Creative Minds

Yesterday I attended the Abu Unity Festival in Newport News, VA. This is a free annual community event which promotes peace and unity  and leadership through the use of performing arts.  The setting was beautifully positioned in a local public park surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay. This year's theme was Celebrating Fatherhood and it was a delight witnessing families, including fathers, in the park for fun and fellowship.

As I observed to the young artist sing, rap, dance and model, I pondered over what impact the arts may play in their lives and in youth around the world.  It was obvious that they were enjoying themselves; at least for that moment in time they were free to express themselves. This positive energy  was transmitted through the intergenerational crowd as we sang, waived our hands and danced together. On the stage, each youth was a leader,  a spark of hope, a catalyst for change.

Every year the National Arts and Humanities Youth Awards recognizes 12 outstanding out-of -school  arts and humanities programs that celebrate the creativity of America's youth. Click this link to see the top 50 finalist  and identify if there is an outstanding program in your community. The final 12 awardees will receive a trip to the White House and a $10,000 grant presented by First Lady Michelle Obama.    Applications  for 2014 awards will be available in February 2014.  

There is debate as to whether children in the arts do better in school.  In 2004 the Dana Foundation conducted a $2.1 million dollar project to answer the question: "Are smart people drawn to the arts or does arts training make people smarter?"  The study concluded that the arts can train a child's attention which in turn improves their ability to learn, but there was no conclusive evidence that the arts makes you smarter.    Some experts don't believe we should make these analogies at all because no one asks  the reverse question: if taking math will make you do better in music.   Jessica Hoffman Davis, a cognitive developmental psychologist and founder of the Arts in Education Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, wrote "We have been so driven to measure the impact of the arts in education that we began to forget that their strength lies beyond the measurable."  Case in point, Entrepreneur and rapper Jay-Z is clearly smart, however he did not graduate from high school. So which came first the chicken or the egg?

Putting research aside, it is evident that the arts provide a temporary outlet for youth to express themselves when under typical situations they might find it difficult; due to being shy or a lack of self esteem.  Additionally, the arts provide a venue to communicate and articulate one's feelings, set task and goals to completion and improve attitudes. It does enough.  All of these skill sets are neccessary for our youth to matriculate through collee, apply for jobs and ultimately be successful in life.  So if your child escapes through some form of the arts, encourage them and all their creativity to flourish.

Stay Connected!

Dr. Dee Carter

Angry Youth

So what's the Big Deal about getting Angry? We all get angry from time to time, it is a normal emotion; a way our subconscious mind releases mental and emotional  pressure.   There are three types of anger: "hasty and sudden" which occurs when you are scared and seek to defend yourself, "settled and deliberate" is premeditated and intended to harm someone and  thirdly there is "dispositional" anger and it is related to a person's traits.

In addition, anger can be expressed Passively or Aggressively.  When passive anger is demonstrated a person tends to do things under the radar; for example gossiping or harboring resentment.  To the contrary, aggressive anger is seen through bullying, threatening behavior and refusing to forgive.

It is helpful for us to understand all types of anger in order to recognize what may be the primary cause of it in youth today.  Our youth are carrying "emotional baggage" based on their personal domestic situation instead of books and dreams.  Despite this "baggage" most of our youth demonstrate a profound amount  of unrecognized strength.

Many of our youth would benefit from some type of therapy/counseling to identify and cope with the root cause. If this is not an option having a positive role model/confidant in whom they can confide will make all the difference in how they choose to deal with their anger.

The mere fact that some of them have experienced enormous hardships in their life time before the age of 16 is a testament to their resilience and tenacity.  It takes adults in their common surroundings to instill in them their value and strength.  In doing this we will help them in redirecting their anger into positive areas.  Wouldn't it be fantastic if we could be influential in channeling a young person's anger into a creative idea like the multimillion dollar Angry Birds phenomena?

Stay Connected!

Dr. Dee Carter

Mentoring Works

As a new school year begins, this is a good time to emphasize the importance of mentoring a young person. Mentoring does not have to be difficult but it does require dedication. Mentors have the ability to change a young person's life for the better.

Here is how mentoring can positively impact the life of a young person you know:

-Mentors let the young person know that there is someone who cares about them
-They keep students motivated and accountable to  do complete school work
-Students who meet regularly with their mentors are 52% less likely than their peers
-Help to improve self-esteem
-Mentors assist with college or career choice
-Being a mentor provides emotional support and stability

Simply said "Mentoring Works!"

In a 2013 study "The Role of Risk:  Mentoring Experiences and Outcomes for Youth and Varying Risk Profiles," the results showed a consistent reduction in depressive symptoms while grades and social skills for youth with mentors improved. The decrease in depression among these youth is  impressive when you consider that one in four teens have issues that cause them to worry extensively.

Eighteen (18) million young Americans need or want mentoring, but only 3 million are participating in quality relationships.  The means that more then 15 million young people  have  an unmet need creating a "Mentor Gap." 

If you have time to change just one person's life get in the "Gap" and help shape America's future.

Stay Connected

Dr. Dee Carter

Gifted and Lifted

There was a study conducted at Harvard and Stanford  Universities that revealed something which is not too surprising about the inadequate representation of low-income students at selective colleges and universities.  The study examined the academically successful high school seniors and what percentage of them went on to attend the country's most selected colleges. This was a list of almost 250 colleges and universities.  The conclusion was that only 34 percent of these students were from families whose income fell in the bottom quarter of the national scale.

Two groups have created modeled programs to lift our low income gifted youth out of their environment and into academic institutions that will prepare them for success and financial freedom.  The first organization is  Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America, or LEDA which assist students from socioeconomically disadvantage families gain admission to the nation's top colleges.  Seventy six percent of their scholars attend an Ivy League or select college and  64 percent are first generation college students.

Another educational opportunity for our young scholars is Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, SEO.  SEO provides a year-round program that prepares motivated students from low income  families get  to and through America's competitive colleges, serving students in New York City and San Francisco.

We must continue to provide resources for our gifted and talented students from lower economic backgrounds obtain the same opportunities to attend the nations most prestigious schools.

Pass It On & Stay Connected

Dr. Dee Carter

Sex, Drugs & Alcohol Family Survey

How much do your kids know about sex, drugs and alcohol?  Do you have discussions with them at home or are they learning about these things from the internet and their friends?

A school board in Lodi, Wisconsin, in conjunction with the Lodi Community Action Team (LCAT), is administering an anonymous Community Survey to parents for the first time to explore their knowledge and perception of these topics.  Questions like " How wrong do you think it would be for teens to drink beer, wine or hard liquor? or "Do you agree or disagree that marijuana or alcohol are gateway drugs to more illicit drug abuse such as heroin or meth?" 

LCAT's mission is to create a healthy drug and alcohol free environment for youth.  They received a grant in 2010 from the White House of Drug Free Communities to further their work.

The board also conducts a youth survey which is done every two years and ask questions on drug and alcohol use, sexual behaviors, mental health, diet, nutrition and exercise. This survey is administered by the Department of Public Instruction in conjunction with the efforts of U.S. Center for Disease Control. The board believes by asking questions of youth and parents they can help predict risky behavior and it simply keeps the community aware of what is going on in the lives of their youth.

It must be noted, that everyone on the board does not agree with the youth survey, because the questions are personal and parents are not asked to give consent.  The real question is: what is done with the results?

The survey is only 25 questions. Take a look at it for yourself and have a family discussion. It may surprise you how your family opinions vary on the different topics.  Your eyes may be open to how much your youth do or do not know about sex, drugs and alcohol.

Stay Connected

Dr. Dee Carter

Preparing for Back to School

Students around the country have started school or are preparing to start within the next 3 weeks.  This is a good time to update their physical and eye exams.  Every state has different immunization requirements, click here to see what your state requires. 

Sometimes schools will have specific paper work for your doctor to complete.  If the student has a medical condition and is an athlete they may need to provide medical clearance to participate in their sport of choice.  It will save you time if you have these documents ready for the doctor at the time of the office visit.  This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about vaccines.

Lastly, if you still need school supplies, take advantage of your states "sales tax holiday."  This will allow you to save money on clothes, shoes and other supplies.

This year take the time to plan for the things you want to do over the next 3, 6 or 12 months. If you are a rising junior or senior, start looking for colleges and scholarship funds now.  If you're a college student, begin looking for internships or jobs in the first semester.

 “If you believe you can accomplish everything by "cramming" at the eleventh hour, by all means, don't lift a finger now. But you may think twice about beginning to build your ark once it has already started raining”
― Max Brooks

Have a Positive academic year!

Dr. Dee Carter
 

 

Children Losing a National Voice

Voices for America’s Children, the nation’s largest nonprofit network of multi-issue child advocacy organizations, will be shutting down this week.  This organization has lead advocacy efforts to improve the lives of all children for over 25 years. There focus has been 6-fold:  Equity & Diversity, Health, School Readiness, School Success, Safety and Economic Stability for children.

Over the years they have been influential in reforming the Child HealthInsurance Program, Head Start, and the Fostering Connections Act.  It is unfortunate that due to the economical crisis our nation is racing that this nonprofit organization will not be able to sustain its operations. 

Who will represent the voice of our children now?  Where will the philanthropic groups that want to support children’s issues on a national level redirect their funds?  How will this affect our youth in the long run?

Many of the youth policies are implemented at the state and local level.  Sixty or 65 percent of state funds go K-12 education as compared to only 8 percent of the federal budget which is designated to kids.   

Parents and youth advocates must pay attention to the local laws affecting our children and stay involved. Without the Voices for America’s Children being heard on a national level there is the potential for a large group of children needs being overlooked.

Dr. Dee Carter