Community R.U.L.E.

Organization Description

In April of 2007 the Community R.U.L.E. 501 (c) (3) Nonprofit Organization was developed for the sole purpose of creating and implementing comprehensive reading and literacy programs by utilizing 21st century information age technology. We understand that at-risk youth, low income citizens, and many seniors should have an equal opportunity to learn and compete in the rapidly growing global communication and economy. The mission of Community R.U.L.E. is to develop a knowledgeable community of competent citizens with the ability to consume information, awareness, and resources that enhance their skills to meet the challenges of living in a 21st century global society. A new educational model is needed; a model that embraces education as a living system and not a machine. With urgency, the survival of our nation depends on reaching and meeting the needs of this disenfranchised group. Education must connect the flow of self-knowledge, community and critical thinking. It is the nurturing of this union that breathes the spirit of education.

History

The Community R.U.L.E. was Co-Founded by 30-year retired educator, Mrs. Johnnye Bell. As a reading and literacy specialist Mrs. Bell emphasizes the core beliefs and principles in her educational philosophy; “We want first to be loved and accepted, and then we strive to learn. Education surrounds us and must be conveyed through a natural flow of events: all being connected to each other and to all other things.” Now retired, Mrs. Bell lends her reading, literacy, and critical thinking skills to the Community R.U.L.E. and their diverse programs and curriculums.

C0-Founder, Harold Bell now serves as the CEO and utilizes his multiple skills in marketing, program development, and community activism to create real and relevant curriculum. After a 32-year hiatus from college, Mr. Bell was compelled to return to IUPUI in 2011. Harold went back to school uninterrupted for 31/2-years and graduated with honors in 2014. His 25-years of experience as an entrepreneur combined with formal education has transformed Mr. Bell and Community R.U.L.E. as a major broker for various organizations seeking reading, writing, literacy, and critical thinking skills as a component for their program.

Collectively the founding group that formed the Community R.U.L.E. 501 (c) (3) Nonprofit Organization in 2007 was assembled for the purpose of creating and implementing after-school literacy and mentoring programs for students at John Marshall Middle School. The founding group evolved from diverse backgrounds inclusive of education, marketing, technology, community relations, and law to realize the need for a different kind of learning environment. The group members designed and sponsored the first two after-school programs, “Girl Talk” facilitated by Johnnye Bell/Tracy Drane and “It’s O.N. (Our News)” facilitated by Harold Bell.

In April of 2011, Community (R.U.L.E.) Non-Profit moved into a physical location at 4186 Broadway Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. Community (R.U.L.E.) shared this facility with Kaleidoscope Youth Center. (R.U.L.E.) served as the in-house educational component for Kaleidoscope Youth Center until December, 2013. The Community R.U.L.E. currently shares a facility with community awareness internet radio/social media marketing company Radionext.tv, LLP located at 5435 Emerson Way

This collaboration has infused the 21st century awareness and topic specific curriculum that will be necessary to provide the comprehensive instruction on how to locate and access and utilize the relative stored information, data, and resources that perpetuates and effects the decision making process of the disenfranchised citizens of every community.

Community (R.U.L.E.) has received funding through Hoover Family Foundation to provide youth with technological opportunities to increase reading/literacy skills, vocabulary, and writing proficiency. Community (R.U.L.E.) has provided contracted literacy services for The Health and Hospital Corporation’s program, “Reclaiming the Village” while conducting literacy workshops for Marion University, specializing in providing community partner organizations with strategies for engaging reading, writing and thinking skills. RULE is also utilized during summer months to provide literacy programs for various community partners including Forrest Manor Multi-Service Center, Mt. Carmel Community Life Center, and Kaleidoscope Multi-Service Center. This is made possible through grants from Lilly Endowment, The Summer Youth Program Fund, Hoover Family Foundation and Horizon’s Urban Enrichment Program Fund.