Written by Shawn Raleigh
Henry County District Attorney Darius Pattillo and his office stand behind Henry County’s Pillars of Excellence (purpose, mission, and a promise.) The purpose is to create a community that allows residents and visitors to live, work, and play safely. The mission is to deliver local government services with a focus on integrity, fiscal care, and responsiveness. Finally, there is a promise to be responsive, welcoming, and transparent in how the citizen’s needs are served.
An example of this is the District Attorney’s 12-week Power Moves initiative which is a program implemented by Pattillo which supports the future of Henry County, the youth. Being inspired from personal experience, DA Pattillo started this program to help students become more responsible in their decision-making. In doing so, there is a proactive approach instead of a reactive one. Getting an early start helping kids understand the importance of their choices is key critical. Consequently, the program is designed for middle school students in the 8th grade. Although these efforts are headed by the DA's Office, other entities such as local law enforcement agencies, the school system, and other non-profit organizations play a part.
The Power Moves initiative is far from being a scared straight program. In fact, it is a program focused on developing leadership skills, and strategic decision-making. It is paramount that young people understand the power they possess in controlling their destiny. Oftentimes, our youth are influenced by others instead of looking within themselves for direction. As a result, they relinquish this power to others and in return they find themselves falling short of their goals and aspirations. Pattillo and his office recognize that many children are highly influenced by their peers, celebrities, and social media. Because of this, all our kids are at risk of falling victim to drug use, criminal behavior, and violence.
Pattillo and his team also acknowledge that parents have the primary responsibility of teaching standards, morals and values which can make all the difference in the world for the individual success of a child.
For Pattillo and the Power Moves initiative, the focus is not only getting on the road to success but staying the course for a lifetime. Program curriculum highlights include: determining one’s purpose; attaining one’s goals; stress management; conflict resolution; police-citizen encounters; and financial literacy.
These are just a sample of the topics covered by the program. The vision is to get the youth to understand that success is attained through a series of positive decisions and holding themselves accountable. This approach benefits the individual students as well as the entire village.
"I encourage us all to take a proactive approach in the development of our youth. We must become and teach our kids to become life-long learners." says DA Pattillo.
I would like to say thank you to District Attorney Pattillo, his office and all parties involved for their efforts in breaking cycles and building bridges with our youth, by teaching them to embrace accountability and pursuing their goals. We are excited to look ahead where we can see our future leaders and know without a doubt that we will be in good hands.
Henry County District Attorney Darius Pattillo Appears on VOTV
Bring Power Moves To Your School
Get Your Copy of Game Changers Magazine 2024 Summer Edition featuring Dr. Elana Poulard of Family Support Circle
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