Striving Together Equals Progress Inc. (S.T.E.P.)

Striving Together Equals Progress Inc. (S.T.E.P.) is a non-profit community based organizational effort founded in November 2000. S.T.E.P. was developed by five concerned men based in Newark and East Orange, New Jersey. The purpose of S.T.E.P., "To Raise Strong Productive Men!"

Since the inception of S.T.E.P. the founders have met weekly organizing a "Rights Of Passage" program format that addresses the cultural, educational, and the emotional well-being of all participants.

S.T.E.P . has established a core curriculum that includes:

• Culture
• Spirituality
• Science
• Health
• Leadership

An important aspect of the S.T.E.P. philosophy is that " in knowledge there is power." We have placed emphasis on this reality in the drafting of our curriculum format. Additional components of the S.T.E.P. program involve special lectures, cultural and educational field trips, nutrition, self defense training, and an emphasis on community service.  

"Family, we have a problem!"

For far too many of our young brothers the love and direction they long for is to be found in the " Big City" streets rather than in their religious settings, schools and homes. It is in the streets that many develop their values, morals and their general views of right and wrong and of life itself.

The street is their "classroom" where they learn "life basics 101", because the other more formal institutions in society often fail to provide them with the necessary skills and decision making abilities needed to negotiate their lives in a positive direction.

Thus far, we as a community, a nation, have fallen far short of creating the environment that will nurture, develop and consistently inspire Young Men to rise up, to stand up. This is our collective reality, Our Collective Responsibility.

The S.T.E.P. Solution

It is truly a tragedy when there is a lack of involvement by parents and the community in the education, training and guidance of our youth towards their true greatness. There are progressive minds in the community that understand that we are solely responsible for the success of our children.

Within the S.T.E.P. formula we have included a learning structure that seeks to systematically prepare our young men with the intellectual ammunition and the social armor to stand with authority, even in the face of a sometimes overwhelming environment. This foundation will afford them the opportunity for success in their personal lives and in their collective input into the family, community and nation.

The S.T.E.P. Process:

The S.T.E.P. program involves two sessions per calendar year. The first session starts the second week in January each year and end the second week of June. The second session will begin the second week of July each year and end the second week of December. There will be a one month idle period between each session. Presently, meetings will be held each Friday evening at 5:30-8 p.m. at the WISOMMM Mansion at 53 Lincoln Park in Newark N.J. Out target group, at risk young men between the ages of 6 and 16 years of age.  

Orientation

The " Orientation Process" is open to registered youth and their families for the purpose of reviewing program goals and objectives, program rules and regulations, etc. At this time families will meet and mingle with program staff, ask questions and get a general understanding and feel of the overall process and what it entails. Natural foods and refreshments will also be served at this time.

The Core Curriculum

The following is an outline of our S.T.E.P. curriculum:

Course of Study/ Culture

Course Objectives: Participants develop and demonstrate an understanding of African, Caribbean and African American history and culture.

Course of Study/ Culture II. Understanding and embracing the Nguzo Saba.

Course Objectives: Participants develop and demonstrate an understanding of the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles, African Centered Value System).  

Course of Study/ Spirituality

Course Objectives : Participants develop understanding of the importance of Spirituality.

Course of Study/ Science

Course Objectives: Participants develop and demonstrate an understanding of Cooperative Economic Systems, Politics, Government and Language. (Kiswahili and other African Languages).

Course of Study/ Health

Course Objectives : Participants learn and demonstrate an understanding of wellness through total health and fitness. (nutrition, exercise, self defense, etc.).

Course of Study/ Leadership

Course Objectives: Participants develop and demonstrate an understanding of Manhood and Womanhood, decision making, personal planning, community service and organizing.

Assisting S.T.E.P. in our nurturing process are the use of educational videos and literature, special lectures, electronic audio presentations and field trips such as the Schomberg Museum in Harlem.

Ceremonial Activities

Our Kwanzaa celebration is scheduled during the end of the S.T.E.P. calendar year. We also schedule our overnight camping trip, which will involve The Symbolic Ritual of the cross-over into Manhood.

Additionally, at the completion of the program all participants, staff and families will attend our Rights of Passage Dinner Ceremony to acknowledge the accomplishments of all program members.

Our Need For Assistance

There is much work to be done! If we are to succeed in raising strong, productive, dedicated young Men at this time and in this place, we know we must work together. No one individual or group can accomplish this alone.

Since our inception we have held this essential program together primarily out of the pockets of a few volunteers and concerned individuals of the community. Due to the need and continued growth we can no longer function at this level without additional funds.

Our general needs include:

Listed are some of the basic needs in order to assure the process of, re-claiming our young Men.

We understand that we are dependant on one another in our existence. When one of us fails, we all fail. When one of us succeed, we all march to victory. This is the essence of S.T.E.P., that we must Strive Together To Progress. We are requesting help to assist us assist the community.

We truly thank you for your time in reviewing our organization. If there are any questions or additional information we can share please do not hesitate to contact us at:

Striving Together Equals Progress Inc.
P.O. Box 22192
Newark , New Jersey 07101
e-mail us at step_incnj@yahoo.com (973)483-8978