Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Empowerment In The 21st Century

The Bayne Street Project
Empowerment Through Advanced Technology

In this age of advanced technology, everyone needs to be empowered to sustain and maintain himself/herself.

However, empowerment is much deeper and more involved than many of its advocates realize.
Glib phrases, slogans, mottos and sound bites are great for talk shows, adverts, popularity and income from advertisers, but in the real world they are empty and useless. This is evidenced by the continued deterioration of African-American communities after trillions spent on anti-poverty programs and the growing influence of gangs and criminal activity in many neighborhoods across America.

In this post I will also discuss:

1. 43 Years Of Activism And 43 Years Of Failure
2. One Of The Greatest Community Projects Of Our Time
3. Bringing Families, Computers And The Internet Together
4. Why Every Family Or Individual Needs His/Her Own Home Computer and Internet Access
5. Acquiring Home Computers Systems For Adults And Families In Your Community
6. Why Every Local Organization Needs Their Own Proactive And Interactive Website
7. How To Order Complete Computer Systems For Individuals, Families Or Groups
8. Paying For Computers And Continued Online Access

43 Years Of Activism And 43 Years Of Failure

Many talk about empowerment, but few really comprehend what it actually involves.
Think about this. Which would you rather see? More young adults carrying laptop computers or knives and guns? Interacting online or joining gangs and killing each other off line? Sitting behind computers or costing you millions in tax dollars every year sitting behind bars? Which is better? More heads of households struggling financially or meeting their monthly expenses?

The choice is clear. Buying a computer for financially challenged individuals or families that need them is a one time thing. Paying for the cost of prisons, unemployment insurance or social service programs can go on for your entire lifetime. Many times in life, you will discover, the simplest approach... is far more often than not... the most effective approach.


For 43 years empowerment advocates stressed education and voting. Well..after 43 years and billions spent on educational programs and voter registration drives, more American families are worst off now than ever before and we have more dysfunctional educated people than ever before. Don't get me wrong. There have been successes.

However, when you compare the successes to the failures, the successes are dwarfed by the enormous size and extent of the failures. That's because few empowerment advocates realize empowerment is an inclusive and holistic process not a selective one. Even though everything said and done to promote it and encourage it is better than nothing, unless it gives a definite advantage to the individual or an individual family, empowerment as practiced and promoted today, accomplishes very little.

"Advanced In-home Computer Technology", which is an essential element for individual, family and even community empowerment in today's changing socio-economic environment, was not readily available or accessible 43 years ago. Contrary to popular belief, the overwhelming majority of families in America are not online. And just as many have bad credit, slow credit or no credit.

Therefore; in order to empower more families we need to begin the process of bringing home computer systems, American families and the Internet together. Community-based programs that do not recognize or address the real socio-economic forces that are impacting families and our youth are doomed to fail or destined to become irrelevant or relics of the past.

One Of The Greatest Community Projects Of Our Time

There are few causes in America that are as big as moving entire communities into the "Information Age of Advanced Technology" that is the 21st Century. The reason: The information and economic resources that are available on the Internet can be harnessed to benefit more people. Here are some additional reasons why this must be done as rapidly as possible:

The economic dynamics on planet earth have changed. America's growth and expansion was dramatically enhanced by having access to cheap fuel and cheap energy. Those days are gone forever. All the major industrial centers and countries that were decimated during World War II are back and competing with us for available natural resources.

Hundreds of factories and plants have already closed and moved overseas. Our country is no longer the industrial or economic center of the world. The cost of fuel, food and other essential items will continue to rise. It is becoming far more difficult for people who want to work to find good jobs or second jobs in traditional employment markets to help with increased living expenses.

In many communities across America, more of our young women are selling themselves for rent money, and more of our young men are becoming comfortable being street thugs and gangsters rather than scientists, engineers, architects, professionals or civic, industrial or government leaders. You must always remember: Every street gangster is somebody's child.

"Street gangsters" are feeders in the social order, not developers of it or beneficial contributors to it. If you don't believe this, look at any neighborhood where the gangster mentality dominates. "Street gangsters" live, feed and breed on a community's vices, ignorance, fear and immorality. Remove them and the "street gansters" gradually disappear by adopting more conventional lifestyles, mind-sets and intellectual vocabularies. There is no project greater in our time, than moving entire communities forward into the "Age of Advanced Technology"; especially minority communities.

Bringing Families, Home Computers and the Internet Together

A major paradigm shift has occurred that is not going to reverse itself. Let us not mislead or deceive ourselves, there is very little our government can or will do to curve the growing economic power and political influence of the European Union, Canada, Japan, Korea and China. In this New World Order, there is no place for the uneducated, undereducated, backward or ignorant.

Minority communities will not raise themselves up in a modern industrial society without major shifts in their intellectual approach to advanced technology. Ghettoeze and Ebonics do not, can not and will not build a common cell phone millions carry around with them and use everyday. Science, chemistry, physics, manufacturing and mathematics are languages that are excruciatingly precise.

Because of these rapid and unexpected changes internationally, the Internet has become a viable alternative that can help thousands of families save more money or increase their income. In this century and the next, empowerment will mean knowing how to use advanced "in-home" computer technology to take advantage of Internet-based resources and income opportunities.

Families do not have to struggle to make ends meet if they understand how to utilize the services, programs, information and legitimate opportunities that are available on the Internet. It is about time community leaders and program directors start using this resource that is readily available and accessible to any American family.

The Bayne Street Project was organized to help adults and families with school-age children acquire home computers to access Internet-based information, self help sources, income opportunities and educational resources. For example: Every participating family in the Bayne Street Project can increase their income from $100.00 to $500.00 a month, or save up to $100.00 a month or more or a combination of both by combining services and programs.

These programs and services do not replace traditional income sources for the vast majority, nor can they. However, they can enhance or supplement them. You develop a similar project for your community, church, organization or club.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Local Business Flyer

Bayne Street's Business Flyer


The Bayne Street Project
Ad Hoc Committee



Why Every Employee Needs A Home Computer
& Unlimited Internet Access

The cost of fuel, food and other essential items will continue to rise. The Internet is a viable alternative that will help you and your employees save money. Your employees do not have to struggle to make ends meet. In addition, moving all your employees into the "Information Age" will allow your business to operate more efficiently and cost effectively. Work schedule changes can be posted online. Employees will have 24/7 access to information bulletins and a convenient method to contact the company in the event of family emergencies, illness or transportation problems.


Employees can be updated in real time when it comes to company programs and activities. Finally, by taking advantage of Bayne Street's programs and services, you can give all your empolyees a raise at absolutely no cost to you.

Ad Hoc is a Latin phrase that means “for this purpose”. For this purpose we have organized ourselves to help school-age children acquire home computer systems to access Internet-based educational resources; to help our families and every family in our community economically by providing the means by which any participating family can increase their income from $100.00 to $500.00 a month, save $100.00 a month or more or a combination of both. The Internet is rapidly becoming the means by which families can access money saving services, educational resources and lower expenses.

In order to take advantage of these Internet-based resources, your employees must have their own home computer and printer.


Arrangements have been made with a leading manufacturer that will allow you to purchase an Internet-ready computer complete with monitor, printer and software direct from the manufacturer. The following number is a direct line to Mr. Murray. He will handle your purchase personally or a member of his team. The money you save from using our grocery service alone will pay for it and unlimited Internet access.

Call: 1-800-846-2042 Ext 23781

9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Monday to Friday
After Hours: 1-585-406-2746
(Financing is available for qualified buyers)
Ask for the Bayne Street home computer special

After your employees get their computers and connect to the Internet or if employees have computers that are already connected to the Internet.. have them...

Go to: http://baynestreetsignup.blogspot.com
(Find your contact person and enroll in all the programs. If you need further assistance, contact the person whose name is on this flyer. He will explain these programs to you.)

Your Contact Person is George Sistrunk
803-268-0716
1-800-331-1274 Mailbox 39125
(24/7 answering service - 24 hour delay before message is answered.)


Monday, April 14, 2008

Church Flyer

Bayne Street's Church Flyer


The Bayne Street Project
Ad Hoc Committee



Why Every Church Member Needs A Home Computer

Factories and plants are closing and moving overseas. The cost of fuel, food and other essential items is rising. It is becoming increasingly more difficult to find a job or a second job to help with expenses. The Internet is rapidly becoming the means by which church members can access money saving services, educational resources, earn additional income and lower family expenses to meet these new economic challenges. These are advantages church members need.

In addition, moving all church members into the "Information Age" will allow your church to operate more efficiently and cost effectively. Bible study can be conducted online, as well as church business meetings and group discussions. Members will have 24/7 access to church leaders and information bulletins. Members can be updated in real time when it comes to church sponsored programs and community activities. Finally, tithes and offerings can be donated much more conveniently and easier online .

Ad Hoc is a Latin phrase that means “for this purpose”. For this purpose we have organized ourselves to help school-age children acquire home computer systems to access Internet-based educational resources; to help our families and every family in our community economically by providing the means by which any participating family can increase their income from $100.00 to $500.00 a month, save $100.00 a month or more or a combination of both.


In order to take advantage of these Internet-based resources, church members must have their own home computer and printer.

Arrangements have been made with a leading manufacturer that will allow you to purchase an Internet-ready computer complete with monitor, printer and software direct from the manufacturer. The following number is a direct line to Mr. Murray. He will handle your purchase personally or a member of his team. The money you save from using our grocery service alone will pay for it and unlimited Internet access.

Call: 1-800-846-2042 Ext 23781
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Monday to Friday
After Hours: 1-585-406-2746
(Financing is available for qualified buyers)
Ask for the Bayne Street home computer special

After you get your computer and connect to the Internet or if you have a computer that is already connected to the Internet

(Find your contact person and enroll in all the programs. If you need further assistance, contact the person whose name is on this flyer. He will explain these programs to you.)

Your Contact Person is George Sistrunk
803-268-0716
1-800-331-1274 Mailbox 39125
(24/7 answering service - 24 hour delay before message is answered.)


Keep This Flyer For Future Reference. Do Not Discard.



Update: April 16-30, 2008

The meeting scheduled for Monday night at 7:30 p.m., April 14, 2008 has been rescheduled for a later date to be announced. During the interim, Madame Chair agreed to diversify our community activities to include churches, clubs, organizations, non profits, schools, businesses and professionals. George Sistrunk will develop the necessary fliers and post them on the blog so any Ad Hoc Committee can use them.

The entire Bayne Street Project operational base in the Fairground subdivision in Orangeburg has been completed, except Sprinkle Avenue. 287 families in this area have been given Bayne Street flyers. 80% of the Heritage Subdivision has been completed. 300 families have been given Bayne Street flyers. In addition; 128 churches across America have been contacted and 250 families in Brentwood, North Brentwood and Williams Plaza Subdivisions have been exposed to Bayne Street programs.

Activity Analysis

Contacting African-American churches via the Internet has proven to be a major problem. The reason: The overwhelming majority do not have functional websites. The vast majority of email addresses and contact information have proven to be bogus or outdated. An unexpected large number of churches have not updated their web pages in 1 or 2 years.

The response from our operational base has also been disappointing when it comes to actual computers ordered. This is significant because, individuals and families can not take advantage of Bayne Street programs without computers. For May and the remainder of 2008, The Project will move out of poverty pockets in the Orangeburg area into the mainstream.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Revised Community Flyer

Bayne Street's Community Flyer


The Bayne Street Project
Ad Hoc Committee



Why Your Family Needs A Home Computer


Factories and plants are closing and moving overseas. The cost of fuel, food and other essential items is rising. It is becoming increasingly more difficult to find a job or a second job to help with expenses. The Internet is rapidly becoming the means by which families can access money saving services, educational resources, earn additional income and lower family expenses to meet these new economic challenges.

Ad Hoc is a Latin phrase that means “for this purpose”. For this purpose we have organized ourselves to help school-age children acquire home computer systems to access Internet-based educational resources; to help our families and every family in our community economically by providing the means by which any participating family can increase their income from $100.00 to $500.00 a month, save $100.00 a month or more or a combination of both.

In order to take advantage of these Internet-based resources, you must have your own home computer and printer.


Arrangements have been made with a leading manufacturer that will allow you to purchase an Internet-ready computer complete with monitor, printer and software direct from the manufacturer. The following number is a direct line to Mr. Murray. He will handle your purchase personally or a member of his team. The money you save from using our grocery service alone will pay for it and unlimited Internet access.

Call: 1-800-846-2042 Ext 23781

9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Monday to Friday
After Hours: 1-585-406-2746
(Financing is available for qualified buyers)
Ask for the Bayne Street home computer special

After you get your computer and connect to the Internet or if you have a computer that is already connected to the Internet...

Go to: http://baynestreetsignup.blogspot.com
(Find your contact person and enroll in all the programs. If you need further assistance, contact the person whose name is on this flyer. He will explain these programs to you.)

Your Contact Person is George Sistrunk
803-268-0716
1-800-331-1274 Mailbox 39125
(24/7 answering service - 24 hour delay before message is answered.)


Keep This Flyer For Future Reference. Do Not Discard.





Update: March 20-31, 2008


During this time period, George Sistrunk established a relationship with a leading computer manufacturer to address the issue of obtaining enough Internet ready computers for participants. Several participants in the original ten committee members were replaced because of a variety of different personal reasons.

The new additions to Bayne Street are:
Reginald Jennings
Nikia Purnell
Saundra Robertson
Linda Kaartinen

Replacing
Otis Harrison, Ken McClellan, Dorothy Waymer-Synder and Alpha Josie. Otis Harrison will still work closely with the committee as obligations permit.

On Thursday March 27, 2008, George Sistrunk and Reginald Jennings did a test market of 200 homes in the Heritage Subdivision to determine response ratios and how many homes in that particular area had computers.


Update: April 1-15, 2008

The results from the initial test market were dismal. This is what we discovered after a follow up evaluation.

1. Out of 200 homes, none had home computer systems.
2. Credit worthiness is a major issue.
3. The vast majority can not connect intellectually; how having a computer will benefit them.

New strategies were needed and a revised flyer that dealt with the need to have a home computer system. George Sistrunk completed these objectives and the revised flyer was posted on the blog on Sunday April 13, 2008 along with the blog updates. A meeting was called and will be held at 423 Bayne Street on Monday night, April 14, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the following:

1. How to get local finance companies involved.
2. How to get local churches, schools and other non profits involved.
3. How to get well known celebrities involved.
4. What needs to be done to get 500 computer systems into local homes within 30 days to establish momentum.