A Lesson in Black History

Leadership and learning go hand in hand. Part of your own leadership development is learning new things about those you serve and work with. There are so many differences on campus --- cultural, gender, faith-based, geographical, to name a few. Take some time to explore areas that you are not familiar with. You will grow as a leader and as an individual.

In celebration of Black History Month, learn a little about the history of the African American culture by answering these questions, or asking others in an effort to raise awareness in your organization.

Questions:
1. Why was February chosen for Black History Month?

2. In what year did Black History Month begin (after being Black History Week)?

3.Which civil rights leader became the first African-American to make a serious bid for the U.S. presidency when he ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1983?

4.Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Black Studies at Cal. State University, created _______ as a way to unite the African-American community after the Watts riots in L.A.

5.Who was known as the “Moses of her people,” helping more than 300 slaves escape via the Underground Railroad?

6.Which black track-and-field athlete won four gold medals in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, thus derailing Adolf Hitler’s intent to use the Olympic Games as a display of Arian supremacy?

7.Which black broadcaster and author hosts his own radio and TV show?

8.Which state east of the Mississippi was the first to give African American women
the right to vote, in 1913?

Answers:
1. Because it contained the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, two men who made a significant impact on black history.

2. In 1976, the celebration was expanded to the entire month of February.

3. The Rev. Jesse Jackson.

4. He created the well-known holiday of Kwanzaa, which is celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, in 1966.

5. Harriet Tubman.

6. Jesse Owens.

7. Tavis Smiley.

8. Illinois

Want to explore more on black history…check out these websites!

History.com
Biography.com

This was brought to you by PaperClip Communications.

Your Personal Brand

One of the newest terms used in the job search business is “personal brand.” If you could design your own personal brand…what would it be?

Employers are looking for high-quality talent who know how to “sell” themselves in a positive and productive manner. The winter break is a great time for you to start thinking about what your current leadership brand is? What skills have you developed in your past and current leadership positions? How can you market them now and in the future?

Not sure where to begin? There are many ways to create your personal brand. Here are a few tips:

• Know your passion. What makes you get out of bed every morning? What makes you smile in your school and work environment?
• Develop your goals and dreams. You have to know where you want to go even if you don’t know how you will get there yet. Dream Big!
• Be honest with yourself. Assess your strengths and areas for opportunities.
• Discover what is unique about you. Determine what you stand for and what makes you different.
• Be visible. Go above and beyond simply because you love what you are doing.
• Attitude is everything...make sure yours is a positive one.
• Ask others for feedback. Ask your peers, mentors, supervisors, family, friends, professors, etc.
• Get a wide range of feedback so you know what areas you need to focus on for personal and professional development.

Now that you have some ideas, create a 30-second introduction of who you are and what you’re all about. Think, “Me, in a Nutshell.”

If you only had a brief moment to make an impact on someone who could

have an impact on your future...

* What would you say?

* What impression would you want to leave?

* What story would you want to tell?

For more information on Personal Branding keep an eye on The New School Events Calendar for workshops and guests speakers who are presenting on the topic.

This information gathered from www.paper-clip.com.

Rules to Lead By

From classrooms to homes, business offices to the nation’s capital, lack of civility seems to be of constant discussion and debate.

What is “right”? What is “appropriate”? What is “fair and just”? These are questions that student leaders face every day in meetings, discussions, conflicts and relationships.

George Washington, at the young age of 16, compiled a list of 110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation. Although maybe a bit outdated in language, the foundation of each of the “rules” is relevant today and could be considered and applied by student leaders in their own work on campus.

What exactly do George Washington’s Rules advise today’s student leaders to do and be? Here are just 12 to ponder:

Rule 1: Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.

Rule 6: Sleep not when others Speak, Sit not when others stand, Speak not when you Should hold your Peace, walk not on when others Stop.

Rule 22: Show not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy.

Rule 24: Do not laugh too loud or too much at any Public Spectacle.

Rule 44: When a man does all he can though it Succeeds not well blame not him that did it.

Rule 50: Be not hasty to believe flying Reports to the Disparagement of any.

Rule 56: Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'is better to be alone than in bad Company.

Rule 73: Think before you Speak pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your Words too hastily but orderly & distinctly.

Rule 76: While you are talking, Point not with your Finger at him of Whom you Discourse nor Approach too near him to whom you talk especially to his face.

Rule 83: When you deliver a matter do it without Passion & with Discretion, however mean the Person be you do it too.

Rule 89: Speak not Evil of the absent for it is unjust.

Rule 110: Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of

celestial fire called conscience.

Adapted by PaperClip Communications from: Foundations Magazine,

http://www.foundationsmag.com/civility.html

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