Growing up in the streets of Philadelphia, Gilbert Motley has a first hand knowledge of the importance of having caring and positive adults in the community in which you live. Gil joined EducationWorks as an AmeriCorps member two years ago, and has positively changed the lives of many children in his communities.
Gilbert has incorporated the game of Chess at all of his sites. He feels when children are learning and playing Chess, it gives them an opportunity to concentrate, strategize and most importantly think before they react. Gilbert helps the students transfer all of the skills of a strong Chess player into their daily lives. Through his Chess clubs, the students he instructs earn better grades and are less involved in conflict and other negative activities.
Gilbert has volunteered with the Boys & Girls Club where he taught children Chess and other recreational activities. He also volunteered his services to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s Race for the Cure, as a recruiter and race participant. In his community, Gilbert always found time to mentor the youth.
When asked what he says to others to engage them in community service, Gilbert stated that adults must become more concerned about what is taking place in their communities and in the lives of young people. Gilbert believes that everyone has talents and experiences to share and it is our responsibility as humans to help one another. |