Rites of Passage Girls Empowerment Newsletter

Meet the Staff

Urgent, Inc. 1000 NW 1st Ave., Ste 100 Miami, FL 33136 (O) 786.439.1544 (F) 866-811-7778

Vice President Saliha Nelson Northwestern University Graduate, BS

Shedia Nelson (C) 305.586.6694 www.urgentinc.org Email: Shedia@urgentinc.org

Programs Manager, & Newsletter Editor

MARCH 2012

Shedia Nelson Hawai`i Pacific University Graduate, BA Mentor Terrance Cribbs-Lo`rrant Bethune Cookman, BA, Florida International University, MS pending

on ssi g i m n c.’s r you sn I t, we ran . s gen p o p t Ur o em o hel nitie t t u is nds mm mi m co for

Rites o

f Pass age Ne

ws

Mentor Casta Guillaume University of Miami, BA, MS pending Peer Educator Magalie Gabriel, South Miami SHS University of Miami School of Law from Left to Right: Rites of Passage members Naomie Delva, Ericka Cadet, Yaxsandra Perez, Kimberly Delva, Brielle Gibson, Kimberly Larosiliere, Diondra Hodges, Jessica Antoine, Magalie Gabriel, Elousie Dawkins, Samandie Douceur, Bianca Novembre, Kervelene Saintvil, Aaliyah Rankin, Ronata Dieujuste, Shakia Rankin, Magdala Charles, Tapera Parrish, Chantel Darrisaw, Mikisha Morrison, Alecia Denny, Chelsea Dawkins.

Peer Educator Tanisha Fleming,

Photo Courtesy: Shedia Nelson

Turner Tech SHS

UPCOMING EVENTS

What: Museum of Contemporary Art Women on the Rise

Inside this issue: Events

1-2

News stories

3

Snaps

4

Advice Calendar

4 5

When: Tuesday, March 6th

Time: 3-5pm Where: Booker T. Washington Senior high school When: Wednesday, March 28th Where: Edison SHS Activity: Celebration of contemporary women artist with visual art project.

Dade County Bar Kristi House: Project Gold Association: Horizons CommitPresentation: tee Sex Trafficking & Commercial Provides Fieldtrip Sexual Exploitation

When: Saturday, March 3rd When: Monday, March 19th Where: University of MiTime: 6:30-8pm ami Where: Work America, Inc. What: Resume Workshop with UM law college students

PAGE 2

RITES

OF

PASSAGE NEWS

SAVE THE DATE When: Saturday, May 12th “She Kept Her Bra On, Too: Girls’ Giving Voice to Their Power and Taking Action” Original youth led play production This youth-led and acted play brings to the forefront issues that threaten girls overall health and well-being while demonstrating the power of individual, family, school and community assets in strengthening girls’ resolve to make positive life choices.

VISUAL ART SESSION Where: Playground Theater (INVITE ONLY) LEAD BY 9806 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Shores, FL WOMEN ON THE RISE 9AM-11AM Time: 11:45am—1pm

Tickets: $5/student; $15 adults Link Urgent, Inc.’s Core Values to become eligible for Summer Paid Internship

UPCOMING EVENTS Rehearsals for “She Kept Her Bra On, Too:

Girls’ Giving Voice to Their Power and Taking

Special Workshops Presentation: ObstetricGynecology with Chrisan

Action” youth led play production Cast Production rehearsals: April 7, 10, 17, 24, 26 Grandmothers’ Cooking Club

TBA in April Presentation: Business Etiquette

Where: Booker T. Washington When: Tuesday, March 27th from 3-5pm

FIELDTRIP

Provides presentation on: LGBTQ information session on gender and sexuality identity

Where: Museum of

When: Thursday, March 8th

Contemporary Art (MOCA)

Where: Edison SHS

When: Friday, March 30th NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY What: Visit art exhibition and create an art project at MOCA

Paid Internship Requirements: SUBMIT 1-3RD TERM GRADES, NO D’S OR F’S

COMPLETE EMPLOYABILITY POLISHED READINESS TYPED RESUME, FORMS COVER LETTER, AND RESEARCH THANK YOU ATTEND 12 EMLETTER PLOYABILITY COMPLETE INSESSIONS TERNSHIP APPLICATION ACCURATELY DEMONSTRATE

Compassion

ALL CORE

Reciprocity

Women on the Rise:

VALUES:

Art project sessions: April 17 and 26

Patience Responsibility

Mobile Midwife Presentation When: April 18th

DEMONSTRATE PHONE AND BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Learning Teamwork Innovation

Complete PORTFOLIO due APRIL 30, 2012

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

PAGE 3

COME CELEBRATE URGENT, INC.’S OPEN HOUSE URGENT, Inc’s

Open House When: Friday, March 30th Where: Center for Empowerment and Education CE2 1000 NW 1st Ave. Miami, FL 33136 Time: 4:30-6:30pm Youth performances, recognition and interactive exhibits Light refreshments provided MEET RITES OF PASSAGE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT ACADEMY STAFF uting columnist The Miami Times and elected Vice Chair of Outreach for the Miami-Dade Democratic Party. Crespo has demonstrated leadership serving as the President of the Miami-Dade Young Democrats, President of the Miami-Dade Democratic Black Caucus, Chairman of the Miami Beach Black Host Committee, and served on the Transition Team for District 17 Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson.

Henry Crespo, President and Saliha Nelson, Vice President The dynamic leadership of both Henry Crespo and Saliha Nelson has propelled Urgent, Inc. to elevate URGENT, Inc’s mission to empower young minds to transform communities. Henry Crespo, Sr. is the founder and president of URGENT, Inc. Crespo serves on the Greater Miami Convention & Tourism Bureau, Affirmative Action Committee for the Florida Democratic Party, contrib-

Saliha Nelson is the vice president of URGENT, Inc. and a graduate of Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Social Policy.

Nelson is an experienced non-profit executive for more than 10 years focused on providing high quality, empowering and caring services to youth and families. Specializing in youth development, Rites of Passage, intergenerational and prevention services. She is interested in consulting start-ups in program development, grant writing, and evaluation.

Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in education through University of Miami’s Community and Social Change Program.

Shedia Nelson is the programs manager of Urgent, Inc. who utilizes her creativity and passion for challenging youth to move beyond their comfort zone to transcend their thoughts, behavior, leadership and hidden talents to Shedia Nelson, guide them through Programs Manager their passage to adulthood as her motivation to provide comprehensive youth learning development. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a concentration in Theater from Hawai`i Pacific University.

She is the artistic director and playwright for Urgent, Inc.’s Rites of Passage Youth Empowerment Academy culminating production for Rites of Passage entitled “She Kept Her Bra On, Too: Girls Giving Voice to Their Power and Taking Action.” An accomplished poet, editor and professional dancer with Delou Africa and Venus Rising drum and dance ensembles. She has performed internationally with Up with People.

PAGE 4

RITES

OF

PASSAGE NEWS

THANK YOU MENTORS! Mr. Terrance Cribbs-Lórrant is a Reproductive Justice mentor who is currently one of only four Florida’s Department of Children and Family recognized Community Coaches, responsible for providing speTerrance Cribbs-Lórrant cialized training and technical assistance for 16 counties. He is seated as the elected Vice Chair person for the City Commissioner’s Advisory Board for the historic Over-

town Community and Chairperson for the Youth Advisory Board of Overtown, FL. Holding a degree in Education from Bethune-Cookman University and course studies towards his master/ doctoral degree in International Intercultural Education from Florida International University. He continues to use his research skills to enhance the betterment of communities through his partnerships with Better Communities of America Inc. (BCAinc.); a not-forprofit hub of skilled professionals working towards the common goal using science and “data-driven decision making” –like the Strategic Prevention Framework.

Casta Guillaume is a second generation Haitian- American who received her B.A. in English Literature and Secondary Education from the Casta Guillaume University of Miami. Her professional experiences have motivated her to increase her academic research training to address complex community issues, leading to her pursuit of a Master’s degree in education through the University of Miami’s Community and Social Change Program.

We are proud of our Peer Health Educators Magalie Gabriel

Magalie Gabriel is a senior attending South Miami Senior high school. She is a tenth year member with Urgent, Inc’s Rites of Passage Youth Empowerment Academy. She has been accepted to Florida International University. Her assets include always being of assistance with a smile, able to multi-task, responsible and reliable. She is a talented young lady who has provided engaging drama instruction for youth both at Rites of Passage and Youth Empowerment Summer Camp programs for the past three years. She plans to attend University of Miami or

University of Southern California with a focus in musical theater. As a mentor she “has fun while learning and developing the leadership skills of the girls in the program.”

In addition, she is a talented actress and assistant director for Urgent, Inc’s annual production “She Kept Her Bra On, Too: Girls’ Stories of Empowerment, SelfDiscovery and Acceptance,” an original youth led production where performed at Sister Song conference: Let’s Talk About Sex and Art Basel in Miami Beach in collaboration with Transformer project.

FIRST YEAR PEER HEALTH EDUCATOR Tanisha Fleming

Tanisha Fleming is an eleventh grader attending William H. Turner Technical high school and a third year member of Rites of Passage Academy. She co-chairs Urgent, Inc’s “She Kept Her Bra On: A campaign for Girls’ Well-being,” a reproductive justice initiative for a youth led project for social change in teen dating violence. In addition, she is a talented actress and assistant di-

rector for Urgent, Inc’s annual production “She Kept Her Bra On, Too: Girls’ Stories of Empowerment, SelfDiscovery and Acceptance,” an original youth led production where she has toured with this production at Sister Song conference: Let’s Talk About Sex and Art Basel in Miami Beach in collaboration with Transformer project.

PAGE 5

RITES

OF

PASSAGE NEWS

Dear Blue Rain….

Dear Blue Rain, Where do you go to get help when you’re accepted in college to get ready?

Sincerely, Scholar Dear Scholar, Congratulations on your success to elevate your learning to another level! Here’s some tips and questions to research to get you ready for school:  Fill out the FAFSA online  www.fafsa.org  You will need a parent/ guardian’s tax information

 Obtain written information on scholarships offered at the college of your choice.

Sincerely,

 How much does it cost to live on campus?

Dear Blue Rain,

 What furnishings are supplied in each dorm room?  Are there communal bathroom facilities on each floor?  Obtain written information on meal plans, dining facilities on campus, locations and hours of operation.  What do I need to bring with me to move in?  How and when to register for classes.

 If you don’t qualify for a book waiver, find out if about used books or rental books. Be sure to check with your professors before buying used books from past semesters to make sure your professor will be using the same book (s).

 Find out if any additional standardized tests are required to register for classes.

 Calculate the cost of a college education for a year including room, board, tuition, books, parking, computers, printing and food plans.  List the types of loans you may apply for at the college of your choice.  List the types of grants you are eligible to receive at the college of your choice.  Find out about student employment and work study on campus.

I think I might have a yeast infection, could my boyfriend get it from me?

Sincerely, Concerned

 Is there a fee for laundry?

 Ask for a book waiver if you receive financial aid from the finance department at the college/university

 Find out what costs your financial aid and scholarships will cover.

Blue Rain

 Find out about the university computer lab costs (if it’s not included in tuition and hours of operation)

 Meet with your academic advisor to help you choose appropriate classes to register.  When is the deadline to register for classes? It’s better to register as soon as possible before classes fill up and this way you have more flexibility of when you want to take those classes.  When is the last day to drop or add a course?

This is not a complete list, however this is a good start to help you prepare for all your responsibilities and experiences of college. Good luck!

Dear Concerned, A yeast infection can cause itching where the vaginal discharge is usually heavy, thick, white-curded consistency like cottage cheese. The odor is not foul, but rather smells like bread yeast. If there’s a grey discharge with a foul odor, it may be vaginitis.

Please visit your gynecologist for a cervical exam who can diagnose your condition. As for your boyfriend, if he’s experiencing any symptoms he should be treated as well.

It’s best not to or limit wearing tight clothes, thongs, douching or use of scented sanitary pads as bacteria and yeast grows in moist environment. Scented products and douching can irritate and disrupt the natural healthy bacteria in your vagina.

Yeast infections can happen to any girl whether sexually active or not. Stress, pregnancy, certain medicines, birth control and illnesses that affect your immune system can cause yeast growth. Be sure to wash your body thoroughly daily and don’t re-wear tight clothing between washings.

Sincerely,

Blue Rain

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

PAGE 6

Fieldtrip Review at University of Miami University of Miami— Twenty-two young ladies attended a resume workshop at University of Miami coordinated by Miami Dade Bar Young Lawyer’s Association: Horizons Committee. All the young ladies were mentored by college students with the women’s and Black women’s Law Student Association. All of the young ladies enjoyed a nice continental breakfast and power point presentation of resume development.

All participants were supplied with a resume handbook full of tips, samples of types of resumes, defined purpose of resume and checklist. Everyone drafted their resume by hand and then typed it.

Peer to Peer Interviews Why did you join Rites of Passage?

It’s an all girls club that would give me options about what I want to be in life. I was able to manage my grades better. I also became aware of my body. - Ashley To volunteer more time in the community.—Trinicia It’s an all girls club that would help with my social skills to not by shy. - Sierra

To respect people and gain more In Rites of Passage I learned how intelligence - Samandie Dou- to respect myself and others. I ceur think respect goes a long way in the work place.

I need to work on my attitude.

What have you contributed to the program?

learned how to be polite and patient.

I contribute my time, personality and me. - Marguerite St. What was a difficult situation Jean you were in and how did you reI will contribute my support. solve it?

What new knowledge did you gain from being in Rites of Passage and how will you apply it to your life?

I want to do something after school and learn new things.— I learned that my body is a temple and it is my main priAlenda Medirect ority to take care of it.

I want to experience a job for the first time and meet new people. I learned stuff I never knew before. - Marguerite St. Jean The reason why I joined Rites of Passage is to meet new people and to get out of the house.

- Brielle Gibson What did you learn about yourself?

I learned how to discipline myself. - Pierreline Larose

I also learned how to relax [by using] techniques I learned in this program when I needed to relax while my mom was in the hospital.

What three skills did you gain from the program and how do they apply to your internship Rites of Passage taught me a lot pursuit? of things including responsibilities. They trained me to be Etiquette, manners, business prepared for this job and they skills and teaching me how to beencouraged me to look into the have. - Yaxsandra Perez future.

I learned how to talk to people better, be more comfortable when I’m around people and always love myself. And to believe in myself.

- Samandie Douceur

I learned to be patient. It helped to prepare me to work with people so I won’t lose my mind. - Ronata Dieujuste I learned to ignore people and to be more friendly. Also how to listen. Doing everything Ms. Shedia taught me.

5

Rites of Passage Academy Girls Club Meetings Rites of Passage Girls Clubs!

Where: B. T. Washington, Sr.

For Who: Girls ages10-18

1200 NW 6th Ave. Miami, FL 33136

Closed: Holiday and Spring Break, Teacher Planning, Early Release Days and inclement weather

When: Mondays Time: 6:30-8pm When: AFTERSCHOOL Monday—Thursday Where: Edison Eduplex SHS Time: 2:30-5:00pm Room: 329 6161 NW 5th Ct. Miami, Fl 33127 LUNCH: 12NOON—12:30PM When: Wednesdays and Thursdays

*For more information: Call (305) 586-6694

Work America, Inc. 430 NW 9th St. Miami, FL 33136

Time: 3–5pm Rm: A-121

Meet in HOTSPOT

March 2012 Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

1

2

3

Ob-gyn Presentation 4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

THANK YOU COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Hands 2 Help, Inc.: Passage to Womanhood 2nd year partnership Sierra Club Miami Inner City Outings 7 year partnership Dade County Bar Association Horizons Committee, 6 yr partnership

Mi-Lola—Miami InternaMuseum of Contional Latinas Organizing temporary Art Leadership and Advoca(MOCA): Women cy, 3rd year partnership On The Rise IT Women— Information Technology, 3rd year partnership 9 yr partnership

Booker T. Washington SHS, 7 year partnership

Thank you for re-funding

Rites of Passage for 2011-2012 The Rites of Passage Program is generously funded by The Children’s Trust.

The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of funding created by voter referendum in 2002 to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County by making strategic investments in their future – because all children are our children.