Make Your Name Great, Inc.

Thankful for Reminders

2010-07-12T19:45:00.002-04:00

I know for certain that writing can be quite therapeutic for me. I have really enjoyed blogging during these last few weeks. Most people that follow or read my blog know me very well and I don't have to worry about how I express myself because I know they (you) understand me.

Today I was a bit discouraged regarding some plans that did not work out for Summer Academy next week. Exactly 7 days away from our Philly launch, I woke up this morning meditating on my week ahead and told myself that I needed to remain relaxed and to be encouraged despite any potential situations that might arise. To that extent the Daily Word I read today emphasized that the most direct path to an answer is to pray for divine guidance. It acknowledged that guidance can come as an urging, a clear sense of direction or through the suggestion of a friend, but knowing that it was meant for you.

With that said, by early afternoon I was a bit discouraged regarding some plans that fell through regarding next week's launch. My mother noticed I was a bit out of sync and gave me her spirit-lifting devotional (Daily Guideposts) and told me to read the entry for today. It was called, "I will bless you...and you will be a blessing to many others." The premise was that tough stuff happens to us that it is really a gift in disguise. Simply put, Life can be interesting blessings disguised as struggles.

It warmed my heart because of the root of the title passage and it coincided with what I read in my Daily Word just hours earlier..."it was meant for me!"

So, as the sun sets on this day, I'm thankful for reminders. My reminder today brought me back to a place of humility, peace, sincerity and love.

I founded Make Your Name Great with the intention to bless high school students through lessons built on my many successes and failures, so they could matriculate through college successfully. That my friends is what myself and the entire MYNG family WILL do...BLESS MANY OTHERS!!!

Be encouraged in your own struggles because if you allow them, they could be blessings in disguise.

Gina

Could It Be?

2010-07-05T16:30:00.002-04:00

Could it be that the 40 day countdown is now a 14 day countdown? Two weeks until the launch of Make Your Name Great Summer Academy. Crunch time has finally arrived. I feel a wealth of emotion. I'm nervous, excited, scared, confident, worried and encouraged all at the same time. What if the students do not show up? What if the dog eats my lessons plans (lol)? Then I catch myself and proclaim the students will show up and enjoy every minute and subsequently realize I don't even have a dog!!!!!!

All that said, seriously, I am excited for this moment to arrive. I'm ready to begin and launch what I consider to be a historical moment for the life of MYNG and the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection:-)

14 days to go and we are still in need of your financial support. Remember, IT TAKES A VILLAGE!!! MYNG cannot do it without your financial support. Today I encourage you to give $25 or ask four (4) friends to give $5 and add it to your $5. Whatever system you find that works for you, please assist the MYNG family in supporting the programs and services we provide to our students free of charge. Click here to donate now. IT TAKES A VILLAGE!!!

Ms. G

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

2010-06-28T22:43:00.002-04:00

As the launch of MYNG Summer Academy in Philadelphia draws closer I want to take a moment to "SHOUT OUT" all of the wonderful people who have been working to assist with planning, phone calls, emails, internet searches, letters, applications, requests, the curriculum, lesson plans, student recruiting, marketing, etc. In this recession that has many people stressed, overwhelmed, overworked and under paid I count it a privilege to have those that are willing to donate their time and services to MYNG. I wish our organization could repay each of you for the dedication that you have shown, but I believe that your kind gestures will come back to you. I tremble at the thought of calling names and forgetting someone, but I have to take a moment to say thank you to a few people.

Mom Dukes--What can I say? Office manager, Senior Coordinator, Secretary, P.O. Box pick-up person, fund-raiser, motivator, encourager but most importantly Prayer Warrior. I could NOT have done ANY of this without you. You are my "ULTIMATE RIDE OR DIE CHICK"

K-Natile--Marketing/PR person, midnight hour proofreader/editor (lol), facebook updater, but most importantly CONSISTENT BELIEVER IN MYNG

Kami--the "digit dialer"...thanks for all the phone calls. The baby will arrive in November with great phone etiquette:-)

Kidada--thank you for the pep talks, sermons and encouraging words. Most importantly thank you for VOLUNTEERING to fly across five states to assist with MYNG Summer Academy

Keba--How could I get through this curriculum without you? Thank you for working in the summer when the school board says you don't have to:-)

Buffy--the $ Lady. Raise those funds!!! Raise those funds!!! Raise those funds!!! Thank you for doing what you do best!

Principal Jones/Puddin/Dr. Proctor/Ms. Gail/Ms. Jo--thank you for your individual efforts that contributed to student recruitment. There would be no MYNG without any students. THANK YOU

Rev. McDuffy/Mr. Holts and the St. Paul family--thank you for giving MYNG Summer Academy a home.

Even if I did not call your name, if you made a phone call, sent an email, donated financially or simply said a prayer, from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the students that will benefit, THANK YOU!!!

Gina

I'M SO EXCITED....

2010-06-23T21:22:00.003-04:00

...AND I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT (singing with hairbrush in hand)!!! I don't think the Pointer Sisters will be recruiting me for the reunion:-) Nevertheless, I'm so excited and I just can't hide it. We have just under four (4) weeks to go before the launch of MYNG Summer Academy in Philadelphia. My excitement increases each day that we get closer to seeing the planning and hard work unfold. That's not to say that I don't have the occasional stressful moments. Anyone that knows me is aware that I do get slightly neurotic (did I just admit that publicly? overanxious sounds so much better) but nothing compares to the excitement I feel daily. I cannot wait to get to know this group of students, they are already very special to me.

Before the tears begin to fall, I think I hear all of you asking me, "Gina, What can I do?" Glad you asked. MYNG students need your financial support. Your donations support: transportation, organization t-shirts, paper, binders, folders, pens, highlighters, books, printing services, venue, closing day festivities, etc. Remember IT TAKES A VILLAGE!!!

Click here to donate or mail Donations to Make Your Name Great, Inc., P.O. Box 16929, Philadelphia, PA 19142.

Until next time my friend,

Ms. G

39 DAYS AND COUNTING

2010-06-10T15:19:00.002-04:00

Day 39 before the Philly launch. Today we are busy getting ready for the Open House at my High School Alma Mater, Motivation High School next Thursday. We are also soliciting sponsors, forwarding student applications, confirming facilitators and the list goes on. Our team has much more to complete, but we are enjoying every moment. Philadelphia here we come!!!

Almost forgot...Have you sowed today? Now worries, you still have time. Just click here: IT TAKES A VILLAGE!!!

Duty calls,

Ms. G

The 40 Day Countdown Begins

2010-06-09T23:44:00.002-04:00

We are 40 days (July 19, 2010) away from the launch of Make Your Name Great Summer Academy in Philadelphia, PA. Our team is hard at work ensuring that our students have a wonderful experience. There is only one thing missing...YOU!!! I am personally asking each of you to show your support of our students and the program by contributing a financial donation. Your donations will be greatly appreciated and the students will benefit tremendously.

Please visit www.makeyournamegreat.com to donate today.

Peace and Blessings

Ms. G

Philadelphia, PA Summer 2010

2010-03-24T10:04:00.002-04:00

I'm extremely excited to share some exciting news with each of you. Summer 2010, Make Your Name Great ("MYNG") Academy will be coming to Philadelphia. June 2010 will mark our three year anniversary and I am most excited to launch our second chapter in my hometown.

MYNG Academy first launched in June 2008 at the Westside Branch Y.M.C.A., Atlanta, GA. MYNG Academy is now a two (2) week summer program strategically designed to provide program participants with examples of the day to day challenges and experiences of college students, while developing the student's leadership and social skills. This is accomplished through scholastic sessions (African American History/Literature); College Life Skill Workshops (Networking, Conflict Resolution, Creating/Maintaining a Budget, etc.); Community Service and Social Outings. Whereas, this is a focus group launch, Summer Academy will be approximately one (1) week.

How can you help? I'm glad you asked!!! We are currently searching for a location (community center, church, conference room, etc.) to house our one (1) week Academy, recruiting students and other resources (free breakfast/lunch, SEPTA fare, passes to recreational activities, etc). If you have ANY information or contacts that you can pass along to assist in the process it would be greatly appreciated. Additionally, you can sign up as a volunteer for this summer (facilitator, chaperon, administrative assistance, etc.). Lastly, always feel free to visit our donations page (http://www.makeyournamegreat.com/Donations.html) and contribute to our organization.

Thank you in advance for your assistance and support. It is greatly appreciated.

Working to Make the Names of youth Great,

Ms. "G"

March 2010 Check In

2010-03-24T09:48:00.004-04:00

Hello blogger land!!! I wanted to take a moment to check in and let everyone know what has been going on with M.Y.N.G. during March 2010. I normally begin with my apologies for staying away so long, but I think my followers are now use to my random check-ins:-)

March has been a busy month. On March 6th we completed a college workshop with the female teens of Xposure Youth Foundation (www.xposurefoundation.org). Special thanks to Founder Ms. LaTonda James for inviting us out. The young ladies were a joy and we look forward to assisting her seniors with the college application process. On March 13th we participated in Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., North Atlanta Alumnae Chapter's, 13th Annual Nationwide Youth Symposium. My discussion topic was self esteem, attitude and dress. The experience was great and we were able to recruit for program participants and volunteers. A sincere thank you to the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho for extending the invitation.

We have another big announcement but I don't want to make this post too long, so stay tuned!!!

As always keep our organization's growth in numbers and finances in your prayers.

Peace and Blessings

Hello

2009-09-02T13:30:00.004-04:00

Hello Blogger Land--Why do I stay away so long? I wanted to check in and share the latest news. In July we celebrated our two (2) year anniversary. It is a process growing the organization, but myself and the board are committed to taking MYNG to the next level and look forward to the upcoming years.

Earlier this year we started providing life skill classes for residents/participants of the Turning Point program sponsored by the Center for Children and Young Adults, Inc. Turning Point is designed to provide vocational and independent living skills for older adolescents enabling them to become self-sufficient adults and in turn decrease their dependency on social services. MYNG sponsored workshops that included, creating vision boards, interview skills, public speaking and networking to name a few. You guys know I consistently promote higher education and my hope is that many of them will choose that path. We will resume the workshops this month and we are most excited.

We will be approaching our after school program MYNG Institute a little differently this year. The program will no longer be one day a week in one central location, but we will expand and travel to different locations throughout the week. This allows the program to reach a broader audience and enables us to reach and assist more students. We are still finalizing details, but we are set to begin mid October and I will have the details listed on the website. Additionally, if you have a school or organization that you would like to recommend for the program please contact me directly at ggipson@makeyournamegreat.com.

O.K., I think we are all caught up. As always, we appreciate your support through your financial donations, volunteering and prayers.

Checking In

2009-02-26T21:54:00.002-05:00

Hello blogger land! It's almost the third month of the new year and things are moving along quickly. Make Your Name Great Institute (After School Program) is meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 4:30p-6:00pm at the Westside Branch YMCA (101 Ollie Street, Atlanta GA). Parents, teachers, counselors, ministry workers and the like please continue to support us in spreading the word about the program.

Last Saturday, we conducted a college workshop at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church. Thanks to Rev. Jones, Jennifer Scott and all the parents and students that supported the workshop. We look forward to coming back in the fall.

Make Your Name Great is partnering with Teens-In-Action for our first College Tour. During spring break (April 2009) we will be taking several students to Georgia Southern, Valdosta State, Savannah State, Florida State and Florida A&M University. We are looking forward to the tour and thank Mr. Bobby Frazier for this wonderful opportunity.

Please continue to support us in our efforts through your time and donations.

For additional information regarding our programs, volunteering and to donate online, visit us at www.makeyournamegreat.com.

Until next time...

They CAN'T vote, but we CAN!

2008-10-06T16:47:00.002-04:00

My thoughts are simple today...be certain that you are registered to vote. It's amazing when I watch the news or read an article and see statistics of how many Americans are unregistered voters. I was in the Butler Street YMCA and a young man (around 15) came in with a t-shirt of a presidential nominee. I asked the young man why he was wearing the shirt and he responded because he wanted to be part of the change. Amazing that a 15 year old who can't vote wants to be part of the change. I don't know that I was that politically conscious at 15 years old. It was great.

There are so many people that came before us that fought for the right of African - Americans and women to vote. Let's just be certain that we exercise that right. My students and other young people CAN'T vote...but you CAN!

Let's be an example for all of them.

The Everyday Oprah Winfrey

2008-09-07T08:35:00.005-04:00

Through the years I have been moved and inspired by Oprah Winfrey's personal journey, but her work as a philanthropist has been most inspiring. Watching the reactions of the people who have been blessed by her giving have been some of the best hours that I have spent watching television. With that said, I think it is very easy to look at Oprah's efforts and think...I wish I could help people in the manner in which she helps. I realize that we can all help in the manner in which Oprah does and that I know several "everyday" Oprah Winfrey's.

Yesterday I attended the first musical production, Annie Jr., that was put on by the Sowing Performing Arts Studio, Inc. (www.thesowing.org). Under the direction of Nicole Jones a Morgan State Univ. graduate, I watched a group of African-American children ranging from the ages of 5-16 deliver an excellent performance of a timeless musical. As I sat and watched the production, I could not stop smiling.

I met Nicole through a mutual friend and at the time we were both in the developmental stages of our non-profits. We would chat/email here and there checking on the status of the other, brainstorm on how to support the other, supported fund-raisers and lent an encouraging word when the opportunity permitted.

At the conclusion of the production I don't think it was a dry eye in the venue as Nicole shared her journey to that moment. She spoke about the fear that plagues us, the desire to be gifted to do something but not knowing where to start and disappointment when things don't quite go as we planned.

As I looked around at the students, volunteers, parents and guests I pondered on a few thoughts. Oprah Winfrey is a great African American philanthropist that the world watches, but I have "everyday" Oprah's that I see daily. I realized that Oprah gives and donates based on what her resources and voice allows. Nicole Jones gives and donates to children based on what her resources and voice allows and that is what matters.

Whether Oprah is opening a school for girls in South Africa or Nicole Jones is founding a non-profit for inner city youth in Atlanta to be exposed to the arts...if we all just used our gifts, talents, resources and voice to help someone in need then we become not just "everyday" Oprah's but everyday heroes.

Childhood Dreams Becoming Reality

2008-09-05T13:40:00.004-04:00

Last week was truly a moment in history. Regardless of any person's political affiliation Barak Obama's official nomination as the Democratic party's Presidential nominee was a defining moment for America and the rest of the world.

As I watched all of the various speeches during the Democratic National Convention that led up to Senator Obama's acceptance speech, I pondered on those childhood memories of encouragement and esteem building. I can recall my mother, teachers and family members always reminding me as a child that I could be "anything". I could be a lawyer, a doctor, the first black "female" Supreme Court Justice and even the first black President.

I don't know that it's possible for me to express how overwhelming it was to watch Michelle Obama and Senator Obama deliver those speeches. I had moments when I laughed, cried, smiled and just sat in amazement as I marveled at how this childhood dream was manifesting into a reality right in front of my eyes.

I felt a sense of pride and belief as I watched Michelle's speech with my mother. In that moment I looked at my mother and realized that what I once considered to be her childhood rhetoric towards me was a childhood dream becoming a potential reality for so many people. I was Michelle Obama, my mother was Michelle Obama and every other African American woman that we know. The moment was simply beautiful.

I don't know that I believed I could be the first "Black President" when that message was spoken to me as a child. While watching Senator Obama's speech I became teary eyed as I processed that fact that this childhood dream that someone spoke into my life was now a possibility in arms reach. That my friends was an awesome moment.

As a African American woman it is my responsibility to encourage my students and the youth I meet to dream VERY VERY big. Twenty years from now when we read of Senator Obama's historic moment in the history books, I can't wait to tell someone my memories of living in that moment. My hope is that when I tell youth that they can be "anything" that they remember my words when that childhood dream becomes a reality for them.

I Promise Not to Stay Away this Long

2008-08-26T10:33:00.002-04:00

Some time has passed since my last blog entry. Correction, it's been months since my last blog. It is quite easy to get caught up in the daily activities and unexpected moments of life that we often forget to take time for the little things. I had to remind myself that blogging is my way to keep all you connected with my personal journey through this process. I don't want to forget to share those little stories, thoughts or experiences that help to shape my life and the life of Make Your Name Great.

Myself, the Board members and other volunteers have been working on some upcoming projects and events that I can't wait to share with everyone. Sooooooooooo, I promise not to stay away this long again and you can expect to hear from me on a weekly basis.

Remember...keep helping others to make their names great!

Proud Mama Moment

2008-04-05T14:55:00.002-04:00

Founding MYNG and working daily to take things to the next level can be quite overwhelming, frustrating and taxing at times. Today I consider the challenges to be totally insignificant as the MYNG family celebrates the first college acceptance (Ft. Valley St. Univ. & Central State Univ.) for one of our seniors. My heart is so full that I cannot contain my excitement. Today I accept the roadblocks along this journey if the detours lead to moments such as this one.

Miss Edwards we congratulate and celebrate with you, as you grow closer to beginning a new chapter in the book entitled, "Your Life".

The New Color of Success

2008-04-04T21:50:00.003-04:00

It is very comfortable working with students that are excited about attending college. The harder challenge is when you have to motivate young people who don't think college is an option or the answer to their success. In 2008 young people are living in the age of "New Hollywood" and the perception that being famous or wealthy is not derived from a college education. The images are athletes that walk across the stage to receive their diploma to center court in the NBA; Child stars that have branded themselves to gross over 300 million dollars or singers that with the recording of one demo tape instantly go from rags to riches. I don't want to represent myself to say that young people should not aspire to be athletes, rappers, etc., but I do want them to take note that there are more options. I often use Beyonce as an example with my students. I tell them that Beyonce is "loaded" but so is her lawyer, accountant and real estate agent to name a few. The Hollywood star success stories are phenomenal and inspire me, but they are not the only stories.

I was given a book to read by one of MYNG's board members. Niki Butler Mitchell authored, "The New Color of Success: 20 Young Black Millionaires Tell You How They're Making It". I absolutely have enjoyed the book. The stories are not about millionaire athletes, singers, rappers, models, etc., but about African American millionaires that have started wine distribution, contracting, media, telecommunication and environmental companies, to name a few.

I love what the book represents because most (not all) of the stories are centered around college educated professionals. The stories in this book represent people using their gifts for writing, networking and computer technology to form million dollar companies. Many are in the fields they studied in college and many are not. What is key is that college served as a tool for their success. Whether in the form of their first internship, a college professor that became a life mentor or just taking the time to build their skills, a college education contributed to their success story.

These are the stories I want my students to hear, read and use as a form of inspiration (I certainly do). I don't want them to fall victim to the idea that success and wealth is determined solely by dribbling a ball, singing a tune or dancing in a video.

"In this country, we define success solely in terms of money...but I think you're successful if you're being paid to do what you would do for free." Takashi Bufford, President and CEO--Kid, I Love it But You'll Never Get It Made, Not In This Town. (Former lawyer now writer and producer for movies such as Set It Off) You think he writes and reviews his own contracts????

It's Time

2008-03-30T20:45:00.003-04:00

Even as a child, I always found myself trying something new, when it wasn't as trendy anymore. Needless to say, blogging has proven to be no different. Anyone that knows me understands that Make Your Name Great ("MYNG") is my true baby. I have always been an extremely passionate person, but MYNG is tapping into passions, I did not know existed. As I approach the one (1) year anniversary of founding this organization, I am faced daily with highs and lows that make the journey worthwhile. I think it necessary to begin sharing my experiences, testimonies and those famous Oprah "AHA" moments. My hope is that it encourages someone else on their journey and helps my students realize that the adulthood they so desire has its "good" and "not so good" moments. Please continue to check in on the organization's progress and to see how well I adjust to the blog trend.