Friday, March 11, 2011
Mission and Script for Academy of da Corner
The Academy of da Corner is a multi-purpose project, embracing literacy, literature, mental health, including grief and trauma counseling; a micro loan bank, and essentially a free speech and sacred space zone. We are all student/teachers. Anyone of us can be simultaneously teacher and student.
Usually we are the teacher, but most often we simply listen, letting people vent who otherwise have no one to talk with. We are their ears, their mirror, so we must be humble, kind and gracious as much as possible, though we will be tried on occasion. But as per the mentally ill, they most especially need a kind word, a smile, and we have made their day. The poor may need a quarter or a dollar for a hamburger. This is not asking too much, is it?
We must be security minded at all times as my life has been threatened several times, but it must be crystal clear we are at Academy of da Corner to educate, assist and help heal the people, not kill the people or beat them down. Thus we must de-escalate any negative encounter. A person may accept a leaflet but throw in down in our face, so let it go. We don't know what state of mind the person may be in, for sure, many are mentally ill (severe, moderate, mild), and more then likely many persons are mind altered, weed, alcohol, Crack, meth, E pills and other. Some persons are dual diagnosed, suffering drug abuse and mental illness. Most of the time we can look the person in the eyes to determine their state of mind. Eyes are the mirror to the soul!
When we are promoting at Academy of da Corner, the following is a possible script:
Academy student/teacher: Hello, mam/sir, we are part of Academy of da Corner, right here at 14th and Broadway. Brother Marvin is our teacher. We are having a program and invite you to attend.
Person: Where at?
Academy person: At the Joyce Gordon Gallery, 406 14th Street, right down the block.
Person: Do it cost money?
Academy: No, it is free but we accept donations.
Person: Hey, 'm hungry, you got a dollar?
Academy: Maybe, let me look. (reaches in pocket to find dollar or change of any amount) Here.
Person: Thanks.
Academy: Don't forget the event on the Saturday, the 19th, 3-6 pm. Bring a friend. Have a nice day.
Person: Right on.
Academy: Hey, before you go will you sign our mailing list so we can let you know of future events? Also, you know Marvin has books and DVDs available. Have you read any of his books?
Come check them out.
Person: Yeah, I know Marvin, I done read his books. He got somethin' new?
Academy: Yeah, you know Marvin always got somethin new.
Person: Yeah, he a writin' mathafuker. Do dat boy sleep?
Academy: I think so.
Person: Let me go get a burger.
Academy: Peace.
End
Security
When persons are at the Academy with Marvin, we must be security minded, keeping ever on the alert. Do not get distracted talking with a handsome man or beautiful woman, but focus on security, checking what's going on around you, what's coming at you, and wants going on down the street. Do not get distracted on the cell phone. Do not give out your phone number, ask the person to sign the mailing list and you will get back to them or see them at the event. Smile.
--Marvin X
4/11/11
jmarvinx@yahoo.com
https://theblacklist.net/
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