Positive youth development changes lives.
Our communities don’t need… | Rod Love (original) (raw)
Rod Love’s Post
CEO at CSG Tech Solutions ★ President, Florida Economic Consortium (Not-For-Profit) ★ Former Orange County Commissioner ★ Legislative Government Affairs Consultant ★ Radio Host
4mo
Positive youth development changes lives. Our communities don’t need another program; they need real change. At the Florida Economic Consortium (FEC), we’re not just building programs; we’re building futures. Our focus? Giving youth the tools to succeed, not just survive. Because real change starts with empowered youth. Youth who feel seen, valued, and capable of shaping their future. Here’s how we built FEC’s four-step approach for safer communities: 1. Partnering with Trusted Community Organizations We know that trust is built locally. So we partnered with groups like Toussaint Boxing Gym and PowerTeens. These are organizations that know the daily struggles of our youth. They know what works and, just as importantly, what doesn’t. By working together, we offer a safe space, mentorship, and stability. These partners bring real-world experience and credibility to the table. They give youth a sense of belonging and respect that goes beyond programs. It’s not about telling them what to do. It’s about guiding them from where they are to where they can go. 2. Structured, Purpose-Driven Mentorship Programs Too many youth are left without direction or guidance. At FEC, we believe mentorship isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. Every young person in our programs is matched with a mentor. But not just any mentor—a role model with life experience and integrity. Our mentors don’t just give advice; they walk alongside each young person. They provide the real-world insights that youth crave. They show them a path forward, one choice at a time. Mentorship like this creates a foundation of trust. It’s about more than words—it’s action, consistency, and commitment. 3. Skills That Go Beyond Textbooks Empowering youth means preparing them for life. That’s why we go beyond academics to focus on real-life skills. Through activities like boxing and financial literacy workshops, We’re teaching skills that will actually matter tomorrow. We focus on skills that are transferable and enduring. Skills they can carry with them through all of life’s challenges. 4. Tracking, Measuring, and Improving Outcomes Programs that don’t track results risk becoming empty promises. At FEC, we don’t assume our approach works—we verify it. Our Contract Performance Analysis System (CPAS) tracks each program’s impact. This isn’t just data; it’s a map of each young person’s journey. We track everything from engagement levels to skills learned. Monthly and quarterly reports keep us accountable. If something isn’t working, we adjust it. If a program succeeds, we scale it up. This data-driven approach ensures continuous improvement. It’s how we turn purpose into performance—and performance into impact. Why does this matter? Because each youth we reach today becomes tomorrow’s leader. When they thrive, their families, schools, and communities thrive, too. Learn more about FEC's commitment to making a difference. Link in the comments!
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