|
The Juvenile Urban Multicultural Program (JUMP) Alumni
Association and the Association of Black Social Workers of New York City (ABSW-NYC)
Chapter joined forces to present the "Get Your Mind Right" Youth Conference on Sunday, November
8th, 2009.
The JUMP Alumni program was formed at Binghampton University by multicultural students and expanded to aid urban teens through educational and self-esteem programs prior to college.
More than 50 students from various youth organizations participated in engaging and interactive workshops: Binghamton
University's JUMP Nation, Vision and Voice Student Ambassadors of the Harlem
Children's Zone Learn to Earn Site, and Rasheed Muhammed & Associates,
Inc. "Building Bridges and Closing Gaps" program.
The conference began with a fun ice breaker with Kymberle Joseph, actress and author of the book, "Pieces of
A Story." The workshop topics focused on self-esteem,
self-presentation, and self-worth. Rita Felton, community health worker at Brooklyn Plaza
Medical Center, presented an educational and frank discussion on HIV and safe sex practices. Henry Smart III, social worker and consultant, led a male-only discussion on presenting yourself in a positive and confident way. Jennifer
"Jen" Threat, publisher and editor of Double Dutch Magazine, led a discussion with the girls on the importance of protecting one's image on social media sites, also known as your "cyber-rep."
Breakfast
and lunch were provided for the students as well as goodie bags and
prizes! Companies who
sponsored and donated to the event included Tommy Hilfiger, Essence Magazine,
BEEING, YakBlak Vintage Sunnies, Jeans and a Tee, LLC, and KittyRose Lifestyle!
Mimi Woods, chair of the "Get Your Mind Right" conference planning committee and education chair of ABSW-NYC was very grateful for all of the
generous support that enabled the event to be a huge success. She stated, "This is just the beginning. We are committed to bringing
more organizations together to collaborate on events and programs."
Photo by Idris Solomon.
Teen participating in role playing session.
Photo by Idris Solomon.
Voicing opinion during "Protect Your Cyber Rep" session. 
Photo By Idris Solomon.
Holding hands and sharing what was learned and what will be taken to each others' communities after the conference. If you'd like to learn more about the JUMP Alumni Association, you can find them on Facebook.
| 
