to recognize adult and students leaders in their schools and communities that have been examples of promoting inclusion, leadership, and/or genuine caring that has made a difference in the lives of youth.
d) Develop independent study curriculums in schools that will give credits to students for creating programs that promote youth leadership, work study opportunities, and make the inclusion of all students a priority.
We would like to thank Dr. Paul Fried, Superintendent and the Montville Township Board of Education (BOE) for inviting us to present and for recognizing over 40 students with awards for their participation in the Rock Band, Football, and Soccer programs! Dr. Fried and the BOE have worked with and supported these students, which makes all the difference in encouraging them to reach further and achieve more! We are excited about this year and the group of students who have decide to make leadership a priority in their lives! Please join their "Include ME!" facebook and view other ways you can get involved.
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