ROPP Orientation/ September Core Focus

The ROPP 2012-2013 year has officially begun and the first day of September was full!
The four ROPP candidates, parents and ROPP leaders met for the first time. Candidates received an overview of program requirements and scheduled activities for the year.

Core Focus: WORLD RELIGION
ROPP Candidates took a close look at the core beliefs of Christianity and the AME denomination. They reviewed the AME Motto: "God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, the Holy Spirit Our Comforter, Humankind Our Family", The Apostles Creed and learned that there are 25 Articles of Our Faith.
Candidate Davonte was the first to complete a puzzle that reflected The Apostles Creed AND recited it from memory. It helps to be an engaged church member! He will receive a $5 gift card to a local restaurant for his accomplishment.

After focusing on our own religious beliefs, we ventured over to The Friends Meeting of Austin, where Quakers welcomed us to learn about their beliefs and style of worship. After sitting in the meeting circle with them, we participated in a brief "silent worship" and several candidates were moved to share their gratitude for the opportunity. We all agreed that the Quakers were very nice and that the experience was a valuable one!

ROPP returned to the Nueces Mosque on the UT campus for a second year. Candidates were allowed to tour the facility, which included their conference room, recreational areas, Wudu (cleansing) space and prayer hall. In the prayer hall, Sana, a Muslim student, shared a presentation of Islam, which covered their beliefs and requirements.After Sana spoke, the Imam (priest), answered questions about Muslim dress and customs. ROPP candidates learned that shoes are removed before entering most areas in which Muslim business/ prayer is being conducted. Candidates were invited to help themselves to a wide range of pamphlets that explain common questions of Islam. Upon leaving, we were offered tasty cupcakes!

Core Focus CHALLENGE for September:

- Select 10 AME Articles of Faith to explain in your own words. Use at least 3 sentences for each.
   (www.ame-church.com is a good resource)
- In a short essay, describe the similarities and differences between Christianity and the Quaker and Muslim religions we experienced.

DUE DATE: 9/30/12, Midnight

2012-2013 ROPP Calendar

Below is a tentative ROPP calendar for 2012-2013.
Not reflected on the calendar are three major events that are currently in planning stages:
- Robotics Workshop at UT Arlington
- Quiz Bowl (Fundraiser)
- Basketball Tournament (in conjunction with YPD)

ROPP CALENDAR 2012-2013

August 2012         
19- ROPP Participant Orientation (Pastor, ROPP Team, Parents, 
               Participants, BFF, Mentors, Interested Persons)- 1:00 PM
30- ROPP Team Mtg

September 2012- Religion/ Spirituality           
1- Core Area Event  8:00AM- 2:00PM
17- ROPP Team Meeting-  6PM     
  
October 2012- Academic Planning           
6- Core Area Event (Participants)- 8:30AM- 12:30PM
22- ROPP Team Meeting (Pastor, ROPP Leadership, Mentors)-  6PM
November 2012- Sexual Health           
3- Core Area Event  (Participants)-  8:30AM- 12:30PM
11- Quiz Bowl Practice Session- 2:00
17- 2012 ROPP Quiz Bowl!- 4:00 (Candidates arrive at 2:00 PM)
19- ROPP Team Meeting (ROPP Leadership Only)-  6PM 
      
December 2012- Hygiene/ Etiquette/ Barbering           
1- Core Area Event (Participants)- 8:30AM-12:30PM
10- ROPP Team Meeting (ROPP Team)-  12:30 (After Church)
15- An Evening Out (ALL ROPP Participants)

January 2013- Automotive Care           
5- Core Area Event (Participants)- 8:30AM- 12:30PM
21- ROPP Team Mtg- 6PM

February 2013- Black History            
2- Core Area Event (Participants)- 8:30-12:30PM
9- An Evening Out (ALL ROPP Participants)
18- ROPP Team Meeting (ROPP Leadership, Mentors, Finale Volunteers)- 6PM
           
March 2013- Program Wrap-Up           
2- Last Day for Make-up Challenges (with Approval)
18- ROPP Team Meeting (ROPP Leadership, Mentors, Finale Volunteers)- 6PM

April 2013-Closure/ Finale Prep           
1- ROPP Meeting (ROPP Team, Finale Volunteers)- 1PM

May 2013         18-19- Graduation Weekend

ROPP 2012-2013 Is HERE!

The ROPP Leadership Team for 2012-2013 is in place and the candidates have been selected.
We are ready for God to bless us with another strong year of bonding, learning and growth!

ROPP Leadership Team:

Rev. N. Jordan Mkwanazi- Pastor
Sis. Lisa Grant Davis- Director
Bro. Dr. Eric McDaniel- Consultant
Sis. Yolanda Gary Fisher- Administrative Coordinator/ Financial Secretary
Sis. Deborah Franklin- Youth/ YPD Liaison
Bro. Gerald Rowland- Character Development Mentor
Bro. Anthony Johnson- Outdoor Skill Development Mentor

2012-2013 ROPP Candidates:

Gabriel Eliacin

Davonte Lawson

DaJour Richmond

Devoreaux Shoaf

2012 ROPP Graduation Weekend

ROPP Graduation Weekend was full and rewarding. On Saturday, candidates completed their final challenges of the year: Preparing a meal, learning some sewing and ironing basics and participating in a financial literacy workshop led by the neighborhood Wells Fargo branch manager. Everyone agreed that the brunch was delicious! Omelettes, french toast, potatoes o'brien, fresh fruit, sausage, bacon and Canadian ham, hot coffee, orange juice and fresh squeezed lemonade!

The next day, the candidates' graduation was marked by a ceremony during the 10AM worship hour. Graduates received gift bags with a load of goodies and their year in ROPP was complete.

ROPP graduates are eligible to be invited to serve as Jr. Mentors for future ROPP candidates. More

information will be provided as this new aspect of the ROPP program is developed!

ROPP I GRADUATES:

DIANTE ORTIZ

D'WAZAUHN WASHINGTON

IMANI ROSS

JABARI DAVIS

KAYLAN HENDERSON

QUINCY BROWN

CONGRATULATIONS ROPP I!! YOU DID IT!!

 

 

 

  





WRAPPING UP ROPP I !!

What a year it has been!
The last couple of months have been consumed with adjusting to major changes in the life of our church and end-of-year activities, but the 2011-2012 year has been an awesome and exciting year for all us ROPP-ites!

Hey, do you remember:
- Visiting the mosque and the Catholic church?
- Memorizing our own Apostle's Creed?
- Hearing the real deal about college life at UT and HT?
- Talking about sexual health and dealing with our sexual decisions at the Ballage's?
- The ROPP Quiz Bowl?
- Watching The Pact?
- Planting seeds in the Blackshear Community Garden?
- Learning about dining and dating etiquette from Sis. Lindsey?
- Ridin' in the limo to Galaxy Cafe?
- Learning about basic car care from the ROPP men?
- The interior design workshop from Ms. Cooks from San Antonio?
- Memorizing your Black History Speech? Reciting your Black History speech?
- Hanging out with your mentor(s)?
- Completing your ROPP Challenges?

Well, all this and more was part of a great first year for ROPP! You have set the bar high for what an organization of young men and women can do when they work together and show true dedication. I am so very proud of you! Let's see if ROPP II can hang.. =D

As we prepare for graduation, let us continue with the same spirit of excellence!
Prepare your reflection boards for display on Graduation Sunday. However you want your board to reflect your ROPP experience is fine. Bold colors are suggested. Your name should stand out boldly.
Ms. Yolanda has most of the photographs on this blog printed. Just get with her if there are some you'd like to use!

Graduation Weekend:

5/19- ROPP Graduation Saturday, 8-3
5/20- ROPP Graduation Sunday, 10AM Worship- Wear your ROPP shirt, khaki bottoms, black shoes

Invite your family and friends to join us for cake and punch after church!

February Core Focus: Black History

The ROPP Core Focus for February is Black History.
On Core Focus Day, ROPP Candidates got an exclusive peek at the history of several of Metropolitan's long-standing families. Candidates held one-on-one conversations with senior Metropolitan members, and discussed significant events in their lives and that of the church.
Judge Richard Scott shared what it was like to campaign, be elected and serve as the first Black judge in Travis County. Sis. Ada Harden shared many of the photos and memorabilia she's collected throughout her artistic and civic endeavors. Bro. Gerald Rowland and Bro. Olden Jordan shared stories about their military service and spiritual growth. Sis. Carrie Henderson and Sis. Janie Henderson created an impressive exhibit that featured several elaborate quilts, family photographs and teaching tools from many decades ago. The ROPP candidates eagerly soaked up their rich history and were proud to be affiliated with such distinguished people!

After the Black History exhibit, the ROPP family was joined by Sr. Pastor Mkwanazi for a soul food lunch in the fellowship hall: Fried chicken, sweet potatoes, green peas, macaroni and cheese, cornbread and sweet tea!


This Sunday, ROPP candidates will share the words of prolific African Americans during morning worship. Come listen, be inspired and support this awesome group of young ladies and gentlemen!

JANUARY Core Focus: Car Care and Interior Design

January's Core Focus Day was a bit complicated, for a few reasons!
First of all, the day was split between two core focus areas, rather than the usual one.
Secondly, our schedule was altered to accommodate the homegoing celebration of one of Metropolitan's long- time members.

The day began with an interior design presentation by Ms. Angela Cooks of San Antonio. She spoke to the candidates about basic design concepts, such as balance, color/ mood, budgeting and materials.
Candidates were given color wheels to see how colors complement each other and they each selected color swatches that appealed to them.
After the interior design workshop, the candidates were led in a basic car care workshop by the male mentors, Bro. Ken, Bro. Olden and Bro. Anthony. They got a chance to compare the engine design of various types of vehicles. Several demonstrations were given, including how to change a flat tire, how to measure tire pressure and even the effects of Coca-Cola on battery acid build up!

CORE FOCUS CHALLENGE
A. Interior Design
- Choose an area of your home that you would like to modify.
  Identify at least two of the following design elements you will address:  

• Unity/ Harmony- considering how one space blends with adjoining spaces
• Balance- use of symmetry, asymmetry; distribution of visual weight
• Focal Point- properly attracting attention in a space
• Color Schemes- the psychological value of color; creating mood with color

Using a video recording device, create a 3-5 minute video that includes the "before" design of the area/room, you in the process of making the change, any materials you use, and the "after" design.
Be sure your parents/ guardians are aware of the changes you are making and approve BEFORE you begin.

Note: The change does not have to be drastic nor one that costs any money (paint, decorations, etc)! That is optional. The point is simply to demonstrate that you understand how each of these elements impacts the design of a space.

B. Car Maintenance

- Record the tire pressure for all four tires on a vehicle and indicate if they are properly inflated (Yes/ No)

- Research how to identify the oil dipstick on your family vehicle.
  Shortly after the motor has run for at least 5 minutes, have someone videotape you removing the
  dipstick and observing the condition of the oil. Speaking to the camera, answer the following questions:
        1) Does the oil look clean or dirty?
        2) Is the oil level full or low?
        3) What type of oil does this vehicle use? (if the information is available)

Submit your video to youtube.com and email the link before midnight, 1/31/12.
If you don't know how, ask one of the other candidates for assistance.

Good luck and have fun!