Leadership and Development Trainer
During my quiet time each morning I include The Prayer of St. Francis, and as I recite the line “Where there is despair, let me bring hope,” I think of you, the members of MASA.
It has been an honor to write these Leaders Forum articles and a privilege to have been a part of some of your conferences. The writing that comes to mind featured self-made millionaire Eugene Lang. He was invited to give a commencement address at East Harlem Elementary, his grade school alma mater. Realizing that the traditional “Pull Yourself Up By Your Own Bootstraps” would not resonate with students who had very little chance of ever going to college, he made a promise to the kids that if they graduated high school and wanted to attend college, he would fully fund their college education. In short, he gave hope and a vision for a future they had not ever thought possible. He included mentorship, tutoring, counseling, and social opportunities they would otherwise never would have dreamed of.
This gives me an opportunity to return to a soap box I have been on for years and I invite you to join me. For years I have been an advocate of fully funded universal pre-K education for all families who want it combined with a promise of two years of free college for those who were academically eligible.
Back in the 1890s, Horace Mann had the hare-brained idea of providing a free high school education for everyone. Having that educated workforce produced one of the strongest economies and highest standards of living in the world. I am convinced that extending the idea to universal pre-K and two years of college would have the same impact. Warren Buffet, who probably has a pretty good understanding of economics, says that pre-school education should be one of our top priorities. It’s the fiscally responsible thing to do.
Businesses have been crying for an educated workforce for years and are doing so now more than ever, but they wonder how we’re going to pay for it. That’s where you come in. Here is just one talking point, and I will let you do your own research for further messaging. A person benefiting from free college will elevate to a higher tax bracket and the increase in their personal income taxes will recover the investment in a heartbeat. They will buy cars and homes help fund youth sports and expand our economy in so many ways.
We are at a time in our history that requires leaders who have the courage to bring us together through courageous but civil dialogue and who can instill hope in all of us, especially our young people.
Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations says, “Our greatest hope is in the generation coming up.” I couldn’t agree more.” Let’s give ‘em hope.
Denny Smith is a former teacher and coach, motivational speaker, and author committed to making our schools and communities safe and welcoming for all people.
Dennis Smith Training, LLC | PO Box 1611 | St. Cloud, MN 56302
(320) 250-9741 | denny@dennysmith.com
