Hands up!

Last Friday we started out first program of the semester at Francis Stevens EC. The Grassroot Project curriculum has lots of fun ways to get kids' attention. Instead of yelling "quiet" or "shhh," instead Athlete Coaches have key words or phrases that get the kids to respond in unison. All the sudden, the room is silent, and we are ready to move onto the next activity. It really works wonders- try it sometime when you are in a big group!

One such mechanism is the “Lions and Tigers and Bears”. When the coaches yell this out, all the kids respond “Oh My!” Another favorite is to simply yell “Hands Up”. Normally, the kids all put both hands in the air.

Once again, the kids at Francis Stevens continue to surprise us! This time, when TSpence yelled “Hands Up,” the kids responded: “ AAAND THEY STAY THERE!”

Shoutout to Grassroots from Newest Bison: Doriean Broady aka Dora

Initially I joined Grassroots because I felt the need to join a volunteer organization as a Freshman at Howard University. But now that I have spent two weekends with this squad and am now an official member, I realize the coaches are more than just a volunteer organization. They do more than just teach kids about HIV/AIDS prevention; they are lifelong mentors and friends to the kids involved. I feel like I am helping out my community but also I am getting something out of this.

The first Saturday was the toughest because at the time I was the only Bison at the meeting but after we started the ice breaker my comfort level increased because I realized we are all here for a common goal: to make an impact in someone' s lives. All of the games we played have key messages behind them. The coaches emphasized to always go over the key messages in all the games, because that 's the main focus, and to also have fun with the kids. I believe the kids will enjoy the games we will have to offer and I look forward to going to my first school and meeting the kids. I am forever grateful to me a member of the Grassroot Project.