Howdy Folks,
In today's fast
paced and often troubled world it's easy for children to lose, or not even
discover, their self esteem, ability to trust, even love. Children today too
often grow up in neighborhoods swimming in guns, drugs and violence. In our
modern throw-away society where can they turn to seek role models? Direction?
Who hears them when they turn to self destruction and violence in their quest
to be noticed?
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| Michael McMeel |
One man who noticed them tugging on his heart back during the
riots of the early '90s is Michael McMeel, former drummer for the band, Three
Dog Night. Michael could not have imagined how that first hear-tug would lead
him to create a national program that, to date, has touched and changed over
10,000 young lives. The program he would found in 1992 is called, "Inner
City Slickers."
But Michael
started connecting with young folks in the cities long before founding Inner
City Slickers. Of course with his music, but also his TV show, The Krofft Super
Show with Kaptain Kool and the Kongs, and organizing musical events in
churches, synagogues and wherever he could bring young folks together to show
them the good that lived inside them. To shine a light on what they could be.
It was during that period he realized changing directions of young folks was a
real possibility, and he set out determined to do just that. He founded, The
Awareness Foundation, a non-profit to help "at-risk children" in
1992; the first step in creating, Inner City Slickers, the theme inspired by
the movie, City Slickers.
His first
"Slickers" event was on a rented camp not far from LA. Organizing an
event set with a western them with ranch activities, horses and a little work
and focus. In that one day Michael saw hearts change. Attitudes brighten.
Optimistic and encouraged he bought a small ranch of his own for the purpose of
hosting more "Slickers." His dedication to the children, and the
program, and with help of donors and volunteers the ICS idea took root and
sprouted branches. Seven years ago he and his wife Erlinda relocated to a farm
in TN which operates as home base and hosts several "Slicker" events
a year. But that's just the beginning. The branches that have sprouted now go
nationwide, and beyond. There is even a Slicker possibility in Costa Rico!
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| All smiles at the end of the day at a Michigan Slicker event :) |
What is an Inner
City "Slicker event?" It's a one day event hosted by anyone who wants
to help at-risk kids, has a few horses and suitable home base, or can find
someone who has one. Michael travels to each event and helps with set-up and
out-reach. He personally sets up the mechanical bull! At-risk children are
engaged in western theme, including the "Cowboy Code of Ethics" and
ranch like activities, and of course plenty of horse time.
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| Feeling the power of "The spirit of the horse" |
By the end of
this year there will be 18 Slicker locations across the country, where young
folks come to get a leg up on "Kindness, Dependability, Keeping Your Word,
Being Responsible and learning what it’s like to Trust and Respect the horses,
themselves and each other…ethical and moral codes that will stay with them
throughout their lives." Can a one day event do all that? "You
bet," Michael says. "We see it over and over. It sets a new
course." And they have thousands of letters to prove it. "And let's
don't forget the follow up. Making sure we keep in touch with these kids, to
keep the fire burning."
Michael points
out that folks simply don't understand we are losing too many of our kids. They
disappear down the whirlpool of low self esteem, drugs, crime, mistrust and lost
hope. He is dedicated to saving those kids. Inner City Slickers is a
remarkable, and fun, program doing just that.
How can you be
part of the excitement of changing lives, sparking hope? Many of our Coffee
Clutch readers and friends already have facilities and horses where you could
host an Inner City Slicker Event. Or can make contacts to co-host one at a
friend's. Don't worry, you won't be on your own, Michael will personally come
to guide you each step of the way from contacting organizations and services
who know of children who would benefit, to setting up and actually be on hand
to help you host your first Slicker. Yes, he travels, a lot!
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| Michael givin' "Bull Ridin' Lessons" |
How can you get
started? Contact Michael by email at michael@innercityslickers.com or by phone
– home- 423-289-3820.
Cell-423-489-8614. Can't be
easier than that.
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| Michael introducing children to a horse at a Slicker event |
Have a look at
their Website HERE and their Facebook page HERE, be sure
to join their group. There's a lot going on, and many young lives being
changed.
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| It can happen in a moment ... Inner City Slickers |
Inner City
Slickers knows we have it in us to save these kids. To be the role models, and
offer direction and goals. Thank you Michael for offering a hand to so many.
Gitty Up ~ Dutch
Henry.
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| Letter to Inner City Slickers ... |
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