By Kaya Matthews
Rites of Passage 2nd Annual Summer Camp Program
This year's camp almost did not happen due to lack of administrative assistance and most importantly, financing. We realize the program is still new in terms of operations, so each time it is implemented we build on the structure and content to enhance the quality of services.
The main consensus for camp this year was to be given an opportunity to run through the various workshops that are offered in the program so that we may make the transformation process as enjoyable and effective as possible. We focused on teaching Character Education, Mindfulness, Yoga, Meditation and Breathing; Anti-Bullying, Sex, Alcohol and Drugs, Safe Dating, High School Violence, and Wellness circles. Workshops include role-playing to reinforce the various themes covered in the program. The program ended with a campfire ceremony to symbolize the transition from one status to a new status, which will be incorporated into their communities through the leadership practices shared over the course of the program. Participants are awarded certificates of achievement for completion of the program, along with a gift to symbolize the transformation they have made.
Projection for 2013
One major focus for 2013 is funding for the program, and communication, communication, communication. The projection is to get this program into at least ten new locations and targeting ten critical urban areas for participants. The program is being offered to Broward County School District for review with a proposal for incorporating this intervention program into the school system to help increase the graduation rate in public schools. The objective is that when the participants complete this program, they will impact their communities positively as role models and become catalysts for change among their peers.
Marketing
One major problem was planning...we must plan our strategies with enough time to ensure that the program is marketed effectively and efficiently to meet our goals and objectives. Starting immediately after the end of this year's camp, we are working on having our marketing strategies in place. Some target for marketing are: 1) Broward School District, 2) Dade County Public Schools, 3) Broward Chamber of Nonprofit Organizations, 4) Women In Distress, 5) Children Services Council of Broward, 6) United Way, and 5) Print flyers and business cards to promote in strategic grassroots locations such as churches. This year working on making connection with various churches to share the program is a major part of our activity to build our marketing strategies.
Volunteers
College students, teachers, security personnel, and chaperones are are being recruited starting immediately for our 3rd annual summer camp. We are sending letters
Administrative Assistance
The organization is revamping the board of directors and recruiting working members with the necessary skills to complement the program needs. We will be recruiting volunteers from Volunteer Broward and also from high schools to assist us with clerical needs such as filing, checking messages, sending out email blasts, etc.
Motivational Dinner
We are planning a dinner on Saturday, March 20, 2013 to bring the people involved with the program together, along with sponsors, supporters, and other community leaders. Location will be announced about three months in advance of the event.
Networking
We continue to form networks with members of the nonprofit arena that focus on children serves and have similar objectives in their programs. We are building a mailing list of contacts to send out mailing blasts at least twice per week to help with the process of recruiting participants.
Building Capacity
The administration continues to take certified classes at the Children Services Council of Broward to help us build capacity to care for the girls during implementation of the ROP program. We are in the process of getting a membership with Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce, and Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce to help us to reach out to businesses in our community to build capacity for the program.
Fundraising
We continue to use the Holistic Resource Center as means for raising funds for the ROP program. We will also be conducting monthly cook-outs and a quarterly raffle of electronic devices, such as, a large screen TV, IPads, Computers, etc. Meanwhile we continue to seek sponsorship and in-kind support from organizations and foundations. Please visit our website to see how you can help.
Rites of Passage 2nd Annual Summer Camp Program
This year's camp almost did not happen due to lack of administrative assistance and most importantly, financing. We realize the program is still new in terms of operations, so each time it is implemented we build on the structure and content to enhance the quality of services.
The main consensus for camp this year was to be given an opportunity to run through the various workshops that are offered in the program so that we may make the transformation process as enjoyable and effective as possible. We focused on teaching Character Education, Mindfulness, Yoga, Meditation and Breathing; Anti-Bullying, Sex, Alcohol and Drugs, Safe Dating, High School Violence, and Wellness circles. Workshops include role-playing to reinforce the various themes covered in the program. The program ended with a campfire ceremony to symbolize the transition from one status to a new status, which will be incorporated into their communities through the leadership practices shared over the course of the program. Participants are awarded certificates of achievement for completion of the program, along with a gift to symbolize the transformation they have made.
Projection for 2013
One major focus for 2013 is funding for the program, and communication, communication, communication. The projection is to get this program into at least ten new locations and targeting ten critical urban areas for participants. The program is being offered to Broward County School District for review with a proposal for incorporating this intervention program into the school system to help increase the graduation rate in public schools. The objective is that when the participants complete this program, they will impact their communities positively as role models and become catalysts for change among their peers.
Marketing
One major problem was planning...we must plan our strategies with enough time to ensure that the program is marketed effectively and efficiently to meet our goals and objectives. Starting immediately after the end of this year's camp, we are working on having our marketing strategies in place. Some target for marketing are: 1) Broward School District, 2) Dade County Public Schools, 3) Broward Chamber of Nonprofit Organizations, 4) Women In Distress, 5) Children Services Council of Broward, 6) United Way, and 5) Print flyers and business cards to promote in strategic grassroots locations such as churches. This year working on making connection with various churches to share the program is a major part of our activity to build our marketing strategies.
Volunteers
College students, teachers, security personnel, and chaperones are are being recruited starting immediately for our 3rd annual summer camp. We are sending letters
Administrative Assistance
The organization is revamping the board of directors and recruiting working members with the necessary skills to complement the program needs. We will be recruiting volunteers from Volunteer Broward and also from high schools to assist us with clerical needs such as filing, checking messages, sending out email blasts, etc.
Motivational Dinner
We are planning a dinner on Saturday, March 20, 2013 to bring the people involved with the program together, along with sponsors, supporters, and other community leaders. Location will be announced about three months in advance of the event.
Networking
We continue to form networks with members of the nonprofit arena that focus on children serves and have similar objectives in their programs. We are building a mailing list of contacts to send out mailing blasts at least twice per week to help with the process of recruiting participants.
Building Capacity
The administration continues to take certified classes at the Children Services Council of Broward to help us build capacity to care for the girls during implementation of the ROP program. We are in the process of getting a membership with Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce, and Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce to help us to reach out to businesses in our community to build capacity for the program.
Fundraising
We continue to use the Holistic Resource Center as means for raising funds for the ROP program. We will also be conducting monthly cook-outs and a quarterly raffle of electronic devices, such as, a large screen TV, IPads, Computers, etc. Meanwhile we continue to seek sponsorship and in-kind support from organizations and foundations. Please visit our website to see how you can help.
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