DERRICK BROOKS CHARITIES YOUTH AUXILIARY RITES OF PASSAGE PROGRAM

The Rites of Passage Program (ROPP) is designed for girls ages 7-18. The program focus is to teach young girls through eight monthly four hour educational workshops that emphasize self discipline, self awareness, character building, ancestral history, community service, cultural diversity, goal setting, etiquette, personal hygiene, and high education. The ROPP begins in October and ends in May.

The Auxiliary

Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Auxiliary supports the Rites of Passage Program by helping raise funds through ticket sales from the Ebony Fashion Fair Fashion Show that will be hosted by and benefiting Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Auxiliary's ROPP. The auxiliary members also spend their time volunteering in the ROPP and with the Miss Tampa Bay Youth Pageant.

Mentors and Volunteers

All mentors and volunteers must go through a mentor training session before they can become a mentor or volunteer in the ROPP. The training consist of the following topics:

• qualities of a successful mentor,
• what a mentor is,
• what a mentor is not,
• tasks of a mentor, and
• what a mentee looks for in a mentor.

Vision Statement

The vision statement for Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Auxiliary's Rites of Passage Program is to empower and encourage young girls with morals and values that will last a lifetime; while building character that will enable them to transition into successful women.

Miss Tampa Bay Youth Pageant

On April 22, 2007, Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Auxiliary's Rites of Passage Program held the 1st Annual Miss Tampa Bay Youth Pageant. The pageant consisted of three divisions: Little Miss Tampa Bay Youth, Miss Junior Tampa Bay Youth, and Miss Tampa Bay Youth. The Miss Tampa Bay Youth Pageant gives young girls a platform which will allow them to build confidence, self esteem, interviewing skills, and display their individual talents. A $500 scholarship is awarded to the winner of the Miss Tampa Bay Youth Division, along with other prizes.

Program Outline

The ROPP begins its eight month sessions starting in October and ending in May. All participants have certain requirements and guidelines that must be followed.

Guidelines

• Arrive for sessions on time.
• Be prepared with all given materials.
• Provide a monthly school progress report.
• Work toward a GPA of 2.5 or better.
• No profanity
• Show respect and consideration for peers and adults.
• Listen attentively and follow instructions.
• Maintain control of voice and actions at all times
• Exhibit a positive attitude toward learning and others.
• No personal belongings (i.e., ipods, cell phones, beauty items, gum, or candy).
• Contact the program coordinator when unable to attend monthly sessions.

Requirements

• Develop a portfolio during the passage period.
• Develop an appreciation for reading and acquiring knowledge.
• Explore educational opportunities, including higher education.
• Develop an awareness of understanding and self.
• Develop leadership skills.
• Participate in a community service project.
• Volunteer services to the neighborhood and community
• Memorize ROPP Pledge and Oath.

Back to Programs