Visions for Change: A Manhood and Womanhood Program

About the Book

“Visions for Change” is a Manhood–Womanhood Program that is designed to provide additional means by which our youth can discover and utilize the methods for developing a stable philosophy of life. All of our efforts are designed to eliminate the root cause of physical and spiritual denigration. The following suggested format gives institutional structure to the program. It is suggested that a Lead Group such as a Ministerial Organization be brought in to serve along with others as a Council of Elders. With the assistance of the Council of Elders, it is recommended that the Principles listed will be integrated into the curriculum of the high school selected. The “Council of Elders” may be chosen from Ministerial Associations, civic and community organizations, pastors, men, and women, all whom must be orientated in the principles of “Visions for Change” (see outline for Council of Elders).

About the Author

Rev. Thomas Jackson Jr. was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1935. He attended the University of Chicago, DePaul, and Roosevelt Universities. He has worked as an Account Executive (retired) with Commonwealth Edison; in the ministry of the Church of God in Christ for over sixty years; community activist bringing together thousands of people of all races, colors, ages, and religions in various programs and events in an effort to unite diverse communities; has investigated economic and educational initiatives in South Africa and South Korea for the purpose of establishing better communications between entrepreneurs of those countries and the African American communities in particular. The motto selected for the twenty-first century in the church he pastors is Ubuntu: I am because we are—this is a South African concept that places the highest value on sharing, generosity, hospitality, brotherhood, empathy, equality, and humanness. It realizes the importance of the individual, but emphasizes the need for working together for the common good. It also realizes that all life is interrelated and whatever affects one person affects everyone else indirectly; a person is a person only through other human beings. A church and community prosper most when they have been blessed with spirit-filled leaders. After over thirty years of counseling troubled youths and volunteering his services to various youth and community organizations, Rev. Thomas Jackson Jr. developed the Rite of Passage program—Visions for Change: an effective plan that gets the job done. He is available for consultation on this or any other “Rite of Passage” program for our youth. Send inquiries to: Rev. Thomas Jackson Jr. 7001 S. Constance Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60649.