Tag Archives: Madona Cole-Lacy

Unveiled:The MadonaRism Story


“MadonaRism” came into existence for me when I encountered a cellist a few years ago at the African American Museum, which is now known as the Joysetta & Julius Pearse African American Museum of Nassau County. What started as an exchange of pleasantries progressed into a quasi-philosophical level of interaction in the 10 minutes my husband and I spent talking to her.

We had met a kindred spirit who, after a brief encounter, exclaimed, “That is a Madonaism!” The perplexed look on my face must have engendered the clarification… “only you can express yourself the way you do.” Even though I did not see that coming, I was most appreciative of, and impressed by, her willingness to reveal her characterization of my mode of verbal expression. In my book, it takes a special individual to engage a stranger with attentiveness and generosity of spirit. The donor of this inspirational gift fits the bill! What I believe she gained from her empowering gesture was satisfaction from being true to herself. A telling reinforcement of humanity!

The warm smile and knowing glance my husband and I exchanged in reaction to what had unfolded said it all! It was clear we were in agreement that Madonaism was indeed “a thing.” Without uttering a word, our ever-present oneness arrested and embraced this gift as yet another vehicle to further my philosophy of life’s lessons. My dot-connecting tendency wasted no time in tweaking the term to Madonarism! I introduced r to represent empowering and personal development words, which start with the letter R. 

All was well until I received a diplomatic alert – “I think Madonarism should have been Madonaism.” I must have unwittingly created room for meaningful, casual engagement with someone who cared enough to find out what the r was doing there. As welcoming as that side effect was, I could not ignore the necessity for a solution to mitigate doubt in the minds of the masses! The fear of this poetic license backfiring by deflecting from the expressions preceding the “MadonaRism” credit was real. Undaunted, I went on a redo and re-emphasize mode. The once embraced Madonarism would now read MadonaRism to highlight the importance and deliberate placement of r in the word.
Besides sharing the origin story of MadonaRism, I have designed a logo which I plan on affixing to all MadonaRism-related work created and published. This should do it!

MadonaRism Mystery Summarized!

“The whys and wherefores of MadonaRism emanate from an inspirational gift the first female African American Cellist I met presented to me. Thanks to her; my free-flowing creative juices, and available poetic license, I have tweaked the original word – with R in place to symbolize empowering r-word concepts in my lessons of life expressions.”

Please share memories of unexpected sources of inspiration and what you did with your gifts.

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Connecting the Dots of Gratitude and Empowerment Series


“The mindset to express gratitude once put in motion, unwittingly celebrates the gift of humanity. – A MadonaRism by Madona Cole-Lacy

This sentiment comes from my penchant for, and belief in, the limitless, all-inclusive nature of healthy expressions of gratitude. Not unlike kindness, one cannot express too much gratitude, and with that in mind, I shine the spotlight on one of such experiences last year – The Conversation – Molloy University 2022 Women’s Initiative and Symposium.

Determined to keep off the “Gotcha list of the unrelenting claws of cumulative grief”, I took advantage of this opportunity, to rekindle my identified purpose! Navigating the effects of the passing of my dear supportive mother and exceptional husband, who labored with me to engender youth and community empowerment, has not been easy! Thankfully, the option to maneuver a new normal with intentionality is available when the side effects of grief strike!

Another reason I stepped out of my “comfort zone” was the quest for meaningful human connection centered on my purpose in life. It was time for more inspiration to set ablaze an already determined flame of empowerment. I was so revved up that I arrived way ahead of time at Molloy University’s Madison Theatre. And yes, there were others in the lobby who had shown up much earlier! That, to me, was confirmation that I was going to be in good company! Once ushered in, I had a fleeting ‘fish-out-of-water’ moment, even though I initiated small talk with attendees around my table. Happily, it was not long before I considered giving myself a proverbial pat on the back for stepping out in faith.

The panelists were quite adept at connecting the dots of their passion and purpose with the theme, Redefining Your Purpose: How To Align Your Actions With Your Life’s Passion. The featured speaker, author and Nonprofit Founder, Genevieve Piturro, gave a presentation that indicated a lack of shortage of creative ways to pursue our passion! Guests received a copy of her book entitled; Purpose, Passion and Pajamas! The empowerment process continued with Emmy Award-Winning Journalist Allison Haunss. The Creator/Host and Producer of The Working Woman Report passionately moderated the panel of purposeful women who follow their respective bliss. Wendy Abrams, Senior Vice President Regional Manager – DIME, and Kerry Gillick-Goldberg, Founder/KGG Enterprises, LLC. made valuable contributions by identifying their chosen purpose in life, and responding to questions posed by the attendees.

It was an especially invigorating moment for me when Ms. Haunss mentioned youth empowerment. The opportunity to ‘reconnect’ with ‘pre-adversity Madona’ had come! This attendee who, for once, was more intent on being a silent observer – rather than ‘the outspoken one’, without hesitation, placed her hand up. That the program was winding down with less than 10 minutes to go did not seem to matter! The fear of the likelihood I would hug the mic had now taken a back seat. I instead embraced the realization that there was nothing I could have done to prevent myself from sharing my determined purpose with others. The sound of those two keywords had awakened my enthusiasm and something had to be said! Time was of the essence, so my knee-jerk response had to be a test of my ability to be succinct. Thanks to the patience and graciousness extended to me, I completed the ‘task’ at hand. I found it comforting that grief had not robbed me of the passion to empower and to be empowered! The spirits of my loved ones must have been relieved that their expectations of me were still intact! This experience, without a doubt, has uplifted my spirit in ways that go beyond what the naked eyes could see. Besides the opportunity to reconnect with familiar movers and shakers and meet with staff essential to my youth-oriented cause, it had enhanced and elevated to another level, the rekindling process of Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc.

It is with profound gratitude I shine a spotlight on Molloy University’s Office of Advancement and Ms. Costanzo Metzger.

In addition to making this much-needed experience possible for me, the unwavering support of my youth empowerment initiatives over the years

As Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. prepares to execute its 2023 activities, the board of directors and I look forward to more of the Molly University Community Empowering posture in our organization.

When the passion to empower others as much as ourselves becomes uncontrollable, we invite purpose as an ally to help us preserve the health and welfare of humanity.” – A MadonaRism by Madona Cole-Lacy

Click here for more about Molloy University’s Office of Advancement and here to find out how you can join Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. in our quest to make a difference in the lives of youth and families in Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens and neighboring counties.

Feel free to respond or share your own gratitude and empowerment story.

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It is your time 4 talk too!


Farmingdale High School Students Receive Creative Empowerment Arts Contest College Scholarship Awards


It was an honor to present to Ashley Burbano (Winner) and Urooba Abid (Runner Up), of Farmingdale High School, the 2016/17 Creative Empowerment Arts Contest college scholarship award on Monday, June 8, 2017 for their Creative Expressions of the theme: “Our Hopes, Our Dreams, Our Fears, Our Solutions!”

This year’s ceremony, not unlike others we have attended in the past, quite naturally featured some of Long Island’s highest achievers. What I would like to shine the spotlight on though, is the engaging way in which the Principal, and staff acknowledge presenters. That special letter the Director of Guidance and Social Work, Maureen Moloughney,  sends out before the event does it for me! What a wonderful gesture! My experience with the Farmingdale High School Staff in charge of the Senior Awards Ceremony can simply be characterized as stellar. This year’s CORDIALITY AWARD goes to the Farmingdale High School!

1.              2. 

1. Ashley Burbano, the 2016/17 First Place Winner of a $1000.00                                                                                                                                            Creative Empowerment Arts Contest College Scholarship for her Creative Expression  entitled ” The Silent Syrian Crisis”
2. Left to Right: Your Time For Creative Empowerment Inc.                                                                                                                                                                  Program Director, Mr. James Lacy; Founder/CEO, Mrs. Madona Cole-Lacy;                                                                                                                       Ashley Burbano and her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Luis Burbano

Urooba Abid —a runner-Up and Winner of a $500.00 Creative Empowerment Arts Contest College Scholarship for her Creative Expression entitled “Slaves To The System”

Left to Right: Your Time For Creative Empowerment’s Program Director, Mr. James Lacy; Founder/CEO, Mrs. Madona Cole-Lacy; Urooba Abid and her supportive Mother,  Mrs. lqbal Abid

Ashley Burbano and Urooba have been invited to share how they impressively navigate 21st Century life with participants at the upcoming Self-Empowering Workshop for College Bound High and Junior High School Students at Molloy College on July 8th. Registration is necessary for this event.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-your-time-forself-empowering-workshop-tickets-34556142352?aff=es2

   Left to Right: Creative Empowerment Arts Contest Runner-Up, Urooba Abid; Founder/CEO of Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. and Ashley Burbano,  Winner of 2016/17 Creative Empowerment Arts Contest

Find out more about these well-rounded, phenomenal college-bound students who are obviously also bound for greatness. http://creativeempowermentartscontest.homestead.com/AshleyBurbano201617Winner.html?_=1493965596717

http://creativeempowermentartscontest.homestead.com/UroobaAbid201617RunnerUp.html?_=1494365371159

Your Time For…Social Gathering 101


When was the last time you went to a holiday social gathering and walked away sober, intellectually intact, motivated, and self-assured you were in the driver’s seat of self-improvement? For me, it was a week ago when involved family members, and the children they passionately support, assembled for an ‘impromptu’ get-together. This exceptional experience has left me hoping that there were many more of such events around the country – and the world – at a time when we celebrate peace, love and goodwill to all men.

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It was the thought of maintaining a strong bond with the people we serve through participation in meaningful ways, that caused us to press on with the idea of reaching out to parents and students who have participated in Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc.‘s workshops as a holiday activity – with only a week’s advance notice.

I had no idea who would want to show up and for what reason they would want to do so – or even what good reason they would have to stay away.  My faith in mankind and determination to implement creative ways to form critical partnerships and identify the needs of those we serve was more in focus than the “what if?”, failure-bound, second-guessing position that can occasionally sneak up on people and overpower them.

I am writing this post to shine the spotlight on a remarkable cadre of people who joined us for a casual get-together that was clearly driven by openness to personal and social enrichment that Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. has gained a reputation for providing. I know better than to entertain the thought that, by virtue of their association with the organization, this stellar group of people navigated the evening by giving back to us what we have given to them in the past. My educated guess is that students, parents, grandparents, grand aunts and community leaders who are on a mission, showed up to bring to the table the unique gifts they possess that they recognize are vital to the existence and good health of the organization. I thank you for being an integral part of this vision. To those well-wishers, parents and volunteers who could not join us for this family gathering, we acknowledge your importance in this equation and hope to see you soon. Thank you for your support.

 

Below are highlights of some of the lessons taught by and learned from our insightful youth at what turned out to be an evening which embodied the elements of a lesson plan for  Social Gathering 101. 

1. HARMONY– people coming together for a purpose and a reason.  Strength in life to come together for a purpose; strength to press forward; togetherness; connecting the dots (harmony-love-joy-pride, etc.). We need love to bring harmony, we need courage to go on a journey

2. JOURNEY – steps which are part of our successes and failures

3. LOVE – found in a society among each other; giving back; charity

4. JOY – people need joy; giving to the needy; giving joy to others; everything you give – — your love is joy.

5. HONOR – self respect; high self-esteem

6. SELF – self-worth; how you value yourself as a person

7. PRIDE – don’t let others knock your confidence down

 8. ENDURANCE – a lot of goals; a lot of work, projects; in bettering yourself for a purpose; not knowing where I am going; excited

 9. DETERMINATION – calls for repetition until you get perfection

10. TIME – we don’t have enough time to do all we need to do but we must make time to be with people who support us – “Putting time in perspective”

11. COURAGE – to go to school away and be by myself – To find myself; do what I have to do. “I like that word. Parents need to develop courage too.”

What a Creative Empowerment Arts Contest Donor had to say: “Your journey is about connecting the dots to a “higher being.” It’s important to be you. Your steps are woven blessings on your path; they are your stepping-stones to your future. Your journey never ends. It’s an investment in who you are and will become. Whether you are soft-spoken or out-spoken, “believe in yourself” and as a donor, I’ll believe in you and me.   -Florence Bell-

 Please click on this link  to make a difference in the lives of the youth and families we serve.  

 

Our Mission

Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that educates and empowers children, adolescents and parents of both secular and faith-based communities in the Long Island area, through the use of art, fashion and culture as mechanisms to improve interpersonal relationships; to avoid pitfalls that are unique to life in the 21st Century; and to specifically identify and effectively develop healthy problem-solving, enhance personal development and increase cultural sensitivity.

For updates on current and upcoming activities: www.creativeempowermentarts.org                                www.yourtime4liny.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

Program inspires LI kids to use the arts to deal with life’s challenges | Verizon FiOS1 News – Long Island


Thank you 2016 workshop

Click on link below for News Coverage

Program inspires LI kids to use the arts to deal with life’s challenges | Verizon FiOS1 News – Long Island

 

youtime4liny.org 2016
What 21st Century Youth Are Thinking – Get Set Mindset Participants. See Workshop Slide Show Below 

 

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2016-07-09 ytfce self empowering workshop www.yourtime4liny.org

Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. Self-Empowering Workshop and Community Networking Soiree 2016

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See More Empowering Moments Captured by Cameras of Caring Attendees and Volunteers.  We are Thankful for their Help 

2016-07-09 yourtime4liny.orgCollege Student Presenter Mr. Mel Aarons
Lincoln University Student Presenter, Scholarship Recepient, Mr. Mel Aarons

Marie Saint-Cyr yourtime4liny.org
Ms. Marie Saint-Cyr, F.I.T. Student and YTFCE Peer Leader

2016-07-09 Marie Saint-Cyr yourtime4liny.org
Ms. Marie Saint-Cyr, takes participants on an exciting Study Abroad Journey

2016-07-09 YTFCE Ms. Zellin Lowe
Ardent Volunteer, Ms. Zellin Lowe

Ms. Terri Hall
Yet Another Ardent Volunteer, Ms. Terri Hall

2016-07-09 Ms. Janet Gooding, Merle France and Ms. Regis Thompson-Lawrence
Dedicated to Youth Empowerment: Mrs. Janet Gooding, Ms. Merle France and Ms. Regis Thompson-Lawrence

Lunch at YTFCE Self-Empowering Workshop
We Thank our Food Donors, Panera Bread (Doherty Enterprises), Dino Pizza and Italian Restaurant and our Volunteers. We are particularly touched by the kindness of the  parent who brought in some water. Thank You!  

 

Lunch at Self-Empowering Workshop 2016

YTFCE Lunch at Self Empowering Workshop
Lunch – Compliments Panera Bread and Gino’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant

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Creative Empowerment Arts Contest $1000 College Scholarship Winner, Ms. Sage Fortune

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Youth Forum Participants listen to Malaika Foster’s winning Poem entitled  “21st Century Youth” 

 

yourtime4liny.org 1 2016 Caleb Garard expresses his views - Youth Forum
Mr. Joshua Garard Expresses his Views at Youth Forum

Youth Forum Participant and past contest winner, Malaika Foster
2015/16 Contest Winner, Ms. Malaika Foster Expresses her Views on Life for the 21st Century Youth

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Laughter is Good for The Soul!

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Peer Leader and College Scholarship Recipient, Ms. Nailah Garard Delivers an Empowering Message About Her College-Bound Journey

College Student Presenter Mr. Caleb Garard 2016-07-09 yourtime4liny.org
Med Student and YTFCE Presenter shares empowering details of his journey to Medical School

College Student Presenter, Mr. Caleb Garard
Mr. Caleb Garard, our Medical Doctor of Tomorrow!

Madona Ayorinde Branch. www.yourtime4liny.org
Ms. Madona Ayorinde Branch Presents to College Students and Recent HS Grads – 11th Grade Students

Madona Ayorinde Branch Presenter
Ms. Madona Ayorinde Branch, Wellesley College Grad Discusses the Characteristics of Various Relationship Dynamics for College Success

Self Empowering Workshop 2016 Marie'sPresentation
YTFCE Self-Empowering Workshop 2016 Participants

Ms. Vivienne Anderson Parenting Workshop Facilitator 2016-07-09
YTFCE 2016 Parenting Workshop facilitated by Ms. Vivienne Anderson

Parenting Workshop
Ms. Vivienne Anderson Presents to Parents at Your Time For Creative Empowerment 2016 Day of Inspiration, Empowerment and Warm Embrace

2016-07-09 www.yourtime4liny.org
Captivating!

Nailah Garard yourtime4liny.org
Recent High School Graduate, Ms. Nailah Garard Empowering Speech

Nailah Garard, Contest Winner and Peer Leader
Your Time For Creative Empowerment 2016 Youth Forum Participants

yourtime4liny.org youthforum
L to R: Ms. Sage Fortune, Ms. Nailah Garard, Mr. Joshua Garard, and Mr. Michael Desir

2016-07-09 The Family That Works Together...
Brighter Prospects are in the Works for Familes and Communities that Work Together! With our Annual Fundraising Event around the corner, we graciously welcome your involvement in Your Time For Creative Empowerment Inc. If you cannot physically chip in your time, a donation will register your support of our mission quite well. Thank you for your consideration.

 

Thank you 2016 workshop
I am grateful to all, who in their special ways, contributed to the success of this event.  -Madona Cole-Lacy, M.A.Ed., Founder/CEO- copyright 2016 Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. All rights reserved

With Open Arms and Mind


It is with open arms and an open mind that I serve as the Founder and CEO of a non-profit that I believe has such great potential to blossom.

The key to Community service, as modeled by my parents when I was young and impressionable is unequivocal selflessness. It is not possible to effectively serve with ‘reservation’. This is where the open arms, heart and mind policy comes to play. Service- whether socially or spiritually based – I believe, should be positioned to address the needs of those who feel they can use what the provider has to offer. It should be devoid of biases, personal vendettas or anything that casts a shadow of insincerity.

It is unfortunate that what can be characterized as innate discriminatory practices, more often than not, come to play in this process and muddy things up. When the absence of open mindedness is not wreaking havoc with the obstacles and barriers that otherwise ‘well-meaning’ people place in the way of others, it is busy reinforcing the superiority complex in others who simply ‘know’ this can’t be for them even though it is this very practice of denial that has created a need for service.  This, to say the least, is not for the faint of heart. It must be emphasized here that most people who serve, do so, looking for nothing in return as they bless others with what they have been blessed with.

How does one rise above this, and continue to serve with open arms, heart and mind – even in the midst of man-made psychological hurricanes?

I will now share some of the tools I have used to navigate this self-help personal development dilemma:

  1. Introspection – a serious look into the essence of my being. Why am no I here? Where do I see myself in the bigger picture of the fabric of mankind or humanity?
  2. Commitment: How badly do I feel the need to be of service to my fellow man, knowing that I have no control over who will or will not appreciate my efforts?  How willing am I to learn new ways to handle my life so that the service I render is more complimentary rather than a distraction to me? 
  3. Determination – How strong is my desire to stay the course- no matter what or who for that matter, becomes an obstacle in my way? What would it take to derail me, if anything?
  4. Empathy: How am I doing in the unwavering love, respect, and understanding for my fellow man/woman department? How capable am I of feeling agape love, respect and compassion to the extent that I can understand and appreciate the plight of others around me? Do I have a desire to relate to others who are ‘not like me’, or am I embarking on a solely self-serving journey?  It is the “there but for the grace of God go I” reality of life that keeps one grounded and humbled enough to serve with open hands, mind and heart.

Now, for some service-related Madonarism by Madona Cole-Lacy 

“When we choose service with an open heart and mind, over the sideshows of the growth process of life, we can go to bed at the end of the day with a measure of appreciation for the true meaning of self-actualization that will lead us to a strong desire to reproduce the same in the morrow.”Madona Cole-Lacy

“The ability to empathize with others around us is the power cord upon which service with an open heart and mind is grounded. Handle this cord with care!”

It is my wish that this post, which was inspired by a WordPress One Word Prompt, will encourage others to develop their own list of self-help service-related tools. 

Your Time for Creative Empowerment is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that educates and empowers children, adolescents and parents of both secular and faith-based communities in the Long Island area, through the use of arts, fashion and culture as mechanisms to:

* Improve interpersonal relationships* Avoid pitfalls that are unique to life in the 21st Century * Specifically identify and effectively develop healthy problem-solving* Enhance personal development and increase cultural sensitivity.

 

 

 

 

An Exciting Time of the Year: A Time to Congratulate, Celebrate, and Reward Seniors!


At this exciting time of the year, when high school seniors are reaping the reward of their hard work, I am honored to be granted the opportunity to be in the midst of some of this excitement! Thanks to students who have responded to Your Time For Creative Empowerment’s call for the annual Creative Empowerment Arts Contest!  I also thank and commend the administrators, principals and staff of these schools for the hard work they put into organizing their respective senior award events. I have so far had the honor of making a college scholarship presentation to the following:

Nailah Garard of the Half Hollow Hills High School East

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Left to Right: Mr. James A. Lacy, Volunteer Program Director, Mrs. Madona Cole-Lacy, Founder/CEO, Creative Empowerment Arts Contest Scholarship Recipient Nailah Garard, sister, Japera, brother, Caleb (Medical Student) and proud father, Mr. Stan Garard, of the recipient of two awards that night.Creative Empowerment Arts Contest

Glorieanne Quiban of Farmingdale High School

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Your Time For Creative Empowerment Founder, Mrs. Madona Cole-Lacy acknowledges  Glorieanne Quiban for her winning entry at 2015 Fundraising gala

As I sat amongst other presenters at both awards events, I couldn’t help but feel I truly belonged there – whether or not I was scheduled to make a presentation. Our leaders of tomorrow were being acknowledged for the hard work they had put in throughout the years! Even with the impressive representation of the immediate family members, I could see how the significance of this acknowledgement spills over to the community at large, to become the business of my co-presenters who represented all facets of the community.

I must confess that, if it were possible, I would have given a hug to every one of those ACHIEVERS! I would have told them to keep their eyes trained on the prize, for the world was looking up to them for sustainability.  As I expressed my conviction that they could rise up to the occasion, I would have prayed that they would take this “random lady” seriously enough to believe it.

Glorieanne Quiban, (recipient of two awards)  and her proud mother, Ms. Sheeryn Quiban, join Founder/CEO Madona Cole-Lacy and Program Director James A. Lacy after the Farmingdale High School awards ceremony

I will now share our best attempt at video taping and editing in celebration of one of our leaders of tomorrow, Nailah Garard. I do this proudly, but with a heightened awareness of the fact that Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. is in need of a volunteer professional videographer or an aspiring videographer. Contact us here.

 

Creative Empowerment Arts Contest Scholarship Presentation

 

 

Your Time for Creative Empowerment is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that educates and empowers children, adolescents and parents of both secular and faith-based communities in the Long Island area, through the use of  the arts, fashion and culture as mechanisms to:

* Improve interpersonal relationships

* Avoid pitfalls that are unique to life in the 21st Century

* Specifically identify and effectively develop healthy problem-solving

* Enhance personal development and increase cultural sensitivity.

 

 

 

 

 

What We Must Not Forget As We Forge Ahead


ytfcevolunteers

With three years of invaluable insights and enlightenment under my belt, I think it is only fitting to share with you a sampling of an abundance of reflections on my experience as a nonprofit founder. As you read on, you will find a summary of four of what I characterize as the basic components of a not-for-profit journey that I have embraced as mine. This desire to share thoughts on some of the nonprofit related lessons of my life can be attributed, in part, to the deep appreciation for people who have repeatedly answered the call, and even exceeded expectations, to assist with Your Time For Creative Empowerment events and activities over the years. Some of these dedicated volunteers and supporters have consented (reluctantly) to be honored at the upcoming 3rd Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. Annual Gala! I suspect the reason that outstanding volunteers kick and scream at the thought of being honored is captured by this quote which I understand quite well. “Anything can be accomplished as long as you don’t care who gets the credit.” -Unknown-

The 2015 Scholarship and Fundraising Gala which will hopefully raise funds for our college scholarships, student-driven leadership clubs, and take our signature programs to the next level, is the perfect vehicle through which I can humbly extend my gratitude to each and every one who has contributed to the success of the first and subsequent fundraising events. Please click here for pictorial memories or an introduction to highlights of our 2013 and 2014 Galas. You are invited to browse our websites (www.yourtime4liny.org and www.creativeempowermentarts.org) for a reason to support our initiative this year.

The excitement I feel from the sweet spirit of support and understanding from all who have contributed to the glorious moments of this organization must not, however, be dampened by some of the most challenging moments of disappointment, bias, pettiness that can get in the way of, and completely destroy the faint of heart on this nonprofit-nurturing journey. It is for this reason that I offer the following as tools with which one can prepare oneself to set out on this journey.

The Dream and the Marriage

It all starts with the first step towards the unknown! With not much more than a burning desire to make a selfless contribution to the quality of life of others that you may or may not know, you toss your hat into the ring of the nonprofit world. It is at this time that the “I” becomes the “We” in a manner that is not unlike the expectation of a healthy marriage dynamic. The slight difference here, is that this relationship is sustained by the support of people from all walks of life, of all social and economic status, and race and religious affiliations with a genuine desire to pitch in and help make a Founder’s vision come to life. After all, there is a reason why successful “dreamers” are best complemented by effective and efficient “doers” in order that they can keep on dreaming. This is not to say that a visionary must not orient herself or himself to be an implementer of the related skill-set required to keep things moving! My mindset on taking on this mission is summarized in the following quote: “The only time it is about me, is when I show basic respect and common decency towards my co-laborers as my primary contribution towards upholding the integrity and facilitating the goals of a common cause” -Madona Cole-Lacy-

A Case for Mentorship

Mentoring, offered formally or informally by those who already know the ropes, is also as important as the benevolence of those who give freely of their time in other areas, share their expertise, make donations and contributions to help make things work out for the beneficiaries targeted in the vision. The following says it all for me! “Leaders should influence others in such a way that it builds people up, encourages and edifies them so they can duplicate this attitude in others.” -Bob Goshen- 

Founder? Let’s try Volunteer/Donor-in-Chief

Do titles really matter? Yes, when they clearly reflect the role and realities of the position, they do matter. This designation is one I have come up with to describe a role that founders play in the equation of the nonprofit startup – one that is likely to be taken for granted by those who are standing on the outside looking in. Those who fit into this category find themselves making unbelievable sacrifices that at times can affect their own state of well-being, as they work toward building a firm foundation that others might find worthy to identify with. I duff my hat to all who fit into this category, and pray that more like-minded folks will bring some relief soon! “I found that the men and women who got to the top were those who did the jobs they had in hand, with everything they had of energy and enthusiasm and hard work.” -Harry S. Truman –

Personal Growth and Development

This is the greatest area of challenge, even with all the competent personal development coaches or well-written books and manuals that aspiring and seasoned nonprofit leaders can easily access.  I know how important these resources can be with regards to the development of self in readiness for working successfully with others. It is my belief that the main contributing factor to a halfway successful venture is the ability to work with the many personalities that will be encountered along the way – exercising self-control and discipline in dealing with people you encounter. Rather than elaborate on this important issue which I suspect every founder or leader has to deal with sometime, I want to invite you, the reader, to share how you deal with this make or break issue. What is your experience? Please do not hesitate to SHARE. Here is a quote on the subject that hits the nail on the head for me. “Personal growth is to see each moment, each person, each challenge and each adversity as an opportunity to embrace more of yourself and the world around you.” – Tom Erik Green-                 

As I sign off, I want to thank you for allowing me to engage you up to this point. It is now time for me to go back to this year’s Gala preparation. Do plan to be there if you can, or show your appreciation for what Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. does to empower 21st Century youth by selecting one of the options for support here.

Madona Cole-Lacy, M.A.Ed.

Visual/Teaching Artist & Cultural Partner ~ Motivator ~    Social Entrepreneur ~ Educator

Founder/CEO: Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. www.yourtime4liny.orgContinue reading “What We Must Not Forget As We Forge Ahead”

Youth Empowerment: What We Do to Help the Process Along


Roots and Wings

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Empowering Long Island’s Youth – A Collaborative Endeavor


Please read the quotes below which capture the essence of some of what I hoped to accomplish with the founding of Your  Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc.

YTFCE UPCOMING FINAL

Download PDF of flyer –Your Time For Creative Empowerment Upcoming Events 2015  

I recognize we are only in the infancy stage of fulfilling the organization’s mission – a stage we could not have arrived at without a dream, tremendous determination and the selflessness of a number of people whose contributions and encouragement have played a big role in our buoyancy. It is my intention to periodically shine the spotlight on those who are supportive of our quest to empower Long Island’s youth and families.

That we have had no reason to worry about a home for our Self-Empowering Workshops, is owed to the benevolence of Molloy College’s Office of Advancement Associate Director of Development, Corporate Relations; Cynthia Costanzo-Metzger. The warmth with which I am greeted by Barbara Simms and Gina Renaldi of the Town of Hempstead each time I approach them with a space request for our organization’s Free Community Networking Soiree, gives me much encouragement!. The Art League of Long Island’s Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery’s perfect backdrop for our Scholarship and Fundraising Gala Kick-Off, would not have been possible without one for whom I have great respect – Charlee Miller, the League’s Executive Director, and the Development Director, Bobbie Janowitz.

In the interest of transparency, I must admit that the inordinate energy and effort expended to get student participation, is disproportional to the outcomes thus far. This leaves me asking “WHY?”…..  even as I graciously acknowledge the help of volunteers, teachers, parents and school administrators who like Dr. Deborah Wortham, Superintendent, and Mrs. Barbara Evans, Art Teacher of the Roosevelt School District, who saw the benefit in exposing their students to the Annual Creative Empowerment Arts Contest we are offering Long Island’s high school students.

As part of our growth process, we welcome the support and assistance of like-minded individuals. We are open to constructive criticism accompanied by viable, executable suggestions. We take all concerns into consideration as we underscore our philosophy with an unwavering emphasis on the following: Your Time For Creative Empowerment is race, class, gender and socio-economically sensitive in all that we do.

“We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.”  – Mary McLeod Bethune –

Madona Cole-Lacy, M.A.Ed, Founder/CEO                                                                                                                                   Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc.

www.yourtime4liny.org