Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Get To Know ETL

Entrusted Legacy (ETL) is a new nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization which supports the non-traditional education and development of people who work with children and youth, particularly in the out-of-school time arena.  Providing training and staff development to these workers results in a domino effect that helps youth to learn and grow as well.  We believe that great civilizations are built by great people and that a seed of greatness and unique contribution exists in each person, waiting to be unleashed.  ETL is committed to help people transform through a process of metamorphosis supported by education and development.

ETL is the result of over 70 years of experience working with both youth and adults.  Working closely with learners provides a wonderful opportunity to observe people transform into capable and competent individuals.  In after-school ETL has the opportunity to support the transformation of both youth and staff.  This is the process of "becoming".  Not growing up to be the lawyer or the doctor, the teacher or the journalist, but "becoming" who you were meant to be because of the unique combination of talents and gifts you were born with.  When ETL works with people we realize that each person has the right to become, and ETL has the responsibility to support that process. In this country, the promise of America—the promise of social justice, can only occur when people of good will come together in the intentional support of that end.

ETL is committed to “leveling the playing field” through education and support that encourages the learner to develop personal character and competence, the skills to become a contributing team member, and the strategies to influence a culture of excellence in both personal and professional settings. We believe education, supported by coaching and mentoring, provides a space for one to release his/her infinite capacity.

C4K believe that a teacher or educator is one who instructs, and those adults who work with children and youth outside of school day classroom are indeed, teachers.  Confucius unknowingly defined the importance of a strong teacher, role model when he stated, “If I am walking with two other(s)…, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.”  Publically funded non-school day programs are typically a high volume-low margin business and as a result, they are challenged by high rates of staff turnover and insufficient time for staff development.  With support from Entrusted Legacy, program professionals can participate in a variety of training and staff development opportunities—face-to-face, web-based, and other digital formats.

Entrusted Legacy is an embodiment of these words from Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”  Working together, the Entrusted Legacy Team supports the development of young people by supporting the education and development of those who work with them.  Entrusted Legacy understands the importance of multiple entry points into a strong future for the United States.  “Great [educators] help create great students.  In fact, research shows that an inspiring and informed teacher is the most important school-related factor influencing student achievement, so it is critical to pay close attention to how we train and support both new and experienced educators.”[1]  We can all remember that special connection we had with an adult who was our teacher, guide, and mentor.  This is your chance to honor that relationship by helping ETL help those who impact today’s children and youth on a daily basis.