What it means to say, "I'm in."
You might hear people say, “I’m in!” when they talk about STEPS but where did that phrase come from? What does it mean to be “in” with the STEPS coalition?
It was 2010. The community gathered at the Aqua Turf to hear what “STEPS” was -- that group they kept reading about in the news. The presenters spoke about the formation of the coalition, its goals, and its structure. Leaders of the coalition spoke about the vital need for our community to work more directly and intentionally with our youth to make Southington a better place for our kids to grow to be healthy and successful; to help them feel more valued. It was then that the baseline Attitudes and Behavior Survey from the Search Insitute was revealed, showing alarming trends in teen risky-behavior participation. However, it was just two words that ended the night and resonated throughout the room. “I’m in,” Dr. Joseph Erardi, Superintendent of Southington Schools said.
These two simple words became the ‘motto’ of STEPS, in that those who claim they are “in” are a part of STEPS and follow the philosophy of ‘Growing Great Kids’ in town.
“I’m in,” Dr. Erardi said, pledging his unwavering support to STEPS that evening and then, looking to the crowd of over 200 Southington residents, he asked the audience, “Are you?” If these residents, community leaders, teachers, parents and more believed in the philosophy of the coalition’s work; if the audience member felt that Southington needed to create a safety net for our youth, they had until the time he got to work the next morning to e-mail him. His request was simple. All the email had to say was “I’m in.”
In just 24 hours, well over 100 people e-mailed Dr. Erardi, and the STEPS mission aimed at developing healthy and successful youth was in full force.
But what does it really mean when you say you’re in? What do you have to do? Three and a half years have passed since the formation of STEPS and just a short year since that night. Hundreds more are now members of STEPS, volunteers and most importantly, building assets in our youth – from businesses, to clergy, schools, media and more. To be “in” is simple! Here are just a few easy ways to get involved:
1) COMMUNITY: Join us on March 7th at the Aqua Turf for the STEPS Community Forum at 7pm. The second round of survey results will be revealed as well as a call to action. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. RSVP to forumSTEPS@gmail.com today! Dr. Erardi will give his closing statements on being "in" this year -- with a twist!
2) PARENTS:Join the parent committee! Plan family dinners and game nights. Spend time together. Negotiate family rules and consequences. Get to know your children’s friends, and the parents of their friends. Talk about your values and priorities to kids.
3) YOUTH:If you are interested in getting involved, sign up for one of our exciting, engaging youth committees – COMETS stands for Community Service and Events Team and MAPS stands for Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations e-mail southingtonSTEPS@gmail.com for more information. We are also looking for anyone to help us scrapbook our newspaper article clippings and pictures – crafts are supplied!
4) THE SIMPLEST WAY TO BE “IN” IS TO HELP BUILD ASSETS --- IT’S EASY TO DO AND ANYONE CAN DO IT!
a. Smile and say hello to a kid -- by name if you can. Get to know our youth customers. Smile at a kid on the walking trail. Hold the door. Ask a child what they want to be when they grow up. Encourage a kid to do their best. Set the example.
b. Check our monthly newsletter for an ASSET BUILING CHALLENGE [ABC] coupon.
c. Visit our website at southingtonSTEPS.org/resources for more ways to build assets!
d. Spread the word about STEPS and pass along the 40 Developmental Assets to your friends and family.
As a community, we can prevent risky-behaviors in our youth and promote positive, healthy and successful traits in kids --- it’s easy and simple to do.
So, we’re in. Are you?