Something For The People: "Get Your Mind Right" Youth Conference

The JUMP Alumni Association in collaboration with the Association of Black Social Workers-NYC Chapter had their “Get Your Mind Right” Youth Conference on Sunday, November 8th, 2009. The event was a huge success as 50 students from Binghamton University’s JUMP Nation, Vision and Voice Student Ambassadors (Harlem Children’s Zone Learn to Earn Site), and Rasheed Muhammed and Associates, Inc. “Building Bridges and Closing Gaps” programs participated in fun, engaging, and interactive workshops that focused on self-esteem, self-presentation, and self-worth. The conference started off with an interactive and fun ice breaker facilitated by author of Pieces of A Story, Kymberle Joseph (and sister of Binghamton University 02’ Alum, Heather Joseph). Students were then engaged in thought provoking workshops that focused on HIV, Protecting your Cyber Rep, and Self-Presentation. The workshops were facilitated by Rita Felton (Community Health Worker at Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center), Henry Smart III (Social Worker and Consultant), and Jennifer “Jen” Threat (Publisher and Editor of Double Dutch Magazine). Breakfast and lunch were provided for the students as well as goodie bags and prizes! Students had the opportunity to win prizes from companies who sponsored and donated to the event, such as Tommy Hilfiger, Essence Magazine, BEEING, YakBlak Vintage Sunnies, Jeans and a Tee, LLC, and KittyRose Lifestyle! The “Get Your Mind Right” Planning Committee Chair (and Education Chair of the Association of Black Social Workers-NYC Chapter), Mimi Woods, was very grateful for all of the generous support that enabled the event to be a huge success. As she has stated, “this is just the beginning. We are committed to doing things that are geared towards Something For The People” (her personal mantra and the name of a new community organization). We are also committed to bringing more organizations together to collaborate on events and programs. We are all doing the same work!”