For the 9th year in a row with different locations to assemble, the TAD (The American Dream) Congress met at the Zephyrhills City Hall, Zephyrhills, Florida, on June 16, 2010, with a full agenda focusing on the ongoing concerns of "situational poverty" and "generational poverty" as impacted by the national, state, county, and city community relations and relationships. As one speaker indicated that "America is still the "land of opportunity," and "America is the envy of the world." In addition, the ideas of this same speaker indiciated that "our war on poverty has wasted trillions of dollars over the last 50 years on a maledy that has become a disastrous failure." Why not try something else? For many who have for decades faced "generational poverty" found there was "no way out." Most U.S poverty is "self-inflicted" with poor choices and "self-destructive behaviors." One recipe for breaking the cycle of extreme poverty is to encourage the y0uth to finish high school, get married before having children, and get involved with the job market and stay there. Who controls the poverty cycle.....YOU DO! The inspiring speaker concluded that each Achievement Ladder Enthusiast needs to "raise their expectations" and to be encouraged, to find hope, and to receive inspiration from those who have been successful in climbing out of the plague of "generational poverty" and "situational poverty." Hope can make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of those around us as we climb the Ladder of Achievement in saying, We Did it with a Hand Up rather than with a Hand Out.
Various not-for-profit and governmental agencies were represented including a local Rotary Chapter; a faith-based pastoral leaders with "Food for Tots," "The Samaritan Project," "Operation Unwrap A Smile," and the Salvation Army. Also, representatives from the Day-Star Hope Center of Pasco, the Boys Scouts of America, and Explorers Troup connected to the Zephyrhills Police Department, and the Farmworkers' Self-Help Program for Migrant Workers shared their ideas and programs to assist those in need in the East Pasco County area with a networking, partnering, and a collaborating effort by all the Achievement Ladder Enthusiastic Leaders. The Mayor of Zephyrhills and the City Manager of Zephyrhills welcomed the participants to the 9th TAD Congress and were the most gracious hosts. A Florida State Representative emphasized the working relationships of the public and private sectors especially in the area of improving the quality of education and of having a networking, partnership, and collaborating emphasis in order to focus on our future Achievement Ladder Enthusiastic leaders, the youth as they break the stigma of extreme poverty. If our freedoms are allowed to function as supported by the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution as originally intended, the Land of Opportunity for all persons, for all Achievement Ladder Enthusiastic American Citizens will encourage the "entrepreneurial capitalism" rather than the "stifling" agendas fostered by bureacratic, governmental hidden agendas.
Congratulations to the Toys for Tots Chairman and the TAD Congress Chairperson, Bob Loring, who was the Master of Ceremonies for all of the public and private sectors representatives represented at the 9th TAD Congress. Bob is often entitled, "The Achievement Ladder Networker for Pro-active and Positive philosophy in serving his Country with Pride. In addition, may the 10th TAD Congress in 2011 under Bob's most capable leadership be even more effective and proactive in bringing together leaders who really care about their communities and their influences in the community. People do not care how much you know but how much you care for your community and your service to the community. IN GOD WE TRUST! "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men and women are created equal and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights and that among these are LIFE, LIBERTY, and THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS...THE AMERICAN DREAM..."
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At the TAD Congress, a representative from the United Way shared the effective use of the 211 call system that is designed to help those in desperate need of food, shelter, and utility assistance while they are trying to get back on their feet. Also, the Projects of Pasco, INc. who provide and coordinate school supplies and back packs for K through 12 with an emphasis on dignity and pride rather than on being "singled out" in a classroom settng when supplies are offered to those in dire need. Giving respect to another is important to all who are giving and receiving in poverty based programs. Especially delightful for providing a child with love and showing care was the "Unwrap a Smile" Operation that was given to the poorest of the poor in their community. Giving unconditional love expects no rewards or compensation in return.
The TAD Congress was awesome and needs a larger platform. There are so many organizations that could be more effective if we network together and not try to win the war on poverty "alone". I commend Bob Loring because he saw what Operation Unwrap A Smile does and partnered with us. We work hard for Toys For Tots and Projects of Pasco because we believe in ending posverty with children...ALL children. Bob has been a real trooper and does not "hoard" his gifts and talents. I am proud to be a partner with Bob Loring!
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