My SHIP Concept...

Imagine a SHIP that is sinking fast... Do you waste time shouting to the wind that you're sinking or do you begin identifying where the leaks are?

I propose the "SHIP CONCEPT" for communities around the globe attempting to address complex issues involving its youth. This concept is not a one solution, one program nor one man type of idea. The concept will require the input of many and its benefits will impact an entire community if carried out effectively.

The SHIP Concept allows everyone to participate and celebrate the success of mended relationships. This combination or multiple solution approach, first addresses the concerns and growing issues amongst youth and the causes of their disruptive behavior. Secondly, it calls for adults to step up and model the behavior and direction they’d prefer the youth to go. Thirdly, street skills must be converted into job skills as local businesses both small and large must re-open their doors and arms to its youth. Lastly, youth should feel supported academically and know that decent grades, good character, and high school completion are worth scholarship support; not just “playing ball on scholarship”, as too many young boys aspire to accomplish and often fall short.

The SHIP Concept is made up of four components with key words ending in SHIP :

RelationSHIPs: Conduct community forums to discuss the issues and breakdowns in communication.

MentorSHIP: Recruit teachers and volunteers to host programs for all age groups to thrive and grow.

Intern/ApprenticeSHIPs: Cultivate job skills with local business partnerships for youth to gain work skills.

ScholarSHIPs: Provide education grants for high school graduates from high needs areas that complete high school.

I have learned a lot while providing mentorship programs and services to youth and schools in both the US and Canada, in urban and suburban settings and for both primary and secondary students. Effective change starts with first addressing the RelationSHIP breakdown between youth and parents, youth and teachers, youth and police, youth and politicians. Once dialogue is generated, the true issues begin to surface and the proper steps (programs) can be assembled for change.

With a solid strategy laid out for change, MentorSHIP programs sail the course of progress. Taking time with our young people is time well spent and the word mentoring embodies the commitment of time to instruct someone.

But, as progress is made, as growth and maturity begin to display their presence; the community must reopen its doors to these youth and see them for who they have become and not what they’ve been. One way for the doors to open is through InternSHIPs and ApprenticeSHIP opportunities that allow these youth to activate the newly acquired skills from there mentoring programs. Ideals like respect, responsibility, accountability, teamwork, and many other life principles. How else can we truly expect youth unjustly categorize (labeled) as “At-Risk” to cultivate job skills instead of illegal street (activities) skills? This is the vital and often missing piece in youth programming. We call it the “launch”. The point when new habits and skills have a canvas to be seen, used and displayed in a venue that nets consistent results (pay stubs!).

Many would consider these components an awesome combination and stop there. But, the truth is, these youth would not qualify to work in the offices, warehouses or any industry without first reaching educational benchmarks preset. In other words “what good is a summer internship that exposes a child to a career field and/or group of people that he or she couldn’t compete with for a job?” Not for lack of ability, but lack of access to post secondary education that would afford them the credentials to compete. Thus, ScholarSHIPs should be provided for all students graduating with C grade point averages or better.

Some people would see this as too costly, but when you take a C average student from a high needs community and look at his/her opportunities; do you honestly S.E.E. promise?

S… Support them financially
E… Encourage them to get an education
E… Empower them to compete for jobs

The SHIP Concept is not a program; it was designed as our road map for change in the targeted communities; an analogy that everyone can understand and follow. This concept is not a shortcut for change, but it is the shortest route to sustained progress in dealing with youth from any financially suppressed or marginalized community.

This concept incorporates and requires other programs and ideas. It allows citizens (volunteers) from all sectors of life to see where they fit into the puzzle of change in a child’s life.

The big picture is making sure that we don't further stigmatize high needs children in the process of assisting their needs. Highlighting only the negative within a community and ignoring the positive aspects of it begin to brand low expectations of and within its citizens. Negative news articles should be followed up with a positive alternative or highlight an effective program within the same community.

What remains to be seen is if we as adults can muster up the courage to listen to our children as they expose our shortcomings as parents, role models, teachers and employers. We must explore where we have gone so terribly wrong in our own pursuit for happiness & prosperity.

It’s time to sail in a new direction or repair the SHIP containing this generation, otherwise it is doomed to sink.

“I suggest sailing in a new direction.”

Johnnie Williams