Pass the GOOD! A student athlete service competition where everybody wins. :)

Community safety

Central LA East LA South LA West LA South Bay Long Beach Other Gateway Cities

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

Our main issue is youth awareness. Awareness of the self and of the other. Being a youth is such a vulnerable time in one's life. Distractions, reckless actions, and peer pressure can take the focus away from effort into being one's best self; replacing valuable time with behaviors and habits that lead to poor character and poor life choices, resulting in potentially long term negative effects for the individual. The human condition, without awareness of the self (emotions, goals, reason, intention, understanding trauma, habits, etc.) cannot reach full potential. The human condition without purpose can leave one feeling lost and looking for empty satisfaction.
In addition to the difficulties youth have of self awareness in their vulnerable age, their lack of awareness of their community, or their neighboring communities, lead to misunderstandings of society as a whole, and can result in judgements, criticisms, lack of empathy and understanding for vulnerable populations, etc.

Assist Project will focus on youth awareness by adding a unique competition of servicing others. Youth participants are completely enthusiastic about the opportunity to meet and play with professional athletes in the final MVP game that the highest scorers will be rewarded, but in meeting these service hour requirements, they will go on a journey of self discovery of discipline, effort and emotional understanding as they will have to document "how they feel" as they help others, in order to receive points for their hours.
Scientifically proven, https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/ states, "journaling enhances mental clarity & emotional processing, helping to manage stress & anxiety, regular writing can boost self-esteem & mindfulness by encouraging reflection & personal growth, and incorporating journaling into daily routines supports goal setting, creativity & overall wellbeing." All encouraging awareness.
Student youth will also gain the internal rewards and health benefits of servicing others. Research shows helping others improves mental and physical health, provides purpose and teaches valuable life skills, fosters new and existing relationships within community, decreases loneliness and creates belonging, and scientifically proven to release serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins; the happy chemicals in the brain. Volunteering over time will create the desire to volunteer again, continuing to help both the individual and community members.
We all win.

In our trial year, the projection for participants are around 900 student athletes across LA County. One participating school is located in Orange County. This is potentially 900 individuals going out into their communities for the duration of the competition to aid others.
The competition will be ongoing. Every year begins a new competition. The number of student participants will only grow, as well as the number of schools that wish to be a part of the program.
Assist Project will expand to other sports (baseball, football, soccer) once we have completed our trial year.
There is a sentiment of unition when it comes to the Assist Project. Separation only with different school banners, but everyone competing for good. To do good, to receive good, and to be better. There is no failure or defeat when these are the goals. With Assist Project, Los Angeles has the opportunity to transform into an area that exemplifies youth development, only bettering our county for generations to come.