THE FRESH AIR FUND NEEDS HOST FAMILIES...

Although the Summer of 2010 is winding down, THE FRESH AIR FUND still needs families to provide a memorable summer for New York City children by acting as hosts in Red Hook, New York; Columbia County, New York; Saugerties, New York; Delmar, New York; Guilderland, New York; Altamont, New York; Latham, New York; and Rensslaer, New York.  For information about THE FRESH AIR FUND and how you can help, visit the organization's website at http://www.freshair.org/.  Or contact Sara Wilson at THE FRESH AIR FUND, by sending an e-mail to: sara@freshair.org.

REBUILDING THE VILLAGE

Many of us are members of a generation that was raised by the village – a village of parents; concerned neighbors; wise elders; and business, community and religious leaders who collectively mentored us, pushed us to “do more, want more, and be more,” and enforced a strict code of conduct. In many ways, and for many reasons, the village that helped to positively shape our minds and souls as we made the journey from childhood to adulthood has changed.

Some will tell you that the village no longer exists.

Others ask: “Can the village be saved?”

And then there are those who are quietly going about the business of rebuilding the village. . . .

Heralded by The New York Times as “one of the most ambitious social service experiments of our time”, the Harlem Children’s Zone Project (www.hcz.org) implements a “pipeline of free programs” that offer a holistic approach to positively shaping the minds and souls of our children – our bridge to the future – and rebuilding the village.   The Honorable Barack H. Obama, President of the United States, has called for the creation of 20 “Promise Neighborhoods” in poor communities throughout the United States which will be modeled after the Harlem Children’s Zone Project (www.whitehouse.gov/omb/fy2010_key_education). The Harlem Children’s Zone Project (“HCZ”) operates The Baby College which is a workshop series provided for parents of children between the ages of 0-3. HCZ helps over approximately 10,000 children each year and is on a mission to give the children of Harlem a high-quality and well-rounded education. This mission is being accomplished through the Promise Academy Charter Schools which were created in partnership with the Harlem Children’s Zone, Inc. Children attending the three Promise Academy Schools in Harlem have an extended school day and year which provides them with the time they need to master basic English and mathematical skills and to explore the arts and sciences. Many children spend as much as 10 hours each day at the Promise Academy Schools. Students at these schools receive healthy freshly-made meals and participate in daily physical activity. The teaching staff at these schools and with the “after-school” staff work as a team in offering academic help to students and facilitating an assortment of classes which include chess, music, photography, and web design. Saturday classes are available to students who may need additional help in developing English and mathematical skills. The results achieved at the Promise Academy Schools have been phenomenal. As an example, 100% of the third-graders at Promise Academy II were at or above-grade level on the 2008 New York state-wide mathematics test. At Promise Academy I, 97% of the third-grade students were at or above grade-level in mathematics. Eighth-graders attending Promise Academy I Middle School achieved a score of 87% on or above grade level on the New York state-wide mathematics. These same students entered the Promise Academy I as sixth graders and were 2 and 3 years behind their grade level and only achieved a 40% score at grade level. The Harlem School Zone, Inc.’s Promise Academy has received an “A” rating for performance by the New York City State Department. And students receive free medical, dental, and mental health services courtesy of the Harlem Children’s Project which was established in 2006 at the Promise Academy’s Middle School building. This project is the result of a partnership with the Children Health’s Fund, Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, New York-Presbyterian Hospital and HCZ. The health clinic also works with elementary schools.

The health challenges that Men are experiencing in Canada, the United States, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia and the dire need for increased medical research and funding of research projects have transformed the critical state of affairs of Men’s Health into a global social policy issue. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the Western world and it is estimated that approximately 382,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year in Europe alone. Statistics released by the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) estimate that in 2010, approximately 217,730 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and that 32,050 American men will die of prostate cancer during 2010. On 23 June 2010, the European Cancer Patient Coalition (www.ecpc-online.org) which represents 300 cancer groups in 42 countries, launched its Forum Against Cancer Europe Initiative in the European Parliament and demanded that the European Parliament and other European institutions make the battle against cancer a political priority! During 13-17 September 2010, Urology Week 2010 (www.urologyweek.org), will be observed in countries throughout Europe which include Portugal, France, Russia, Italy, Czech Republic, Belgium, Bulgaria, Belarus, Hungary, Latvia, and The Netherlands.   Urology Week 2010 is designed to raise awareness among the general public, particularly Men over 50, about prostate conditions and to urge Men to get medical check-ups on a regular basis. This event is supported by the European Association of Urology (www.uroweb.org), Europa Uomo (www.europa-oma.org), and various urological societies. If we are really serious about rebuilding the village and strengthening our families, we must make sure that all of its inhabitants – particularly Men -- have equal access to resources and support services which adequately address their unique health issues.

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, history was made when Shared Parenting legislation in the form of House Bill 1639 (“H.B. 1639”) was passed by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on 14 June 2010. H.B. 1639 (http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/) which was sponsored by Pennsylvania State Representative The Honorable Kathy Manderino (Democrat – Montgomery County, Philadelphia County) provides courts with a mandate not to assume that custody of children should automatically be granted to a parent solely based on gender. Under the proposed legislation which awaits passage by the Pennsylvania Senate, judges would be provided with a framework to use when making decisions in relocation cases – a framework which includes deciding “how a move would enhance the quality of life for the child”. In contested custody cases, H.B. 1639 would require each parent to provide a parenting plan. Pennsylvania legislators who supported H.B. 1639 are helping separated, divorced, and non-custodial Fathers maintain a dominant presence in the lives of their children. And Fathers are one of the key architects for rebuilding a village.


We cannot afford to lose another generation of children!  Let’s rebuild the village! Let’s aggressively address Men's unique health and parenting issues, and create and sustain efficiently functioning family units and academic institutions and curricula which prepare our children to become successful and productive adults in a global market place. Our children deserve to inherit a better and safer world. 

After all, isn’t really about the children?

ILLINOIS STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO COMPETE -- ILLINOIS STATEWIDE WRITING COMPETITION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  

JOHN D. EVANS - Illinois (USA) Regional Coordinator, 2010 International Men's Day
Telephone: 708/383-1264
Cell Phone: 708/214-0706
Email: IMDIllinois@aol.com

ILLINOIS STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO COMPETE FOR CASH PRIZES

IMD Illinois, Inc. and TEPC, Inc. Sponsor Statewide Writing Competition

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (USA)  -- 4 August 2010 -- IMD Illinois, Inc., (http://www.International-mens-day.com), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization promoting positive models for men and boys around the State of Illinois and The Evans Poetry Collection (TEPC, Inc.) join forces to sponsor the IMD Illinois Statewide Writing Contest. The regional arm of the global International Men's Day movement is currently accepting poetry, essays, and short stories with a theme related to fatherhood, manhood, and/or one of the core objectives of International Men's Day from all Illinois residents, including Chicago youth of all ages.

Speaking on behalf of UNESCO, Ms. Ingeborg Breines, Director of Women and Culture of Peace said, “This is an excellent idea and would give some gender balance.” She added that her organization was looking forward to cooperating with organizers of International Men's Day (IMD).

Supported by the United Nations, International Men's Day began on November 19, 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago and is celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Australia, India, Italy, United States, New Zealand, Moldova, Haiti, Singapore, Malta, South Africa, Ghana, Hungary, Canada, China, and the United Kingdom. The following core objectives of IMD are observed:

To promote positive male role models; not just movie stars and sports men but every day, working class men who are living decent, honest lives.


To celebrate men’s positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and to the environment.


To focus on men’s health and wellbeing; social, emotional, physical and spiritual.


To highlight discrimination against men; in areas of social services, social attitudes and expectations, and law.


To improve gender relations and promote gender equality.


To create a safer, better world; where people can be safe and grow to reach their full potential

Join us on 19 November 2010 in celebrating International Men's Day and visit  the International Men's Day website at www.International-mens-day.com/Illinois.php to learn more about the IMD Illinois Statewide Writing Competition.

UROLOGY WEEK 2010

During 13-17 September 2010, Urology Week 2010 (www.urologyweek.org), will be observed in countries throughout Europe which include Portugal, France, Russia, Italy, Czech Republic, Belgium, Bulgaria, Belarus, Hungary, Latvia, and The Netherlands.  Urology Week 2010 is designed to raise awareness among the general public, particularly Men over 50, about prostate conditions and to urge Men to get medical check-ups on a regular basis. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the Western world and it is estimated that approximately 382,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year in Europe alone. This event is supported by the European Association of Urology (www.uroweb.org), Europa Uomo (www.europa-oma.org), and various urological societies.

A "TEACHABLE MOMENT" ON MEN'S ISSUES

During the course of the past 12 months, several incidents have become the lead stories for American newspapers, television news programs, radio and television talk shows, and blogs and social media networks on the Internet and the catalyst for a fascinating national discussion on “teachable moments”. As the United States Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day (www.usainternationalmensday.blogspot.com), I assist Regional Coordinators in their efforts to facilitate events and engage organizations and individuals throughout the nation in dialogues about the event which will be observed worldwide on Friday, 19 November 2010 under the theme “Our Children . . . Our Future”. The enthusiasm for and response to International Men’s Day in the United States has been and continues to be overwhelmingly positive. Hawaii, Illinois, California, Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida are a sample of the states that have Regional Coordinators for 2010 International Men’s Day. Critics of International Men’s Day have been few and the minor criticisms only help to reinforce the view that this worldwide observance provides a “teachable moment” on Men’s issues. As an example, several critics of International Men’s Day offered the following sentiments:


• “I’m trying to understand why the celebration of International Men’s Day would become necessary in the context of increasing global tensions between men and women, which spills over into violence across the board, and all the more pressing issues of gender equality.”

• “Given the global power of patriarchy, given the need for more productive avenues of collaboration with women, given the economic, and political issues that divide men, is the observance of International Men’s Day a necessity?”

• “Men of different races and cultural backgrounds are presumed to have different relationships to Fatherhood and family. We all know the stereotypes, so we cannot assume that all men experience the same level of alienation from family and are therefore in need of recognition of their contributions.”

• “Which men are we talking about -- rich men or poor men, black, brown, Indian, men in the Global South or white men in advanced capitalist countries? Men of different races and cultural backgrounds are presumed to have different relationships to fatherhood and family. We all know the stereotypes, so we cannot assume that all men experience the same level of alienation from family and are therefore in need of recognition of their contributions. How does this advance the cause of gender equality, when such a development can so easily be interpreted by women as an attempt to liken the challenges facing men with the challenges which faced women on that fateful day of labor struggle of female garment workers in New York in 1857, and the subsequent march in honor of these women in 1908, which gave rise to International Women's Day?”

 The critics of International Men’s Day present excellent questions and interesting observations. One observation, the need for more productive avenues of collaboration between men and women, has merit. As a woman who has worked on Fatherhood and Men's Issues since 1999; presented an academic paper on the Fatherhood Movement at the 97th National Conference of the Eastern Communications Association in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in April 2006; and interviewed and engaged in dialogues with Men from all Walks of Life throughout our global village, I see International Men's Day – a global grassroots movement -- as a key vehicle to providing avenues of collaboration between Men and Women and moving Men and Women to a place of compassion and understanding. The worldwide observance of International Men’s Day resonates with Women and Men. As an example, in the United States, the Regional Coordinators for New York and Virginia are women. As a further example, the Coordinators for the nations of Hungary and India are also women. I share the view of Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, the Founder of International Men’s Day and the Chairman of the International Men’s Day Coordination Committee, that a day which celebrates the contributions and selfless sacrifices that Men make to our families, communities, and our society has the potential to bring healing to our communities and to our world. Yes, there are issues that divide Men and Women. There will always be issues and conflicts. But we are all duty bound to overcome and rise above our environment -- an environment, for example, in which issues and conflicts exist. International Men's Day is our opportunity to overcome and rise above our environment and transcend the boundaries, conflicts, and issues that divide us.

While I feel it is counterproductive to engage in a debate concerning what critics of International Men’s Day describe as “the global power of patriarchy”, I will say that, contrary to popular opinion, Men do not necessarily have “the world on a string”. And since we are talking about Men, let’s really talk about Men. Many of the Men that I have interviewed during the past 11 years have told me that they are not getting what they need and want. What do Men need and want? As an example, more health and medical resources and support services and greater access to them! In the United States, women are outliving men by 5 to 7 years. Why? Because of the rising incidences of prostate cancer, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and Alzheimer's Disease among men. It is estimated that 1 in every 10 American men will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease by his 55th birthday (approximately 5,000,000 Americans have Alzheimer's Disease). Approximately 2 million men have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and 9% of all cancer-related deaths in men is attributed to prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Approximately 22.1% of American Men have coronary heart disease, while approximately, 10.9 million American Men or 10.5% of all American men who are over the age of 20 are estimated to have diabetes.

The critical state of affairs for Men’s Health in the United States has moved legislators, health care professionals, Fatherhood Advocates, Fatherhood Practitioners, and concerned individuals to form a coalition and push for legislation which would establish an Office of Men’s Health in the United States Department of Health and Human Service. In 2001, United States Congressman Randy Cunningham of California (R-San Diego) and United States Congressman James McDermott of Washington State (D-Washington) first introduced into Congress the Men’s Health Act (“The Men’s Health Act”) as legislation which would establish an Office of Men’s Health within the United States Department of Health and Human Services and promote men’s health in the United States. In 2007, H.R. 789, the Office of Men’s Health Act Of 2007, was introduced in the 110th Congress. The last known “major action taken” in connection with H.R. 789 has been reported as occurring on 2 February 2007, at which time the legislation was “referred to the House Subcommittee and referred to the Subcommittee on Health” (see Washingtonwatch.com at http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_HR_ 789. html). In 2009, efforts to establish an Office of Men’s Health within the United States Department of Health and Human Services continued. On 27 April 2009, United States Congressmen Baron P. Hill (D-Indiana) and Timothy "Tim" Murphy (R-Pennsylvania) introduced into the 111th Congress of the United States H.R. 2115 Men and Families Health Care Act (“H.R. 2115”). H.R. 2115 which is also co-sponsored by United States Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-New Jersey) was referred to the House Of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce on 27 April 2009. To date, this Committee has not yet taken further action on H.R. 2115.

The critics of International Men’s Day take the position that racial and cultural backgrounds are presumed to create different Fatherhood and family relationships and that an assumption cannot be made that “all men experience the same level of alienation from family and are therefore in need of recognition”. The discoveries that I have made as a result of my work on Fatherhood and Men’s Issues paint an entirely different picture. Men whom I have interviewed and engaged in discussions about parenting and family relationships throughout the United States and in Canada, Ghana, South Africa, Argentina, Germany, the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, France, Italy, and Greece express the same dreams and hopes for their children – their future – their bridge to the future. They want their children to have a better life when they reach adulthood. They want their children to inherit a better and safer world. These Men place their own dreams on hold so that their children will have the freedom to dream dreams and take advantage of economic and educational opportunities which were not within their reach. Rich men, poor men, working class men, and middle-class men who live and work in our cities, rural districts, farmlands, villages, townships, hamlets, and subdivisions are examining and redefining their parental roles as they experience the same challenges and joys of positively shaping the minds and souls of their children – their future – their bridge to the future. Fatherhood truly transcends the boundaries of geography, language, politics, culture, religion, economics, and ethnicity.

A percentage of the Men from all Walks of Life throughout our global village who have talked to me about Fatherhood and family relationships are Divorced and Non-Custodial Fathers. For these Men who only have an opportunity to spend two weekends out of each month with their children, the alienation – which has been termed parental alienation syndrome – is very real. In their argument, critics of International Men’s Day allude to stereotypes. Are they speaking of the subliminal negative male stereotyping and mixed signals about masculinity and manhood which seeps into some of our television commercials, situation comedies, and dramas? International Men’s Day provides a welcome antidote to the mixed signals about manhood and masculinity, disrespect, and lack of recognition that many Men throughout our global village encounter.

Critics of International Men’s Day want to know “which men” are being talked about. Is International Men’s Day talking about Rich Men? Poor Men? Black Men? Brown Men? Indian Men? Men in the Global South? White Men in advanced capitalist countries? International Men’s Day speaks to all Men – Rich Men, Poor Men, Working Class Men, Homeless Men, Middle-Class Men, Black Men, Brown Men, Indian Men, Asian Men, Aboriginal Men, Men in the Global South, Men in Third World countries, White Men in advanced capitalist countries – and the women who love them.

If we are serious about creating a better and safer world for our children, Men and Women must work together in a collaborative spirit and move with all deliberate speed to get to a place of compassion and understanding. The good news is that International Men’s Day is the vehicle that will get us there.

D.A. Sears

TIM MANN ASSUMES ROLE OF CALIFORNIA (USA) REGIONAL COORDINATOR - 2010 INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY

The International Men’s Day Coordination Committee has announced its selection of Tim Mann as the California (USA) Regional Coordinator for 2010 International Men’s Day. Mr. Mann is the Founder of The Uncommon Man (www.theuncommonman.com), an organization that works to empower Men; a motivational speaker for Men; and a Contributing Author for a newly released e-book entitled, No Thanks. I’ll Skip The Recession, where he offers what he describes as “Championship Tools” that will help you survive and thrive in the current economic downturn. Mann is also a Contributing Author to Discover Your Inner Strength: Cutting Edge Growth Strategies From The Industry’s Leading Experts along with best-selling authors Stephen R. Covey (Seven Habits of Highly Effective People); Brian Tracy (Million Dollar Habit); and Ken Blanchard (The One Minute Manager).

International Men’s Day (www.international-mens-day.com) celebrates the contributions and selfless sacrifices that Men make to our families, our communities, and our world and will be observed worldwide on Friday, 19 November 2010 under the theme “Our Children . . . Our Future”. The theme “Our Children . . . Our Future” celebrates the 48-hour partnership which International Men’s Day has with Universal Children’s Day which is celebrated on Saturday, 20 November 2010 and is endorsed by the United Nations.

“Mr. Mann will raise awareness for 2010 International Men’s Day and work with individuals and organizations throughout the State of California that are interested in participating in the event’s worldwide observance. He is a welcome addition to the team and we are very excited about the leadership role that he has undertaken for 2010 International Men’s Day in the State of California,” remarked Diane A. Sears, the United States Coordinator for International Men’s Day and a member of the International Men’s Day Coordination Committee.

Individuals and organizations throughout the State of California that want to learn more about 2010 International Men’s Day or want to participate in its worldwide observance, can contact Tim Mann, the California (USA) Regional Coordinator by sending an e-mail to: tim@theuncommonman.com.

UPI EDUCATION SPEAKS TO OUR EDUCATION EXPERTS

America has served as a beacon of hope and a place of refuge and success for many. However, during the course of American history certain groups of individuals have had to endure the loss of land, slavery, lynchings, deprivation, of civil rights, unequal access to education and a lack of social and economic opportunity to achieve parity. In short, America has been and remains a paradox. Yet, as an African-American, I remain positive about the future possibilities that exist for America. I believe in the mental toughness and “can do” attitude of the American people. I also believe that as time has passed, so have many of the racist attitudes and deeds which have hindered the ultimate growth and success of such a blessed nation. America has so far fallen short of the greatness of which it is capable.

As Americans we currently stand at a major crossroads – faced with a multitude of situations that require thoughtful decisions and well-conceived policies. We must fix our problems with banking and economics, public and private housing, fuel and infrastructure, unemployment, war, an environmentally damaging oil spill, and most importantly the education of our children.

I graduated as a business major from Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania. I do not profess to be an expert of any sort. However, I am an experienced entrepreneur and an international businessman having held senior management positions for both American and British, international, corporations. My business experience has afforded me the good fortune of living abroad for approximately 20 years while traveling to many different parts of the world. Through my work, I have had personal meetings with Presidents of foreign countries, top military brass, and successful business people. I have worked with foreign middle and high school students and developed long lasting international, friendships. My experience has allowed me to form many opinions.

For example, America is well known for having a host of “experts,” many of whom can identify and dissect a problem to its core. Unfortunately, with respect to the field of education, our experts have become “specialists” at defining situations, but they have shown a lack of ability to provide viable, long-lasting, quantifiable solutions to our educational problems. On May 12, 2009 in Washington, D.C., expert witnesses told the House Education and Labor Committee that, “The U.S. high school dropout crisis poses one of the greatest threats to the nation’s economic growth and competitiveness and must be addressed.” The witnesses urged Congress to explore legislative solutions as quickly as possible. “Legislative solutions”!?? What on earth will “legislative solutions” do to reduce the high school dropout crisis? Our experts are good at identifying problems but poor at providing solutions.

Nationwide in 2009, 7,000 students dropped out every day, and only about 70 percent of students graduated from high school with a regular high school diploma. Two thousand high schools in the U.S. produced more than half of all dropouts, and research showed that poor and minority children attend these so-called “dropout factories.” Studies also highlighted the financial impact of the nation’s dropout rates. A report by the McKinsey Corporation showed that if minority student performance had reached that of white students by 1998, the GDP in 2009 would have been between $310 billion and $525 billion higher – or approximately 2 to 4 percent of GDP. The report also said the achievement gaps in this country are the same as having “a permanent national recession.” Cutting the dropout rate in half would yield $45 billion annually in new federal tax revenues or cost savings, according to a report by Columbia University’s Center for Cost-Benefit Studies of Education at Teachers College. (http://edlabor.house.gov/newsroom/2009/05/high-school-dropout-crisis-thr.shtml)

Now more than one year later we are still discussing the problem of high school dropout rates with no solution in sight. The experts also change their opinions like they change clothes. One report will state the need to focus on “middle school” students if we want to affect the dropout rates and change negative student behavior. Conversely, another reports the need to focus on “pre-school” students if we want to improve our school results.

When I worked with “at risk” youth and gang members including adults, I visited our youth and adult prison inmates and endeavored to help them straighten out their lives. It is obviously not the “pre-school” students dropping-out of school, nor do they make-up the predominant number of gang members. In fact, our pre-school students do require proper nurturing and guidance, but they are not the key to our massive societal youth problems. Our predominant youth problems begin with “at risk” students in 5th grade and above, both male and female. These students, unlike most pre-school students, have the mental capacity, physical capability, and opportunities to make bad choices with potentially devastating consequences. Without proper guidance as they mature their propensity for mixing with the wrong crowd and getting into trouble grows exponentially. Fifth grade through high school are the areas where we should allocate our tax dollars, grants, donations and education resources in support of solving critical youth-related problems. In my opinion, most of those problems result from a lack of understanding. The majority of our youth and many of their parents do not have a full understanding of the fabric of our society – its structures, ground rules and dynamics. They lack direction and feel left out, like a ship without a rudder. A formal education is a launching pad for success, but we must first educate our youth about our country, its benefits, the pitfalls and the opportunities that exist for those who pursue higher education, skills, and a better life. The majority of our dropouts leave school feeling helpless -- in a society that promotes professional sports more than it does any other form of excellence. Many of our children delude themselves in seeing the fame and fortune of a few popular music and film stars as the epitome of success. These are role models very few will actually be able to emulate. A lack of self knowledge and a sense of not belonging sit at the core of our youth problems, which extend into our schools and ultimately translate into high dropout rates and poor test scores. It’s a miracle that more of our students do not drop out.

The crises we’re seeing in our nation are real, and we must work together if they are to be solved. There is a solution for every problem. Perhaps as a next step, our education experts should focus their efforts on solutions which incorporate all the stakeholders; including parents, school districts, juvenile court judges, social workers, non-profit organizations, faith-based and youth groups, local businesses, major corporations, foundations, UPI Education and ordinary people who are committed to achieving success within their communities and for the nation as a whole. Americans cannot expect government legislation alone to solve our educational woes, anymore than they can expect our kids to solve such problems without our concerted efforts -- all of us pushing the same plan at the same time. So long as we continue to dilute our resources as we move in 100 different directions with 200 different plans, we will never get a handle on our many problems, and great solutions will fall by the wayside for lack of funding. Worse yet, another year will go by while we continue to talk about the problem of high school dropout rates with no solution in sight, and a lot more of our children will find themselves left behind – with crime and no hope as their only partners.

Frank  Crump

__________
Mr. Frank Crump is a successful international businessman. He is also the Founder and President of UPI Education (www.upieducation.org). Mr. Crump can be contacted by e-mail at: fcrump@upieducation.org