Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Barack Obama: It’s about time we have a president with a heart.



When Parade Magazine asked Barack Obama to get personal and tell them what he wants for his children, he shared this touching his letter:

Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you’ve both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn’t have let you have. But I also know that it hasn’t always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn’t make up for all the time we’ve been apart. I know how much I’ve missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about how I’d make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn’t seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn’t count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that’s why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential—schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college—even if their parents aren’t rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you’ll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country—but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free—that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.

That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.

She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better—and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It’s a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.

I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you’ve had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much—although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you—to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That’s why I’ve taken our family on this great adventure.

I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

Love, Dad





It’s about time we have a president with a heart.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

The Institute for Responsible Citizenship

I4RC Scholars
The Institute for Responsible Citizenship is currently accepting applications for its summer programs in Washington, DC and New York City .
Washington Program
The Institute for Responsible Citizenship is currently accepting applications for its summer leadership program in Washington , DC . The Institute provides America 's best and brightest African American male college students with unparalleled networking opportunities, leadership development, and lifelong mentorship.
Through the focused and intimate structure of our program, the Institute equips these young men with the tools required for successful careers in business, education, journalism, law, government, the sciences, public policy, ministry, medicine, public service, and the arts.

Program Highlights
· Meet with influential leaders such as General Colin Powell, Congressman John Lewis, Justice Clarence Thomas, and Dr. Sheila C. Johnson;
· Take rigorous academic courses on constitutional and economic principles;
· Participate in roundtable discussions, including seminars on career development;
· Work at high level internships around Washington , DC ;
· Enjoy a host of social activities that help them to build strong bonds with each other.

Program Details

· The 2009 program will run from Saturday, June 6 to Saturday, August 1.
· Students must commit to two summers.
· Tuition and housing are paid for by the Institute.
· Students will be placed at paid internships based on their career interest (a stipend of $3000 will be provided for those placed at unpaid internships).

You should be a sophomore to apply. Although the Institute does not have a GPA requirement, students interested in applying should have a strong academic records. An applicant's GPA is not the only criterion that is considered during the admissions process. Other achievements such as campus involvement, honors and awards earned, athletics, and volunteer work are looked upon favorably.

KPMG Summer Scholars Program


The Institute for Responsible Citizenship is excited to announce a new program in conjunction with KPMG, one of the foremost accounting firms in the country. This year, KPMG was ranked among the top 100 companies to work for by Fortune Magazine, and ranked 37th among large size companies.

More information about KPMG can be found at http://www.kpmgcareers.com. Twelve black male college sophomores will be selected to take part in this year's program. The program runs from the first Sunday in June until the last Saturday in July.
Students selected for this opportunity will spend the summer in New York City and work at the company's headquarters for eight weeks. The twelve young men will live together in housing provided for program participants. Students will be placed in the departments of Audit, Tax, or Advisory Services and be paired with a high level executive to work with for the summer. Exemplary performance will be rewarded with an invitation to return for a second summer and possibly result in fulltime employment following graduation.
Other program highlights
· Salary of $21 per hour (2007 rate), while working full time
· Laptop provided for duration of program
· Possible international travel
· Seminar series for academic credit
· Students majoring in Accounting with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better should send their applications in for the Financial Services Program.
The application deadlines for both programs are:

Early Decision - November 7th
Regular Decision - January 15th

For more information, go here: http://www.i4rc.org/announcement.htm.
Inquiries should be directed to info@i4rc.org or (202) 6592831. Those considering applying are highly encouraged to review the website in detail and contact our office with any questions before submitting an application.
The application can be found here.