Member Spotlight - April

James Bailey serves as Market Vice President for the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions of Operation HOPE, and National Director for the Banking on Our Future: College Financial Empowerment Program.

Operation HOPE, is a global non-profit, public benefit organization; America’s leading provider of economic tools, services, and financial literacy for the underserved. Operational in 70 U.S. cities, 7 provinces in South Africa, and has most recently launched program offices in Haiti to help restore hope and financial stability to its citizens. Since its founding in 1992, HOPE has served over 1.2 Million youth and families and raised over 1 Billion dollars to serve the poor and underserved. In Atlanta alone since 2005 with our over 1,400 active volunteers, we have educated and empowered over 30,000 students in low to moderate income communities, delivering courses in Dignity and teaching the language of money through our Banking on Our Future program for grades 4-12.

As Market Vice President, James is responsible for development, growth and expansion for HOPE offices in Atlanta, New Orleans, Miami, Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. He manages HOPE’s national partnership with the Church of God and Christ (COGIC), and oversees Banking on Our Future, College Edition. College Edition is an extension of HOPE’s outstanding work with students 4th through 12th grade and was developed to empower college students to become stakeholders on their campuses and in the community, while equipping them with tools to be fiscally fit and financially literate. Through a partnership with the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the program will be offered at all 105 of its member institutions, as well as colleges and universities across the country.

A native of Atlanta, graduate of the University of Georgia, 2011 New Leaders Council of Atlanta Fellow, and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, James serves on a number of boards and is heavily involved with several civic organizations, however devotes much of his time outside of the office volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club, Atlanta Public School’s R.E.A.L. Men Read program, Priority Male Initiative Mentorship Program, Georgia Pacific’s Young Entrepreneurs Atlanta, and Boy Scouts of America, most notably serving as Scoutmaster of Troop 100, one of the largest inner city troops in the country, sponsored by the 100 Black Men of Atlanta. Read more ...

Member Spotlight - March

Rhonda Moore.
Rhonda Moore is a native Georgian. She attended Fort Valley State University and Georgia Institute of Technology as part of a dual degree program and earned degrees in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering. Rhonda currently works for Norfolk Southern as an engineer.

In her free time outside of work, Rhonda enjoys painting, pottery, reading and volunteering. As a member of the Marietta graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, where she serves Financial Secretary. She is also a member of Toastmasters and serves as Secretary of her club. As a previous member of AULYP, she rejoined in February in order be more involved in serving the community. Read more ...

Childhood Obesity

First Lady Michelle Obama’s recent visit to Atlanta, in order to highlight the first anniversary of her campaign to reduce childhood obesity, is a reminder of just how important that fight is.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. Among youth between ages 2 and 19, 17 percent were obese, according to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

On Feb. 9, Mrs. Obama visited the Burgess-Peterson Academy, a public elementary school in southeast Atlanta, to bring attention to its healthy eating program. Over the past year, she has traveled the country, speaking to officials, community leaders, schools and food makers about promoting healthier lifestyles.

“We’re seeing a real shift in our national conversation and on an issue that some people thought was a lost cause. We’re seeing more and more reasons for hope. But as much progress as we’ve made, we also know there’s still a long way to go,” she said in a recent video address on her initiative’s website.

“We know children who are overweight are more likely to be obese as adults. And it’s going to take even more people getting involved across the country – families, businesses, educators and anyone who has a stake in helping our children lead healthier, happier lives.”

As adults, we have the responsibility to make sure our children are not burdened by the many challenges posed by obesity. The earlier they learn how to eat healthy and make exercise a habit, the better off they’ll be focusing on their futures.

On LetsMove.gov, Mrs. Obama provides a wealth of information, strategies and ways to join her and get involved in reducing childhood obesity.


- Marcus E. Howard Read more ...

The Rise of New Leadership | Re-cap

Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin offered words of advice about leadership to members and guests at the Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals’ personal and professional development meeting on Feb. 7, 2011.

Franklin told the large crowd of young professionals that gathered at the Melia Hotel on West Peachtree Street in Atlanta that their generation has a critical role to play in shaping public policy, which has too long hampered full participation by members of their community.

“You cannot sweep that under the rug. If you do, you are not leaders,” she said.

“I think you should pick those things you care most about, become expert, demonstrate your expertise, and then be somewhat diplomatic…and say just enough to keep the conversation going so that you are not the last generation that is providing a platform for the next generation, who will do better, better and better.”

Franklin served as mayor from 2002 to 2010, and was Atlanta’s first female mayor and the first black woman to serve as mayor of a major southern city.

Surrounded by a magnificent night view from the hotel’s 25th floor, of the city’s skyline that she helped transform during her two terms, Franklin said she was proud of doing the work that needed to be done, even if it wasn’t always glamorous, such as replacing the city’s outdated sewer system that violated federal law and racked up costly fines.

“Leadership means that you sometimes choose something that is not popular and put yourself on the line because that investment is going to pay dividends, even though it is not popular at the time that you choose it,” said Franklin.
There is a different role to be played by each style of leadership, which includes “thought” leaders - those who think of ideas - and leaders who are implementers, Franklin said.

Before answering questions, she told the audience that she personally believes in putting everything on the table when you are convinced that you have a good idea, citing her first election as an inexperienced candidate as an example.

“That’s my style of leadership,” she said. “When you put it all on the table you are completely exposed. I think the wins are sweeter, but you know that you’ve done everything that you needed to do. But everyone has to find their center in terms of leadership.”

AULYP members are admitted free with paid membership to monthly meetings. There is a $10 cover charge for non-AULYP members.

Below are links to articles about the Shirley Franklin meeting with talking points:
http://www.examiner.com/socialite-in-atlanta/former-mayor-shirley-franklin-on-the-rise-of-new-leadership
http://networkedblogs.com/e1hjb

- Marcus E. Howard Read more ...

Member Spotlight - February

Noreen Raines
CEO & Founder
Big Thinkers Science Exploration
noreen@Big-Thinkers.com



Big Thinkers Science Exploration provides interactive and hands-on science programming for elementary-aged children throughout the state of Georgia.

Our goal is to inspire children to THINK BIG by scientifically engaging with the world around them. We do this by providing quality programming performed by trained professionals who are experts at making science fun for children. We believe that by giving children the tools to explore and understand the world around them, we can also inspire the confidence and self-esteem necessary to their academic success. At Big Thinkers, kids don’t just learn they learn to think BIG!

Big Thinkers Science Exploration was also featured in Headline News’ Morning Express with Robin Meade. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHD8O9Zg99A Read more ...

The Rise of New Leadership

Please join the Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals at our next meeting as we host former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7 at the Melia Hotel, 590 West Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta. We’ll be on the 25th floor.
Ms. Franklin, who led the city for two terms from 2002 to 2010, plans to share ways to become an effective leader.
AULYP members are admitted free with paid membership. There is a $10 cover charge for non-AULYP members.

- Marcus E. Howard

Read more ...

Think Up Institute

The Think UP Institute (Unlimited Possibilities: The Career/Life Empowerment Program) to help displaced professionals, unemployed and under skilled adult workers to explore and embark on career pathways in high growth fields.

We are in need of business professionals in the AULYP who might be willing to serve as industry/career presenters to share information on career opportunities and required preparation in the their field and later in the program we will need job shadow volunteers for this initiative.

The presentation would be approximately 15 minutes followed by a Q&A session. The presentation would be between 6:15 and 7:15 p.m. In addition it would also be great for the presenter to share information on employment/career opportunities at their firm if applicable. This is an economic empowerment initiative that will redirect the path of our clients and position them to plug into our new economy and move up the economic ladder.

The remaining industry segments that we will need speakers for and the dates are as follows:

Module 3, February 3 – Information Technology & Science & Engineering

Module 4, February 10 – Education, Government & Law, Energy/Environment

Module 5, February 17 – Construction, Manufacturing & Transportation

Module 6, February 24 – Hospitality, Retail & Personal Services

Module 7, March 3 – Business, Finance, Creative & Applied Arts Read more ...

Project Ready

Project Ready is a signature program of the National Urban League that provides expanded opportunity, as well as enhanced academic and social support. The Project Ready curriculum is composed of three key components: academic development, social development, cultural and global awareness.

The Project Ready College Access Curriculum integrates academic preparation for college along with life skills development, personal, global, and cultural awareness to create a more comprehensive and holistic approach to college readiness.

In April 2010, Project Ready began a partnership with West End Academy and Crim Open Campus High School, and in June students from both schools participated in Project Ready’s six week summer session. The six week summer program enhanced the college readiness of these high school students by addressing their academic, social, and cultural developmental needs.

As Project Ready resumes its relationship with Crim and West End Academy, the program will continue its mission of preparing urban youth for post-secondary education success. Project Ready students will receive a wide range of support, including:

ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT
• academic tutorial
• test taking techniques

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
• tour college campuses, learn about the admissions process, campus life, and financial aid
• take behind the business tours of work sites
• learn about entrepreneurship from local business owners
• enjoy bonding and team building outings to sporting events, parks, and entertainment venues
• attend financial literacy workshops

CULTURAL and GLOBAL AWARENESS
• tour museums
• engage in service learning projects
• attend plays and other cultural events

By providing students with these support systems and enhanced opportunities, Project Ready will help students successfully transition from high school to college. Read more ...

First General Body Meeting held at STATS

A capacity crowd attended the Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals’ first general body meeting of 2011 on Jan. 17 at STATS, located at 300 Marietta St. NW in Atlanta.

The organization inducted members of its new executive committee, which included AULYP President Travis Townsend Jr. and Vice President Ciji Tatum, along with other officers and committee chairs.

For many attendees, it was their first time attending an AULYP meeting. Immediately following the program, a committee fair was conducted to allow people to learn more about and join the organization’s several committees.

Townsend unveiled a host of new initiatives for AULYP, which included changes to meetings to allow more member involvement. This year, AULYP members will receive discounts at a number of businesses, which in turn will benefit from the increased patronage. Also, an AULYP community service task force will be formed to further support Atlanta Urban League programs. In addition, Townsend announced plans to expand AULYP’s annual entrepreneur boot camp event in support of entrepreneurs.
Meeting attendees also had the honor of hearing from Nancy Flake Johnson, Atlanta Urban League president, who introduced attendees to the Urban League community and its array of programs that she urged them to get involved in.

“Our movement today is just as important as it was 100 years ago,” said Johnson.
Please join AULYP at our February Personal and Professional Development meeting. Location details will be announced soon.
For more information, visit our website at www.AULYP.net.

- Marcus E. Howard

Read more ...

AULYP Celebrates 10years

In this new year, the Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
AULYP is comprised of young professionals across metro Atlanta who are dedicated to serving their local communities. Members engage in a variety of community activities, development workshops, networking and social events, while establishing real connections with other professionals and supporting the Atlanta Urban League.

At 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17, AULYP will conduct its first general body meeting of 2011 at STATS, located at 300 Marietta Street NW in Atlanta. Originally set for Jan. 10, it was rescheduled due to the recent snow storm.

Individuals interested in membership in AULYP can learn a lot about the organization by attending the meeting. New AULYP officers will also be inducted during the meeting.

A membership discount of $65 will be offered to everyone who attends. In addition, there will be an opportunity to learn about joining AULYP’s seven committees, which plan the organization’s activities throughout the year.

Drink specials will be available to those who show their AULYP membership card to the bartender and complimentary appetizers will be served to all.

Hope to see you there and bring a friend!

- Marcus E. Howard Read more ...

January is National Mentoring Month

January is National Mentoring Month, which spotlights mentoring and its positive impact on the lives of our youth.
For many of us, there has been someone in our lives – whether a teacher, coach, neighbor, relative or authoritative figure – who offered guidance or encouragement that helped us become who we are today.

Created in January 2002 by the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR, National Mentoring Month focuses national attention on the need for mentors and seeks to increase the number of mentors.

It doesn’t take special skills to become a mentor, but mainly a caring heart and an ability to give encouragement to a young person who may not have an adult around who is willing to take the time to listen to him or her.

“Effective mentoring programs can result in better school attendance, positive student attitudes, and a reduced likelihood of initiating drug and alcohol use,” stated President Barack Obama in proclaiming January 2011 National Mentoring Month.

“Mentors can provide a steady presence and share their valuable knowledge and experiences. Even brief amounts of quality time set aside by these compassionate adults can have a lasting impact on the development of a child.”

As a highlight of National Mentoring Month, on Tuesday, Jan. 25 is Thank You Mentor Day, which is intended to honor mentors.
In metro Atlanta, there are a number of volunteer mentoring opportunities.

For information about local mentoring programs and more on National Mentoring Month, visit www.nationalmentoringmonth.org.


- Marcus E. Howard Read more ...