If You Want to Meet Tomorrow's Leaders, Look to FUPTP

Families United to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (FUPTP) celebrated its 13th successful year this summer. Serving approximately 200 youth, FUPTP was held at 38th Street School and Westside Academy II. The purpose of FUPTP is to reduce the teen pregnancy rate through abstinence. Through our life-options curriculum, we teach youth the positive aspects of remaining abstinent from sexual activity, gang activities, drugs and alcohol.

For eight weeks, mentees learned about self-esteem, values, goal setting, communication and social skills, male/female relationships and reproductive anatomy, and sexually transmitted diseases. Mentees were able to put their newfound knowledge to use through hands-on experiences, which include job shadowing, visiting colleges and fine dining at three local restaurants.

When mentees set goals and examine their values, they give some thought to what careers are available to them. Through job shadowing, mentees visit different businesses and discuss various careers. During a visit, mentees are given the opportunity to learn about a job, the education needed for that job, what employers look for in employees, how to interview for a position and ask any questions they may have. They also explain to the employee what FUPTP is, why it is an important program for youth, and what it means to them. Employees enjoy this experience and are happy to share their knowledge with the youth. "The students really understand FUPTP and answered our questions about the program. They were enthusiastic, energetic and willing to learn. We all enjoyed it very much and are looking forward to next year," commented an employee who participated in job shadowing.

In addition to job shadowing, the older mentees toured colleges. This experience allowed them to see area campuses, talk with admission counselors, and begin to think about higher education. James and David were two mentees who attended Westside Academy. They toured Marquette University and Carroll College, and were glad they did. "We learned about the cost of tuition and the majors they offered," said James. David replied, "I didn't think it [the campus] would be like home and my neighborhood. There are stores, rooms, kitchens, a pool, and basketball courts. It seems like it could be fun." James and David were not the only two who learned a lot from their visit. An admissions counselor stated that the youth were interested in many aspects of college life including "scholarships, programs available, percentage of minority students, entrance requirements and the cost of tuition."

In practicing their social skills, approximately 75 mentees were able to dine at one of three area restaurants. This component is something everyone looks forward to each summer. "We got to eat at places in FUPTP that I never go to. I eat at fast food and pizza places but never go anywhere else," explained a mentee. Mentees put on their best clothes, are on their best behavior and thoroughly enjoy their lunches. This experience also gives youth the opportunity to try new foods, new environments, and to understand the cost of dining out.

Working at the curriculum all summer pays off, especially during the last week. Mentees, mentors and staff had the opportunity to showcase their talents. Participants created and performed skits, raps, songs and dances that highlighted what they learned over the previous eight weeks. Though their performance, mentees were able to discover gifts they never knew they had.

TALENT SHOW
Mentees worked on talent show numbers in the same small groups they had been in throughout the program. Mentees had pride in their groups, both because of the talents they displayed and the ideals they represented. "I was proud of my group. . . proud that all the other mentees were watching," commented Willie, age 10.

Talent show acts ranged from group skits to solo song and dance acts. One humorous skit about social skills was presented in a talk show format where couples talked about their first dates. One couple modeled good social skills: they went on a picnic in the park and had a pleasant conversation. The second couple illustrated how things could go wrong if people do not practice good social skills. On this date set in a restaurant, the young man was rude to his date, took food from other people's plates and left his date to pay for the bill after he snuck out the back door. The 10-11 year old mentees from this group told the audience that although they are too young to date, it is something they look forward to in the future and they want to have the right social skills when the time comes.

In addition to the regular groups, specialty groups participated in the talent show. Throughout the summer, these groups focused on one skill or talent area such as drama, art or music. One group was responsible for creating the stage set, and another wrote a rap about the FUPTP program. One group, Phenomenal Women, was composed of female mentees 12 years of age and older. These young women met on a regular basis during the summer to discuss issues that mattered to them. During the talent show, they performed songs, a step routine and an interpretation of the Maya Angelou poem, "Phenomenal Woman."

The talent show was a success not only because of the amazing talents, but also because of the environment of support and pride that surrounded the performers. The mentees in the audience cheered for those on stage, shouting encouragement to anyone who forgot their line. One mentee said, "I was so shy, so when I got off the stage I cried. The only thing that gave me the courage to go up there was because I wasn't the only one."

Through displaying their talents, FUPTP mentees were able to enjoy the gifts of others while noticing growth in themselves. The talent shows were definitely a great way for the mentees to see just how far they had come personally in building self-esteem and confidence, at the same time giving them a chance to demonstrate FUPTP pride.

FUPTP participants also got to demonstrate their pride on Friday, August 6th when they held their first rally at Cathedral Square. This celebration included guest speakers, a picnic and a live band. Mentees, mentors and staff from both sites gathered together to inform the community of the values FUPTP represents.

RALLY
The mentees kicked off the event by reciting the FUPTP pledge and launched into a series of positive raps about their values, goals and beliefs. Looking out into the sea of matching T-shirts and listening to the words they were saying, it was easy to see that the FUPTP members are proud of their program, proud of their values, and proud of themselves.

Eugene Kane, Metro Columnist for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, was the first to speak to the group. He had a simple but important message for the mentees. "I know that today is your special day, and that you're proud of yourselves. I'm proud of you. Just remember, it doesn't stop here." He told the group that they will have to work hard for the rest of their lives to keep the same values they have established at this young age. He challenged them to think beyond the rally and look to the future, where their true test of character will occur.

Andrea Williams, News Director and morning co-host for V-100 FM, talked to the group about the difficulty of sticking to your values in the world today. She pointed out that the influence of the media often makes it difficult for young people to resist peer pressure. She talked about specific songs and music videos familiar to the group and told them how being exposed to these things on a regular basis often makes it hard to do the right thing. She encouraged the youth to resist outside pressures and influences and instead to remain loyal to the values they were celebrating at the rally.

Rollen Perry, the Assistant to the Mayor, also had a few words to say to the group. He told FUPTP that the Mayor is happy they are part of his city and that he supports their goals and values. Dr. Seth Foldy, the City of Milwaukee Health Commissioner, was the final guest speaker. He also discussed the pressures of the media and society have on youth . He focused on the dangers of smoking and negative peer pressure, and explained the benefits of eating well and the importance of education.

After the speakers, the group was treated to a speech by mentee Diante. He explained to the group that FUPTP has "given me guidance to make the right choices as a young adult. My self-esteem and confidence has risen and I have gained good communication skills." He also thanked the staff and mentors for "believing in me and the other kids."

The FUPTP rally was a wonderful opportunity for the 1999 FUPTP participants to gather and celebrate their program as they learned from their speakers and enjoyed their day.

The FUPTP staff is now preparing for the school based programs. We would like to thank the staff and mentors for all of their hard work and dedication to the program. It is truly their uniqueness that makes FUPTP successful.