Let’s face it; we are bombarded with too much negativity on a daily basis. Whether you are bombarded with hate on social media or subjected to violence in your communities or in the media, we need to think about the good things that are happening in the world to find some sort of peace.

Well Allstate has been “giving it up for good” and seeking out the positive things happening in our communities. I was challenged to find good things happening in my community, and while there are many great organizations doing amazing work I decided to “Give It Up For Good” with Kel Spencer and Pens of Power.

“The Pen is Mightier than the Sword” is the message Kel Spencer delivers through his Pens of Power mentoring and literacy program whose mission is to “To help young minds view words as expressive & limitless tools that can be used effectively for communication, comprehension and creativity.”

Kel working with students during a recording session during a workshop

Founded by Award winning songwriter, Kel Spencer, Pens of Power uses creative writing exercises as a means to improve students’ writing skills in alignment with the Common Core State Standards, and with the goal of improving state standardized test scores. For those that do not know, the Common Core State Standards are pretty much the road map for education in the United States with 46 states adopting a more rigorous and each enriching curriculum to allow our students to be college and career ready.

Students engaged in writing activities

Pens of Power is designed to help students, primarily grades 3-8 (2nd grade & High School component are available as well), to improve their reading and writing skills. Using an unorthodox approach towards literacy Kel Spencer incorporates lyric writing, poetry, music, rhythmic prose and brainstorming during the workshops.

Students at their Pens of Power video shoot

As an educator I felt this program was extremely important. Our children are so fixated with technology that they lack basic skills. As time passes we must change our approach on certain issues In this technological and informational age we have to compete with social media, computers, video games and much more to get our students to learn. This is why programs like Pens of Power are so important. They provide another way for students to get the skills they need to compete in a fast pacing world.

Kel Spencer instructing students during a Pens of Power Workshop

Kel Spencer works with various organizations to share his God given talents in hopes of inspiring others. Many of the schools he works have a high African American population. Through this program he is helping to close the educational achievement gap that plague the African American community. He is helping children from all over learn to attain knowledge, comprehend, and apply these skills in the classroom and beyond.

I challenge you to focus on the good and find ways to give back to your community. Money isn’t everything, so give back with your time, gifts, and talents.

For more information on Kel Spencer and Pens of Power visit their official website at www.PensOfPower.org.

Brand Statement
Allstate believes that there is Good happening all around us, every single day, right in our communities. We believe that this Good is more powerful than Bad – it has the power to change the conversation, change communities, and ultimately, change lives, and we want to give it the recognition it deserves. We are committed to unearthing the stories about Good – stories of hope, strength and perseverance, stories of positivity and optimism, stories of kindness and generosity – stories that will inspire even more good.

Check out stories, pics, tweets and videos of the good happening in our communities at http://giveitupforgood.allstateonline.com/and share the good you see using @giveitupforgood and #giveitupforgood on Twitter and Instagram. Let’s do more Good, together.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Allstate via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Allstate.