tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417192197645926716.post1378283498073460559..comments2024-01-23T17:42:42.542-05:00Comments on Urban Self-Sufficientist: Will Mentorship Work For Inner City Kids?ATWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06091588360689645697noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417192197645926716.post-86433583879120882822009-10-08T18:12:55.888-04:002009-10-08T18:12:55.888-04:00Kenneth- Great Points you Highlighted!! And I to r...Kenneth- Great Points you Highlighted!! And I to remember living in Fredericksburg at the time when the DC sniper terrorized NOVA. I remember zigzagging to the mall and crouching while pumping fuel. I was a nervouse wreck.<br /><br />But back to the kids, I agree with you about cringing when paying for mentors. There is so much open to corruption when money is involved, but at the same time there is alot to gain when money is involved also. You bring up some very good points about the length of time I suggested and I you hit the point right on the head with regards to weeding out the ones who are in it for the good and those who are in it for a paycheck. Becuase lets face it many of these adolescents took years to develop these behaviors and it will take some time for them to turn around. But the challenge is to get good people in the community to commit and pull from there busy schedule to assist with these kids. I would love to take kids from the hood and set up veg gardens all around town. But for me I need to work with kids who are on a one way ticket to jail so that way I have something to hold over them, if they act up. But whatever happens I will one day like to give of myself and help out. Personally Im into whippin ass, but there is a kinder gentler side of me that some seem to appreciate. Thanks for your comments. You've enlightened me.ATWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09634611792880885608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417192197645926716.post-1070149569351701972009-10-08T13:32:24.280-04:002009-10-08T13:32:24.280-04:00That is truly a huge topic to tackle. Having live...That is truly a huge topic to tackle. Having lived in the path of the DC sniper, however, I understand the "why focus on this one when this happens all the time?" Completely different situation, but related, I guess.<br /><br />I think the results-drived reimbursement is a good idea. Eighteen months is a long time for a child--heck, it's a long time for me! A lot can happen, and with a dedicated community member trying to help a young person improve his or her life, a lot of good can be done. But that dedication is key--that's why monetary incentive does make me cringe, a bit. Some people will do anything for a paycheck, whether they care or not. Personally, I have to have some sort of passion in my work and volunteer endeavours, or what's the point? If a paycheck is involved, I think quality and dedication may not be entirely ensured. Without a paycheck, however, there will be fewer mentors, and fewer still who can be constantly dedicated to their kid(s). So the results-driven option is a good one--it will encourage a broad range of people to work well, but not only for the money, because that's a far-off goal. It clearly will not be an option to do this as a full-time gig, which will limit the availability of mentors but also limit the availability of scumbags.<br /><br />There's also a whole heck of a lot of nontraditional mentorship programs--the Washington Youth Garden, for example, offers youths the opportunity to get involved in a long-term growing project with other families from the DC area. The adults who work there help guide them, give them discipline, and teach them about respecting others, themselves, and Earth. It's not a one-on-one mentorship program for high-risk youth, but there are more options than just that to better children's lives. Keeping other opportunities in mind while setting up such a program would, I think, best serve the children who are in need of such services.Kenneth Moorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11619410362453458358noreply@blogger.com