About PRIDE

Tuesday, 19 May 2009 15:15

About PRIDE ^Featured

Written by Ma'o

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Photo by Alex Pletcher

MISSION STATEMENT:
Ma'o Tosi's Alaska PRIDE program provides a positive environment for youth after school. AK PRIDE emphasizes the importance of education and success after high school. We work to keep kids safe and engaged, fostering optimism and a sense of opportunity through providing caring adult relationships in safe and fun environments and through facilitating educational enhancement and developmental activities, referral to youth services, support services and resources to youth in need.

WHAT WE DO:
We use music, art, dance, and athletics as an incentive tool, recognizing Alaska’s talented youth and young adults by creating opportunities to be recognized for these diverse talents. All while using these incentives to teach and develop positive life, social and employability skills.

The AK PRIDE Solution at work!
1. "Catch them young!"

AK PRIDE targets middle school aged youth, "We believe it is easier to work with youth at a younger age and build a positive consistent relationship with youth as they continue to grow and succeed, thus increasing their chances of being successful.”

Mountain View PRIDE After-school Program (Every Wednesday & Friday 3 - 5pm)
AK PRIDE has partnered with the Mountain View Library to offer after-school programs during the 2010/11 school year. This program is free to all students, all participants are required to provide regular academic progress reports and community service during their participation.
- Poly Club
- Hip-Hop Club
- Video Game Club

2. "The Movement"

The Movement is a youth-driven project which allows AK PRIDE Teen Leaders the opportunity to be recognized for their many talents. Many of Alaska PRIDE teens are experienced in music, art, dance, video production, music production and much more. Our goal is to provide support behind the many talented teens and to reach out to many more around Alaska to recognize their talents and potential impact on their community.

3. Cultural Eduation Program (coming soon!)

AK PRIDE will partner with other credible organizations to offer high quality, free cultural workshops for our youth. For example, AK PRIDE is working on a partnership with the Polynesian Cultural Organization “Hula Hui Nauhamana O’ Alaska” to offer free cultural dance/music workshops to our youth.

4. Athletic Support Services (coming in 2011)

AK PRIDE is working on a partnership with Alaska’s most winningest coach, Coach Chuck White. Coach White will connect AK PRIDE student’s athletes to college coaches around the country to further their athletics and education.

Last modified on Friday, 10 June 2011 12:11

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7 comments

Comment Link Thursday, 16 June 2011 05:01 posted by Jeanette Parker
Hi Ma'o;
Congratulations! We've never met. I saw you on the today show and was moved to write to you. I am a retired program developer. I live in Virginia. I like your program and wanted to know if you could use my services. I am a grant writer who simply wants to keep her skills fresh. E-mail me if you would like to work with me.

Sincerely,

J. Parker
Comment Link Tuesday, 14 June 2011 14:35 posted by Dawn Macon
Ma'o, when I met you at a community event several years ago and, learned of AK Pride, then in it's early stage, your loving spirit and ideas for the youth was so inspiring that I wanted to do whatever I could to support the program. While that day came & went, this re-introduction of AKPride ,is a "Wow". I am so happy for all of you.
What a wonderful example you & your team are to "have little", yet 1) Follow your Vision 2)Use your Time and Talent to Empower and Teach others 3) DO the Footwork over and over again, and 4) while assuredly there have been seemingly impossible times to get through, you obvously, Persevered, no matter what. THANK YOU for this inspiration to All, and Congratulations.
Comment Link Monday, 13 June 2011 17:44 posted by Steve Kramer
Just wanted to show my appreciation to Ma'o and everyone that has worked hard back him up with his vision.
Totally Awesome
Comment Link Monday, 13 June 2011 09:23 posted by Ann
Ma'o - I was watching the Today Show this morning and you are so very deserving of everything that was donated to your organization and your kids - yeah!
However, one part of your personal story caught my eye - you were an Idaho Vandal!! I didn't realize that and am going to post your story on my personal Facebook page so that all of my Idaho Vandal family & friends can read about you!
Here's to a fantastic summer & Go Vandals!
Ann B.
Boise, Idaho
Comment Link Monday, 13 June 2011 09:12 posted by Bob Coghill
I was great getting to know "your" kids when I lived in Anchorage 3 years ago. I am so pleased that you received national recognition today (pun intended).
Comment Link Monday, 13 June 2011 08:08 posted by Jennie
How very wonderful you are and what a different you will make in the lives of children. When my son went into the sixth grade the music teacher said there were "too many drummers" so, many children were cut as not being good enough. He could no longer be in the band at school, and subsequently stop playing music he loved. I said, "why don't you debelop a drum corp instead of taking something positive from their lives. The message was various, but among them, "you are not good enough". Thank you for giving back.
Comment Link Monday, 13 June 2011 06:37 posted by Kallee Hone Valentine
Great to see you on TV today. Congratulations on starting a successful organization for a good cause.