What is this blog about?

I have been preparing to facilitate a course for people who are in poverty to help them recognize and develop their resources. The course is called Getting Ahead In a Just-Gettin'-By World or GA for short. It was developed by Phil DeVol by utilizing Ruby Payne, Ph.D's framework for understanding poverty. I anticipate this to be an enriching project for myself and the participants, so I wanted to document and share my experience.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Graduation Ceremony

Last night we honored the investigators with a graduation ceremony at Amistad.  Everyone attended except for one.  John and Tony spoke, then introduced Pam and me, then we called the graduates up one by one to receive their diploma and say a few words.  I was so touched that they all thanked Pam and me and when it was my turn to speak, I reminded them that they did all the work, but I appreciated their kind words.  One of the girls said that this was the first diploma of any kind that she has ever received.  

We all believe that this isn't the end of something, but just part of the process and the beginning of the next phase.  The investigators will begin working with their team of allies in January.  In the meantime, the investigators might continue to meet to support each other and maybe even bring in some guest speakers.  

This was a really cool experience for me and I'm glad I did it.  I've met some amazing people.

Pam and I were also given some beautiful flowers, much to our surprise.

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