We are coming up on an important anniversary in our country's history--not a particularly shining moment, but one that should be reflected on nonetheless. Nearly 20 years ago there were horrific riots in Los Angeles, California.
A Wisconsin transplant, Paula Phillips, found herself right in the middle of a dangerous crisis in her adopted city. While experiencing first-hand the danger--she was threatened by a young teenage boy during the unrest-- Phillips was struck with "what could she do?" to right the wrongs for so many children who were enmeshed in this drama.
Righting the Wrongs
Rather than fleeing, Phillips was determined to make things better and from that the "Right Road Kids" program was born. The grass-roots, non-profit was started to empower children and teach them self-worth, life skills and let them know, in the simplest terms, that "they matter." Since its birth, the program has taken on a national, global and award-winning approach to reach out to kids and "uplift them and those who impact their lives."
Related: 8 Secrets for Raising "Can Do" Kids
Seeing the Results Over Time
Phillips has seen the results over the last 19+ years. "After nearly 20 years of seeing countless kids' eyes, hearts and lives literally light up through the Right Road programs, my heart is so filled with utter joy to know that even more children will be uplifted through the new Right Road DVD and other support materials. And we've only just begun!
We are on an absolute mission to uplift the self-esteem, character, and life's enrichment of our nation's, of our world's children! I think back to that moment when the boy threatened me during the LA Riots and it never ceases to amaze me what teamwork and caring hearts coming together to take positive action can accomplish - on the Right Road!"
Life Long Mission
For Phillips, it's a life long mission. She's traveled across the country to train educators and students alike with materials like "Cool Right Road Rules," tools which she hopes can lay the groundwork for positive, pay-it-forward adults. And for her efforts, the results have been extremely positive. The testimonials on the Right Road website from parents, kids and teachers are a true testament to her constant work.
Phillips continues to tour around the country educating school-children and their teachers on the value of building up our kids rather than tearing them down and from where I stand, her job is a life-long and worthy commitment. It may sound simple but the phrases, "Use your specialness to make the world a better place" and "Treat others how you would like to be treated" are the mantras by which her program runs by and from my perspective are also ones to live by.
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Tara Weng is the national editor of parenting and health for GalTime. She is also a freelance media consultant with a focus on medical and consumer topics. Her professional experience includes a stint as a medical/features producer at the NBC affiliate in Boston, MA and a media relations position at a top teaching hospital in Boston. Tara has also done public relations consulting work and has written for several online and print media outlets. She is a wife and a mother to two children (who are fantastic) and an enthusiastic student of new things that present themselves every day.
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