Importance of Character

When it comes down to it, the only thing that any of us have is our word.  We are either seen as a person who (most of the time at least) keeps our word, or a person who does not.  People constantly assess to determine if each of us is a person who says what…

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Seeing the Forest for the Trees

There is an idiom that states, “can’t see the forest for the trees.”  This expression refers to someone who is unable to understand what is important in a situation because he/she is giving too much attention to details.  As a leader of an after-school program, it is easy to fall into this habit.  Every day…

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Clubs and Afterschool

Clubs and After-school In the world of after-school there are 3 Rs—relationships, relevance, and rigor, which stand as a litmus test in selecting the activities that we do with youth.  If the activity can meet the test posed in these three words, then chances are, it will be a winner with young people.  Clubs are…

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Book Review: The Tipping Point—Malcolm Gladwell

I first read the book Tipping Point when it was published in 2000.  It was interesting reading and I applied it to my current situation as an administrator for an after-school program in a school district.  The premise is that things need to reach a critical mass, and at that moment, the shift begins.  I…

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Not So Usual Celebrations

August 27th is Just Because Day.  Why in the world would be celebrate a Just Because Day?  The answer is simple, “Because.”  This is the day to do things for no apparent rhyme or reason, but simply just because you would like to.  This means that you can act on a whim, take a chance…

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