"Right thinking begins with the words we say to ourselves."
James Allen, As A Man Thinketh
In this environment of political correctness, we are often discouraged from saying what would make the most sense and are encouraged to speak in this cryptic language. You here these terms all of the time. They may refer to an area that has a lack of resources, a densely populated area, or my least favorite, a term applied to groups of people who are outnumbered by another part of the population in a country that makes up less than 5 percent of the world’s population. That word… MINORITY. On the surface it does not seem too bad, right? I mean, I do not hear people saying “What’s up, Mi- nority†but does this categorizing and other terms like it do much in the way of empowering people? Let’s look at the root word “minor†and see it for what it really is and what it implies in context. He suffered a “minor†injury. It was a “minor†incident. The definition makes it very clear, “lesser in importance, seriousness, or significance.†So would you still label someone, or a group of people a minority? The term reeks of inferiority, insignificance and is grossly inaccurate. For something to be minor, something else must be major. If you still think you are a minority? Minor compared to what? What if you were to look at the world’s population? I say this to say we must choose our words carefully, and not subconsciously devalue ourselves. Our language should be affirming and edifying for all people. A quick glance at the news shows that we have a problem with how we value each other and for many of us how we think of ourselves. I know we all want change, and we want it yesterday, but that change begins in our mind.
Yours in Service,
Ranon Maddox
President, Greater Sacramento Urban League Young Professionals
It's about to go down....
Join us next Wednesday at River City Brewing Company!
Come see what we have planned for the rest of 2014!
Everyone is welcome!
We've switched over to Google Groups!
Please make sure that you have opted in.
We have moved everyone over from our Yahoo group in order to streamline communication this year! We will still be sending out our Newsletter via MailChimp so make sure it isn't going to your SPAM folder, but for all other correspondence we will use the Google Group!
Please email: GSULYoungProfessionals@Gmail.com to be added to the group!
Civic Engagement Committee Updates
The Civic Engagement meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel near the entrance at the corner of 13th Street and J Street downtown. The meetings are held from 6:30 - 8:00pm. The dates for the remaining meetings in 2014 are:
· September 3
· October 1
· November 5
· December 3
We are currently planning our participation in the voter engagement initiative "Let my people Vote" and our Reading Day Program to promote literacy and a love of reading among students in grades 1 and 2. For Reading Day 2014-2015 we are partnering with Fairbanks Elementary school to host events once per month on Friday mornings.
10 Year Anniversary Planning Committee Conference Call
This event, cohosted by Black Youth Leadership Project (BYLP) & Voice of the Youth (VOY), in collaboration with the Greater Sacramento Urban League, will provide an opportunity for the community and law enforcement to engage in an open dialogue about the events that have occurred in Ferguson, Missouri and their impact on youth in California. Our goal is to provide an open forum to discuss practical solutions that will improve the community’s relationship with law enforcement and improve accountability, transparency and trust.
Registration is now open!
Runyon Saltzman & Einhorn
is hiring 2 Account Assistants – one for Social Marketing and one for PR, and a Media Assistant.
