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Welcome to the January/February 2009 edition of the LeadAmerica Alumni Newsletter! A
MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER
This year’s inauguration was by no means an exception, and the 2009 Presidential Youth Leadership Conference was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience it. With keynote speakers such as Mary Beth Tinker from the landmark Supreme Court Case “Tinker v. Des Moines”; outgoing Assistant Secretary of State, Brian Hook; Congressman Jeff Flake of Arizona; as well as the author of the newly-released book, Barak Obama: The New Face of American Politics, Associate Dean and Political Science Professor, Dr. Martin DuPuis (including a private book-signing for conference participants), students’ horizons were broadened and their intellects challenged. The inaugural scholars braved record low temperatures and descended on the mall not once, but twice to witness first-hand both the “We Are One” welcome event and concert as well as the Swearing-In Ceremony from prime viewing locations. Although the physical demands of cold and long hours of anticipation were many, our alumni kept their spirits high and maintained the positive attitudes of true leaders, anticipating the daily activities and adventures before them. Throughout the conference, they tackled a challenging simulation that explored the policy decisions facing our new presidential administration during its first 100 days. And what better way to bring the PYLC Inaugural Conference to a close but with a blowout formal dinner and ball and all its regalia! I am always proud of each and every one of our students and staff and these were no exception, always placing safety, security and accountability first while ensuring a fun-filled, challenging – and yes, truly amazing, life changing – experience for all. I am looking forward with anticipation to a Spring and Summer Conference Season that tops all previous years’ experiences. I hope you’ll join us again this year..
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK New Beginnings versus Resolutions We’re already in the second month of a new year. Before we realize it, we’ll be bidding farewell to this year and ushering in the tenth year of a new millennium. It really does seem that time flies. All of the analogies we use to reference the passage of time reflect our view of time – whether we talk about time flying (or creeping, depending on what we’re doing) or time standing still. We seem to focus on an attitude of “watching” or observing time and its passages. Our traditions surrounding the change of a calendar year (ringing in the new) are more about the passage of time as opposed to the opportunities afforded us by the newness of new beginnings. We focus so often on establishing our “new year’s resolutions” – a series of promises or goals that more often than not are broken or not followed up on (to get better grades, to lose weight, to manage our money). So how are you doing on those resolutions? Perhaps the reason that so many of us tend to not keep resolutions is because of our focus. It’s all about the passage of time and doing something because it’s a “new year.” What if we changed our point of view and recognize the new year for what it is – a new beginning. Each year marks a specific change to the calendar that affords us the opportunity to turn our backs on the past and everything about it that we might want to change. But it becomes such a huge milestone or turning point when we say “this year is going to be different.” That’s because we’re focusing on a 365 day goal (and perhaps a lifetime) – that’s a long time. As leaders, we must recognize the important opportunities that new beginnings afford us – not just in a new year, but in each new day. In fact, every hour – every minute – is a new beginning and a new opportunity. It oftentimes is just a matter of changing our attitude and our outlook. When we recognize that the end product of a kept new year’s resolution is really a changed “you,” we recognize that the new beginning and the opportunity is within us and not around us. We have the ability to change aspects about ourselves many times throughout our lifetime. It may be as simple as changing an attitude or making a decision about changing a habit or a practice. When we stop focusing on doing something for 365 days but focus on doing it today – doing it now – and being consistent every day, we change and establish new habits and ultimately change who we are. When we begin to change ourselves, we can then have a greater impact on those around us. Then as leaders, we can truly begin to effect change to improve our schools, neighborhoods and communities – and ultimately our world! So, how are those resolutions coming?
Wesley Robinson is a recent high school graduate from Virginia who with a passion for stewardship in his community. An alumnus from the LeadAmerica programs Leadership University and Congressional Forum, Wesley realized his enthusiasm for community service after hearing the LeadAmerica’s Founder Chris M. Salamone, Esq. speak on courage, honor and great achievements. “He really helped me realize that even if I am going through a lot, I will be great as long as I do what I feel is right.” Wesley tells us. Since he felt like community service would be his way to greatness, he began to utilize his service in many ways. He is heavily involved in many projects and organizations, such as Gospel Rescue Ministries, Virginia Democrats, Single Parents Alliance, and an environmental action group. Gospel Rescue Ministries (aka GRM) is an outreach program providing shelter and aid to those struggling with addiction and homelessness. Wesley is gifted with a strong singing voice, so he sings at events put on for GRM. He also sings for his church choir, Ebenezer A.M.E. Church. Wesley is also heavily involved in politics and has spent much time volunteering for Virginia Democrats. He has also spoken in front of the Virginia Board of Education when a concern for where students with special education needs placement arose. It’s an issue close to his heart and he believed speaking for the parents of such students was a necessity for him. “I understood the situation the parents were in and believed that they had a right to place their kids in the school of their choice, so I stood up for them.” Wesley is also a strong advocate for social security and writes letters to Congress on why he believes they should sustain the program instead of remove it. It’s easily recognized that Wesley is heavily involved in his community, but his greatest achievements have come from his work with Single Parents Alliance. “Everyday, I see unmet needs of people from state, federal and human services. Families with only one parent struggle enough as it is, so this organization strives to help them find jobs.” Since Wesley began volunteering with Single Parents Alliance, over 250 people have been able to secure jobs with the organization’s help. Wesley is usually an administrative aid in the organization’s office, but last year he put together a Christmas charity concert to help raise money for the organization. Wesley organized every aspect of the event’s entertainment, logistical needs and advertising. Flyers were posted throughout the community and Wesley spoke at church services to spark interest for attendance. Last year the concert raised over $1,100, proving to be a huge success. Wesley has already begun plans for this year’s concert, which will be on the 3rd Saturday of December. Wesley hopes to become a teacher in the near future with an emphasis in special education. “I volunteer at an elementary school in a classroom for autistic kids. I also help supply toys and school supplies that I know would benefit their learning.” Wesley was also recently ordained a minister for a church in Virginia, and will be attending Light University in November. Congratulations to Wesley on his eagerness to better his community. ***** Would you like your
leadership and service activities profiled
in the LeadAmerica Alumni Newsletter? Send
us your news! LeadAmerica wants to build
on the belief that teenagers are capable
contributors to society with valuable ideas
and the energy to become involved in their
community. Each month, one student will
be spotlighted for his or her outstanding
achievements in school and community. Become
a LeadAmerica Student of the Month! Send
your story to alumni@lead-america.org.
Last August, two former Dartmouth College students were convicted of vandalizing government property. As a result of their conviction the two men have been ordered to pay a $3035 fine and have each been banned from entering any national park for the next year. What was their crime? Did they paint over President Washington’s face at Mount Rushmore? Were they arrested while throwing toilet paper rolls over the Lincoln Monument? No, the two were actually arrested for correcting a grammatical typo they found on a historical sign located on the rim of the Grand Canyon. From March to May of 2008, Jeff Deck and Benjamin Herson traveled around the United States acting as human spell checkers - correcting thousands of grammatical errors the found on signs posted in public places throughout the country. Operating under sponsorship of the Typo Eradication Advancement League (TEAL) - armed only with a permanent marker and whiteout fluid—the two men targeted errors in signs at shopping malls, banks, parks, and roadside cafes, among other venues. When asked why they took on this task, Deck told the press that the goal of his project was to raise public awareness for what he called a “plague” on our nation. While Deck and Herson’s mission to eradicate typographical errors may sound silly, it spotlights a larger concern held by English Language Scholars and Professors that modern communication is hastening the deterioration of the English language. As a result, many people are quick to blame text and instant messaging technologies for the decreased emphasis on correct grammar or complete sentences during our written or spoken correspondence with one another. On the other hand, others argue that the “shorthand” techniques used in instant messaging communication may actually help students grasp the many complex intricacies of the English language. With so many books, journal articles and blogs examining the impacts of modern technologies on our society, it may be a while before we can fully understand the impact technology has had on our written and spoken language. Until then—the debate will continue. What do you think? Do you feel that modern communication technologies have significantly altered the way in which we write and speak to one another? Yes, our language has been harmed through
the use of modern technologies. To read more about this topic and how it affects your life you should read “Teens, Technology, and Literacy; Or, Why Bad Grammar Isn't Always Bad” by Linda W. Braun. To cast your vote on the LeadAmerica online poll and view last month’s poll results, visit www.lead-america.org/alumni. To read more on the [Insert Topic}, click here. (Insert embedded web link.)
BOOKS IN REVIEW There is No Alternative: Why Margaret
Thatcher Matters Theme: The qualities demanded by Significant
Leadership The existence of the term “Thatcherism” to describe a certain view of the political economy grants a level of credence to Berlinski’s claim that Margaret Thatcher was “enormously significant.” Of course, as Berlinski repeatedly confirms, Lady Thatcher was one of the most controversial historical figures of the last 50 years. While the book certainly dissects the accomplishments and failures of Britain’s formidable Conservative Prime Minister, the book is really not about the accomplishments that made her “famous”. Rather, in There is No Alternative, Berlinski dissects Thatcher the person to defend an underlying central point: Accomplishments did not create Thatcher; Thatcher—by merit of her personal values—created those very accomplishments. This of course is the fundamental difference between fame and significance. Significance results from an individual committed to a life of virtue and principle lived on the currency of truth. Fame reshapes an individual and enslaves them to the existing public caricature. This distinction between fame and significance is central to understanding Margaret Thatcher. According to Berlinski, Thatcher possessed two central attributes that generated her significance: Thatcher was able to “perceive the gathering of historical forces” and perhaps most importantly, she was able to “master” those historical forces. Thatcher’s commitment to a life of principle founded upon the ideal of liberty enabled her to see that the British embrace of socialism following World War II had actually created decline. She perceived that the Soviet Union was not an “invulnerable colossus” that must be accommodated rather than engaged. Indeed, like Ronald Reagan, Thatcher understood that the real corruption and social decay behind the façade of Soviet culture were a direct result of the very ideas that many in Britain were defending. In perhaps one of Thatcher’s most enduring speeches entitled “Britain, Awake”, Thatcher argued, “[The Soviet Union is] a failure in human and economic terms… If we cannot draw the lesson… then we are destined, in their words, to end up on the scrap heap of history.”[1] Simply, as
Berlinski argues, Margaret Thatcher matters
because she was able to peel back the
layers of the propaganda of her age and
perceive the reality of history through
the lens of liberty. Her ability to master
that reality is what ultimately made
her significant. Though the now Baroness
Thatcher struggles with the maladies
of old age, it is perhaps most telling
that one of her most faithful and courteous
friends is a former enemy, Mikhail Gorbachev.
Ultimately, the student who is seeking
to better understand the requisites of
significant leadership will find Berlinski’s tome and Margaret
Thatcher’s example to be tremendous
guides. Perhaps the contemplation of Thatcher’s
life can even prevent a very challenged
and confused former colony of Great Britain
from joining others on the “scrap
heap of history”. [1] Speech at Kensington Town Hall, “Britain, Awake,” Chelsea, January 19, 1976, Thatcher MSS Digital Collection, doc. 102939.
Are you looking for better ways to serve your community? We have a few ideas for monthly service projects. Try some of the following for the month of December; send us your group’s photos or the story of your success and you may be featured in the LeadAmerica Alumni Newsletter. Black History Month For more information about Black History Month and what you can do to participate, visit http://www.biography.com/blackhistory/. Valentine’s
Day - February 14th For more information on Valentine’s Day ideas, visit http://familyfun.go.com/parenting/learn/activities/specialfeature/valentines_family_ms/ and http://fun.familyeducation.com/valentines-day/activities/33081.html American Red Cross
Month For more information about the America Red Cross and how to participate in an event in your area, visit http://www.redcross.org/. Everything
You Do Is Right Day – March
16th A
Safety Reminder…
For 6 days, you will immerse yourself into the environment of Washington D.C, analyzing and debating policy, examining our nation’s political structure and more importantly exploring the leadership qualities and skills necessary to lead at a national level. Also as part of the National Leadership Summit experience, you will hear from guest speakers and experts in the field, and tour famous landmarks of Washington, D.C. You will ultimately leave the National Leadership Summit inspired, motivated, and prepared for a lifetime of leadership and the exciting challenges ahead; ready to make a difference in the world, and all around you. We look forward to seeing you this spring! And for those of you already have spring plans, don’t fret! The National Leadership Summit program will also be offered throughout the summer, at both American and Georgetown Universities. Stay tuned for further details…
ALUMNI
REWARDS PROGRAM
NOMINATE
A FRIEND!
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The year is
2009 and January was an AMAZING month!
For those of you who were able to join
the more-than 600 other students and
staff who converged on our nation’s
capitol to witness the historic swearing
in of our 44th president, you were among
the over 2 million people on the National
Mall who also observed our first African-American
president take the oath of office. It really
was an experience that will be remembered
and relived in the minds of all who watched – both
in person or from their homes. Regardless
of political leanings, our nation’s
citizenry collectively celebrate the freedoms
of democracy every four years when we elect
and inaugurate our Commander-In-Chief. 
