Mary Meeks has stacks of ideas tucked away in her home in Itta Bena, and she's eager to see them fulfilled.
"All people are important, regardless of their educational background or their occupation and status. Everyone is important in the community," Meeks said.
Right now, her vision is captured on pamphlets and brochures explaining her Community Action program.
The developing program will provide after-school tutoring for children and adult education classes.
Her ultimate goal is creating a headquarters for her non-profit program called the Survival Skills Learning Academy.
For 20 years, Meeks, 58, taught in the Leflore County public schools and at Sumner Elementary. Now she splits her time between substitute teaching and tutoring children at her home and at the Itta Bena Library.
Last year, Meeks was inspired to extend her tutoring to her community. One aspect she particularly wants to address is improving school accreditation levels.
Since 2002, she has seen first-hand the effects the No Child Left Behind Act has had on children and schools.
The law calls for annual testing of students of all grades in certain subject areas. Their scores determine accreditation levels for schools, and ultimately state funding.
"It's very important that the students know and comprehend the subjects they are being taught," Meeks said.
But her effect on good grades and positive attitude only reaches so far. It's up to the parents to encourage the children and stay involved, Meeks noted.
Her mother, and charter member Bessie Lampley agrees. "We need to reach the homes and bring the idea to the parents of what a necessity it is to work with the children. It would make our community better," Lampley said.
Lampley is a self-styled street corner recruiter. "I try to reach the children on the corner doing nothing. I tell them they don't have to live that life."
Reaching children now will have a lasting impact on the community. They will carry those lessons into their adults lives, said Lampley.
Meeks and others are actively reaching to build an academy in Itta Bena by the end of 2006. The members have several responsibilities such as public relations and consulting.
The fledgling operation is funding itself through
memberships and through Meeks' pocket. But the founder is also soliciting donations, calling for more memberships and applying for grants.
Meeks sees a bright future in her plans. Eventually it will spill over from Itta Bena into other communities as well, she said.
