Many of you know me from blogging for Bill Richardson over the past year or so, and since the campaign ended I have been a little quiet. Most of that was just catching up with the kids, and on my rest. But I have kept in touch with a number of my good friends from the campaign, and their various doings, and they are all doing amazing things, but I wanted to share with you a project that my friend Jeff Gulko has been working on, because it is something that speaks to all our better natures.
What does a former National Grassroots Director of a Presidential Campaign that has ended do to keep himself busy? Well Jeff Gulko, who held this position with the Richardson Campaign is now dedicating his time and effort to a remarkable nonprofit organization which services at-risk African American and Latino kids. The program, Project RISE (Respect, Integrity and Success through Education) was started by Gulko's high school history teacher and former NBA player Robin Dixon. Gulko has recently secured the participation and support of Red Sox Legend Luis Tiant and is very close to adding several other professional athletes and entertainers to the organization which will hopefully increase exposure in the media. "The media in this country more often than not focuses on the gangs and violence. Why not shed some light on a proven program which has changed hundreds of lives and their families in a positive way. My best friend went through this program when I was in high school and I have seen the impact it can have as he is now an attorney at a major US firm."
Since 1993, RISE has empowered children with the courage and resolve to overcome adversity. More than 105 students from Project RISE have gone onto post secondary education with many of them being the first in their families to attend college. These students become positive role models for their families and communities which low-income neighborhoods desperately need. This becomes the first step in changing attitudes, behaviors and aspirations of each child and eventually will change the role of the community into that of a nurturer. This is critical in preventing the self destructive attitudes and behaviors that suffocate many young people before they even realize their potential as human beings.
The organization runs a six-week highly intensive academic and cultural enrichment summer camp. RISE hopes raise enough money in sponsorships to expand the program by doubling the number of kids from 150 to 300 this summer.
More than 80% of the children we provide services to reside in single-female headed households which according to statistics, represent the population that is at the greatest risk of dropping out of high school, becoming actively involved in gangs, drugs, and violence, and teen pregnancy. There is nothing more powerful than seeing a young person reach their potential, and by providing financial support to our efforts, this will empower young people to help themselves and uplift entire communities.
We all have given money to political campaigns this season in record amounts. Why not make a nice tax-deductible donation to a program in which you know your money is going directly to the kids that need is most and make a lifelong positive impact in their lives. You can donate to Project RISE at www.projectrise.com