The organization works to strengthen the family by providing reinforcement of the constructive values that parents try to instill in their children. These values include respect for themselves and others, pride in academic excellence, spiritual guidance and a commitment to community service.
Tots and Teens, Inc. currently has 2 active chapters across the United States:
Detroit, Michigan and Prince George's County, Maryland
The Prince George's County Chapter sponsors programs:
· to develop leadership skills · to promote financial literacy · to encourage community service and civic responsibility · to build self-esteem · to foster social development · to strengthen the family unit
Since the founding of the chapter in 1975, over 95 percent of the youth have continued their education beyond high school, entering leading colleges and universities or the military service. Alumni of the organization are productively employed as educators, attorneys, accountants, corporate executives, marketing specialists engineers, military officers, and hold many leadership positions around the nation.
LEADERSHIP TRAINING: The youth are encouraged to seek leadership positions in the organization at the local and national levels. To help prepare them for these and other leadership roles, the chapter sponsors a workshop that teaches children, ages six through high school, the fundamentals of public speaking and other leadership skills. The teaching methodology is based on the Toastmasters International Youth Leadership Program.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY: Community outreach activities provide an opportunity for youth and adults to interact with senior citizens, help the homeless and participate in the affairs of their communities and the nation. Family nights provide a forum for discussing political issues that impact upon the entire family. One such forum taught the youth the power of "the vote" through age-appropriate literature, such as the Mr. Potato Head Voter's Guide. The youth distributed literature-encouraging citizens to participate in Census 2000. For the past four years, the youth have raised funds and participated in the Fannie Mae Foundation's Help the Homeless Walkathon.
BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM: The youth receive continuous support and encouragement and their accomplishments are celebrated, no matter how small. The highlight of the year is the annual Youth Recognition Program to celebrate the accomplishments of the youth during that year. The activity spotlights the high school seniors, with special tributes by parents and younger youth of the organization.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND RECREATION: The chapter promotes wholesome social development and recognizes the importance of having fun. Activities include an annual ski trip, visits to amusement parks and local cultural centers, visits to local universities and college campuses, dances, trips to other cities to attend national events and other fun activities.
STRENGTHENING THE FAMILY UNIT: The activities of the chapter provide a vehicle for parents and youth to enjoy working toward common objectives. The recreational activities and various forums help strengthen the ties among family members. "Your Crown Has Been Bought and Paid For -- Wear It" was the theme of one female mixer that provided the opportunity for mothers and daughters to discuss the accomplishments and triumphs of African American women, the negative images of girls in videos, self worth, differences and beauty.
Since the founding of the chapter in 1975, over 95 percent of the youth have continued their education beyond high school, entering leading colleges and universities or the military service.
