The Blueprint
Jan | Feb 2019 Edition
“Every boy and girl should have the opportunity to bask in the joy of childhood and the benefit of a safe and supportive community. And they should know that as they get older, injustice won't stand in the way of their success if they dream big and work hard.”
-John Legend
Shontoria Walker Of University Of Houston Named To Global 30 Under 30 List
Newark, Del. (January 7, 2019) — Shontoria Walker, Doctoral Candidate at University of Houston, is one of 30 literacy leaders named to the International Literacy Association’s (ILA) 2019 30 Under 30 list. The list celebrates rising leaders in the literacy field—a cohort of young innovators, disruptors and visionaries creating positive change in the global literacy landscape.
The 28-year-old of Houston, Texas, was recognized for her work on using culturally relevant pedagogy to influence literacy education for African American Boys in the city of Houston, Texas particularly in the area where she grew up.
“Young men of color require a unique approach to literacy education that encompasses their cultural backgrounds, dispels the societal markers that are placed against them, and builds on the strength and richness of community inside and outside of the classroom,” Walker says.
Representing 13 countries, this year’s list of honorees includes educators, school administrators, nonprofit leaders, authors, volunteers, researchers and social entrepreneurs.
“The individuals on this list are solving critical issues—issues many of them have faced on their own paths to success,” says ILA Executive Director Marcie Craig Post. “Their contributions are paving the way to more accessible and equitable literacy learning in their schools, communities and beyond. It’s an honor to recognize these young leaders whose vision and tenacity are transforming our world.”
Walker joins an elite class of emerging leaders. Past honorees include Shiza Shahid, cofounder of the Malala Fund; Andrew Sutherland, founder and chief technology officer of Quizlet; and Kathryn Lett, EL teacher at Kentwood Public Schools in Michigan.
ILA’s 30 Under 30 honorees are featured in the January/February issue of Literacy Today, ILA's bi-monthly magazine, which published today.
-->View the Literacy Today feature and read more about the honorees’ accomplishments
MBK Rising! #ARRIVEasmanyRISEasone
MBK Rising! is a two-day convening on February 19 and 20 that will bring together in Oakland the growing network of MBK Communities, elected officials, cross-sector leaders, and young men of color and the organizations working hard to help them achieve their dreams. MBK Rising! will trumpet that mission as we celebrate the progress this movement has made. We'll hear from established and emerging leaders in the MBK Alliance community who are strengthening communities and transforming lives, tackling issues like youth violence prevention, mentorship, and the importance of providing second chances.
--> Learn More
Speakers include:
Get to know the incredible lineup of speakers we’ve assembled, from the private sector to the public sector, from nonprofits to NGOs, from the sciences to the arts.
Noel A. Pinnock
President Obama
In the News and Updates
Mayor for Mentoring
MBK Houston submitted a nomination for Mayor Sylvester Turner to be a Mayor for Mentoring. We briefly explained:
Mayor Sylvester Turner, born and raised Houstonian from a low-income minority community, has prioritized the city’s resilience and quality of life for all residents. He has been a strong advocate for My Brother’s Keeper Houston’s efforts to bring programs, provide resources, mentorship, and hands-on experiences that ripples from changing one person to changing a whole community. Mayor Turner served as a role model and mentor to Asa Singleton, MBK Youth Voice/Ambassador, whom he invited to sit on his Youth Council to speak out against youth violence. His continued support has helped MBK Houston has become a national model for other MBK cities.
We recently received a response from Abbie Evans, Senior Director of Government Relations at MENTOR National: www.mentoring.org
“We would be happy to recognize Mayor Turner as a Mayor for Mentoring! I loved reading about his efforts and thank you for sharing the great pictures. His dedicated to young people and his leadership on their behalf simply shines.”
MBK Houston Mentoring Day: Proclamation Feb 12, 2019
MBK Houston partnered with Change Happens, a nonprofit organization that transforms the lives of families and children in high-risk communities of Houston, to submit a comprehensive proposal. Following a rigorous nationwide review and selection process, MBK Houston and Change Happens were selected as winners of the inaugural Obama Foundation Community Challenge Grant. Change Happens will leverage their funding to expand its flagship mentoring program at Jack Yates High School in Houston's Third Ward.
Mayor Turner proclaimed February 12, 2019 as MBK Houston Mentoring Day to honor MBK Houston and Change Happens on their investment in young people to ensure Houston's prosperity and global competitiveness and commendation for leveraging collective impact to improve outcomes for the city's most vulnerable youth population, boys and young men of color.
Houston Health Department Highlights Value Of Mentors During National Mentoring Month
This January we celebrated National Mentoring Month, an annual opportunity to highlight mentoring as a critical component in the lives of young people. In recognition, the Houston Health Department is featuring a mentoring success story through its partnership with the Greater Houston Mentoring Alliance.
We Are The Ones Campaign
Last year, MBK Alliance launched the We Are The Ones Campaign, alongside Stephen Curry and Chance the Rapper, to inspire volunteerism in our communities. This year, we’re re-launching the campaign with a specific focus on mentorship. On January 17, content was shared asking volunteers across the country to sign-up to become mentors in their communities.
If there are any mentoring organizations in your MBK Community that aren’t already featured in the Mentoring Connector, please share these instructions with them so that their program can be featured. The process takes 10-15 minutes and is the only way we can ensure that this campaign benefits our MBK Communities and service providers.
#Throwback: I Am the One Campaign by MBK Houston
Equity Intelligence Platform: Executive Stakeholder Meeting
What We're Reading
Building a Community of Practice
Community Tribute to Mickey Leland
Your community leaders also play a huge role in the Challenge. Elected officials, school representatives, businesses and organizations can earn points by signing pledges and participating in other activities.
In addition to earning bragging rights over our fellow Texas cities, the five winning communities will receive funds to put toward future health-related projects.
Unfortunately, chronic diseases linked to obesity and inactivity are leading to an increasing amount of preventable deaths in the United States, including here in Houston. Even small improvements in healthy eating and physical activity can have a big impact on your health and well-being.
Let’s all join forces, celebrate healthy living and find the motivation to keep on track with New Year’s resolutions through the IT’S TIME TEXAS Community Challenge.
Do it for you, your family and community. It’s time, Houston!
Mayor Turner encourages Houstonians to participate in the 2019 IT'S TIME TEXAS Community Challenge
Hurricane Harvey Relief
Postive Youth Development
Guest Mentoring: Francisco Garcia
“I must give a "High Five---Kuddos" to Francisco Garcia for connecting and sharing with our Denver Harbor young men [on Feb. 6, 2019]. He captivated our gentleman with his experience and encouragement. The guys left the room feeling empowered. It has been an awesome afternoon, simply unforgettable! We were able to connect 21 young men to additional services, discuss job opportunities, expound on the future, and encourage that you can survive your past. Francisco you are "Awesome"! Thank you for your willingnes to work with our students.”
- Nakeia Pittman, Wraparound Resource Specialist, On Time Grad Academy
Youth March with MBK Houston for #MLK Day
Peer Mentor at Crossroads HS
Crossroads High School is looking for Peer-Mentors that are supportive, caring, engaging, motivated, patient, reliable and able to share life lessons. Peer-Mentors must be strong role models who can work with our Opportunity Youth student population.
12 Young Men Soar Like An Eagle
The Eagle Scout designation is highly respected because only 4 percent of all Boy Scouts are ever granted this prestigious rank after fulfilling the many years of requirements that must be achieved.
--> SOAR LIKE AN EAGLE: 12 AFRICAN AMERICAN TEENS REACH THE PINNACLE OF SUCCESS IN THE BOY SCOUTS
MBK Houston Milestone Snapshots
Houston Basics
Houston Basics News
Episcopal Health Foundation (EHF) has announced a groundbreaking $3.4 million investment in programs that are focused on healthy infant brain development and giving Texas children the best chance at a healthy life.
EHF’s investment includes grants to 12 innovative organizations across the state that are implementing proven practices for early childhood brain development during pregnancy and the first three years of a child’s life.
Houston Basics + Complete Communities = Basics2
Our team members Roderick Peoples, Kesha McNeil and Frank Garcia attending the ABCD training (Asset-Based Community Development) at the Children’s Museum. Learn more about the work that is being done to engage parents and young children with literacy and activities that encourage brain development below:
The Children’s Museum of Houston (CMH), City of Houston Health Department (HHD) and additional partners including Houston Public Library will advance the vision of two cross-sector collective impact initiatives, My Brother’s Keeper Houston (MBK) and Early Matters, by establishing community demonstration projects supporting parents in two neighborhoods of concentrated disadvantage with early learning strategies related to literacy development they can use with their child during the first three years of life. Residents in the two neighborhoods – Gulfton and Near Northside – have recently self-identified through convenings hosted by Mayor Sylvester Turner’s office as having desires to increase their children’s learning achievement. The Houston Basics Complete Communities (Basics2) project is designed to address these communities’ desires by helping families build solid foundations and trajectories for kindergarten readiness and 3rd grade reading proficiency. Across the 2-year project period (10-1-2018 to 9-30-2020), the demonstration projects will be fully active using a responsive design for 1 year, with 6 months of advance planning and 6 months reporting and sharing at the end.
Baby Day Recap
On Feb 7th and 8th, statewide Baby Day™ was held for first time for families to come together and celebrate this incredible period of growth and brain development in our tiniest Texans. Various baby-friendly activities including baby yoga, music class, adult learning classes, and more were offered. The event created by First3Years and held at the Houston Children Museum. Houston WIC and the Houston Basics were featured, on site at the Houston Children’s Museum.
”Eighty-five percent of core brain development happens by the time a child is 3 years old, and 54 percent of parents wish they had more information about being a better parent, Moore said. Locally, the Baker Institute has partnered with the Houston Health Department and Harris County to make research on early brain development accessible to parents” - Dr. Quianta Moore
HYPE Freedom Internship
Clifton School Donation for Library
TEAMUP Houston News:
TeamUp Houston youth from Fifth Ward Enrichment / Urban Enrichment Institute teamed up with Houston Marathon Foundation to train for and participate in the We Are Houston 5k on January 19, 2019. Check out the video below:
TEAMUP Houston Discovery Days
On January 31, 2019 we had our first Discovery Day at Yes Prep with the Dynamo Dash. Edwin Sanchez did an amazing job presenting to the students on his position in Partnership and Sponsorship Marketing. So happy to have the Dynamo Dash on board!
“You Got This Series” at Mickey Leland Academy
Our new College Readiness series for the year at the Mickey Leland College Prep Academy will be called “You Got This” which takes place every 4th Wednesday of every month. January 23, February 27, March 27, and April 24 at 11:30am-1:00pm. There will be 25 young men participating in this series ranging from 9th-11th grade. The series will consist of the following themes: Financial Literacy, “The Leader in Me”, Workforce Development, & College Readiness.
How Would You Strengthen the City?
The City of Houston invites seniors at your school/district to participate in the 27th annual Public Service Recognition Week Essay Contest.
-->For official rules, job descriptions and the online submission form
Summer Mentor
Youth Action
The Youth Action Committee was created by area high school students and educators as a way to become leaders within their community, the committee meets four times per year and advises on strategies, needs, and impacts they see within their community.
Volunteer
AAPOL Scholarship Application Due By March 31, 2019
The Afro American Police Officers League (AAPOL) is accepting scholarship applications. This opportunity is available to all graduating high school seniors in the Houston area who wish to further their education. Graduates must have a GPA of 2.7 or higher.
AAPOL will be awarding (8) eight scholarships in the amount of $1000 and (2) two scholarships in the amount of $2000 during this event. The recipient of the scholarship can use the funds to supplement the cost of tuition, boarding, and books. Funds will be awarded directly to the university/college the recipient is enrolled for Fall/Spring 2019. As such, recipients must provide documentation of enrollment/registration and a copy of their high school transcript.
High school seniors who are interested may submit a minimum of 400-words in essay form answering the following question: “As a high school Senior do you believe that schools in the United States are proactive in stopping bullying and provide adequate support as well as safe environments for those who have been targeted by bullies(Why or Why not)? Clearly state your position and give three supporting facts for your position.”
Please electronically forward your application and essay to AAPOL Houston at AAPOLScholarship@gmail.com by 5:00 pm Sunday, March 31, 2019, if you have any questions, please call Officer DeAndre’ Hutchison at 713-857-8634. In additional, all AAPOL members please update your contact information by contacting AAPOL via aapolhpd@gmail.com with your name and “personal email address”.
MBK Community Coordinator
The MBK Community Coordinator is responsible for supporting Change Happens in managing the day-to-day operations and overall implementation of the programs and priorities outlined in the MBK Community Challenge Competition proposal. The Coordinator will also ensure that programs are executed with fidelity and in accordance with the mission of My Brother’s Keeper Alliance and the goals of the MBK Community Challenge Competition.
Specifically, the MBK Community Coordinator shall be responsible for managing and/or directly supporting four key areas:
1) Program Delivery
2) Collective Impact Coordination & Facilitation
3) Obama Foundation/MBK Alliance Process Oriented Requests
4) Evaluation & Reporting Support
Additionally, the MBK Community Coordinator will serve as a thought partner to the Chief Executive Officer and Program Staff and a key point of contact for the MBK Alliance Portfolio Manager.
The MBK Community Coordinator is a full-time employee, and 100 percent of the MBK Community Coordinator’s time must be focused on the advancement of the programs and priorities outlined in the approved grant proposal and/or local MBK efforts within the community.
Hire Houston Youth: Summer Jobs Program 2019
-Mayor Sylvester Turner
The City of Houston 2019 Summer Jobs Program (SJP) online application will launch February 11, 2019 and will remain open to March 23, 2019. Interested SJP participants must be 16-24 year old, reside within Houston city limits and meet eligibility requirements.
The Bureau of Youth and Adolescent Health’s Positive Youth Development Team is working with the planning committee to develop the application and hiring processes. Constance Carron serves as the program liaison for the Houston Health Department. For questions, please contact her 832-393-4801 or email at constance.carron@houstontx.gov.
Pathways College Interns
The Bureau of Youth and Adolescent Health’s Positive Youth Development Team is working in partnership with the Human Resources Department’s Grow Your Own Workforce Initiative. This partnership allows the Houston Health Department to host and provide placement throughout HHD. HHD will inform students about the wide variety of career opportunities available in our departments. This opportunity will allow the students to obtain new experiences in the workplace and earn hours for school. The students are currently working in Vital Statistics, Tuberculosis, HIV and STD and the Bureau of Youth and Adolescent Health. Pathways College Interns started January 29, 2019 and will be onboard until May 15, 2019. For questions, please contact Constance Carron at 832-393-4801 or email at constance.carron@houstontx.gov.
Southwest Workforce Solution: LVN Position
Location: 8373 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77063
Position Duties:
- Maintain records of patient care, condition, progress, or problems to report and discuss observations with supervisor or case manager.
- Perform all patient procedures according to guidelines
- Deliver exemplary customer service to patients
- Collecting blood or urine samples
- Assisting patients with bathing, dressing and personal hygiene
- Working with the families of patients as an important role of patient's care plus teach them how to provide follow-up or preventative care to their loved ones
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Strong attention to detail and organization skills
- Ability to multi-task and handle multiple priorities
- Perform administrative duties as directed
Qualifications:
- Must have reliable transportation
- A valid driving license Auto insurance to make home visits.
- 1 Year College (Tech or Vocational School).
- Minimum one year of LVN experience.
- Candidates must pass background check.
- Convictions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis; convictions will not necessarily bar a candidate’s employment.
Contact:
Corry A. Worrell
Recruiter
Workforce Solutions – Astrodome
9315 Stella Link, Houston, TX, 77025
TEL 713.661.3220 EXT 1018 FAX 1.713.266.2495
corry.worrell@wrksolutions.com
There will be high number of candidates. Reply to Corry Worrell with your Resume in “MICROSOFT WORD OR PDF” format. Also be sure to be fully registered in WorkInTexas.com
Peacekeepers Movement: Book Your SB 30 Training Today
"The Civilian Interaction Training (CIT) Program deriving from the Community Safety Education Act has trained almost 2,000 Houston Police Officers as of February 15th 2019.
According to the Houston Police Department Training Academy "The feedback from the officers rate the course a 4.5 out of 5 for content and materials and another 4.5 for the instructors attitude and knowledge of the subject matter. Most of the narrative comments are equally as positive in which officers state: "...the class was informative and relevant to their positions in law enforcement." -Officer Daniel W. Watson, Senior Trainer, Houston Police Department
Criminal Justice Reform Symposium
On January 17,2019, the Criminal Justice Reform Symposium was hosted by Texas Southern’s Urban Research and Resource Center and Harris County Racial and Ethnic Disparities Committee. The Symposium was the first of a multi-phase, ongoing initiative to utilize statistical analysis, expert insights and community concerns and requests to produce policy recommendations and training, and other tangible outcomes designed to create safer communities.
Panel Topics included:
- Juvenile Justice Reform
- Incarceration Reform
- Bail Reform
- Policing Reform
- Bench and Bar Reform
- Community Engagement, Activism and Reform
WIN WIN Workshops
If you would like to schedule a WIN WIN workshop at your school please contact Jacqueline Potter (jacqueline.potter@houstontx.gov) or Omowale Allen (omowale.allen@houstontx.gov).
Upcoming Events
MAKE IT RIGHT! Resolve Your Pending Cases & Open Warrants
Saturday, Feb 23, 2019, 08:30 AM
14083 South Main Street, Houston, TX, USA
Resilience (Adapting to Change)
At 7 Civic Saturday events, speak directly with the Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on issues YOU care about.
Saturday, Feb 23, 2019, 11:00 AM
2407 Market St, Baytown, TX
The Stars at Night
On April 4, 2019, Young Audiences of Houston will hold its gala benefit, The Stars at Night, in celebration of our 63rd year of providing Houston's youth with access to the arts and arts education. The event provides critical support to the arts-in-education programs, collaborations, and services we offer to Houston's youth; and the theme, The Stars at Night, spotlights student diversity and honors the most precious stars of our city - our children! Young Audiences is committed to supporting arts in education for every child by providing high-quality, arts-based learning experiences, and this year we are particularly highlighting our arts partnerships supporting students of all learning abilities.
-->Learn More: https://www.yahouston.org/gala
Thursday, Apr 4, 2019, 06:30 PM
JW Marriott Houston Downtown, Main street, Houston, TX, USA
Clifton Middle School’s College & Career Night
Thursday, Mar 28, 2019, 04:00 PM
Clifton Middle School, Golden Forest Drive, Houston, TX, USA
Follow Us @MBKhouston for more updates
Email: mbkhouston@houstontx.gov
Website: www.mbkhouston.org
Location: 8000 North Stadium Drive, Houston, TX, United States
Phone: 832-393-5169
Facebook: facebook.com/MBKHouston/
Twitter: @MBKHouston