Haley Thomas, F.F.I. Ambassador for Youth, conducts research in South Africa

F.F.I. is proud to annoint and announce Haley Thomas as an Ambassador for Youth days before she sets out to South Africa to conduct an independent research about the importance of self-image. Haley, a political science major at College of Charleston, designed an initiative that will take her to a small village with the intent of capturing poinant portaits of the villagers. She will then have them printed, sleeved, and ceremoniously presented to each villager with intent of building self-esteem through gift. Miss Thomas recognized on her last trip to Africa that very few villagers had photos of themselves. She also concluded that those beautiful photos that she captured along the way, must be left behind believing that those individuals that were so gracious in allowing their pictures to be taken would genuinely appreciate and benefit by her willingness to give back. What a brilliant concept! We, here in Myrtle Beach, wish her safe tavels as she works to impress and potentially impact those who need it most.

I recently returned from Huntsville, Alabama having assisted in the development of The Studio of Tennessee Family Services . This dynamic, federally funded program will serve runaway/homeless street youth and has adopted the "travlers" philosphy that prepares each indivual to move forward in knowing that where they come from is not where they will ultimately end up. Staff was trained in utilizing very progressive language that been proven effective in meeting our young friendz where they are knowing that they will ultimately travel onward. Support services, counseling, and art programming will be made available with the intent of getting each client further faster.

Off to Florida State University to share
Hello...My Name is World Travler seminar with a crew of talented, enthusiastic student leaders. Global Photography, Slick Slideshow, Global Passports with Visas, Live Music, "Poor Man's Theater", Critical Thought, and Great Conversation culminate into an experience that emphasizes the importance of service to others as a necessity for each of us as we move forward on our "personal paths of progress".

Several thanks are in order.

To John Robertson, Director of Training for the Youth & Family Services Network for facilitating our worthwhile affair.

To Dr. Laura Osteen and Dr. Steve Mills of The Center for Leadership & Civic Education for inviting John and I to participate in conversation that matters.

And to the students themselves for their willingness to serve and support.

I'll look forward to our next convene and am delighted by our last.

Operation: Have Passport Will Travel - The Conclusion

As we move into the twelfth and final week of Operation: Have Passport Will Travel I want to thank the 10 area high schoolers, Samantha, Sade, Shaun, Christina, Tae, Paige, TC, Brandon, Tyree, and Sage, who watched the movies, discussed aspects of each film that were important, and responded to thought provoking questions/prompts as part of our effort to get them a viable United States Passport.

I also want to praise both Academy of Art, Science, & Technology and Waccamaw Youth Center for hosting such a worthwhile, culturally rich experience.

I also recognize that success is never "me' exclusive.
Developing thought provoking experiences and putting them in motion, to a place of complete, typically depends on a crew of like minded people. Cathy Hall, James Sellers, Dr. Bill Davis, Jessica Durivage, Carl Kerridge and Linda Look all played pivotal roles in the developement, implementation, and successful completion of this fantastic initiative.

We look forward to reorganizing our effort and replicating our successes for a new group of participants in the spring with Dr. Bill Davis acting in a capacity of facilitor.

Operation: Have Passport Will Travel

Into our 9th week of watching global movies that reach to teach. Last week, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, lends to smart dialogue about WWII and the Holocaust. Great fun it is to watch young minds expand. Several more weeks and applications for U.S. passports will be mailed on behalf of the 10 teenagers who completed the program. Their progress not by coincidence but by careful design.

Passport Program @ AAST &WYC

Into our seventh week of Operation: Have Passport will Travel with 6 Education Majors at the Academy of Art, Science, & Technology and 6 young men from Waccamw Youth Center. Premise is simple. Watch Global movies, engage in smart conversation applicable to each film viewed, answer constructed questions that are intended to advance critical thought and earn a viable U.S.Passport courtesy a wonderful friend in our community, Linda Look, who understands the importance of both global citizship and personal growth.

Operation: Have Passport Will Travel

Hello friends! I am involved in building a neat program for teenagers that I wanted to share.
Operation: Have Passport Will Travel is a smart/simple concept that may change the way youth participants think to live their lives.

Utilizing age appropriate movies and/or documentary films from around the world that present interesting cultural experiences, youth participants, ages 16 -21, will view, discuss, and journal about 12 selections over a 12 week period. A capable facilitator will supervise viewing integrity, lead thought provoking group dialogue and ensure that each “student” journals about aspects of the experience. Upon successful completion of this program, the participants will have earned the reward of applying for and acquiring a viable U.S. Passport paid for by the program.

Our effort will culminate into an experience that impresses upon kids the importance of global citizenship and the value of developing critical thinking skills.

In the weeks to come I will share more about this fantastic opportunity that may be made available to you and a crew of kids that you want to see Further Faster.