Positive Youth Development Opportunities

It is important that we fill our youth's lives with positive and fun things to do. Parents, leaders and peers need to be providing them with the tools to develop leadership skills and character training, to resist the temptations of drugs and alcohol, and to empower them to reach their goals.

On Thursday February 25^th, 2010 AZ Uprise Youth Movement performed for the students at Heritage Elementary School in Glendale, Arizona. My daughter and I were able to attend this program. We were entertained with high flying slam dunks, hip hop music, audience participation, and an inspirational and positive message of hope.

The creator of this performance is 24 year old Kenny Dobbs, NBA Slam Dunk All Star and Slam Dunk Champion. In 2008 Kenny started to put together his speaking and basketball skills to provide a positive message of hope and encouragement to his audiences. Later he decided to include his musical skills to the presentation, which became the foundational beginnings of "AZ Uprise Youth Movement". I observed Kenny to have a upbeat and energetic attitude, along with a geniuine concern for our youth today.

The performance we attended at Heritage Elementary School also included a basketball game between the students and the parents. This was very hilarious because some of Kenny's Uprise team played on the student's team. The parents didn't have a chance, even though they gave it a good try!

The evening of positive entertainment continued with fund raising for Haiti and for Heritage Elementary School as well. There were refreshments to purchase; hot dogs, chips, cookies, popcorn, cotton candy and soda. All priced very reasonable. Other fund raising efforts were Girl Scout Cookie Sales, Avon, and Cookie Lee Jewelry. All of these vendors were giving a portion of their proceeds to Haiti or to the school.

I noticed a lot of volunteers helped with this program. Parent involvement is key in any successful event, even if it is just taking the time to take your youth to such a program.The positive outcome of spending quality time with your youth is well worth the effort. Our youth today need us as parents, leaders and peers to step up and make a difference in their lives.

AZ Uprise performs all over the state of Arizona. If you are interested in having them come and perform at your school contact them at:

Contact: AZUPRISE@GMAIL.COM