African American Leadership Giving Initiative Blog

Getting involved in our TTG Event

mjlarkin — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:34:07 +0000

Tied To Greatness is coming in May of 2009 to Hampton Roads. The event is for young men ages 12-18. We need male mentors from across the region. We will host a 2 hour program that includes presentations by local business leaders, national celebrities, music, and a multimedia presentation . Our young men will see and hear how the image they project affects their self confidence and can set the tone for thier success. The event culminates with a powerful moment when the participants are taught to tie a tie and recite an affirmation that commits them to strive for greatness.

Organizations that already have a mentor program are welcome to come and use this event as a motivational tool, young men that are looking for a mentor are welcome to come and make a connection. Men who want to be a mentor please sign up on the Tied To Greatness home page. This event is a catalyst for change that will require a long term commitment but it is a valuable investment in community service and a way to give back to our community.

Any suggestions on groups we should contact, or comments on how to make this a huge success are welcome!

Its About Making Good Decisions

mjlarkin — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:07:23 +0000

I am excited about where AALGI is going. When the planning team met for the first time it became clear that though we had different backgrounds we all shared an understanding that good decision making skills are the foundation of success. How do you learn to make good decisions? You need a good coach. Thats what a Mentor should be.

Many programs report difficulty in recruiting enough mentors to fill the need. Minority Male Mentors are in high demand! Is it that men dont want to get involved? They dont think it matters? Is it the background check ? Not enough time? The question really is, are we making a good decision when we turn our heads and look away hoping someone else will step up to the plate?

Mentorship Works!

mjlarkin — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:28:52 +0000

Last year, Rashad Harris had a self-described bad attitude and often behaved in ways he knew would land him in trouble at school, but he didn’t care.

Rashad, 17, had a 1.0 grade point average at Tallwood High and was in danger of failing his junior year. His academic and behavioral issues landed him at Virginia Beach Central Academy, an alternative school for teens with disciplinary issues. This used to describe Harris, until he joined the school’s Gentlemen’s Club.

These days, he has a 3.2 GPA and gets noticed by teachers and students for his stylish appearance and positive attitude. Gone are the loose-fitting pants he often wore, replaced with slacks and dress shirts.

I know that there are plenty of success stories like this one that illustrate the value of male mentorship. Do you know anyone that has a phenomenal story or even an extraordinarily ordinary story? Every time we touch a life in a positive way no matter how small, its an extraordinary moment. Mentors matter, and its a relationship that works!

Hampton Roads Youth are Tied To Greatness

uwshr — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:23:38 +0000

The Tied To Greatness national tour celebrating positive male imaging will be coming to Hampton Roads in 2009!

The African American Leadership Giving Inititaitive is hosting this tour stop in Norfolk,VA, on May 8, 2009.