SAM & DIME Department

Family engagement is an important part of mentoring. Integral to family engagement is the relationship between families and the program. Intentional efforts should be made to build and maintain positive relationships with families throughout the program.
Here is a Mentoring idea:
Create a family tree- Create visual family tree with your mentees and share with one another.

* Parents.com-Printable Family Tree
* https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/how-to-make-a-family-tree-5-easy-craft-ideas

How to Make a Family Tree - 8 Easy Craft Ideas Kids need to explore genealogy in an interesting way so that they learn about their family history and heritage. Browse through the article to get an insight into wonderful ways of creating the family tree.

https://aeaonmsphotos.smugmug.com/Imperial-Session-2024

Imperial Session 2024

August 17, 2024 - Imperial Session, New Orleans, LA

S.A.M. & D.I.M.E. Imperial Mentoring Programs partnered with First Tee of New Orleans for a morning of fun and learning. Coordinated by the Desert of Louisiana S.A.M. Director, Noble Robert Guilbeaux and D.I.M.E. Desert Directress, Dr. Melinda Perry. 20 Desert of Louisiana S.A.M. & D.I.M.E. Mentees learned the basics of golf and discussed character building traits. We were blessed with the presence of our Imperial Administrator, Imperial Outside Spy, Dt. Leah Cole. Lunch was provided by S.A.M. Imperial Administrator, Noble Gary Sylvester. Polo shirts were donated for the mentees by the Desert of the Louisiana and sun visors were donated by the D.I.M.E. Chief Deputy Imperial Directress, HPC Tonya McNair (250).

Attention: Do Not forget to register!

https://forms.aeaonms.org/imperialsamdime/IS2024-SAM-DIME

We offer our sincerest wishes to all students starting or returning to school for a highly accomplished year. Be reminded that school is a physical facility with four walls that shelters the opportunities of tomorrow.

Good Morning!!

Registration for our annual S.A.M. & D.I.M.E. Networking event is LIVE!!

This year, we will be highlighting Temples & Courts across the Domain that exemplify mentoring excellence within their oasis and desert.

The hope it that all temple and desert directors, court and desert chairpersons will be in attendance. If you are unable to attend, be sure to send a representative.

S.A.M. & D.I.M.E. Imperial Mentoring Programs Event
Sunday, August 18, 2024 from 2-4:30 pm Central Time
New Orleans Marriott, Salon D - 3rd Floor

forms.aeaonms.org

Good Morning!!

Registration for our annual S.A.M. & D.I.M.E. Networking event is LIVE!!

This year, we will be highlighting Temples & Courts across the Domain that exemplify mentoring excellence within their oasis and desert.

The hope it that all temple and desert directors, court and desert chairpersons will be in attendance. If you are unable to attend, be sure to send a representative.

S.A.M. & D.I.M.E. Imperial Mentoring Programs Event
Sunday, August 18, 2024 from 2-4:30 pm Central Time
New Orleans Marriott, Salon D - 3rd Floor

https://forms.aeaonms.org/imperialsamdime/IS2024-SAM-DIME

It’s a new month July!!

Get ready to level up your social game! July is National Social Wellness Month, offering the perfect opportunity to focus on building robust relationships and connecting with others. Take the challenge and make the most of it - your mental and emotional health will thank you!

Did you know that this year marks the thirteenth anniversary of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month? The commemoration of this observance aims to remind Americans that our greatness lies in our diversity. This year's theme is Our Shared History, Our Shared Future. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Caribbean-American population of the United States was almost 13.2 million in June 2018. Some of the largest Caribbean ancestry groups in the U.S. include: Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Dominicanos, Jamaicans, Haitians, Trinidadians and Tobagonians, Bajans, Belizeans, Bahamians, and U.S. Virgin Islanders.

Together, let's break the silence and stigma surrounding PTSD. As we spread awareness, we remind you that you are not alone and that we are here to support and uplift you on your journey towards healing and growth.

Today and everyday we reflect on these words of Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States and Civil Rights Attorney

“Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible—and there is still so much work to do."

Enjoy your day!! SAM Department and the DOMAIN SAM PROGRAM!! Make it Epic

Today, we proudly recognize and honor the remarkable Women Veterans who continue to serve our nation through community service and benevolence. Your selflessness, strength, and dedication inspire us all to be forces for positive change.

Former President Barack Obama said Music ‘brings us together, helping us reflect upon who we are, where we have come from, and what lies ahead.’ The arts and music transcend ‘languages, cultures, and borders’ … and helps ‘exchange ideas and styles and share in the artistic vibrancy born from diverse experiences and traditions.’

LGBTQ+ Youth

The S.A.M. and D.I.M.E Programs understands the call to action to embrace LGBTQ+ youth and strives to provide guidance where there may be none. With the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth, mentors must be sensitive to this movement, even if it makes us uncomfortable. Below are links to resources that can assist your Temple and Court in addressing the needs of LGBTQ+ youth within your communities.

LGBTQ+ Pride Youth
https://www.mentoring.org/campaigns/pride/

There are additional information links and studies provided by mentoring.org to review; simply click on the link above to find additional in-depth information regarding servicing these youth.

LGBTQ Pride - MENTOR Raise your voice, share your knowledge, and affect positive change through engagement with Congress and other elected officials in your communities.

As we stand in gratitude, we recall the immense sacrifice of those who fought for our country's cause, and we draw inspiration from their courage to build a brighter tomorrow.

As we bid farewell to the month of May, let us pay tribute to our mentors who have served us with valor, both in active duty and as reservists. Your selflessness is appreciated not just during this month but throughout the year!

Communication is KEY!! Riding in the car is a great way to start conversations with your kids.

Car Conversations with Dr. Pressley - D.I.M.E. Deputy Imperial Region Directress- Mid-Western Region II

TikTok · Dr.FeliciaPressley 51 likes, 3 comments. Check out Dr.FeliciaPressley’s video.

D.I.M.E. Mid-Atlantic Region - MISR Court #193 - D.I.M.E. & Youth Program participated in a Service-Learning project in the Dominican Republic, where they interacted with students and took part in beach cleaning, facility painting, and learned about local agriculture.

Monthly Mentoring tip:
As a mentor, you can learn valuable lessons from your mentee, such as the importance of being brave, enthusiastic, and flexible, and the value of fresh perspectives and priorities.
“Mentees as Teachers “
Allow your mentee(s) to share something with You.

Arabic Temple 44 S.A.M and Arabic Court 21 D.I.M.E Committee hosted a Community Easter Egg Hunt for the community, where over 75 kids participated in activities and an Easter Egg Hunt. A great time was had.

April marks Financial Literacy Month, presenting an ideal opportunity to educate children on the significance of money management. Fostering financial literacy encompasses comprehending the value of money, grasping the fundamentals of saving and spending, and making well-informed financial decisions. By introducing these skills early on, children will be better equipped for financial success in the future. While no guarantees exist in life, making the effort can vastly improve outcomes.
Numerous Financial Literacy Activities can be utilized to promote healthy financial habits in young individuals, such as:

1. Encourage your children to count the money that goes in and teach them how to identify different coins and bills.
2. Create a "needs and wants" list with them. Ask them to identify what they need to survive, like food, water, and shelter, and things they want, like toys, candy, and video games.
3. Board games can be a fantastic tool for teaching children about managing money: they offer an interactive way to learn about finances while promoting social skills, critical thinking, and strategic planning.
4. Setting up a pretend store or taking your children grocery shopping with you can be a fantastic way to teach them about money in a fun and interactive way.
5. Setting financial goals also helps children develop delayed gratification and a sense of accomplishment and pride when they finally
6. Creating budgets with your children is another fantastic Financial Literacy Month activity you can do to introduce your kids to money management.
7. Encouraging entrepreneurship in your kids is an excellent way to teach them valuable lessons about money management!
8. Finance books for kids are practical for teaching kids the value of money, budgeting, saving, and investing in a way that's engaging and easy to understand.
9. Community service can be an incredibly valuable tool for teaching kids about financial responsibility and the importance of giving back.
10. Teaching kids about investment can be a fun and rewarding way to introduce them to the world of finance, while also laying the groundwork for a brighter economic future.

April is celebrated as the Month of the Military Child, honoring the resilience and strength of military children around the world.

The Mentors and Mentees of MISR Ct. 193 spent a fulfilling Saturday evening together during their Annual PJ Party, creating blankets for pediatric cancer patients, discussing self-love, and indulging in delicious snacks. The event, titled 'Pamper with a Purpose', proved educational for both parties involved as they learned from each other throughout the night.

.I.M.E
— with Alana Hawkins Smoaks.

Shriners as Mentors and Pingree farms come together for Easter egg hunt Shriners hosting free community Easter egg hunt complete with interactive activities, food and Easter egg drop.

S.A.M. Program - Mid-Western Region II - Desert of Michigan

Shriners As Mentors partners with Pingree Farms for an Easter Egg Hunt

Outstanding Job S.A.M. Desert Director Noble Coleman and S.A.M. Deputy Imperial Region Director PP William Oliver!!!

Courtesy of Fox2Detroit News

Shriners as Mentors and Pingree farms come together for Easter egg hunt Shriners hosting free community Easter egg hunt complete with interactive activities, food and Easter egg drop.

Mid-Atlantic Region - Nabeeh Temple #260 & Nabeeh Court #250 - Oasis of Williamsburg, Desert of Virginia

We are pleased to announce that Temple No. 260(S.A.M.) and Court No. 250 (D.I.M.E.) committees, have recently donated over 400 Easter eggs filled with candy and other snacks to the Preschool program at the R.F. Wilkinson Family YMCA.

We trust that this generous gesture will bring joy and excitement to the young learners at the YMCA. This donation is part of our ongoing commitment to serve and give back to the community.

Pictures courtesy of Dt. Tiana Peyton-Harris

Al Tariq Court No 228 held our Inaugural Easter Egg Hunt for the Oasis of Marietta. It was Epic

Oasis of Marietta
Desert of Georgia

D.I.M.E Program - Mid-Atlantic Region - Nabeeh Court No. 250, Oasis of Williamsburg, Desert of Virginia

The D.I.M.E Mentors of Nabeeh Court No. 250 hosted their second Prom Closet event for the season today!! This is the second year of assisting young ladies in need of prom attire and accessories.

Pictures Courtesy of Dt. Tiana Peyton-Harris