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Dear Jennifer,
Welcome! This month we're all a buzz over the tremendous response
we're receiving from our latest media efforts as reported in the NY
Post. MindOH! has just completed a new survey of more than 5,500
students in the U.S. and Canada on their feelings and experiences
about bullying, with a special emphasis on the alarming rise of
cyberbullying. Don't miss reading the article in the right hand
column.
Additionally, check out our new web site re-design. www.mindoh.com
It features updated benefits-driven content as well as two
testimonials from noted New York Times Best Selling authors, Mark
Victor Hansen, co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul
series and Robert G. Allen, co-creator of the One Minute
Millionaire.
All of this fabulous business-related support ties in neatly with
an article in this month's OH! News by Karen Zent about how
important public-private partnerships are creating the kind of
change needed to help our nation's youth become successful citizens.
I wanted to take this time to appreciate each of you for supporting
MindOH! in this effort because without your support, we couldn't be
in the business of creating change for our kids.
I appreciate the great feedback on last month's issue! Let us
hear from you and what's on your mind about how we can make this
newsletter a better tool for you, our business partners! And again,
our sincerest thanks for your support.
Thanks and have a great day!
Amy Looper, MindOH!
Co-Founder
| Public/Private Partnerships: More than Just Stone
Soup |
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by Karen Zent
The story of stone soup is often told as an analogy for
public-private partnerships because the tale so vividly
illustrates the motivations for and benefits to partnering -
we all hunger for more resources and together we can create
something far more satisfying than anything we might create
alone. But as with all analogies, the story falls a little
short when applied to a real-world situation. Too often
public-private partnerships begin with a laudable goal and
some warm, friendly feelings but no assurance that soup is
what is needed or it will taste good once it's cooked.
So for now, let's put stone soup where it belongs, on a
shelf in our mind where we keep inspirational images,
idealized themes, and dreams of simpler things, and let's
dissect public-private partnerships and how they might
actually work for our school or business.
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| Character Education Expert Column: "Be Everyone's
Valentine -- All Year Long" |
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by Marvin W. Berkowitz, Ph.D., Sanford N. McDonnell
Professor of Character Education, University of Missouri-St.
Louis Learn
about his new book!
Every year on Valentine's Day, many people's feelings and
hearts are broken. Not because of what someone does to them.
But because of what no one does to them. Send them a message
of love. We have reduced Valentine's Day to a day for lovers
rather than a day for love.
Children in schools are left out. Employees are ignored.
Isolated older adults are sent no message that says anyone
loves or appreciates them. And they weep in solitude where no
one hears their sobbing.
Love does not have to mean that one person is enraptured
with another or wants to be another's lover. My benefactor,
mentor and friend, Sandy McDonnell, loves to quote his beloved
uncle who founded McDonnell Aircraft. He frequently told
people "I appreciate your existence."
Use every day like Valentine's Day to let someone know that
you "appreciate their existence."
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| Funding Corner: Gloria Barron Prize for Young
Heroes |
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The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes seeks nominations
for its 2005 awards. The Barron Prize honors young people ages
8 to 18 who have shown leadership and courage in public
service to people and our planet. Each year, ten national
winners each receive $2,000 to support their service work or
higher education. Nomination deadline is April 30.
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| Book Review: "George Washington's Rules of Civility and
Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation (Little Books of
Wisdom)" |
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Book review by Leslie Matula, MindOH! Co-founder and
character education subject matter expert
In honor of George Washington's birthday on February 22nd,
I thought I'd introduce readers to this wonderful little book.
For those of you who don't know, our founding father, at the
notable age of 14, wrote down 110 rules. He titled it Rules
of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and
Conversation. According to the publisher, "These rules
were drawn from an English translation of a French book of
maxims and were intended to polish manners, keep alive the
best affections of the heart, impress the obligation of moral
virtues, teach how to treat others in social relations, and
above all, inculcate the practice of a perfect self-control."
It's a quick and enjoyable read for our busy times, and
full of wisdom and unintentional humor. Many of Washington's
rules are quite a challenge to a fidgety person such as
myself, rules such as: "Shift not yourself in the sight of
others . . ." And our MindOH! team would struggle with this
one: "Do not laugh too much or too loud in public." But then
there's the great wisdom of young Washington's first rule,
"Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of
respect to those that are present," and Rule 22, "Show not
yourself glad at the misfortune of another, though he were
your enemy."
It's quite remarkable, if you think about it; a teenaged
boy destined to be a great leader, a man whose life
transformed and continues to transform the lives of millions,
developing a set of principles to live by at such a young age.
It's a great example for today's youth. This little book (only
30 small pages) makes a great gift and would be a fun family
read or discussion generator.
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The New York Post Highlights MindOH!'s Character's Cool
Contest |
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On January 30th, the New York Post covered a growing trend
and concern among today's youth, cyberbullying. The article
"Kids' E-Vil Deeds" cited preliminary results from the MindOH!
Foundation's annual Character's Cool Contest.
Such assaults are more widespread than anyone had
imagined. According to a new survey of more than 4,000
students nationwide, 40 percent say they "have participated in
cyberbullying."
And New York is no exception, with 37 percent here and in
New Jersey admitting to dirty digital deeds. (The survey was
conducted by The MindOH! Foundation, a nonprofit organization
that promotes ethical behavior among young people.) Read the Entire Article
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Young People Changing the World
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