Host Missy Crutchfield infuses her weekly radio shows with in-depth community interviews and creative “Voices” segments where listeners will hear from kids, teens, community activists, seniors, and others sharing their thoughts and ideas on life, community, and connecting to make a difference.

Podcast show aired on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 9 a.m. on 98.1 LND

Featuring:
Russell Cliche, Coordinated School Health

FYI Weekend with Barry Courter

Voices with Melissa Turner

 Special Thanks to Speak Out! Producer Kyle “Big Daddy” Croft!

 Share your thoughts and voices, send an e-mail to speakoutwithmissycrutchfield@gmail.com or visit the Speak Out with Missy Crutchfield Facebook page.

 Speak Out with Missy Crutchfield is a production of Be Communications LLC in partnership with V.R.R. Productions.

TAPA Announces 2010-11 Broadway Series with Two Chattanooga Launches as multi-million dollar film wraps. More productions may be on the way.
Show launches possibly leaving more than half a million dollar impact on the local economy

Just as “Water for Elephants” wrapped their two week shoot here in Chattanooga, leaving a $1 million local economic infusion, other television shows and feature films may be knocking at the city’s door.

Two shows in this year’s TAPA Broadway Series—Legally Blonde – The Musical and Fiddler on the Roof—will be having Chattanooga launches. Cast and crew will spend two weeks in Chattanooga working on location to build the shows and launch national tours, possibly leaving more than half a million dollar impact on the local economy during their stay.

“This year Education, Arts & Culture and its affiliated Chattanooga Southeast Tennessee Film Commission has brought in over $2 million in local economic impact through film productions and theatre alone. And this is just the beginning,” says EAC Administrator Missy Crutchfield. “Through this department and its outreaches, EAC has brought in more than its department budget. In just five years, we have proven ourselves, our worth and value. We have a track record.”

Education, Arts & Culture and the Chattanooga Southeast Tennessee Film Commission partner with the Tennessee Film, Entertainment & Music Commission—as well as other organizations such as Association for the Future of Film and Television (AFFT)—to promote new productions in Chattanooga, including theatre.

“State incentives are key,” says Jan Austin, founder of Association for the Future of Film and Television (AFFT).

In a recent AFFT presentation, “The Future of Film and Television in Tennessee,” reports other angles of local economic impact:

• Film and Television creates new jobs – There has been an average of 1,000 new jobs created every year by film & television projects alone since 2004. In 2008, over 1,000 jobs were created by film projects such as “Hanna Montana,” “Nothing But the Truth,” Billy: The Early Years,” and “N-Secure.” On a 30-day film shoot, the average earned by crew members is $11,000.
• Entertainment promotes tourism – An example given is the CBS television series “Christy” of which 21 episodes were shot on location in Townsend, Tennessee. Since then, ChristyFest™ draws cast and crew, tourists and enthusiasts alike to the annual festival celebrating the novel, television series, and movies.

Source: Association for the Future of Film and Television (AFFT) www.affttennessee.org

“In the end we know we are definitely on the right track and our efforts have already been successful,” Crutchfield says. “But statewide we need to support the arts as an economic driver, which also means supporting statewide grants and incentives.”

During the same month “Water for Elephants” was setting up business offices for their Chattanooga filming, a national Yamaha commercial was being shot here locally as well. And most recently, a network television pilot and a high-profile Civil War-era film are both scouting locations in the area. And there are a number of other commercials, industrials, and feature films to come. Simultaneously, the film commission has also partnered with Chattanooga State to offer a film production certificate program to build a film production crew base in Chattanooga.

As film and television projects locate to Chattanooga, theatre is making an impact additionally and for the first time ever TAPA is working with two Broadway show launches in one season.

To learn more about the TAPA Broadway Series visit www.chattanoogaonstage.com

For more information about the Chattanooga Southeast Tennessee Film Commission or the City of Chattanooga Department of Education, Arts & Culture contact Melissa Turner (423) 425-7826 or turner_m@mail.chattanooga.gov.

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, animal welfare advocate

55 Actions for Animals and The HSUSTwice on the blog I’ve posted a list of potential action items for those who want to become more involved in animal protection and the work of The HSUS. Here it is in updated and expanded form.

We need your active involvement in the cause, and the impact you’ll have as you tick items off of this list cannot be overstated. When we act in a collective way, we are a more powerful and effective force in our communities, in the political arena, and in the marketplace.

Please take some time in the days, weeks, and months ahead to make your way through the roster and make your way through as many items as you can. And as you do, let me add an item—number “56”, which calls on you to share this list or any specific elements with any friends or family members who are also interested in advocating for animals.

HSUS Engagement Activities

In Your Community:

• Write letters to the editor on our issues and encourage radio and television talk shows to present animal issues (humanesociety.org is a great resource for information).
• Ask your local radio and television stations to air HSUS public service announcements and our Shelter Pet Project PSAs.
• Distribute HSUS literature at events and stores.
• Work to engage your church or place of worship with animal protection issues. Our Faith Outreach program website offers many resources.
• Encourage your office to implement dog-friendly policies. Our book “Dogs at Work: A Practical Guide to Creating Dog-Friendly Workplaces” provides step-by-step advice.
• Help feral cats in your neighborhood with our Trap-Neuter-Return resources.

Personal Behavior:

• Follow the 3 Rs of eating: reducing your consumption of meat and other animal-based foods, refining your diet by avoiding animal products derived from factory farming, and replacing meat and other animal-based foods with vegetarian foods.
• Purchase cruelty-free cosmetics and household products.
• Support compassion in fashion, consulting The HSUS’s list of fur-free retailers, designers and brands and our guide on how to tell real fur from fake.
• Adopt a friend for life from a local animal shelter or foster an animal waiting for a home.
• Learn about non-lethal methods of managing urban wildlife and about creating sanctuary for wildlife around your home.
• I.D. your animals and encourage others to do the same. And keep your cats safe indoors.
• Provide for your animals’ future in case you can’t care for them.
• Prepare a disaster kit for your animals.
• Sponsor a “Stop Puppy Mills” billboard in your community.
• Ask your local restaurants and grocery stores to switch to cage-free eggs, and to protect seals by boycotting Canadian seafood.
• Join us in applauding pet stores that have taken a stand against puppy mills—support the more than 850 stores that have joined our Puppy Friendly Pet Stores initiative. Encourage local stores that do sell puppies to stop.
• Visit our pages on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube and other online networks.
• Add an HSUS banner or video to your website, blog or social networking page.
• Sign up to receive text message alerts from The HSUS on your cell phone.

Get Training—Get Activated:

• Participate in Disaster Animal Response Team training and sign up to be an NDART responder.
• Attend or help organize a Lobby 101 training program in your community.
• Train to become a humane educator, develop outreach programs in your community.
• Attend The HSUS’s Animal Care Expo (location varies), Taking Action for Animals conference (Washington, D.C.), or the Genesis Awards (Los Angeles).
• Take a workshop or online course through Humane Society University.
• Organize a Spay Day USA event in your community.

Volunteer to Help Animals:

• Volunteer to monitor property with The HSUS’s Wildlife Land Trust.
• Volunteer for egg addling or other humane wildlife control programs for Canada geese or other species targeted for killing by government officials.
• Volunteer time and skills with your local animal shelter or rescue group.
• Explore volunteer opportunities with our Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association Field Services program.

Political Activities:

• Determine which elected officials represent you at local, state and federal levels.
• Contact your federal and state legislators about animal protection issues. There is a raft of pending legislation now before Congress.
• Sign up for our email alerts to get involved in helping to pass state and federal legislation.
• Study our legislative priorities and attend lawmakers’ town meetings to urge them to support these issues.
• Work for the passage of local ordinances in your community, for example to protect chained dogs or improve the lives of dogs in puppy mills.
• Register to vote.
• This year, help support the YES! on Prop B campaign in Missouri, to save dogs from suffering in cruel conditions in puppy mills. Also, in Arizona, Proposition 109 promises to take away your voting rights and prevent future wildlife protection ballot measures. Arizona voters should oppose this measure.

Work with Local Schools:

• Sponsor a local classroom and give the gift of KIND News to elementary students or a young animal lover you may know.
• Engage kids, tweens, and teens with humane education activities and lesson plans.
• Lead Mission: Humane projects for students and animal clubs who want to help animals.
• Work to get your local universities or your child’s schools to join our “Cage-Free Campus” campaign or to add vegetarian options to their menu.
• Book and sponsor HSUS staff for lectures at schools and universities—contact us if you’re interested.

Shopping:

• Apply for the HSUS credit card or open a checking account through Bank of America (The HSUS receives a portion of the net purchases).
• Shop at Humane Domain—our online store—for pet products, Cause Gear that supports our campaigns and programs, and unique gifts for animal lovers.
• Purchase pet health insurance from Petplan and receive a 5 percent discount. Use code SPD20002.
• Purchase or renew your subscriptions at The HSUS Magazine Store for up to 80 percent off newsstand prices, order personal checks through our website, and create custom gifts from Zazzle, including stamps and cards.
• Shop with other HSUS Corporate Supporters and help animals with every purchase—coffee, flowers, wine, jewelry, skins for electronic devices, and more.
• When searching or shopping online, use the GoodSearch toolbar; if you shop on eBay, check out what people are selling to benefit us.

Fundraising and Networking:

• Make a personal annual gift to The HSUS or sign up for an automatic monthly pledge on your credit card.
• Make a memorial gift in honor of a friend or animal companion or give gift memberships to friends or family members.
• Host a house party through our Philanthropy department, and have an HSUS executive or subject expert speak at the event.
• Arrange coffee or lunch dates to introduce The HSUS and our programs to people who care about animals.
• Ensure The HSUS is eligible for giving programs at your workplace.
• Donate your used vehicle to benefit The HSUS.
• Include The HSUS as a beneficiary in your will.

~

Follow Wayne Pacelle
Read Wayne Pacelle’s regular blog postings, “Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation,” on The Humane Society of the United States website at www.humanesociety.org and also spotlighted regularly in Be Bloggers here at www.bemagazine.org.

To learn more, visit www.humanesociety.org.

Deborah Levine, Editor "American Diversity Report," diversity expert, award-winning author

The press releases, the advocacy and the lobbying from all sides have been intense concerning what is being called ‘the Ground Zero Mosque’.  This Islamic Center is actually 2 blocks from the Ground Zero site but that doesn’t ease my Inbox situation.  I can only imagine what went on at the White House.   First there was an apparent presidential endorsement, then a presidential smoke-and-mirror moment questioning the wisdom of building this Islamic center.  This is a situation full of good intentions, political jockeying, deep emotions and religious diversity amateurs.

The transition from amateurish to wise in this field is rarely without pain.  I began my own apprenticeship in diversity and religion in the mid-1980s.  I was a low-level executive in a religious advocacy organization who was thrust into the spotlight when assigned to coordinate an international conference.   I made every mistake possible and paid the price for religious diversity wisdom several times over.  Look at my photo.  See the grey hairs; you can hardly miss them.  I earned them the hard way and this Ground Zero site controversy brings to mind some of the tough lessons learned.

Lesson #1:  The No Do-Over Rule. Working in religious diversity means there are rarely second chances.  The high emotion of these conflicts means that the players are in a high wire act without a net.  One wrong step and you’re toast.  I learned that by seeing both my casual and formal statements repeated in the press locally and half way around the world. There were entire weekends I spent hiding under the covers.  Mr. President, once you make a statement, clarification will just confuse, not clarify.

Lesson #2:  There are No Independent Variables. As much as you would like to separate situations that look completely unrelated to you, if they are related in the public’s mind, they aren’t separate.  The attachment only gains in intensity with your insistence of no relationship.  As much as you want the Islamic Cultural Center to have no connection to 9/11 or to Ground Zero, and certainly no negative connection, that isn’t what’s happened and it’s unlikely to change.  Further, indignation is not a helpful response.  Expect the public reaction and plan for it as if you were negotiating a high stakes conflict at the United Nations.

Lesson #3:  A War of Words is Still a War. The more you insist that people with such feelings are bigots, the more push back you’ll get.  The more you point out that there have been Christians and other faiths that have murdered innocent people, the more you will enrage these people.  Pointing out that the Oklahoma City bomber was White, American and Christian is an amateur’s move.  There is little value in saying “You had your own terrorists, so why object to our building?”  Here’s an approach guaranteed to heat up the war of words.

The United States is one of the most devout, deeply religious countries on the face of the earth.  A culture war around religion can be brutal here, regardless of our history of religious diversity.  Involve politics with religious conflict and collateral damage is virtually guaranteed.  As this American culture war unfolds at Ground Zero, I’m tempted to yell ‘Incoming!’ when I watch the news, regardless of who’s making the move.  Some good folks are going to find themselves deep in quicksand and be on the losing end of this one.  That giant sucking noise is the sound of a president going under.

Lesson #4:  To Change the Game, You Negotiate a Game-Changer. Here’s the real test of whether seasoned diplomats will emerge.  If you don’t want what seems to be the inevitable path, then you negotiate a game changing action.  For example, the Mayor’s offer of free land elsewhere was a game-changer, but apparently not an acceptable negotiation offer.  Can there be a counter offer?  How about the inclusion of an interfaith center, of a homeless shelter, of a career center open to all?  This country seriously needs religious diversity diplomats with depth, experience and successful strategies.  My hope for this Ground Zero opportunity is that new diplomats will emerge and America gains from this experience.   If you’re out there, please step up.  We need you!

~

Deborah Levine, editor of “American Diversity Report,” diversity expert, award-winning author, based in Chattanooga, Tennessee and known internationally as a ‘diversity pioneer’ and mentor of executives from around the world.

Read her regular blog postings on American Diversity Report at www.americandiversityreport.com and also spotlighted regularly in Be Bloggers here at www.bemagazine.org.

Jon Coffelt, artist, activist, curator

We should always pay heed to what is going on around us and how we are dealing with it. With loses and gains we are changed regardless from where they come from. Our personal lives are so much a part of us as artists. We hone and own this perspective within ourselves. It’s part and parcel of who we are. Our souls are deeply connected with who we are. We decided to be who we are before we were ever born.

What happens on the outside can sometimes have a larger effect on us than we ever think and being present we realize that we have the tools to get us through and these tools have been earned by us over each and every other event that has taken place in our lives. In other words, we are ready to handle what is right now and what comes next. Trusting oneself is the ultimate answer.

~

Jon Coffelt, highly acclaimed artist, activist and curator, is a former gallery owner living and working in Manhattan. Coffelt decided to keep his distinctive Southern drawl.

Read his regular blog postings “Apples to Oranges & Everything In Between—Art in New York and Beyond” on The Whole 9 at http://www.thewhole9.com/blogs/applestooranges/ and also spotlighted regularly in Be Bloggers here at www.bemagazine.org.

Water for Elephants film leaves million dollar impact on Chattanooga, Tennessee, further reinforcing the power of the arts in city-wide revitalization and economic growth.

www.waterforelephantsfilm.com

20^th Century Fox’s new film “Water for Elephants” recently wrapped a two week shoot in Chattanooga—leaving a $1 million footprint in local economic impact. Based on the New York Times #1 bestseller written by Sara Gruen, the film has stirred a cult following and has been billed by those in the industry as Academy Award material. And now the film has put Chattanooga on the map for filmmakers—building momentum toward future filming projects.

The role of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) in providing a vintage train and dedicated 3-mile track for the film set was the key to landing the shoot with 20^th Century Fox. “The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is what makes Chattanooga unique for filming,” says TVRM Marketing Coordinator Steve Freer, who has been working for almost two years to attract “Water for Elephants” to film in Chattanooga. “Vintage trains are getting harder to find, and we have several steam engines which are even more difficult to find because they are expensive to operate and maintain.” Railroad museums have historically been involved in filmmaking, according to TVRM President and CEO Tim Andrews, who adds that the Tennessee Valley Railroad has enjoyed a long relationship working with Hollywood films from shooting train scenes for George Clooney’s multimillion dollar movie “Leatherheads” to the CBS television series “Christy” to the 1971 Jimmy Stewart film “Fool’s Parade.”

Nathan Lux, Tennessee Film, Entertainment & Music Commission, says, “This film will showcase Tennessee’s beautiful locations to the rest of the world which is one of the reasons we fight so hard to bring productions to our state. FOX didn’t want to shoot this feature outside L.A. but our trains and landscapes were just too compelling.”

During the film shoot at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Chattanooga Southeast Tennessee Film Commission officials and TVRM President and CEO Tim Andrews had the opportunity to visit the set and speak with producers and crew. Walking along the railroad track, with the train hissing and bellowing in the background, the Film Commission Officials focused their conversation with the producers and location scout on filming in Chattanooga—what they liked about the city, what was most helpful to their filming experience, and if they would consider coming back to shoot future projects in the area.

When a film chooses to locate production in a city like Chattanooga, there is a significant impact to the local economy. In the short two-week period the film “Water for Elephants” spent shooting in Chattanooga, the team spent nearly $1 million on local accommodations and services. 20^th Century Fox footed the bill for nearly $100,000 in hotel rooms alone—with offices located at the Sheraton Read House and crew housed at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown.

Executive Producer Kevin Halloran being interviewed by EAC Administrator and Film Commissioner Missy Crutchfield and film advisor Jim Frierson

Executive Producer Kevin Halloran commented, “I’ve only been here a short time, but we’re using everything—dry cleaners, grocery stores, drug stores, hotel, restaurants.” Having spent time exploring the city, Halloran says he definitely sees potential in Chattanooga for future filming locations—perhaps for a Speakeasy or gangster setting.

Watch a YouTube video clip of the Be Magazine Exclusive: Water for Elephants interview with Executive Producer Kevin Halloran:

What draws a film crew to shoot in a city like Chattanooga ranges from local crew available to work on the film set to locations for shooting to state incentives for filming. But beyond the tangibles, film crews also appreciate a welcoming local culture and people.

Producer Andrew Tennenbaum says, “You guys have helped us a lot between the crews, the locations, the film incentives, and ultimately the people. The people have been so incredibly welcoming and gracious and open—from the local retailers to some of the restaurateurs. We’ve become friendly with some really, really cool people down here.”

Working behind the scenes with 20^th Century Fox for over a month, helping location scouts and crew connect with local accommodations and services, Education, Arts & Culture Administrator and Film Commissioner Missy Crutchfield says, “They love our city because the people are so nice and that they have been able to come in and out without being bothered, and that is very important. We have to respect that to keep attracting these projects. They are here putting money into our economy, which is great. With every production dollar budgeted, there is a multiplier effect leveraged at about 2.5 times in the local community.”

In its four years, the Chattanooga Film Commission has attracted advertising projects such as DIRECTV commercials and a shoot for the George Clooney multi-million dollar movie “Leatherheads.” And there are a number of other commercials, industrials, and feature films to come. Simultaneously, the film commission has also partnered with Chattanooga State to offer a film production certificate program to build a film production crew base in Chattanooga.

During the same month “Water for Elephants” was relocating offices to Chattanooga, a national Yamaha commercial was shot locally. And most recently, a network television pilot and a high-profile Civil War-era film are both scouting locations in the area.

Film Commission Timeline

2006 Chattanooga Southeast Tennessee Film Commission created
Networking with State Film Office and working on incentives

2007 Multimillion dollar George Clooney film “Leatherheads” shoots for three days at
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

2008 Chattanooga Southeast Tennessee Film Commission partners with
Chattanooga State Technical Community College to offer film certificate program

2009 Assisting local film groups with film festivals and activities, developing work with
commercials, industrials, student films, and local productions

2010 Yamaha national commercial
“Water for Elephants” shoots for two weeks in Chattanooga area, including Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Chattanooga Filmography

Water for Elephants
Feature
20^th Century Fox
2010

Leatherheads
Feature
Universal Pictures
2008

Heaven’s Fall
Feature
Strata Productions
2004

The Adventures of Ociee Nash
Feature
Cinevita
2002

All Over Again
Feature
Second Image Studios
1999

Fled
Feature
MGM
1996

Cobb
Feature
Warner Bros.
1994

Dutch
Feature
20th Century Fox
1990

Love Potion #9
Feature
20th Century Fox
1990

A Winner Never Quits
TV Movie
Columbia Pictures Television
1985

Starman
Feature
Columbia Pictures
1984

The Bear
Feature – 2nd Unit
Embassy Pictures
1984

The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia
Feature
G.L. Prods/ AVCO Embassy
1980

Fool’s Parade
Feature
Columbia Pictures
1971

The Blue and The Gray
Feature
Vitaphone Corp
1934

The Chattanooga Southeast Tennessee Film Commission is an extension of the City of Chattanooga Department of Education, Arts & Culture and includes volunteer advisors and staff: Missy Crutchfield, EAC Administrator/Film Commissioner, David Johnson, EAC/Film Commission Deputy Administrator, Melissa Turner, EAC/Film Commission Communications Director, Phillip Stevens, Mayor’s Office/Film Commission Special Assistance Liaison, Chris Holley, EAC/Film Commission Locations Liaison. Special thanks to Film Commission Advisor Jim Frierson who has worked closely with “Water for Elephants” film officials and Executive Producer Kevin Halloran on hospitality and local connections with the Chattanooga shoot.

For more information visit:
www.chattanooga.gov
www.waterforelephantsfilm.com

 10 TIPS FROM TEENS TO ADULTS:

1. LOOK AT US. Make eye contact.
2. SPEND TIME TALKING WITH US. Ask open-ended questions. Build the conversation.
3. LISTEN. Pay attention. Don’t multi-task or get distracted when you’re with us. Respond to our messages and texts.
4. BE DEPENDABLE. Do what you say you’re going to do.
5. SHOW APPRECIATION FOR WHAT WE DO. Give compliments. Show that you’re glad to see us or hear from us. Send us personalized cards.
6. RELAX. Don’t feel like you have to be on guard.
7. SHOW THAT YOU’RE INTERESTED. Attend our concerts, games and other events. Ask us to show you what we can do.
8. LAUGH WITH US (AND AT YOURSELF). Laugh at our jokes. Show us your humor.
9. ASK US TO HELP YOU. Ask us for our ideas. Share your own, too.
10. CHALLENGE US. Teach us what you know. Push us to do our best.

Watch a YouTube video clip about Teen Voice 2010:

Click here to download the Teen Voice 2010 report.

To learn more visit:
www.search-institute.org/teen-voice-2010
www.at15.com

Biggest Loser Contestants at Healthy Living Expo in Chattanooga, Tennessee on October 1 & 2, 2010

Want to live a healthier lifestyle? Then do not miss The Healthy Living Expo, October 1 & 2 at the Chattanooga Convention Center with over 100 companies offering health, fitness, nutrition and green information and the chance to meet contestants from NBC’s “The Biggest Loser”, Koli Palu, $100,000 winner and Pink Team, Ashley and Sherry Johnston.

Hear fitness tips from Dr. Adam Shafran and Lee Kanter, from radio show “Dr. Fitness and the Fat Guy” produced in Atlanta and podcast worldwide. 

Visit the BiLo Pavilion for healthy sampling and learn cooking tips at the Kitchen Stage. Learn ways to be active by watching dance and Zumba at the Activity Stage, then work out in The Rush Fitness area. Play Minute to Win It Challenge for excitement or enjoy bingo, Nintendo Wii games, and walks on the track with the chance to win prizes.

Watch a YouTube video clip previewing the “Healthy Living Expo” in Chattanooga:

With FREE health screenings, information on health, nutrition, fitness and living green, visitors will find ways to enhance their lifestyles.  Friday 9 am to 3 pm, Saturday 9 am to 5 pm. FREE admission for visitors over age 55 and children 12 and under. General admission is $8.

To learn more visit:
www.TheHealthyLivingExpo.com

Chattanooga is on the forefront of a national movement for youth to be “Ready by 21”

Did you know…

Only four out of 10 young adults are doing well—healthy, connected and ready for college, work, and life, according to the Washington D.C.-based Forum for Youth Investment and its signature initiative Ready by 21.

Chattanooga is one of five cities in the United States to be chosen for Ready by 21 funding from the Forum for Youth Investment to coordinate community efforts to build positive assets into the lives of youth so they have the best chance possible of being successful adults.

The Southeast Challenge also includes Louisville, Kentucky; Nashville, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia; and Richmond, Virginia as the first in the national “Ready by 21” challenge for cities.

Ready by 21 is not another youth program—rather it is a “big picture” approach to collaborating and building on existing community infrastructure and initiatives for even greater success in impacting the lives of youth.

Watch a YouTube video clip introducing the “Ready by 21″ movement:

“Everyone has a role,” says Linda McReynolds, vice president of organizational development for United Way of Greater Chattanooga. “Schools, faith-based organizations, civic groups, shops, and businesses at the mall—there’s a place for everyone to collectively ensure that Chattanooga becomes a community that supports its children and youth to help them achieve success in work and life. It takes everyone.”

Looking to the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets as a “common language” for Ready by 21—schools, youth organizations, government, non-profits, faith-based organizations and others now have a map for building up positives in the lives of youth so they are “Ready by 21” to enter the work force and their community and truly make an impact.

Preview: The 40 Developmental Assets
Does your child or teen have a caring neighborhood? Check. 

Does your child or teen live in a community that values youth? Check.

Does your child or teen participate in creative activities? Check.

Does your child or teen participate in a religious community? Check.

Does your child or teen read for pleasure? Check.

Does your child or teen have planning and decision making skills? Check.

Does your child or teen have a sense of purpose? Check.

These are just a few of the 40 Developmental Assets that a family and a community should look to as measures of success in raising a youth who is “Ready by 21.” Research has shown that the more positives and “assets” built into a young person’s life, the greater chances they have for success as an adult.

Click here to download the complete list of 40 Developmental Assets for Elementary, Middle School, or High School youth.

Michael Boston, The PEERS Project, and Leslie Scearce, On Point, practice listening skills for communicating with young people.

Chattanooga “What’s Next?” Conference Introduces 40 Developmental Assets
On Point and United Way of Greater Chattanooga brought in Search Institute experts as well as local trainers for a local conference session for teachers, youth workers, and others. Sessions focused on using the 40 Developmental Assets and creating a “common language” as the community moves forward under this umbrella of “Ready by 21.”

Click here to download What’s Next Conference materials.

To learn more visit:
www.forumforyouthinvestment.org
www.search-institute.org
www.uwchatt.org
www.liveonpoint.com
www.ymcachattanooga.org

Host Missy Crutchfield infuses her weekly radio shows with in-depth community interviews and creative “Voices” segments where listeners will hear from kids, teens, community activists, seniors, and others sharing their thoughts and ideas on life, community, and connecting to make a difference.

 Podcast show aired on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 9 a.m. on 98.1 LND

Featuring:
The Real Main Street Story
with Rick Woods and Neeld Messler

FYI Weekend with Barry Courter

Voices with Melissa Turner featuring: Veterans Voices Series - John Edwards

Special Thanks to Speak Out! Producer Kyle “Big Daddy” Croft!

Share your thoughts and voices, send an e-mail to speakoutwithmissycrutchfield@gmail.com or visit the Speak Out with Missy Crutchfield Facebook page.

Speak Out with Missy Crutchfield is a production of Be Communications LLC in partnership with V.R.R. Productions.