MacMall cares about the youth of this nation!

Greetings! We trust you had a great Thanksgiving. We wanted to share some great news we are thankful for at the A.C. Green Youth Foundation.

The Foundation is anxious to make better use of available technology to stay in touch with the youth we serve, through podcasts, videos, and more. When we told MacMall about this Online Initiative and presented an opportunity to partner with the us, they jumped at the chance.

MacMall donated a MacBook Pro to support our efforts, making it possible for A.C. Green to connect with the youth the Foundation serves, whether he's at home or on the go... you'll be in the know!

But we aren't done yet - we are looking for one more Company that Cares to jump on board with a donation of one more MacBook Pro, allowing our staff to seemlessly coordinate with A.C. Green and you. (Incidentally, if you know of a company that would like to help us with this goal - contact us here: http://www.acgreen.com/contactus.)

Thanks again to MacMall - and thank you for your continued support. Together we can make a difference in this nation's future...today!
to help!

A.C. Green speaks in Oregon

A.C. Green was the featured speaker at a dinner in Oregon this past weekend, benefiting the Mid-Willamette Family YMCA. To promote the event, Albany Democrat-Herald ran a story about A.C. and the Foundation. Below are a couple excerpts:

• Green's playing days are over, but his commitment to the message of abstinence, which he lived out until his marriage in 2002, is still going strong.
• "Once [my teammates] spent time with me they realized I was real about [my abstinence] and that I was committed to it," Green said. "It was something I lived out, didn't just talk about. It was something they came to understand in a real way."

Read the full article here.

STDs on the rise...

According to the CDC, sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis continue to spread in the United States.

"We have among the highest rates of STDs of any developed country in the world," said John Douglas, director of the division of sexually transmitted diseases at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (original article located here.)

Some are proposing that more "safe sex" education is the answer. However, the only real "safe sex" is abstinence til marriage. Check out these links to learn more:

• Study Shows Abstinence is Best
  
• Why Abstinence
• Moms Matter
• HPV Not Stopped by Condoms
• Truth or Consequence
• I Beg to Differ: Part II

A.C. Green at the ring ceremony

Kobe Bryant is greeted by former Lakers Michael Cooper, center, Magic Johnson and A.C. Green after receiving his championship ring at the Staples Center on Tuesday night. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times / October 27, 2009) (Photo originally posted at http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-plaschke-lakers28-2009oct28,0,7152736.column.)

Ringing in the NBA season

A.C. Green helped the Los Angeles Lakers "ring" in the new season, as he attended the Lakers' Championship Ring Ceremony and first game of the season.

AC Green "flair"

Are you on Facebook? If so, be sure to add the AC Green "flair" to your page.

Finding a leader

by A.C. Green

Peer Pressure
So much of high school is about growing. Growing physically…mentally…emotionally. I was 5’10” when I walked in the doors of Benson High School for the first time and 6’8-1/2” when I left! But I went through even more changes as a person.

Decisions I made in high school helped shape who I am today. Many of these decisions had to be made in the face of peer pressure. Peer pressure had the potential to be a powerful force when I was in high school. It still does, for both me and you. It’s true that peer pressure is very strong in high school, but it doesn’t end there. Throughout your life there will be people around you who want you to do what they do. Even in the NBA, I faced peer pressure. It’s a battle to do the right thing; it’s easy to do the wrong thing. But here’s the secret. Peer pressure is outside elements that you allow inside. Once they get inside they expand, almost like they explode in you. Something that is very small and insignificant can grow into a big obstacle if you allow it in your mind. So don’t. If you don’t allow it inside, it will not become a big force. The way you respond to peer pressure will determine the person you become.

Finding a Leader
A defining moment in my life happened when I was a skinny 15-year-old sophomore. I had just finished a morning basketball game and was leaving the gym when I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Dick Gray, the varsity basketball coach. And not just any basketball coach. At that time, Dick Gray was the winningest all-time high school basketball coach in Oregon’s history – meeting him was like meeting a legend. “You stick with it. You might have some potential,” he said.

With those words, I had found a leader. There was someone I wanted to follow. A positive role model who could help me achieve my goals. Peers don’t make good leaders. You can follow your peers, or you can follow a leader. Peers have a different agenda than a leader. Here’s an example: If my teammates and I only looked to each other in the NBA, we would not achieve the same measure of success as we did with a coach. The coach has a different perspective than the players and tends to have more experience and knowledge behind his decisions. Also, they are more likely to be motivated by what is best for the team, not just individuals. Remember this as you look for a trustworthy person who is reaching their goals.

Coach Gray came into my life at a crucial time. I was impressionable and hungry for direction. The advice he gave was sure to carry a great deal of weight. That’s why it’s so important to choose leaders wisely. Fortunately, Coach Gray was a great leader. He challenged me to reach my potential. Coasting in the classroom was not acceptable. Embracing mediocrity was not an option. Coach Gray affirmed the value of discipline and hard work.

I will say this again, as you look for a leader, it’s important that you find a trustworthy person with a track record of success. If you can’t find someone right now, it’s okay. Wait. Be patient, don’t settle. Also, know what goals you want to achieve. Look for a leader that will help you develop the strengths you need to achieve that goal. This doesn’t mean that aspiring athletes need a coach to be their leader. A truly great leader will teach you discipline and decision-making skills that will carry over into all areas of your life. You don’t want to grow up one-dimensional.

How do I say "no"?

I know I want to be abstinent, but what are some good ways to say "no" if someone pressures me?

Denise, age 16

Denise,

First of all, that's great that you are committed to abstinence until marriage! There may come a time when someone pressures you; but remember, you don't owe sex to anyone. There are a lot of great ways to say no: explain that you aren't ready to be a parent, or you don't want to worry about STDs. Or even point out that you care about your future husband too much to put him at risk. The most important thing is - stay true to yourself and remember that the decisions you make today will directly impact your tomorrow.

Also, check out some great reasons to wait.

Today's hero

by A.C. Green

The past week has been a very difficult transition in life, but also one that has revealed some important lessons.

On May 15, I received a phone call informing me that my close friend, Wayman Tisdale, had passed away. Because I am a firm believer in divine order as well as timing, I accept the fact that it was God’s time for Wayman to come home. But even though I don’t question why this happened, I of course am deeply saddened that it did.

Wayman leaves a legacy of a real man. First and foremost, he was a man who wasn’t afraid to honor the love of his life – Regina – the woman he had loved since the age of 16. He honored her in any public setting he found himself, whether she was present or not. He was also a father of four, and a tremendous example of what fatherhood should be like. He was flat-out crazy over his daughters, Tiffany, Danielle, and Gabrielle, and his son, Bubba. He was also blessed and smitten by his first grandchild – Bailey. At the age of two, she had him 100% wrapped around her finger.

At the tribute ceremony for Wayman at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Wayman’s life was celebrated as thousands gathered to pay their respects and show their love. He truly received the royalty treatment. I was honored to read the opening Old Testament Scripture. Wayman was truly infected by the joy of the Lord, and that infection affected everyone that he came into contact with. It was evident in how he lived his life.

Then there was his music: His joy came through loud and clear through his music. And many of his friends from the music industry – Toby Keith, Dave Koz, Arthur Thompson, Marcus Miller, Tom Braxton, Fred Hammond, and Jonathan Butler were just of few of those who offered their tributes to Wayman. His band – the Wayman Tisdale Band – played some of his favorite songs.

As we drove to the burial site, there were people outside clapping and waving in his honor. The streets were blocked by the Tulsa Police Department. The Mayor of Tulsa even spoke, sharing how she too was affected by his joy, his smile, and his laughter. If it’s true that what is in your heart will come out of your mouth, then Wayman had to be one of the happiest men ever created. As we celebrated Wayman’s life, I reflected on the fact that this is truly the way to leave a legacy.

The day after I heard that this wonderful man – a man whose heart is full of compassion and joy – had passed away, I had the joy of seeing my nephew Kevyn graduate from Southeastern Louisiana University. As the third Green to graduate from college (out of more than 20), it was a moment that filled me with pride. It was incredibly special for his Grandma, his brother, and even his nine-year-old nephew to witness this event. It also brought life into perspective moving from such a low to such a high. At the end of the day, you need to appreciate the time you have, and enjoy the relationships that you have. You never know how long you will have them, so rejoice in your loved ones, and in their accomplishments, big and small. Real love, true love, is sacrificial. So treasure each day, treasure each relationship, and treat others the way you want to be treated – Wayman Tisdale style.

See A.C. on TBN

Monday, June 8, A.C. Green will appear worldwide on TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) to discuss the Foundation, basketball, and more.

Check your local listings for times and be sure to tune in.

Study shows abstinence is best

News from the Abstinence Clearinghouse

A sex education researcher reported in a Congressional briefing on April 29th that when measured by the same standards of effectiveness, comprehensive sex education programs in America's classrooms do not show more evidence of success than abstinence education programs. This conclusion contradicts recent claims made by journalists and Congressional representatives.

Some more highlights:

• Researches reviewed 119 studies of sex education, comprising 20 years of research by social scientists in the U.S.
• They found 44% of abstinence programs had improved rates of teen abstinence, while only 36% of "comprehensive sex education" programs had improved some measure of condom use. No school-based comprehensive sex education programs were found that increased consistent condom use for more than three months.
• Researchers then analyzed the programs according to what it considered to be more meaningful standards of effectiveness: 1) Did the program increase teen abstinence or consistent condom use? 2) Did this behavior change occur for the target population and not just for a subgroup of students? 3) Did the effect last at least one year, that is, from one school year to the next? Applying these criteria, they found that a higher percent of school-based abstinence programs were effective than CSE programs: 36% vs. 25%.
  

And remember, abstinence is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy and STDs, leaving you free to focus on your dreams and goals!

My trip to India

by A.C. Green

At the beginning of April, I took a trip to Mumbai (formerly “Bombay) and Bangalore, India for NBA Cares.

What a fantastic experience! My friend from childhood, Lee Johnson got to come, which made it all the more special. It’s amazing how fast a 19-hour plane ride can go when you are with a great friend.

The first thing you need to know about Mumbai is that the city is the second most populous city in the world - approximately 14 million people. I experienced that when I first got off the plane and hit a traffic jam at baggage claim – at 1 a.m. in the morning! That served to prepare me for the next 10 days. The traffic made L.A. freeways seem like a freeway in Pocatello, Idaho.

We did four clinics during the time we were there. Basically, the goal was to train youth coaches, and to arm them with coaching tips and tools to pass on to the youth they serve. Each clinic had anywhere from 25 to about 50 in attendance and lasts for a couple hours. I was very impressed by the coaches, they have great passion for the game and were eager to learn anything that might help them equip the youth. One of the clinics was for youth (in Bangalore) – that was great fun to work directly with the kids and see them embracing the game of basketball.

I was the only former NBA player on the trip, but believe me, you couldn't tell Lee Johnson that he wasn't an NBA player by the time our trip was finished! Lee was signing autographs; giving interviews for the paper, showing off his skills on the court. You know how Kobe got such a great reception during his trip to China for the Olympics? Well, let’s put it this way: what Kobe is to China, Lee Johnson thinks he is to India!

We also got to sightsee a bit and learn more about the culture. We visited a temple – Big Bull Temple – there are some truly beautiful temples there. Our guides, Hrishi and Rajesh, were excellent – they work with a company called Global Sports. I actually have a buddy, Jonathan who works with Global Sports in India. Hrishi and Rajesh took us to the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens - it was breathtaking. Wee saw trees that were hundreds of years old, big Redwood-type trees, big enough to make a 6’9” former NBA player feel small! They also took us to some popular shopping areas and served as our “price negotiators” – I think we got some good deals!

Ah yes, the food. Indian food is extremely tasty. When you go to a restaurant, they have every traditional spice you could imagine. I break them down into three categories: (1) mild; (2) hot; and (3) I NEED WATER NOW!! Lee and I ate at a place called Indi-Joes in Bangalore - it was a smorgasbord of cultures - really great food.

I also met some good friends that work with HP and Tata Consultants (HP and Tata were the local NBA Partners for the trip). I told my new friend at HP that my nine-year-old nephew Terrence, Jr., has an HP notebook that he loves. We actually saw their computers over the All-Star weekend in Phoenix when we visited a school that HP had donated computers to; Terrence loved the computer so much that now he has one.

All in all, it was a fantastic trip. I'm looking forward to going back and hopefully conducting some more sports camps or private clinics over there. I’m not sure if Lee will come, he is busy training to make his NBA “comeback”.

All-Star Weekend

by A.C. Green

In 2004, I got to attend the NBA All-Star Week in LA. It was fantastic, one of those events you just don’t think can be beat. Well, it was matched by this year’s game in Phoenix.

I spend a lot of time at my house in Phoenix, and the nice thing about having an event where you live is that you don’t have to ask everyone for directions all the time! Even better though, was the chance to bring five of my nephews to all the festivities: Kevyn, Nick, Austin, Terrence, and Lee. Funny story though – when we first got to Phoenix, the older ones wanted to go out and hit the town to do some dancing. Lee and I didn’t want to be stuck at home, so we attended the opening of Friday the 13^th. Let’s just say someone slept with all the lights on that night…and it wasn’t me.

I work with the NBA, so I also had meetings to attend with some of our sponsors, appearances to make, and I also got to participate in some great activities with NBA Cares. I visited a local elementary school with some great people from Hewitt Packard - they donated computers to the school. It was an honor to be a part of that, watching the kids learn how to use these state of the art computers, doing artwork on them, screens rotating 180 degrees… it was great. I also got to attend an event for Spalding (the official NBA ball) with a friend who works for them, Irisha.

What, you want to know about the game, the dunk contest, the 3-ball contest. Well, I can sum it up in a word: Awesome! My nephews got to meet some of their favorite players, and I got to catch up with some friends. Tell you what, my nephews were so excited that three of them had to go to the bathroom before it started, and I’m not sure that prevented “accidents” from happening during the slam dunk contest! Speaking of which, the dunk contest was crazy! We all know what it’s like watching these amazing athletes on tv, but when you are sitting just steps away…well, it gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “big screen.”

China

by A.C. Green

In October, I had the opportunity to visit China with some of the NBA all-time greats for an “NBA Cares” outreach. Kareem, Rick Barry, Bob Lanier were a few of the others on the trip.

We visited several provinces, including Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai. It was an awesome trip and we had a great time holding teaching clinics for youth, attending grand opening ceremonies for some youth centers, and taking place in some ground-breaking festivities with AEG (one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world). Let me tell you – the kids were enamored by how tall we were!

Oh, and in case you are wondering – Kareem is still mad at me for cutting up his jeans! (What, you don’t know that story… better get my book! You can order it here.

Panama City

by A.C. Green

At the end of March, I went to Panama City for a business trip. It was BEAUTIFUL, I never could have imagined it. The beachfront was absolutely stunning.

I went horseback riding with my team…the horses there have some serious spunk! I think a couple of them thought we were at the rodeo, they wanted to buck us off.

Little trivia for you: when was the city founded?

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India

by A.C. Green

Today I’m heading to Mumbai, India (formerly “Bombay”). I’m taking a trip with “NBA Cares” and will be doing a teaching clinic with the youth there. I am really looking forward to it, as I’ve never had the opportunity to visit India before. Mumbai is the largest city in India, and actually the most populated city in the world – 14 million! I hear it’s pretty warm there…better pack my shorts!

Reasons to wait...

There are so many reasons to choose abstinence until marriage. In fact, a bunch of them are posted right here.

Why don't you pick your favorite one and leave a comment, letting us know why abstinence is YOUR decision.

More on funding

Here's an article talking about the money Congress is suggesting we spend on STD prevention:

Again, read this blog - we can stop the spread of STDs for free!

Abstinence - good for the economy!

There is a rumor out there that the new economic stimulus bill being proposed contains $335 million for STD prevention.

Well, if that's true, we have good news for the economy - the AC Green Youth Foundation has a fullproof method for avoiding STDs! Read about it here.

Turns out abstinence is not only good for your future, it's good for the economy!