This morning I was watching Squawk Box on CNBC and they were interviewing Dick's Sporting Goods.  It was an interesting interview from a business perspective that not only outlines an issue we are encountering at a business dollar level but in the development of our future work force.  

Ten years ago there was a report put out about the importance of having youth in positive programs between the hours of 3-6PM.  The reason being is that many American families had both parents working and their work schedules along with commute didn't put them home until after 6PM.  The report also talked about the decline of after-school programs along with positive community programming teaming youth with positive role models and guidance.  The report discussed that youth who were left to make decisions on their own and participate in choices available to the between 3-6PM were susceptible to making poor choices as guidance by positive role models was limited.

We are in a time where funds are difficult to come by, teachers are demanding more, schools are tightening budgets, cutting after-school programs and being less involved with community programs that require additional resources.  In addition to this, non-profit programs available in the community that operate from grant funds are now demanded to show outcomes tied to micro-specific objectives.  Programs are forced to manipulate their founding structure to stretch their ability to receive the only funds available just to keep doors open and provide services.  This causes many programs that are important to our community to shut down because they can't change their core purpose to meet the needs of the dollars under the micro-specific definitions required.  This doesn't mean these programs are not needed but they are no longer eligible for funds required to provide community services.  We are seeing many of these small programs disappearing throughout our communities and communities are feeling the negative affects.

What is the answer?  The Community Activity Network was designed 19 years ago because we saw these issues and knew we needed to bring people together.  The CNBC interview discusses the importance of leadership and businesses in creating solutions.  The interview also discusses the importance of keeping kids in school and participation in programs because they learn how to take direction, patience, problem-solving and teamwork.  All necessary attributes to become a successful person within the workforce of America.  

This interview is less that 4 minutes but it hits key points as to the importance of a program like the CAN Project to bring not only the community or programs or leadership together but to bring all parties together, evaluate challenges and create solutions that require a little from each to ultimately strengthen our communities, our youth and our families.

There are many practical reasons why the CAN Project was created.  Sometimes things happen or come up that remind me of the importance of this project or why we began this journey in the first place.  Lately a lot of things have been coming to light with different community struggles and challenges. 

Last night I was able to finish Version 1 of a presentation that has taken months to create.  The presentation will improve as we gain support and finances to hire some assistance to improve upon what is created.  The goal of this presentation is to gain the support of Core Supporters we have outlined for each community.  

Click the picture below to be redirected to YouTube presentation of the CAN Project Request for Support.

UPDATE 10-15-15 Version 5:
Thank you to Miah Hall, Allison Smith, Julie Smith and Alona Horner for their assistance in the past 24 hours.  They have assisted me in making changes to presentation to create a product that we can start with.  I would also like to thank Jeff Fromm for his suggestions on vocal contacts which saved us hundreds of dollars.  Without the collaboration of these individuals, we would not be at this stage.