National Focus for 2007 - 2008
Financial Literacy - Local and national programs will be held to teach
our youth sound money management skills including the importance of budgeting, saving and inventing, the wise use of credit
and the art of being a savvy consumer.
Academic Achievement - We will sponsor programs and activities to supplement
our children's formal educational programs. We want to help ensure that our children achieve their highest academic performance.
Membership Development - In addition to the above priorities, special emphasis will be placed on outreach efforts
to make the benefits of Tots and Teens membership available to more families nationwide.
PG County Chapter Focus
The Prince George's County Chapter sponsors programs:
· to develop leadership skills
· to promote financial literacy · to encourage community service and civic responsibility · to build self-esteem
· to foster social development · to strengthen the family unit
Since the founding of the chapter in 1975,
over 95 percent of the youth have continued their education beyond high school, entering leading colleges and universities
or the military service. Alumni of the organization are productively employed as educators, attorneys, accountants, corporate
executives, marketing specialists engineers, military officers, and hold many leadership positions around the nation.
LEADERSHIP
TRAINING: The youth are encouraged to seek leadership positions in the organization at the local and national
levels. To help prepare them for these and other leadership roles, the chapter sponsors a workshop that teaches children,
ages six through high school, the fundamentals of public speaking and other leadership skills. The teaching methodology is
based on the Toastmasters International Youth Leadership Program.
FINANCIAL LITERACY: The
chapter sponsors a youth investment club, the Future Moneymakers. Since the formation of the partnership nearly three years
ago, the youth have improved their knowledge of investment principles, acquired a sizeable portfolio and received national
attention. The youth, ages eight through college, contribute $10 per month from their allowance, which is pooled to purchase
stocks. The club portfolio includes ownership in Microsoft, Intel, CISCO, UPS, Home Depot, Jones Apparel, General Electric,
Federal Express, and Nokia. The club has been featured in Black Enterprise, the Wall Street Journal and Better Investing Magazine.
The group has also taken field trips to the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Reserve Board.
COMMUNITY
SERVICE AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY: Community outreach activities provide an opportunity for youth and adults to
interact with senior citizens, help the homeless and participate in the affairs of their communities and the nation. Family
nights provide a forum for discussing political issues that impact upon the entire family. One such forum taught the youth
the power of "the vote" through age-appropriate literature, such as the Mr. Potato Head Voter's Guide. The youth distributed
literature-encouraging citizens to participate in Census 2000. For the past four years, the youth have raised funds and participated
in the Fannie Mae Foundation's Help the Homeless Walkathon.
BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM: The youth
receive continuous support and encouragement and their accomplishments are celebrated, no matter how small. The highlight
of the year is the annual Youth Recognition Program to celebrate the accomplishments of the youth during that year. The activity
spotlights the high school seniors, with special tributes by parents and younger youth of the organization.
SOCIAL
DEVELOPMENT AND RECREATION: The chapter promotes wholesome social development and recognizes the importance of
having fun. Activities include an annual ski trip, visits to amusement parks and local cultural centers, visits to local universities
and college campuses, dances, trips to other cities to attend national events and other fun activities.
STRENGTHENING
THE FAMILY UNIT: The activities of the chapter provide a vehicle for parents and youth to enjoy working toward common
objectives. The recreational activities and various forums help strengthen the ties among family members. "Your Crown Has
Been Bought and Paid For -- Wear It" was the theme of one female mixer that provided the opportunity for mothers and daughters
to discuss the accomplishments and triumphs of African American women, the negative images of girls in videos, self worth,
differences and beauty.
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