The incongruity of it is stunning.  Michelle Rhee, a young professional, apolitical, courageous, with a passion and a commitment to kids, turned around the failing DC school system.  In the 40 years prior to her arrival 60,000 students had gone through the education system, 40,000 did not graduate.  The Mayor she served was not reelected, and Ms. Rhee was replaced by the incoming Mayor.  Why do we allow politicians to upset the applecart like that?  The waste of talent and money in government is staggering.  But you knew that, didn’t you?      

Following her departure from the DC school system Michelle started an organization called StudentsFirst the purpose of which is to advocate for students.  She spends a lot of time speaking to and educating legislators.  One day she spoke to a legislator in a Midwest state.  He told Michelle that he agreed with her position on education and would probably vote to support her initiatives; however, he was elected by his constituency to do certain things, and his constituency would not be in full support of Michelle’s initiatives.  Michelle understood the politics of it, she said to the legislator.  But, she continued, the adults you represent have money to support your candidacy, they vote for your election, they lobby you, the picket against you, they have interests different from the interests, and needs, of the children.  The children have no money, they cannot vote, they don’t lobby or picket.  They have no power by themselves.  If you choose to face the voters and support their interests you automatically turn your back on the powerless children.

At Outfluence, LLC we believe that the most important skill youngsters need is the ability to communicate.  They will eventually have to speak for themselves.   70% of communication is conducted silently, and that’s where we focus our efforts with children.  A great place to start the learning is with our booklet titled ROCOMM, available at http://bit.ly/oShuSl.  Your teenager will find answers to the questions: Will you be able to communicate face-to-face in the real world when it counts . . . when you are in front of a prospective employer, for example? Will you appreciate the nuances of communication, such as silent communication? Will you know how to strategically, yet sincerely, communicate silently with your peers as you grow and mature?  ROCOMM is designed to be a fun family learning tool. 

Most importantly in these difficult times, if the high school or college graduate in your family is about to begin interviewing for a job, don’t let him or her leave the house without first reviewing Outfluence for Job Seekers.