Powerful Beyond Measure (PBM) is a non-profit formed to implement innovative programs and advocacy efforts focusing on youth development, aiding lower-income families and supporting goodwill initiatives by uniquely integrating the entertainment and media industries to accomplish its mission. The mission is to help build stronger urban communities through programming and targeted services that will positively shape young people and empower adults to become active contributors and leading role models in their own neighborhoods. PBM's goal is to uplift various segments of the community through strategic efforts. We aim towards the following:
- To impact youth by exposing them to enriching experiences, opportunities and adults - leading them towards a greater chance for a productive adult life and away from negative endeavors
- To help lower income adults and families experience the same human rights and privileges as those of greater income i.e. adequate housing, advanced education, job training & access, and food/clothing - through activism, volunteerism, and financial support.
- To create alliances with other non-profits to develop a collective effort to assist and empower those around us as well as support like-minded organizations with resources and services.
PBM utilizes arts, entertainment, sports and media as tools to motivate. This strategy was developed upon the realization that these industries were powerful by way of their appeal to our target population. By finding a way to harness that power to make programs more attractive and effective, we can continue to implement the important values and societal offerings of more traditional programming. These industries are weaved through every aspect of the services we deliver.
Powerful Beyond Measure believes we can help each other and ourselves realize our potential for greatness and the power to create better lives; and make even bigger strides by working together for altruistic purposes. We hope to help grow a global society that empowers and cares for our precious youth and serves those who may need assistance to reach their greater selves.
PBM is volunteer run. It is currently funded by individual donations, corporate sponsorship and hopefully, federal and foundation grants. The organization, founded in 2006, began with its charter program - the C.A.P.E. League (see below). In 2007, we officially launched Exploring Possibilities, a creative career day for youth and college students to discover non-traditional professions. Over the next few years, we plan to develop two new programs that will further PBM's mission.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are Powerful Beyond Measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
- Marianne Williamson from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles