How to Develop Youths with a Purpose (Part 3)

Practical Insights from Dr. Eddie Connor 

Welcome back to Part 3, the stimulating finale of our captivating series, “Fulfilling Purpose,” featuring the renowned Dr. Eddie Connor. Together, we are embarking on a transformative journey, empowering our youth through purposeful development and the profound impact of exposure. Also, stay tuned for exciting updates on Dr. Connor’s upcoming Access Identity Conference and his latest publication, filled with inspiration and upliftment. 

Developing Youth with Purpose: Unleashing the Power of Exposure

According to Dr. Connor, there is a quote that suggests that ‘the youth are like Kodak film, and all they need is development and exposure’. It is reasonable to say that young impressionable minds become and function according to what they see. Frequently, as parents and guardians, we find ourselves exposing our children mainly to sports and entertainment, which encompass activities like football, soccer, basketball, dancing or performing on a microphone. Sadly, these pursuits are perceived as their sole aspirations, but this is only because of the shallow extent of exposure. That’s why it’s crucial to introduce our youth to diverse fields such as doctors, inventors, lawyers, hosts, podcasters, and other professions outside of the “usual norm”. By doing so, we are providing them with a blueprint for a wider range of possibilities. 

In our culture, we recognise the harsh reality that many young individuals only encounter judges and lawyers when appearing before the court, or police officers at the point of being arrested. The key to overcoming this is all about showcasing alternative paths, to help demonstrate what they can achieve and become. In the wise words of Frederick Douglass –  “If we build strong children, we won’t have to repair broken adults.”

Therefore, it is crucial to focus on the blueprint, the very essence of our roles as parents or mentors. Even if we may not fully embody the ideal version of these roles, we can still provide exposure to opportunities that can shape our children’s futures. A truly exceptional mentor, father figure, or mother figure desires their children and mentees to surpass their own achievements. Thus, it becomes paramount to prioritise exposure. What we must also bear in mind is that our young individuals do not merely follow our words; they emulate our actions. Therefore, our ability to lead, succeed, expose them to new experiences, and place valuable tools in their hands is of utmost importance. 

As a seasoned mentor to young men, Dr. Connor shared that he bridges the gap and promotes literacy through books. He firmly believes that every mentorship group should incorporate a literacy component. What does it signify for our young people, particularly young men, to excel in skills like tying a tie, confidently shaking hands, or maintaining eye contact, yet they lack the ability to read even after graduating from a mentorship program? It is commonly said that readers are leaders, however, the average individual reads only one book throughout their lifetime after completing high school. 

Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning means acknowledging that the more knowledge we acquire, the more aware we become of our own ignorance. A “know-it-all”, in actuality, possesses very little understanding. Hence, it is vital to eagerly absorb information and wisdom, to effectively impart and apply it to the youth. Demonstrating practical steps on how to utilise knowledge will greatly benefit us, particularly in the context of millennials and Gen Zs who are enthusiastically embracing social media and technology at an unprecedented rate. 

By instilling a love for lifelong learning, we empower our children and young adults to embrace knowledge, challenge their own limitations, and shape a brighter future for themselves and the generations to come.

Upcoming Conference 

Join Dr. Connor and his team for an extraordinary conference in Detroit, Michigan on Saturday, August 5, 2023. This event, taking place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will be centred around the powerful themes of ideas, impact, and influence. Dr. Connor is dedicated to guiding individuals on a transformative journey from where they are to where they aspire to be, acknowledging their unique vision, purpose, and plan. By bridging the realms of kingdom and community, this conference aims to empower attendees in accessing their identity in Christ, while equipping them with invaluable tools to navigate mental health, relationships, purpose, financial management, and work-life balance. 

The conference will draw participants from diverse locations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Jamaica. Whether you’re from Barbados, South Africa or anywhere else, all are warmly invited to be a part of this profound experience. Prepare to be immersed in high-impact solutions, strategic guidance, structured frameworks, and valuable information that will propel your vision to new heights. You won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind event!

Access Details

Not only will the event be televised but also digitised. Streaming options are available for anyone who is unable to attend personally. Simply visit accessidentity.org to secure your spot and enjoy the event from the comfort of your own home. Take advantage of the exclusive early registration offer by entering the code “access” at checkout. Don’t miss this amazing chance to instantly save $50. Be part of this unforgettable event and experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Latest Book Release

We are also very pleased to inform you that June 15, 2023, marks the day for the release of Dr. Connor’s latest book, “Who Can Find A Faithful Man?”. This can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Audible, it’s widely available.

About the Book

The best-selling author admitted that the Proverbs 31 woman is often preached about and discussed extensively. However, he shared that there is an equally important verse that also deserves attention: Proverbs 20:6 – “Who can find a faithful man?” Although the focus on the virtuous woman usually takes precedence in podcasts, platforms, churches, and conferences, Dr. Connor has been led to shift the focus to finding and nurturing faithful men first, since Proverbs 20 comes before Proverbs 31. If a man cannot truly exhibit commitment in his character and his calling to Christ, how then will he be able to maintain faithfulness in a relationship? Therefore, it’s all about guiding men in developing emotional intelligence, strengthening vulnerability, and fostering accountability. The aim is to help them become the individuals that God has called them to be. It’s not about striving to be a superhero, but about embodying faithfulness as a man of integrity.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Eddie Connor for his invaluable insights that have illuminated the true essence of purpose. Embracing our individual callings and making a positive impact on the world are key components of fulfilling our purpose. It involves embodying qualities of faithfulness, integrity, and unwavering commitment, both individually and collectively. By cultivating a growth mindset, seeking support, and continuously striving for personal development, we can unlock our full potential and live purpose-driven lives that leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.