Kids and cars have one thing in common: They both require a lot of elbow grease.
Working with children is like working on a car. It can be a challenge. You may start the task not knowing exactly what tools to use or which parts need connecting. But in the end, the feeling of satisfaction you get from accomplishing your goal – making that child (or car) shine – is worth it.
Thousands of Americans across the country know that feeling because of America’s Promise – The Alliance For Youth, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to preparing kids for the future. Working with young people where they live, work and worship, adults from all walks of life are helping kids nationwide get on the road to success.
America’s Promise was founded after the Presidents’ Summit for America’s Future in 1997, where Presidents Clinton, Bush, Carter and Ford – and Nancy Reagan representing Ronald Reagan – challenged the country to make children and youth a national priority. With Secretary Of State Colin L. Powell as its founding chairman, America’s Promise is mobilizing people from every sector of American life to build the character and competence of our youth. In just four years, what started out as an unprecedented call to action has developed into a broad national coalition with a common mission: kids.
The Tools
Like cars – which require fuel, tuneups and, most of all, care and regular maintenance – all kids have basic needs. America’s Promise has identified them as Five Promises – essential resources for young people to mature into successful adults. They are:
- Ongoing relationships with caring adults
- Safe places with structured activities during nonschool hours
- A healthy start and future
- Marketable skills through effective education
- Opportunities to give back through community service
The Parts
This diverse and ever-growing alliance of public and private partners and communities works together to fulfill the Five Promises for the nation’s youth. Hundreds of corporations, not-for-profits, schools, faith-based organizations, colleges and universities, associations, government agencies, communities, states and individuals are making a difference in the lives of young people by bringing them the resources they so desperately need.
| Positive role models. Larry Bankston, a banker, has made an investment in the future. He and his staff tutor and mentor local school children in Kansas City, Mo. They talk to students about making sound financial decisions and offer one-on-one help to struggling students. Larry is keeping his promise. |
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 LARRY BANKSTON |
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| Sanctuaries far away from trouble. The Rev. Clifford Barnett of Brighton Rock A.M.E. Zion Church in South Hampton Roads, Va., has inspired his congregation to open its doors to kids. Located across the street from a school bus stop, the church is a safe haven for students as they wait for the bus to arrive. An early-morning Bible study program gives teens an opportunity to talk with Barnett about school, personal issues and future plans. The Rev. Barnett is keeping his promise. |
 BRIGHTON ROCK A.M.E. ZION CHURCH |
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| The healthy start they deserve. Tara Purohit is the New York regional director of Project HEALTH, a national organization that creates models of intervention that interrupt the link between poverty and negative health outcomes. Purohit’s efforts have established the Harlem Community Resource Center, where advocates work to ensure that families obtain access to food, safe shelter, health insurance, job training and child care. Nearly 5000 children have benefited. Tara is keeping her promise. |
 TARA PUROHIT |
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| Skills to achieve their dreams. Chef Charlie Trotter has built a fabulous restaurant in Chicago. He also has a reputation for sharing his passion and skills with young people. He’s developed a special mentor relationship with Amato, a teen who so impressed Trotter that he offered him two internships and help with the cost of attending culinary school. Charlie is keeping his promise. |
 CHARLIE TROTTER (RIGHT) WITH STUDENTS |
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| The opportunities to give back. Roger, a former gang member, dedicates his time to helping other kids stay out of trouble. As a gang intervention counselor for the Korean Youth & Community Center in Los Angeles, he builds relationships with young people and engages them in positive activities to keep them off the streets and away from gangs. Roger is keeping his promise. |
 ROGER |
The Engine
All of these individuals are pulling their weight and driving this crusade. You, too, can become a driving force and help ensure every child is a Child of Promise. To find out how to make your promise to America’s youth, call 888-55-YOUTH or visit www.americaspromise.org; AOL Keyword: America’s Promise.