DarkStar Spouts Off On NOLA, II

This is in response to Duane, the Black Informant.

In the previous post I gave ideas I would implement concerning public policy. The following ideas could be encouraged regardless of public policy. All of this depends on people being willing to do what they need to do. When I mention encourage, I don't mean "Cosby-esque" berating.

Faith Involvement

• My church is a "sister church" to a church in NOLA that is dedicated to doing its part to get NOLA back on its feet. Similar minded religious institutions could form an informal group whose only purpose is to keep each member informed of the activities they are performing for the betterment of the area. They can work with each other on an individual or group basis if they want to do so. Essentially, they should band together as an information clearing house.
• Since the NOI has a "reputation" for turning individuals around, mount a public campaign to get them involved in securing NOLA and aiding in teaching the males who need it, how to be men.
• Encourage the religious institutions to develop "character development" ministries.
• Encourage the religious institutions to open day care centers.
• Encourage the religious institutions to open/expand their schools.

Civic Groups

• Encourage people to be involved in civic groups like Concerned Black Men, 100 Black Men, or 100 Black Women.

Higher Education

• They should be encouraged to provide after hours education classes.
• They should be encouraged to provide tutoring aid to public schools.
• The students should be encouraged to mentor kids in the area.

End note: To see some of the things I've done in the past and do now, check out the "Mr. Cosby" category. This isn't about showing off or patting myself on the back, it's more about the everyday things that people do to address issues on the personal level. It's about encouraging people to do better instead of just yelling at them to "STOP DOING THAT!" It's also about the frustations that comes about when people, being the individuals that they are, keep doing the behaviors you are coaxing them to modify.