America's Promise is a very special group that NMSA has gotten connected with over the past several months. Started in 1997 with Colin Powell as its founding chair, this alliance is focused on helping kids stay in school and avoid being part of the dropout epidemic. Alma Powell currently serves as chair. America's Promise is built around five promises:
- Caring Adults—the cornerstone of a child's development
- Safe Places—all children need to be physically and emotionally safe, wherever they are
- Healthy Start—all children need and deserve healthy bodies, healthy minds, and healthful habits
- Effective Education—all children need intellectual development, motivation, and skills that equip them for successful work and lifelong learning
- Opportunities to Help Others—all children need the chance to make a differerence in their families, their schools, and their communities.
America's Promise Alliance will be featured in two special sessions at the NMSA conference in Denver. At 10:00 AM on Friday October 31, Kathy Spangler, Executive Vice President for Partnerships and Programs will present on the five promises and also the Alliance's program to serve 15 in 5—to reach 15 million young people in five years. This presentation will be in room 201 of the convention center.
At 12:15 that same day, also in room 201 of the convention center, an all-star panel will present and take questions on "Getting the Middle Ready for the Real World"—a focus on young adolescents in the areas of service learning and career exploration. The panel will be moderated by Elaine Leibsohn of America's Promise and will feature:
- Steve Culbertson of Youth Service America
- Larry Brown of Work, Achievement, Values, and Education
- Kathy Payne of State Farm Insurance Companies
- Nelda Brown of the National Service Learning Partnership
The work of America's Promise fits perfectly with the mission of NMSA and we are proud to be a partner in the Alliance.