Dear Oakland Community,
This month we will focus on the powerful word: CITIZENSHIP
Citizenship is more than being a member of a community. It’s a powerful word that reflects how we behave towards our community as well as how we respond to it when it’s in need. Whether we are referring to our school, our local area, or of the world at large, as citizens it’s important that we act with respect and respond in a caring, helpful and responsible manner.
Children’s participation in showing citizenship can have many benefits. For example, recycling can help keep our environment healthy now and in the future. Contributing to charity can provide others with healthier, more satisfying, productive lives. Obeying laws can keep community members safe. And let’s not forget, being a good citizen has its own rewards; the satisfaction and fulfillment that comes from being a helpful, thoughtful, and fruitful contributor of society.
In this day and age, learning about citizenship can happen at home, in school, here in our martial arts classes or even online! At Tufts University and Emerson College, researchers have developed ways for young people to learn citizenship and positive civic engagement via video games. These games are used to educate young people about the communities of interest. In particular, through the online game, “Civic Seed,” students focus on:
• Looking inward at their own opinions & goals
• Expanding outward through community partnerships
• Working together by reflecting on differences and common goals
• Looking forward by connecting skills with goals. By being prepared, initiatives are more likely to be successful.
Thank you for your support. You are pivotal in helping to make Rising Phoenix Martial Arts & Fitness one of the best personal development centers in the world.
For information about how you can enroll your daughter or son in our 6-Week Empowering Young Citizens course, you can reach us at: 201-644-7300 or RisingPhoenixMAF@gmail.com
Best Regards,
Master David Ferwerda Owner/Head Instructor