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Oneness School Initiative
The Oneness School Initiative (OSI) is a Wisconsin volunteer-based, non-profit program modeled after the successful
National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative (NCAASI)
created by Dr. Tony Evans in Dallas, Texas. This unique program "bridges the gap of cultural, racial and political
lines through the commitment to the child first."
NCAASI is one aspect of Dr. Evans' larger social outreach
program, The Turn*Around Agenda,
which was named Volunteer Organization of the Year by the Dallas Independent School District in 2006.
Church volunteers offer practical assistance for principals, teachers, and school staff. Several area churches have already
adopted a few Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) and OSI hopes to have other MPS and Wisconsin public
schools "adopted" by Fall 2012.
The singular purpose of the Oneness School Initiative is to help Wisconsin's students.
As students are empowered, families are strengthened, and communities are transformed.
Here's how it works: OSI provides general volunteer and specific mentor training for participating churches;
this training addresses the legal concerns surrounding "the separation of church and state".
Pastors and/or church leaders form a partnership with their "adopted" public school principal. The
principal identifies specific areas where church volunteers are needed. The participating church
provides properly screened and trained volunteers to offer general help to students,
such as hallway or playground monitors and technology assistants, and/or specific help in the
areas of mentoring, life-skills, and character education.
Churches can also provide other assistance to their "adopted" public school(s) as determined by the principal,
such as providing backpacks and school supplies.
Mentoring Program
OSI training encourages church volunteers and mentors to intentionally reinforce the four
key NCAASI messages to students:
The four proven messages address some of the difficulties facing Wisconsin students today.
These challenges hinder them from achieving their best life academically, socially,
physically, and emotionally; reinforcing these key messages will help
them avoid many of life's pitfalls. Mentors will have access
to Character Counts! and Choosing The
Best curriculum.
Dr. Tony Evans
Dr. Tony Evans has said that there are 14 churches for every 1 public school in America.
If just "one" church would adopt "one" local public school by providing
competent, caring and
consistent volunteers who can provide support services for the students and their families,
America's communities can be rebuilt "from the inside out."
If your church or school is interested in learning more about church and school partnerships,
please contact us today!
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