Synopsis: ‘The Envision Your Future’ session will inspire participants to picture the lives that they wish to have for themselves. Participants will be empowered to think critically about their futures and begin devising a plan to make their visions a reality. Programming will focus on the correlation between the participant’s academic & behavioral performance and their goals.
Part I: Speech Etiquette
Synopsis: The purpose of the Speech Etiquette session is to raise the awareness of how the articulation of one’s thoughts in Standard American English is related to first impressions and the representation of self. Participants will demonstrate proper use of grammar, body language, and positive communication. They will also apply standards of English in everyday life through panel discussion, role-playing, and practicing proper speech techniques. Programming will highlight the importance of communication both orally and written, and expressing oneself to teachers, peers, and others.
Part II: Business Etiquette Synopsis: The purpose of the business etiquette session is to prepare students for interviewing, working, and attending professional functions in the corporate American culture. The topics covered will include: appearance, standards of professionalism, resume preparation, interview skills, and basic principles to be followed in the workplace. Business professionals will engage in an informative discussion regarding appropriate and inappropriate professional decorum.
Part III: Dining Etiquette Synopsis: Students will participate in discussions and activities to learn appropriate behaviors when dining, such as table settings, good posture, appropriate conversation, and good table manners. Programming will focus on eliminating the intimidation factor that occurs with the lack of familiarity of dining in a formal setting.
Synopsis: The college preparatory session covers topics such as the importance of SAT/ACT test scores, study skills, grade point average, the application process, attaining financial aid, and the purpose of the college degree. The program will also highlight the key resources available to college bound students that will assist in applying to college, obtaining financial aid, and having a successful college tenure. Organizations may opt for Speak Life to organize & execute a college tour for participating students.
Part I: Mental Wellness Synopsis: The purpose of the session is to increase awareness of mental wellness through mental health education, recognizing and accepting that life has circumstances that require assistance to cope with, and knowing that it is “OK” to seek help from reliable resources to remain healthy. Students will participate in a dialogue about understanding the importance of recognizing the difference between healthy and unhealthy expressions of their feelings and thoughts. In addition, students will obtain information to address daily life issues that impact mental wellness and where to go when they need help with solving problems.
Part II: Physical Wellness – Nutrition and Fitness Synopsis: The purpose of the Physical Wellness session is to offer students information regarding the necessity of practicing a healthy lifestyle by engaging in a dialogue about healthy diet choices and remaining physically fit. Participants will be provided with educational information about the importance of practicing healthy eating and exercise habits in an effort to prevent complications in adulthood.
Part III: Prevention: Teen Pregnancy and STI’s Synopsis: The purpose of the Prevention session is to educate students on teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections in an effort to assist them in making well-informed decisions about their lives. Topics of discussion will include abstinence, deconstructing the media’s influence on sexual behavior, and learning about healthy relationships.
Part IV: HIV/AIDS Awareness Synopsis: The purpose of the HIV/AIDS Awareness session is to offer students an opportunity to discuss their current knowledge about HIV/AIDS and to learn how this infectious disease is affecting and killing people worldwide. Participants will engage in a dialogue about the HIV/AIDS epidemic within their community and learn ways to protect themselves from acquiring the virus.
Part V: Drug & Alcohol Awareness Synopsis: The purpose of the Drug & Alcohol Awareness session is to evoke a change in the perception of drug and alcohol use among teens, to enhance their knowledge about the harmful effects of drug use, learning ways to confidently refuse using drugs or alcohol, and if needed how to seek help when drug and alcohol use becomes an addiction. The program will also cover the hazards associated with using illegal drugs, alcohol, and other controlled substances as a method of belonging, coping, “self-medicating”, or for pleasure.
Part VI: Financial Literacy Synopsis: The purpose of the financial literacy session is to enable participants to make informed decisions about their personal finances. The session will provide participants with resources that will assist in earning, investing, budgeting, saving, and spending monetary resources over time; while considering various financial risks and future life events.
Synopsis: The purpose of the “The Psychology of Love” session is to have an open dialogue about self-worth, self-respect, self-love, and self-image independent of societal, family, media, and peers influence. Participants will deconstruct the societal and media norms that dictate false standards of beauty & self, while determining those factors that uniquely make them who they are. When students understand their own value and self-worth, they can then appreciate the value of their education, future, and accomplish their goals.
Synopsis: The Options, Accountability, and Decision Making session will focus on responsibility, accountability, and positive decision making as it pertains to adolescence and adulthood. Participants will learn about the importance of making proper decisions and participate in exercises that examine the options and consequences of their actions.
Synopsis: The purpose of the “A Conversations with…” series is to create a constructive dialogue between participants and a prominent figure in the community. A guest speaker will have an opportunity to encourage and motivate students by sharing his/her life experiences in an intimate setting. Topics will include the importance of education, hard work, and remaining diligent despite the obstacles that life may bring. Past guest speakers have included; Miss Black America USA, Pop Artist Chilli of TLC, Performing Artist Killer Mike, Performing Artist Souljah Boy, Congressman John Lewis, Radio Host Greg Street, etc.
Synopsis: The Career Conference consists of various career related workshop panels that include professionals in specified industries discussing their field at different levels. (i.e. Health: Medical Doctor, Dentist, X-Ray Technician etc. Communications: PR Specialist, Print Journalist, Radio Personality, Television Producer etc. Law: Judge, Lawyer, Legal Assistant, Researcher, and Entertainment: Artist, Executives, Marketing Team, etc.) The program will allow participants to have an intimate conversation and learn about different opportunities that are available in a specific career field, while gaining a well-rounded understanding of their occupation interests.
Synopsis: The Time Management and Study Skills program will focus on the following topics: using a planner, critical thinking skills, memory skills, note taking, prioritizing, avoiding procrastination, and test preparation strategies. The participants will study time management as it relates to school, leisure, and work activities and the importance of being able to complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
Programs are offered individually as well as in its entirety.. *The complete program package that gives further details is available upon request.*
Participants will engage in a broad discussion about the Speak Life philosophy. The program will focus on teaching positive reinforcement techniques, having a positive attitude towards your students, and the importance of maintaining optimistic and realistic outcomes for student’s performances.
Participants will understand the importance of staying focused on their purpose as educators, and engage in activities that concentrate on accountability, self-awareness, and taking appropriate actions towards their success as an educator.
Understanding the changing world in which we live in, participants will learn de-escalation techniques, and the Speak Life Way to maintain a classroom setting that is conducive for learning and limits unruly and disruptive classroom behavior.
The participants will engage in a conversation about best practices to keep students focused on their goals and lessons. The session will cover redirecting negative energy, interactive activities, time management, and perspective.
This particular session will focus on training faculty and staff members on the student programs that are implemented in the schools throughout the course of the year. This will allow staff members to have their advisory sessions piggyback on items that are covered during the Speak Life student sessions.
