Monday, January 31, 2011

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 ...

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

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 ...

Sunday, January 16, 2011

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 ...