LetUP Mission Statement
To represent the diversity of cultural, racial, and special interest groups on a school campus by bringing together natural student leaders within those groups in order to keep peace on campus through mutual respect and the empowerment and development of positive leadership qualities.
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A Natural Student Leader is one who has an innate ability to influence their peers. S/he may be a positive leader influencing toward good, a negative leader influencing toward trouble, or a neutral leader who has potential to influence but remains aloof and inactive. Natural Leaders are discovered by observing their interactions and body language within a peer group setting. When a Natural Leader speaks, others listen; when s/he moves, others follow. They are a central figure within the group and may speak for the group and set the tone of the group. Natural Leaders are decision makers; unafraid to confront, try new challenges and set new trends. Natural Leaders break the stereotype. They are individuals of all shapes, sizes, skin colors, dress styles, academic abilities, and behavioral standards. They may lead quietly or overtly; but when necessity calls, a Natural Leader stands out in words and action. Empowering Regardless of a Natural Student Leader's current level of influence (positive, negative, or neutral), s/he must be empowered toward positive leadership. The core philosophy of LetUP is that all people have an innate desire to succeed, to be challenged, to be appreciated, to be believed in, and to be guided and disciplined toward success - regardless of past or present behavioral and circumstantial indicators that appear contrary to this philosophy. When a person is acknowledged for their desire to succeed, appreciated for their effort, believed in for their potential, challenged to admit mistakes and accept consequences, and guided amidst their set-backs, they are empowered to succeed. Empowerment can change discouragement to encouragement, rebellion to cooperation, and inactivity to action. When Natural Leaders are empowered toward positive leadership on a strong foundation of trust and respect, it has a powerful ripple effect on others and can change the entire atmosphere of a school campus. It is change initiated from within, rather than change forced upon from without. It is a change that has lasting effect. Teens The focus of positive leadership development and positive peer influence is on teenagers within the school setting. The teenage transition to adulthood is a critical time because, while adolescents are capable of and desire to make independent adult-like decisions, they still need and desire guidance and nurturing. They are the next adult generation who are still moldable and impressionable as youths, and it is within the educational institution of school that teenagers are greatly influenced by either their adherence to or rebellion against adult authority and social / educational expectations. When teens are empowered toward positive change, they become positive, effective adults. United Unity within diversity is a core philosophy that requires deliberate practice. LetUP members should represent the diversity of the campus according to their social group of choice. These social groups are usually characterized by similarities and interests which can include skin color, language, and neighborhood affiliations such as gang, church or organization; involvement in school athletics, fine arts and clubs; and choice of clothing, hair style and music. Diversity of LetUP is maintained by finding natural leaders from within these social groups by scanning the campus during break times to ascertain where particular groups congregate and what cultural or special interest is represented by the group. Unity within this diversity is developed and maintained through a focus on human similarities of needs for trust, respect, success, care and appreciation; rather than a focus on cultural differences. For Peace When diverse students focus on their similarities while maintaining respect for their differences, the outcome is a sense of peace, safety, and freedom to focus on educational and personal success rather than social status. Peace is maintained by a proactive, responsive, and thorough education and intervention attitude toward conflict by the LetUP coordinator. Potential conflicts between individuals or campus groups are addressed in their earliest stages. Unforeseeable conflicts are mediated and monitored to ensure reconciliation. The empowerment of natural leaders toward positive decisions is critical in this peace process. Not only do the teen leaders and their peers benefit, but the atmosphere of the entire campus can be changed from an "us against you" mentality of animosity and rebellion to a "we" mentality of peace and unity, both among students and between students and adults. |
Windy W. Warren, Ph.D. | warren@letup.org
LetUP, CLC Founder/Coordinator
Office: (310) 547-2491 x230 | Cell: (310) 612-3414
San Pedro High School
1001 15th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731
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