Focus on Education Join General Powell's Volunteerism Dream By: Anthony Pellegrino

This is an open letter to all adults, male and female, to join with me to create an army of volunteers to help our youth in the schools. It will not cost you any money, just a little of your time and a lot of “tender loving care.” We have so many human resources that by utilizing them correctly we can tremendously help our youth. Businessmen, retired people, older school children, parents–all have a lot to contribute.

I am purposing that this group of volunteers will work in the schools helping students such as tutoring, supervising playground activities, helping in the classrooms, becoming an adult friend to young students and in other ways. But let me explain further the idea behind this proposal.

The other day I was reading about General Colin Powell’s Volunteerism Campaign that was started several years ago in the mainland. As I glanced through it, I was impressed with the dedication that the General still has to his dream. Whether he accomplishes his dream or only comes close to it, his dedication should be an inspiration to all of us. He is truly one of the great modern day heroes that are sadly missing for our youth to emulate. General Powell could have had any position that he wished for, even candidate for President of the United States, instead he chose to dedicate himself to partake in the combat of poverty and the social ills particularly hurting children.

He started an organization called America’s Promises that espouses five fundamental resources that youth need to mature properly. In the General’s own words: “For too many years we have been building jails to hold young people who have failed. They have failed because, to a great extent we have failed them. We have failed them by not giving them the vision, the resources, and the purpose they need to grow up law-abiding, successful, and contributing members of society….Children need caring adults in their lives. They need safe places and constructive things to do in their afterschool hours. They need a healthy start in life, as God and nature intended. They need a marketable skill through effective education, so that they will be self-supporting and contributing members of society when they grow up. Finally they need a chance to give back through service to others so that they can take pride in knowing that the world needs them and their talents.” (Underlining added)

Join with me and others who are interested in bettering the lives of our youth. You do not have to have any special talent, just a sincere desire to help. Your commitment will definitely go towards improving the lives of our young people. Please consider this request. You can make a difference. And your own life will become enriched for contributing back to the community that has given so much to you.

Become interested in volunteering to assist students in the schools. Contact me at telephone 233 397319298/9299 or fax 2339297 or e-mail tonypell@saipan.com. Stop by my office on the second floor above the Tropical Color Photo Shop and let’s chat. Let’s do it together now!

Again the General’s words: “Will you do your part in this effort? No one gets through life without help; if your are secure today, chances are it was because you had some helping hands when you were growing up. Won’t you help give a child today a few of the advantages you’ve had?”

Youth awaits your helping hand. Please reach out and become a volunteer. Contact me now!