
NJ Orators Competes With Covid-19
I am a member of a task force consisting of passionate board members, coaches, and parents who are involved with New Jersey Orators Inc. This youth organization has been teaching the art of public speaking, an appreciation for literature, reading and media arts literacy, civic engagement and college readiness workshops, and life skills to adolescent youth from 7 to 18 years of age, regardless of race, creed or economic background, in preparation for an advance degree.
It was founded in 1985 by a small group of African American corporate executives who were concerned by the lack of formal language skills of young people who visited and interviewed for jobs at their respective companies. That passion of over 250 volunteers has translated into being designated “The best run volunteer organization in the nation” by the Wall Street Journal. NJO has continued to receive both local and national recognition: https://www.oratorsinc.org/awards/ “…students involved in the NJO program demonstrated the “most significant” educational outcomes and self- esteem /resiliency scores when compared to their peer group.”~Manhattan Institute

An alumni student, "Troy," was shy when he became a member of NJO. In time his confidence and public speaking skills grew strong, and so did his academic grades, which earned him scholarships. After graduation, when he applied for a job over others who were older than he, his interviewing skills landed him the job.
The COVID-19 pandemic has left many non-profit organizations in a difficult place trying to deliver their programming while sustaining their existence. NJO is rethinking how we deliver services and interface with our students. Our NJO Virtual Program Task Force team has researched and recommended the purchase of an online delivery application as a substitute for our in-person youth programming, so other students like "Troy" will not miss out on developing this valuable communication life skills.
We are asking for any amount that can help us achieve our goal of $10,000 in donations to finance the purchase of an online virtual Learning Management System (LMS). With this pandemic still evident, we do not know when we are going to be allowed to teach our students in our customary in-person face to face format. To continue to make a difference in children’s lives, we rely on the support of generous individuals and businesses in our community. That's you! We would be most grateful for your support.
We ask you to share our GoFundMe with your friend, families, and acquaintances and asking them to like our page. This will keep them updated on events and news about NJO. Also, please share it by forwarding it to your family and friends and sharing it on social media.
For more information on our organization, visit www.oratorsinc.org
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