Mentoring Program Launched In Houston, Texas

US Dream Academy and Find A Tree expanded their collaboration to include training U.S Dream Academy mentors. The U.S. Dream Academy, a national after school program, has utilized Find A Tree since August 2008 for its students. On November 11 and 12 Daniel facilitated training workshops for U.S. Dream Academy mentors.  Training sessions focused on how mentors can use Find A Tree to realize their own dream. In addition to working with mentors, Daniel met with the Dream Academy’s “Dream Kids.”

“Thanks again for having us dig deep in ourselves!  
How can we mentor others if we don't have dreams ourselves!!"

--Nicole Glasper
U.S. Dream Academy Mentor
Houston, Texas

Students shared their dream and actions they could take to get knowledge about their dream

Mentors were grilled on what they were doing about their own dreamMentors looked within for talents and interests Mentors opened up and shared

Mentor Lori Spears was not intimidated as she outlined her plan of action to build her sports marketing firm

Mentors were shown how to use the Find A Tree approach to realize their dream

Daniel at “Rethinking Education” Conference in Dallas, Texas

The 13^th Annual Rethinking Education Conference in Dallas, Texas from September 4 – 8 expanded its scope this year from “ReThinking Education” to “ReThinking Everything.” Workshop topics ranged from rethinking work, the environment and child development. Daniel facilitated several workshops including “What’s Your Dream?” and “How to Help Your Child Live their Dream.” 

“[The Find A Tree] program is ‘right-on’ and so valuable for people of all ages.”

 – Peter Ayers
Conference participant

What Did You Learn from Find A Tree?

Loni Kaplan Conference participant

Daniel is a wonderful inspiration to those he meets. He finds a way to cut directly to the heart of a passion.  Through probing questions and brilliant insights, Daniel helps you discover things about yourself that you didn't even know, or at least, forgot.  He listens intently to your situation and finds a new angle that you had never considered, but once he describes it, it becomes crystal clear.  Thanks to Daniel, I am realizing my dream.

What’s Your Dream?

My dream is to find more home school families in my area for my children and myself to interact with.

…And What Are You Doing About It?

I am setting up a parenting group for homeschoolers. 

 
For more information on Rethinking Education,

please visit www.rethinkingeducation.net

Daniel Addresses Southern California Rotary Clubs

On August 28 Daniel addressed Rotary Club members from across Southern California for their annual literacy breakfast held at Lawry’s Restaurant in Beverly Hills. Ron Davis, a teacher from Roosevelt High School, and Derek Finks, a counselor with the California Youth Authority, joined Daniel who addressed education and gangs. His topic was “Let There Be Light: Gangs, Literacy and Education.” 

Rotary District Governor Susanne Sundberg and Literacy Chairperson Olivia Patterson“What impressed me was how Daniel was received by the Rotarians. The Rotarians all thought it was an excellent program; however, what really stood out was how many of the adults felt that they needed to go find their own tree. The presentation stirred up thoughts of latent dreams for the adults.”

 --Olivia Patterson
Literacy Chairperson
Inglewood Rotary

 "Daniel Armstrong's message was timely, insightful and relevant to the task of educating youth in today's environment.  The Find A Tree philosophy of creating a vision for each individual is fundamental to guiding our children on a path of literacy, self motivation and success."

 --Ron Banks
Inglewood Rotary Club member and former Chief of Police for the city of Inglewood, California

Former California Youth Authority counselor Derek Finks (left)and Roosevelt High School teacher Ron Davis (right), who have both used the Find A Tree program, provided testimonials on how the program motivated students to achieve.

Inglewood, California Rotary Supports Find A Tree

Chapter president Samuel Bingham and former chapter president Ron Banks Photo by Linton MorganOn October 13 the Inglewood Rotary chapter welcomed Daniel Armstrong back to make a lunch time presentation on how Find A Tree is now helping elementary students to find their tree. The Inglewood Rotary has been a long-time supporter and continued to back Find A Tree by making a generous contribution. 

Planting Seeds: Santee High School - “Dare to Be Great”

On October 24 students Santee Educational Complex near downtown Los Angeles were challenged to take action on their dreams by serving others.

"Daniel and his Find A Tree presentations always hold the attention of our students and faculty, but more importantly, they inspire them to realize their own potential and dreams.  When I schedule Daniel, I can be assured that students and teachers will approach me afterwards and thank me for bringing him to our school.  Students and staff alike respond to Daniel's unique experiences, and his message of empowerment through service resonates within our school community each time he visits."

--Lorin Abarr
College Counselor
Santee Education Complex
Los Angeles Unified School District