ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Althea Gibson Sports and Education Foundation / The Citizen Service. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.
The Althea Gibson Sports and Education Foundation (AGSEF) and The Citizen Service today announced an expansion of their partnership, providing training in Leadership and No Blame Problem Solving to athletes in tennis youth camps. Launched this Summer in East Orange, the training is expanding to Newark and Orange this Fall.
Incorporated into a 12-session educational program conducted by AGSEF, under the auspices of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Eastern Newark Tennis Alliance, the training includes a tested 10-step problem solving method in how to make a difference in their own community. Additionally, insights into the "power centers" of local government and how to identify and advance solutions to major local challenges are provided. The training is comprised of online videos, downloadable notes, and an accompanying Citizen Power manual. People who complete the training receive a certificate in "Leadership and No-Blame Problem Solving" from Rutgers University- Newark.
In the summer pilot program, 14 East Orange Park and Recreation Tennis Camp athletes completed the training and earned their certificates. Discussions during the sessions focused on identifying community issues, particularly in the areas of healthcare and education, that are barriers to success and learning how to use the step-by-step No-Blame Problem Solving method to advance evidence-based solutions. The sessions also focused on technology, staying healthy, college and workforce readiness, and literacy.
"The overwhelmingly positive response we received from the tennis youth participants and their parents persuaded us to expand this educational and training opportunity to Newark and Orange," said Michelle Curry, founder of the Althea Gibson Sports and Education Foundation, who also serves as a lead trainer and partnership developer at The Citizen Service." Going forward, we plan to bring our training to more urban tennis programs." Citing one example of the positive feedback she received, Curry noted that one father told her that his son loved the leadership part and that "he was excited to talk about what he learned when he got home."
"We are excited to partner with the Althea Gibson Sports and Education Foundation on this impactful combination of sports, education and training," said Rashawn Davis, executive director of The Citizen Service. Our goal is to provide all interested young people with the tools and training to make a positive difference in their communities, as well as practical skills that they can use to overcome challenges in all parts of their lives."
About Althea Gibson Sports and Education Foundation
Building on pioneering tennis Hall of Famer, Althea Gibson's lifelong dedication to youth, the Althea Gibson Sports and Education Foundation provides underserved young people with academic support, mentorship, career pathways, and opportunities to thrive through sports like tennis. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/AltheaGibsonCTA/.
About The Citizen Service
For almost three decades, The Citizen Service has trained thousands of people to become effective problem solvers in their communities. Its No-Blame, Pragmatic Problem-Solving methodology teaches people to identify specific community challenges, research practical solutions that have worked elsewhere, adapt them for local adoption, and work with their representatives to implement the solutions without partisan finger-pointing. This training can be made available to any interested community college, as well as directly accessed by all Americans at http://www.thecitizenservice.org
Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Newark Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.