Effective Global Citizens - Skill #1

In this brave new world, what is it that will distinguish individuals with all the hats they wear -- as employees, board members, students, entrepreneurs, parents, and future leaders?
Answer: The ability to determine what is really going on, and act accordingly.

Critical thinking, inquiry skills - bottom line, how to glean information, inspire new conversations, think in new ways - all by asking the right questions, will be skill #1.

How are your questioning skills? Are you confident in your ability to ask questions?

• Key tip: think like a reporter: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How.

Make this your mental checklist when you are going about your daily activities.

Who, What, When, Where, Why, How are the pegs I use to make sure I am asking all the right questions or in my writing covering all the relevant points.

Journalistic training unfortunately does not reach everyone, which in this day and age, where all have been anointed citizen journalist status, can become problematic!

Schools have an important role to play in encouraging these new skills, and, in fact, the ability of our students to be effective global citizens rests partly in their hands. Rote skills are important, and command of facts is impressive, but one who can question, synthesize, adjust and turn on a dime will come out ahead in this brave new world!

Making a Difference, Diversity Awareness Partnership

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the
world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead

Intentional thought, and a steady hand; relentless follow through, and a meandering journey took me to the annual dinner for the Diversity Awareness Partnership, an organization I, the St. Louis Rams (with whom I worked at the time) and a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens helped to found, last night. (http://www.dapstl.org/)

I am proud of playing a small part in making a difference.

Following is an overview of the organization:

The Diversity Awareness Partnership (DAP) is dedicated to promoting diversity in the St. Louis region around issues of race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability. This is done through collaborative community and school-based education and awareness efforts. Themed Make a Difference By Accepting Everyone Else's , the DAP has become a replicable model for communities across the nation in advancing public acceptance of diversity.

The work of the DAP is accomplished through the following:

School-Based Educational Programs: involving schools from throughout the St. Louis region in an effort to address the diversity in today’s schools and encourage respect and acceptance among students (Give Respect – Get Respect Youth Program and We’re All Alike, We’re All Different Disability Awareness Tool Kit);

Awareness Efforts: a comprehensive media campaign positively highlighting issues of diversity and promoting messages of acceptance and inclusion;

Community Resources: a website (www.makeadifferencestlouis.org), online diversity resource guide and information line (1-866-ONE-CITY);

Collaboration: facilitate the development of innovative, collaborative projects, events and programs between partner organizations by serving as a forum for the exchange of research, ideas and best practices.

Diversity Presentations: offer diversity presentations and trainings to businesses, schools, and community groups that foster ideas of diversity, inclusion, and respect.

The Diversity Awareness Partnership is supported by the following organizations:
Ameren UE
National Conference for Community and Justice
AHC Consulting
Pulaski Bank
Anti-Defamation League/AWOD Institute
Special School District of St. Louis County
Behavioral Health Response
St. Louis Blues
Cooperating School Districts
St. Louis Cardinals
Coro Leadership Center
St. Louis Rams
Edward Jones
Saint Louis Science Center
Fair St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis
Greater St. Louis Federal Executive Board
Webster University
International Institute
YWCA
KMOV Channel 4

Reed School Named First Green School of Month

A Walking School Bus, Waste Free Wednesdays and a whole lot of committed parents can make a difference!
Our elementary school named first Green School of the Month by ECOlifeSTL!
And featured on KMOV-TV Channel 4 News:
http://www.kmov.com/video/featured-videos/Go-Green-Reed-Elementary-70076432.html
Congratulations to Debby Siegel who got the ball rolling, and Jenny Duncan and Lynn DeLearie, the current chairpersons of Reed Sustainability Committee!

Best Lessons from Sports Legends...

Sports Lessons, nope, more life lessons... I've had the opportunity to observe some great sports legends in their worlds off the field. I've learned some surprisingly humble lessons from these people.

On What Is Important
Guess who asked me to decide which was more memorable to him: Being presented a car in front of a home crowd after breaking a record or watching his children grow up?
The answer: watching his children grow up; the player, NFL legend Walter Payton. Admittedly, a lesson lost on a 23 year-old Fleishman-Hillard public relations assistant account executive, but now I understand, and I never will forget his words.
On How To Treat People
NFL QB Kurt Warner came from being an unknown back up QB to turning into Cinderella during the 1999 St. Louis Rams season that began the team's Greatest Show on Turf era. You will not meet a more unassuming person than Kurt. He treated each staff member and all that he met with dignity and respect regardless of their position. For that matter, this is how he treats everyone with whom he interacts. When his time with the Rams was over, he went out of his way to come and say good bye to every single staff member.
Treating all how you would like to be treated, no matter what your station in life. This is a valuable lesson for all of us.
On Being Humble and Quiet
Sometimes leaders feel as if they always have to speak and have the last word. A person who I respect so much for his quiet demeanor on and off the field is WR Isaac Bruce. His style is one to emulate, as he quietly goes about his business and makes plays.
On Kindness and Loyalty
Late Rams owner, Georgia Frontiere loved extending her kindness and hospitality to those she met and all of their friends. Mrs. Frontiere attended Hamilton Elementary School in St. Louis. It was fitting that she moved her team back to St. Louis – and hosted her elementary school classmates at every single home game in a luxury box as long as she was alive. She was kind, fiercely loyal, and always taking care of her "Rams family," of which I was a part. My children will never forget her holiday parties, and I will never forget the opportunity to work with this incredible woman.
I take so many valuable lessons from those I meet along the way... remember these universal truths on what is important, and ways to live your life. They will serve you well in whatever endeavor you tackle!

First posted on The Real Athlete Blog