WE DID AND YOU CAN TOO Fall tour


Are you as frustrated, disgusted and fed up with the violence and obnoxious behavior and demeanor of some of today's urban youths as the video presenters of WE DID IT AND YOU CAN TOO ?
If so, then a donation by you will help us to redirect the negativity by the younger generation into a more positive attitude and mindset, thereby helping the youth make better choices and wiser decisions.
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE

ANDREW S. MAJORS--Lead Presenter & collaborator

For the first forty years of my life, I was involved in, either by choice or by accident, "less than admirable behavior and/or activities." I wasn't a bad person, but did exhibit some rather awful behavior--awful to the extreme! My negative attitude and poor choices continued until a life-changing event altered the course of my future. I then redirected my energies toward more positive choices resulting in a remarkable change in attitude and behavior. The transformation wasn't easy nor quick and I had a few missteps on occasion. But by immersing myself in self-help, self-improvement books and materials as well as continual reading of The Bible, I began to recreate myself. I began to participate in Zen Meditation through the practice of Ju Jit Su. That, along with psychological counseling, that over the course of time, brought me to the point of putting my new-found thoughts, ideas and attitude into action and I became an author.
The product of my efforts are a series of educational tools designed specifically to inspire and uplift, children, parents, teachers and other care-givers. These materials have received the recognition and praise from educators, community leaders, politicians, and mental health professionals.
Above all, those that have used my materials have endorsed the outstanding approach to teaching invaluable "life-lessons" that have benefitted their children and students. Thanks to these endorsements I have been invited to speak to a variety of community, state, and national organizations, including social workers in Little Rock (AR), a philanthropic group known as The Y's Men's Club (benefactors of the YMCA), 100 Black Men of Indianapolis (IN), as well as a Guest Lecturer for a Masters level class at Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis (IN). IT'S GOOD TO BE GOOD, my fully illustrated series of children's books, presents positive values to pre-school and primary to elementary age students through entertaining, easy-to-read stories. From each story, children learn-either directly from their own experiences (fighting is bad) or from inference (do the right thing)- the positive values and choices common to all civilized people. At the end of each story, I supply brief questionnaires for the child to complete along with a parent or teacher's help. I've tried to learn to meet and greet people from all over the world in their language. I have interacted and learned from other religions, cultures and countries, including: Islam, Hindu, Chinese, Buddhism, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, Nigerian and Liberian. Accordingly, the characters in my books appeal to diverse cross-section of parents, teachers and children. The flavor of each story, therefore, is both universal and evergreen.
I am starting a consortium made up of four adult presenters that have overcome barriers and obstacles that include sexual abuse, teen pregnancy, self-esteem issues, mental health issues, ex-offenders, illegal drug usage and more to become strong contributing members of our communities. We will give workshops and seminars that will help curtail the rise in the crime rate of both male and female school aged youth. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." By having had so much negativity in our background, we know what it takes and how to prevent and/or transform a terrible attitude and behavior into a mindset that evolves into the making of a winner. We will also have students that not only are high achievers in the class room, but that have a highly developed sense of social responsibility, give presentations as well.



MONICA BANKS--Presenter & Collaborator
  
One should let their good actions and good behavior speak louder than their mouths.



As a teen I struggled with self-esteem and being accepted by my peers. I knew I was different but desired to fit in. I was teased and taunted for my physical appearance and bullied.
I took the negative energy from my childhood and used it as my drive to be better than those who put me down so that I may one day have the opportunity to share my story and turn a frown into a smile and a can't into a can.
As an adult I have achieved many goals. I hold a dual bachelor's degree in Criminal justice with a concentration in rehabilitation and my Psychology which is still in progress. I have held a spot on the Dean's list for my entire college career. As I pushed through struggles and persevered in spite of the cruelty I experienced, I realized there are other who go through the same things. I want to reach the kids who experience some of the same situations and even ones that surpass the surface.

SONYA COOKE--Presenter

"I knew what I wanted, I just didn't know how to get it."


I am a wife and mother of two. I am currently living a blessed life in my home town Indianapolis, IN, but this was not always the case. I had to overcome many struggles in my life, beginning at a very early age. As a teenage mother, I had to endure many adversities that ultimately made me the strong, empowered woman I am today. Dealing with the death of two children, sexual assaults, dropping out of high school, and no personal role model for guidance and direction birthed an opportunity for me to display my passions and experiences to assist young women with similar struggles.

By using my life as an example, I want to show young women that their past mistakes don’t have to determine their future. With a desire to want to succeed, a strong foundation in faith, and the encouragement of friends and family, I want young women to realize that they can reach all of their life’s goals and more.

BRADY STEWART-- Student Presenter