The Omega Sparks Youth Organization

The Omega Sparks Youth Organization Sponsored by: Theta Alpha Chapter Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc & Theta Alpha Foundation A 501 (c) 3 Texas Organization

Omega Sparks Youth Organization Program TABLE OF CONTENTS TITLE PAGE Theta Alpha Foundation 3 Message from Program Chairman 4 Constitution / Operating Procedure 5 Potential Workshops / Training 7 Spring 2009 Sparks Outings 9 Application 14 Notes Page 15 2

THETA ALPHA FOUNDATION at a GLANCE The Theta Alpha Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization in conjunction with, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Theta Alpha Chapter is the primary sponsor of the Omega Sparks Mentoring Program. Theta Alpha Foundation and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity are dedicated to the continuation of their efforts to be at the forefront of community service, social action, and the education of our youth. Our most recent focus is on implementing programs targeted to advance literacy and help uplift our community s youth. To that end, we have been successful in instituting effective scholarship and mentoring programs that we look to both continue and expand. The Theta Alpha Foundation, a Texas non-profit corporation chartered on May 15, 1987 is a 501(c)(3) community services organization. The primary mission of the Theta Alpha Foundation is to provide educational opportunities to deserving minority and disadvantaged youth in order to foster an interest in science, mathematics, engineering and teaching as a profession. The Theta Alpha Foundation receives financial support from the contributions of our supporters and our various fund-raisers. We invite you to join us in making a difference in the lives of our area youth by participating as a sponsor of the Omega Sparks Mentoring Program. 3

P.O. Box 227083 Dallas, Texas 75222-7083 September 20, 2009 Dear Student, You have been referred to us for membership consideration in the Omega Sparks Youth Organization. The Omega Sparks Youth Organization is a mentoring program sponsored by the Theta Alpha Foundation and Theta Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for young men ages 12 18. The purpose of the Omega Sparks Program is to uplift our community s youth. Our Objective is to build a strong foundation for young men by providing purpose, direction, and motivation to the future leaders of the world. We will guide young men toward being a person of strong and honorable character. Sparks, means Scholarship People Always Rise; Keep Shooting. The organization has a number of purposes and objectives. Some of which include working with young men toward self development; assisting young men in setting and achieving high academic, moral and ethical standards; help and encourage adaptation of the principles of manhood; help encourage development of leadership skills to serve as role models and leaders; develop a desire to participate in community service and to develop skills to thrive and succeed in today s society while maintaining strong family ties. We are pleased that you are interested in joining and/or learning more about the Omega Sparks program. If you have any questions regarding the program please feel free to contact Mr. Adrian Jackson (214) 893-5908. Sincerely, The Omega Sparks Youth Organization Mr. Adrian Jackson Program Chairman Young Men of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow 4

Theta Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Omega Sparks Youth Organization CONSTITUTION I. NAME The name of the organization shall be the Omega Sparks. What Does SPARKS Mean? Scholarship People Always Rise; Keep Soaring. II. MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to uplift our community s youth from boyhood to manhood and to encourage and foster Christian principles and to reinforce family values, and to guide young men towards being a person of strong and honorable character.. III. VISION STATEMENT To inspire our Sparks to excel in life by building a strong foundation for the young men by providing purpose, direction, and motivation to the future leaders of the world. IV. PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES The purpose and objectives of the organization are: A. To work with young men toward self development. B. To guide young men toward setting and achieving high academic, moral and ethical goals to become a better citizen. C. To teach organizational and time management skills. D. To encourage and establish Christian values. E. To guide and encourage young men to adopt the principles of Manhood. F. To develop leadership skills to serve as role models and future leaders. G. To assist parents and teachers, in the development of a total work effort. H. To develop the desire to persevere in adverse situations. J. To develop an awareness of Community needs and desire to render community service. K. To develop well rounded young men with values, perception and skills to thrive and succeed in today s society and yet maintain strong ties to God, families, and communities. 5

V. MEMBERSHIP A. A member of this organization must agree to be bound by the provisions of this constitution. B. Membership shall consist of young men ages 12 through 18. Young men that are younger are only permitted if he is a Son of a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and that member agrees to be present at the meeting and work with the Sparks mentoring program. C. Member and prospective members shall have or pursue good moral standards and pursue academic excellence and have a desire to be a team player. D. All members of the Sparks Youth Organization shall be approved for a probationary period by the advisory committee. E. Members of the Theta Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. are eligible to submit names of prospective Spark s members. F. Members who fail to attend three (3) consecutive regular meeting without an acceptable excuse shall automatically be dropped from the membership. G. Acceptance into the organization will be determined by attendance, behavior and performance during a four (4) month probationary period. H. Membership status and admission will be undertaken from July 1 st of each year to August 31 st of each year. I. The previous school year report card and/or transcript of each aspiring member shall be required as part of the application for membership. J. Dues will be determined by a vote of the membership. K. Any member who conducts himself properly, is in good financial standing, and attends meeting regularly shall be eligible to hold office and chair a committee. L. Dues shall be determined annually by the membership. Members who are not financial will not participate in any activities of the organization. M. The selection of new members shall follow a probationary period and be based on the number of names submitted through the fraternity and Sparks members. Selection shall be by the advisory committee. VI. MEETINGS A. Meeting of this organization shall be on the second Sunday evening of each month during the school year. The meeting time and place shall be mutually agreed upon by the group. B. Call meetings shall be scheduled by the advisor when necessary. VII. QUORUM Twenty percent (20%) of the membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. VIII. ADVISORS The advisors shall be members of the Theta Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. At least one advisor must be in attendance at all meetings. The advisors serve as consultants on all matters pertaining to the organization s activities and to veto any action proposed by any committee, the officers and/or the organization itself that is not in accord with this Constitution or the policies of the Theta Alpha Chapter. 6

1. Community Interest 1.1. Community Service Organizations 1.2. How to hold a meeting 1.3. Higher Education 1.4. Voting, NAACP, and others 1.5. Fun Activities 1.6. Museums, Arts, Humanity Potential Workshops & Training 2. Health 2.1. Grooming 2.1.1. Body and Hair Care 2.1.2. Dental Care 2.1.3. Appropriate Dress, including neckties, and issues around sagging 2.1.4. Shoe Shine and Tennis Cleaning 2.1.5. Fitness 2.2. Sexuality 2.2.1. Intercourse, Abstinence, Media 2.2.2. Venereal Diseases, Peer pressure 2.3. Drugs 2.3.1. Legal Drugs: Alcohol, Cigarettes, etc. 2.3.2. Illegal Drugs: Marijuana, Cocaine, etc. 3. Financial 3.1. Budgeting and Spending 3.2. Saving 3.3. Investing 3.4. Tithing, Charity 4. Spirituality 4.1. Boyhood 4.2. Adolescence 4.3. Manhood 4.4. Mentor 4.5. Patriarch/Elder 5. Life Skills 5.1. Dining Etiquette 5.2. Transportation Schedules & Bookings 5.3. Public Speaking & Presentations 5.4. Resume Writing & Job Interview Skills 7

Potential Workshops & Training continued 6. College Preparation 6.1. SAT/ACT 6.2. College Applications 6.3. How to Apply for College Scholarships 6.4. Essay Writing 6.5. Financial Aid 7. Responsibility 7.1. Driving and Automobile Care 7.2. Home 7.3. Community 7.4. School 8. Domestic Violence 8.1. Recognition 8.2. Prevention 9. Conflict Resolution 10.1 Positive Attitude 10.2 Negotiation Skills 10.3 Being Flexible 10. Goal Setting 11. Respecting Women 12. Leadership 13. Others will be added as the school year progresses 8

Sparks Outing at Speedzone Sparks Community Service Lake West YMCA 9

Sparks - Attended Monster Truck Jam at Cowboy Stadium Spark attending Delta Sigma Theta Impact Day. 10

Theta Alpha Chapter Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. P.O. Box 227083 Dallas, Texas 75227 OMEGA SPARKS APPLICATION Please complete all information requested. Print (black ink) or Type. Name: Date Home Address Street City State Zip Code Cell Phone: Birthday Age Sex Current School Grade: Grade Point Average: Referred By: Is the referral by a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity? Yes / No (Circle one) Parents/Guardian: Parents/Guardian Phone # Parents/Guardian email: Student email: Emergency Contact: Emergency Phone #: Church Affiliation: Medical Disability: What are your talents/interests/hobbies? In what school/community activities do you participate? What type of career are you planning: Do you plan to attend College / University? Parents Signature: Student Signature: (A copy of your most recent School transcript or previous school year report card is required) Return this application to: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Theta Alpha Chapter P.O. Box 227083 Dallas, Texas 75222-1783 11

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