Building Capacity
Character Speaks serves kids in challenging communities due to quality of life issues that includes crime, low employment-under employed, public or Section 8 housing. These are prime areas susceptible to high criminal activity. The need in these areas is stark and pronounced.
Speaking in relation to discussing the importance of various character traits serves two very important purposes. First, improvement in their speech builds self esteem thus their confidence. Secondly, understanding the importance of exhibiting/possessing these values and how it applies to their daily lives. They will not be sidetracked by the problems/poor decision-making affecting their peers. These children have the capacity to be some of our best and brightest. Utilizing the television medium to teach essential character and instill the vital educational skill-sets in these students will be the cornerstone around which Character Speaks grows.
The teachers must have a passion for education. Preferably, they have taught urban youth. They also must have an understanding as to why speaking effectively must be emphasized and cultivated when teaching our most vulnerable youth. By remaining engaged with these youth, as they get older and approach employers for a job, they will make a favorable impression and take a few more steps forward in reversing the cycle of poverty.