Haitian-American Club

Many Haitian-American youngsters lack a sense of ethnic pride because of the negative publicity related to the political turmoil that hinders Haiti's chances to progress socially and politically. This lack of ethnic pride is manifested in ethnic mis-identification: Young Haitians present themselves at various times as African-Americans, Caribbean-Americans, West-Indians, Bahamians, or Haitian-Americans, depending on the sociopolitical climate in both Haiti and the United States.

The major goal of the Haitian-American Club is to create a pool of community volunteers to serve as positive role models who can assist in accomplishing the following:

• Providing a support system and becoming part of an extended family in order to improve and enrich the lives of youngsters
• Lending additional guidance, attention, support, and a sense of direction

Specific objectives:

• Provide activities and high interest experiences that promote self-esteem and self-confidence
• Promote activities and events that increase communications and social skills
• Facilitate activities to promote pride in cultural heritage

• Role modeling - provides a good example for students to follow, identify with and relate to, helps students improve their attitudes toward school
• Effective listening - builds a relationship in which students can be open and honest