Beyond the Bell: Part 8 – “The Art of Persuasion”
This eighth installment in our blog series on Cane Bay Cares’ Operation Inspire afterschool programs highlights “The Art of Persuasion,” a program developed specifically for 6th-8th graders. This program is offered at Eulalie R. Rivera PreK-8 School and is designed to enhance communication skills, foster critical thinking and build confidence.
By teaching students this art, we equip them with a vital tool for success in a world that demands critical thinking, effective communication, and respectful interaction. Additionally, by providing an engaging afterschool setting, students can practice in a supportive environment, making the learning process both enjoyable and impactful.
Why focus on persuasion?
Persuasion isn’t just about winning arguments, it’s also about building connections, understanding perspectives, and presenting ideas in ways that inspire action. During this afterschool program, students experience what it means to be a changemaker as they work in teams to create persuasive oral points and visual designs that inspire others to change a belief or take action on issues that matter to them.
What does the program cover?
Persuasion is a process that requires analyzing different perspectives and constructing logical arguments. Working through the process encourages students to think critically, evaluate evidence, and solve problems creatively- all of which are critical tools needed to communicate with clarity and purpose.
Furthermore, learning the art of persuasion sharpens their ability to articulate thoughts and ideas effectively by drafting essays, debating, or simply expressing their opinions. Students also learn the importance of understanding an audience’s perspective and as a result develop empathy, improve their interpersonal skills and foster better relationships.
As we near the conclusion of our blog series, we invite you to learn more about the afterschool programs being offered by Operation Inspire. Stay tuned for the last chapter, where we’ll spotlight the final program and look ahead to what’s next for this transformative initiative.
Cane Bay Cares is a service initiative of St. Croix-based Cane Bay Partners VI, LLLP. Cane Bay Cares was established after three strong hurricanes, including two Category 5 storms, Irma and Maria, caused much damage to St. Croix during September 2017. The initiative has a goal of providing relief to the citizens of St. Croix. To make this possible, we have partnered with St. Croix Foundation, which is a 501c3 nonprofit that was established in 1990. All donations to Cane Bay Cares are donations to St. Croix Foundation and are 100% tax deductible.
Cane Bay Partners VI, LLLP was formed in June 2009 and founded by internationally experienced business executives with many years of experience in the financial services industry. Focusing our efforts primarily in the financial services industry, our management consulting practice specializes in providing services to clients in need of sophisticated risk management models, debt collections organizations which require liquidation models and analytics, and portfolio management companies desiring a variety of services.
Since 1990, St. Croix Foundation for Community Development has been advancing holistic community development as a pathway to economic prosperity, self-sufficiency, and sustainability. Established in the wake of Hurricane Hugo, today the Foundation is one of the premier place-based philanthropic leaders in the Virgin Islands. Having served as the conduit of over $37 million private and public sector dollars invested into the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Foundation’s impact has netted national recognition in almost every priority area – from economic development and community revitalization to public health, education reform, and nonprofit development. Our mission is to encourage greater philanthropic activity, to marshal resources, and to act as a catalyst to benefit the people of the Virgin Islands.