Lucky U FAQs

Why did you select the name Lucky U for this effort?

Lucky U has been the name of our company since it was created in 1993. The Lucky U (Lessons Used (in) Character Knowledge (for) Youth Unity) effort is a second generation initiative to invite others to join the effort to help accomplish the goals we have identified and to help others to attain their own goals.

We have been operating on the beliefs that individuals of all ages and all walks of life care about: youngsters, pre-teens, and teens. Further, we are positioned to help build links and bonds that will establish life long connections. In the 1990's we saw a need to reach out and to invite others to join in our total community effort. Now, more than ever, there is a need for united efforts. We have seen progress and we are making adjustments that will make the Lucky U effort one that can be implemented in any community by organizations and groups of any size.

Is the Lucky U effort in line with any programs one might recognize on the state or national levels?

We are in direct alignment with other efforts to build character. We are a member of the Character Education Partnership. We have attended conferences and workshops and have met with leaders in this field. Dr. Thomas Lickona, Director of the Center for the 4th and 5th R's (Respect and Responsibility) has written about our effort in one of his newsletters. We relate closely with the America's Promise effort and are positioned to help you and your community to become an active participant in that effort. Our goals closely match a number of the elements, which have been identified in the Assets Program. Once again we are prepared to demonstrate how we can help to strengthen well over half of the items on the list of 40 Assets. You will note that we have taken time to put thoughts together relating to the character component of the SAVE Legislation passed in New York state in 2000.

What gives you the belief that this effort will have any lasting impact and that it will make any differences in lives and communities?

Our Lucky U effort is based upon the following:

• There is a need to draw the line to make positive changes in the way we are approaching the problems our society faces
• Youngsters, pre-teens and teens are key partners in our total effort
• We believe we can reach them, can invite them to join the effort and that they want to and will participate in worthwhile projects

In fact we proved many of the points that relate to our plan when the BACKFIRE effort helped to create the Chester Kiwanis 9/11 Remembrance Memorial in Chester, NY. The Memorial was dedicated on September 18, 2004.