The Dream: A Manual to Facilitate Group Mentoring and Prevent High School Dropouts

By Norman J. Mc Cullough Sr.

The Dream; a Manual to Facilitate Group Mentoring and Prevent High School Drop-Outs for African-American, Hispanics, European-Americans and Others in Need of Positive Role Models in their lives is designed for individuals and groups who want to demonstrate their love for our youth in America and other locations throughout the world.

The book, by way of its step-by-step and session-by-session presentation gives the reader the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of a group of young people. Although one-on-one mentoring is not discouraged, this book focuses on the benefits of group mentoring and it gives the reader the tools needed, including the raison d e tre for the selection of a group mentor who can have a positive impact on 30-40 youth over a 5-8 week period of time. Especially during this time of concern about inappropriate behavior by adults, group mentoring can provide some protection because the emphasis is on group activities and not one-on-one contact. Moreover, given the events surrounding the death of Travyon Martin, it is clear that for some communities we are talking about life and death. Trayvon was a 17th year old black male killed in February 2012. The session on the Law provides a role play about the dos and donts when confronted by the police.

The book discusses why group mentoring is needed, and the role of various parties in the group mentoring process. The role of the group mentor is key. The role of the family, mentors, media, God and others is discussed so that the reader has a clear understanding of how all the pieces must come together to develop and present a viable program. A train-the - group mentor program is also available upon request.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Aug 9, 2012
• ISBN: 9781475937275

Norman J. Mc Cullough Sr.

Norman John. Mc Cullough Sr., the author, is the product of the New York City school system, New York City University, Columbia Teachers College – completing a B.A., M.A. and the couurse work for an Ed.D, Norman has lived in many of the low-income communities of New York City. For those interested in providing group mentoring to our young people, this book will serve as a blue print for action. Over the years, Norman has been able to merge all of his professional and volunteer skills to develop this manual, which is a call for action and/ or a vehicle to not only to talk the talk but walk the walk.

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Copyright © 2012 by Norman J. Mc Cullough Sr. B.A., M.A.

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ISBN: 978-1-4759-3726-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-3727-5 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012912310

iUniverse rev. date: 08/06/2012

Contents

Acknowledgements

Foreword

Introduction

Rationale For Group Mentoring

Baclground and Mission Statement

The Group Mentoring Process

Group Mentoring Benefits and Savings

Why The Manual Was Written

Mentoring for Others (non-African- Americans)

The State of African-American Males

Preventing Gang Activity/Train the Group Mentor Seminars

The Role of God

The Role of Parents and Family

Role of Nonprofits

The Role of the Group Mentor

The Role of a Large Organization & the Media

Preparation and Other Related Activities

Topics for Each Session (Assuming eight sessions)

Session One (Orientation, Welcome, Expectations)

Session Two (The Wonders of the Health Care Profession and a Dream Deferred)

Session Three (Successfully Approaching and Negotiating the Legal and Criminal Justice System

Session Four (Behavior and Skills Needed to Enter and Successfully Complete College

Session Five (Introduction to Technology in the 21st Century)

Session Six (Entrepreneurship/How to Begin?)

Session Seven (Open Session For Student Topics)

Session Eight(Certificates and Awards Program)

A Two Year Assessment

Conclusion

Appendixes

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendix D

Proposed Vocabulary Words

Appendix E

Appendix F

Appendix G

Appendix H

Appendix I

Appendix J

Appendix K

Appendix L

Appendix M

Other Suggested Readings

Acknowledgements

This manual is dedicated to my family: my wife, Darnell, my son, Norman John McCullough, Jr, my late mother, Gloria; my late great aunt, Lillian Mabel Barzey; and my late cousin, Leona Barzey. In addition, I need to mention my brothers in mentoring, from the New York City Chapter of the 100 Black Men Inc., the late Honorable J. Bruce Llewellyn (original sponsor) Fermin Archer, Rudy Clause, Rudy Coombs, Mark Fant, Esq, former President Luther R.Gatling (without whom this manual would not exist), former President Dr. Roscoe C. Brown, Randy Walker, Derek Jackson and Rev. George N. Frederick of Calvary-Roseville United Methodist Church in East Orange, N.J., Fiona Edwards, Esq., the 100 Black Men of New Jersey, Robert Eden and the leadership of First Baptist church of East Stroudsburg, PA., the leadership of the Pocono Mountain School District, the Pocono Alliance, Superintendent Sharon Laverdure of East Stroudsburg School District and many other friends, relatives and others, who touched my life too numerous to mention.

Foreword

In 1994, I joined the 100 Black Men of New York City Inc., founding chapter, and through my association, I became a much better person. The organization helped me to give back more to my community and to our young people. The 100 Black Men gave me the direction that so many of us need to do something so that we know when and how to find a way to make a difference. Group mentoring as formulated by former board member Norman J. McCullough, Sr., can be one means to that end.

I was very excited when one of my long time brothers, friend and member of the 100 Black Men of New York, Norman J. McCullough asked to write the forward for his book. The Dream . . . is an essential tool for all people who have an interest in making a difference in the lives of young people but may not know how to start in a meaningful and productive manner. Norman has provided a means for one to give back so that he/she can be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Organizations like the 100 Black Men are important and this book coupled with the work of other non-profits can make a difference.

After reading this book, there should be no reason or excuses for not starting your program and hopefully most of your questions will be answered about group mentoring.

Any individual or organization can make a significant contribution to their community and society if they really want to make a difference. Persistence and determination will overcome all obstacles. I know because back in 1993, my alma mater, Theodore Roosevelt High School in the Bronx which was predominately attended by Latino and African-Americans students was put on the state’s list of schools to be closed down.

I did not want to see that happen. I went into the school with a spiritual intervention to start a Speakers Bureau, which means having speakers from all professions talk to the students; tell their story; discuss their obstacles, and talk about what is needed to become successful. We spoke to the students twice a week. Soon afterwards, I joined the 100 Black Men Inc. of New York City and requested their help. These successful businessmen, entrepreneurs and professionals under the guidance of our then leader and President, Luther R. Gatling, decided to take on the challenge and stepped up