Service group reaches out to teen boys

By CINDY MARTINEZ RHODES
The Press-Enterprise

If entrepreneurs Daniel and Darrell Peeden get their way, and they usually do, everyone in Rialto will have a blue tongue.

The mayor would address the council with a blue tongue. Teachers would lecture with a blue tongue. Grocery checkers, auto mechanics, moms and their kids -- all blue.

These persuasive men are the executive directors of Sigma Beta Xi, a nonprofit service organization that mentors boys ages 13 to 18. And they are hoping that blue quickly turns into green.

The organization, through its Blue Operation, is asking customers at Coffee Nutzz stores in Rialto to "Energize a Dream" by purchasing a Xi energy drink. Owned by childhood friend Christian Carrazales, Coffee Nutzz will donate $1 from each drink purchased to Sigma Beta Xi.

Randomly, the Xi energy drink you order could turn your tongue an eye-popping shade of blue, and you win a $10 gift card to Coffee Nutzz.

"We wanted something cool, that kids would go for," Daniel Peeden said. "We're really trying to make our whole Blue Operation a recognizable brand."

Sigma Beta Xi evolved from a service club at Rialto High School in 1999. After graduating in 2000, the Peedens and some of their friends wanted the club to grow. In 2001, they incorporated and made it a nonprofit entity.

More than 1,000 boys have come through the program, Darrell Peeden said.

Through the business and community contacts they made in the organization, many of the boys have been hired locally.

Although they are not a fraternity, they respect the tenets of brotherhood and service fraternities offer.

What they don't have is the partying and the bad reputation that can follow some fraternities, Daniel Peeden said.

"In our minds, these young men will be the structure of our society, our families and our economy," Daniel Peeden said. "We want to help them achieve their goals. And when they get older, they give back to the group."

The boys meet almost daily at Rialto High and work on fundraising ideas, ways to donate and help the community, and special projects. They also participate in study groups to keep their grades up.

Their next project through Blue Operation is a Drive For Hope, where the group is sponsoring 40 young men from group homes in the area and providing them with a gift and a gathering at Coffee Nutzz.

Darrell Peeden emphasized that anyone can donate by purchasing a gift for a teenage boy and donating it to Sigma Beta Xi.

"We pride ourselves on our connections in the community," Daniel Peeden said. "We want to be that big brother or father figure and help these boys achieve their dreams."

Reach Cindy Martinez Rhodes at 909-806-3054 or crhodes@PE.com

December 6th Events

This Saturday Sigma Beta Xi has several things going on. Make sure you attend and show support for your organization. The Drive For Hope meeting is mandatory for all Sigma Beta Xi members. This event is our annual toy giveaway to young men in our community. Make sure you are there to learn more about the event and your role on December 20th when the event takes place.

1. Drive for Hope Launch and Sponsor Assignments

5pm-6pm Coffee Nutz (foothill)

2. Non-profit board meeting

6 - ? Coffee Nutz (foothill)

3. BJ's Alumni Dinner

9pm - at BJ's Restaurant in San Bernardino

Drive for Hope Meeting

Brothers on December 6th Sigma Beta Xi Brothers and Members will come together to pick their child sponsor for our Drive For Hope Event. This is a time for all of us to fellowship together and give thanks for the blessings we all have had in our lives and our Organization.

Each Brother or Member will be given a child to sponsor for this event. A sponsorship means you will be asked to purchase a gift for a child that is in need. The young men we are serving for our event are ages 13-18 and live in Group Homes or Temporary Foster Homes. Several years ago we organized this event and it was very successful. On December 20th all Sigma Beta Xi's will meet each other in the parking lot of Food 4 less on pepper in Colton. We will then Caravan to Coffee Nutzz on Foothill blvd. The Event will have hot beverages, xi energy drinks and holiday snacks. We will then give the gifts to our sponsors. We would love for each brothers or members family to participate in the event and caravan with us.

See you on December 6th at Coffee Nutzz to recieve your sponsor.

Place: Coffee Nutzz on Foothill

Time: 5:00 pm

Who: Sigma Beta Xi Brothers or Members

Brothers make sure to pass this information on to any brother or member you know. We need everyones support to make this event a success.

Turkey Bowl Fun

Sigma Beta Xi hosted its First Annual Turkey Bowl this Thanksgiving which was a huge success. Brothers from all ages came out and spent the morning playing some fun, yet competitive football. The Captain of the Yellow Team was Brother Daniel Peeden and the Captain of the Red Team was Brother Darrell Peeden. The Game started at around 8:30am. The score was 28 to 14 going into half time. Team Yellow received the kick off in the second half and took the momentum from Team Red. Team Yellow finished the game on top and won with a score 42 -35.

Sigma Beta Xi had a great Thanksgiving and we are thankful for each other and our families. To our future success.

Thanks to all the Brothers and Members that came out and played in our First Annual Turkey Bowl. We had a great time.

News Flash!

These Brothers applied for a seat on the Board of Directors of Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. (our 501 c (3) organization) each Brother was accepted on the Board of Directors on November 22nd 2008. Our next meeting is on December 6th 2008, Location and Time will be released soon.

• Brother Raymond Delgado
• Brother Wyatt Killian
• Brother Matthew Estrada
• Brother Lwin Oo

Congratulations to these Brothers. The Board looks forward to serving with you and accomplishing the goals we set out to achieve.

Board of Directors Meeting

Brothers, that are on the Board of Directors for Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. make sure to check your emails for the agenda, the meeting is on Saturday 11.22.08 at 6pm. If you do not sit on the board and are a Brother you may request the document by emailing me personally.


Do not forget about the Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving at 7:00 am. Come out and play and fellowship with your brothers in a fun game of football.

So it is Said, So it is Done

Brother Peeden

Sigma Beta Xi. Inc. Board Meeting

Brothers, The Board of Directors of Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. will be meeting this Saturday. This will be our first official meeting. I will post the Agenda on Wednesday on www.BlueOperation.com.

Location: Coffee Nutzz (on Foothill)
Time: 6:00pm
Date: Saturday 22nd of November.

PS. Do not forget to pick up the Press Enterprise Newspaper sometime this week Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. will be featured in an article. Have a great week.

Recycle Program Coming Soon.

Brothers, make sure to keep all of your Aluminum and Plastic Bottles. Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. will soon be launching our Rexicle Program. This program will allow Members and residents of Rialto and surrounding cities to register for a Rexicle bin, this bin will be used for them to place their plastic and aluminum bottles in. Every two to three weeks we will pick up the recycled items. This program will allow us to make an impact in our community and environment while raising funds for our programs and services. So stay tuned and make sure to register for a BIN when they are available in December.

Go to ReXIcle Registration form to receive your Recycle Bin.

Meeting of the Minds

Brothers you are all invited to attend Sigma Beta Xi's, (Inc.) Planning meeting this Friday at 2:00pm located at Coffee Nutzz on Foothill. This will be a non formal meeting. We will utilize it as a brain storming activity. This meeting will only be one hour long. So do not be late. See you all there.

Any questions Contact Brother Peeden or Brother Jackson.

Your Board of Directors

Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. Board of Directors

Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. has chosen its first five Board of Directors for the Corporation. The Board of Directors Duties are to advise and lead the Organization forward. The second meeting of the Board will take place soon. We are asking all Brothers from High School to Alumni to attend this meeting. We will be adding more members to the Board. If you would like to be considered for a seat on the Board of Directors of Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. ( our non-profit entity) please fill out our online form or fill out a nomination card in the Xi room at RHS. To be considered please fill out form before Monday Nov. 17th 2008.

The Second Board meeting will take place between 17th and 22nd of November. We are on the right path to success.

So it is Said, So it is Done

See below document for Minutes of Meeting.

Sigma Beta Xi Board Meeting

Sigma Beta Xi - Turkey Bowl 2008

Sigma Beta Xi's 1st annual Turkey Bowl. Come out, give thanks and show your skills off during a fun and competitive game of flag football. Bring a friend or family member to participate and work up an appetite before Thanksgiving Dinner.

Players please bring a Blue and White shirt so we can place you on a team. We are also asking that you bring a $5.00 donation to support Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. a Non-profit entity serving young men in the Inland Empire Communities.

Date: Thanksgiving Day
Time: 7 am - 10 am
Place: Rialto Park Football Field (corner of San Bernardino Ave and Sycamore)

To Sign up please register on the top left of BlueOperation.com

Get out the Vote On NOV 4th 2008

Brothers and Members of Sigma Beta Xi it is very important for us to support those that have support us recently and in the past.

Here is a list of Individuals that support our Organization and are asking for our VOTE.

Mayor of Rialto
DEBORAH ROBERTSON

City Clerk
BARBARA A. MCGEE

Rialto Unified School District
COREY A. JACKSON
WALTER SCOTT HAWKINS
DAN L. MAYS

Other People to Vote For:

San Bernardino Valley College Board

JOHN LONGVILLE

House of Representatives

JOHN ROBERTS

San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District

EDWARD KILLGORE

Sigma Beta Xi Gives Back

Christmas 2008

Join Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. and sponsor a young man in our community, purchase a gift and caravan with us as we drive and deliever the gifts together.



Several years ago Brothers and Members of The Fraternal Order of Sigma Beta Xi got together and delivered gifts to young men in need of some Holiday Spirit. This time around Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. our Corporation is setting out in association with The Fraternity to once again provide some Holiday Cheer to young men in our community. We hope that you will support this event and take the time to make another person smile during the happiest time of the year.

Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. will be coordinating the event and creating a list of young men in need in our community. Once the list is developed we will ask everyone to sponsor a child and purchase a gift that the child has on his list. We then will deliever them together.

To Paricipate Register on http://www.blueoperation.com/ or go to H -109 at Rialto High School

Event takes place December 20,2008

In Association With:

Outdoor Skating

Brothers from the Rialto High School Chapter and Alumni Chapter volunteer their time representing Sigma Beta Xi to over 400 young men and women at Outdoor Skating Rink in Northern Rialto. "The Grand Opening was a smash hit," said Anne Wolf Director of Skate Acivities and whose idea it was to open the old vacant hockey rink as a way to give young people a safe environment to enjoy themselves.

This outdoor skating rink will be a great addition to the City of Rialto, Sigma Beta Xi has already been asked to sell our Xi Energy Drinks during regular skating hours as well as volunteer on a regular basis. This is a great opportunity for our organization to expand in our community.

Another great addition to the success of Saturdays grand opening, we met the Lytle Foundation, which we will partner with on Christmas for our Drive for Hope Christmas drive. Brothers, we are moving in the right direction. Stay tuned for more info.

Here is several brothers taking a break from volunteering to get some experience skating.

Moving Forward with Xi Energy

Oct, 9th 2008 Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. Launched our Blue Campaign along with the Xi Energy Drink @ Coffee Nutzz on pepper in Colton.

The place was packed with Vocalist and Poets filling the air with great words and of course Xi's were in the house. One of the Brothers made sure he got on the mic to speak a few words of love.

Sigma Beta Xi is moving forward in a fast pace, remember brothers "The race is not given to the swift nor the strong, but to the one who endures to the end." The Blue Operation Campaign and our Xi Energy Drink will give us the boost of synergy we need to lead the race. Thanks to all the brothers for making last weeks event a success.

Make sure to tell your friends to buy a Xi Energy Drink at Coffee Nutzz and a dollar goes to our organization. Also make sure to Share with them about our awarness program for young men and to support it by purchasing some of our Blue Products that will be coming soon.

Do Not Forget Brothers that Brother Corey Jackson is running for School Board in Rialto. Lets all do our part to help him accomplish his goal.

Xi Energy is fully Luanched and the Blue Tongue Contest is live as well. Tell A Friend. To buy as many as they can drink.

Tell all the Brothers you know to go to http://blueoperation.blogspot.com/ and subscribe to this blog and newsletter for updated info on Sigma Beta Xi.

Future Events Coming up: Drive For Hope, Random Acts Of Kindness, Physical Fitness Day Hosted By Brother Daniel and Darrell Peeden (working with Healthy Rialto) on Oct. 25th 2008 @ 9am - 2pm, and Opening of Rialto Skating Rink in Northern Rialto (Sigma Beta Xi will be volunteering).

Ps. Great Job Brothers Volunteering and walking at the Relay For Life this past weekend.

News News Read All About It.

Our BlueOperation campaign seems to be gaining traction in our community. Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. featuring our BlueOperation campaign was on the front of the Rialto Record Newspaper this week. I recently posted an article about the launch of our Xi Energy Drink at Coffee Nutzz in Colton. Read it for more details. Lets all pull together to create a successful campaign to build awareness for young men and their needs in our community.

Pick up a Rialto Record Newspaper at a local news stand.

Blue Operation Campaign Kicks Off!

Xi Energy Drink designed to raise money for young men in our local communities.

Rialto, Calif., - Coming this October at Coffee Nutzz, is the Xi Energy Drink, a blue energy drink on ice designed to give back to young men through the services and programs of Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. The partnership between Coffee Nutzz and Sigma Beta Xi has created an empowering movement and support for our local youth.

Sigma Beta Xi will be hosting the Launch of the Xi Energy Drink on October 9th 2008 at Coffee Nutzz 1130 N Pepper Ave, Colton, CA one block from Rialto High School. This event is expected to bring out hundreds of community residents and community leaders. Mr. Corey Jackson who is running for Rialto School Board will be in attendance. “This outreach program is something that our community has never seen before,” said Corey Jackson who is also a board member of Sigma Beta Xi, Inc.

There will also be an open mic event taking place. Operation Reach the Young Voter is an innovative idea to use artist forms as a means to attract youth to voting. Don’t forget to bring your talent and participate in the open mic session.

Starting October 9th, The Xi Energy Drink will be away to support the youth in our local communities with one dollar of every purchase going helping produce leaders of the future by giving youth the tools needed to make a difference in their lives, family, and the communities around them.

For more information about the Xi Energy Drink, please contact Daniel Peeden at (909) 562-6939 Email at twin@trigeia.com.

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About Us

We present to you Sigma Beta Xi Inc. a non-profit organization under Section 501(C)(3) and ruled to be publicly supported under Section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code serving the cities of Southern California and expanding nationwide. This organization has been created to uplift communities by empowering and training male youth to create positive change.

Sigma Beta Xi Inc. located in the county of San Bernardino has been created for the sole purpose of making a difference using youth as that vehicle. We accomplish these goals with our Sigma Beta Xi Organizations located on high school campuses and in the community. The organizations are founded on five main principals of Brotherhood, Service, Excellence, Endurance and Wisdom. The diverse Sigma Beta Xi organizations primary purpose is to produce leaders of the future by giving young men the tools needed to make a difference in their lives, family, and the communities around them.

On September 21, 2008 Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. will have been applying this organization on the campus of Rialto High School in California for 10 years. With great accomplishment and an estimated 1,000 young men later we are prepared to expand this program to other communities and high schools. We will do this with a precise plan of action.

Development of Charters

To accomplish this task in our expanding organizations we must first establish high school charters in our new developing areas. As we move forward it is important to attract young men in these areas by promoting the benefits of our organization. There is various ways in doing so. Events on high school campuses, developing relationships with clubs on campuses and community through, ASB, key club, avid, sports programs and community centers. Once we have established about 5 to 10 young men in that area we can establish ourselves in that community or on campus at that high school. As we begin establishment we can now move to our next action plan.

Brotherhood

Young men are constantly looking for male role models, friends and something to belong to that makes them feel accepted. Sigma Beta Xi was built on the foundation of family. We provide young men with a productive alternative to gangs and negative affiliations. Our brotherhood service bridges the gap between the child and his family. This promotes a bound and support group for the next generation of leaders, accepting the responsibility, and loving the challenge.

Service

Support System

Too many youth do not have the support of their families or positive role models to challenge them towards success. Sigma Beta Xi provides a network of brothers, professionals and college students from which we can draw strength and support from, so that we may stay focused and work through life’s challenges.

Leadership Training

There are not enough leaders in society who are willing and able to create positive change. Sigma Beta Xi provides its members with leadership training. This training gives them the tools to lead themselves and the applied knowledge to lead others. Young men are also given a leadership position and held accountable for the day to day responsibilities of its duties.

Mentorship

Everyone should have someone to learn from and look up to. Sigma Beta Xi provides its members the opportunity to interact with individuals who are successful, disciplined and have strong moral character. Through these examples, young men will grow to be strong husbands, fathers and men of society. Strong people come from strong examples. (See Shadow Program)

Scholarship

Education is the key to a prosperous life, strong communities and families. All young men of Sigma Beta Xi are expected to achieve in their classes and be prepared for some form of post-secondary education. This ideal gives these young men the confidence to achieve their passion.

Community Service

Sigma Beta Xi believes that strong communities are created when its members are actively involved. Sigma Beta Xi teaches the importance of community services and we participate in organized opportunities. Therefore, Sigma Beta Xi makes positive contributions volunteering time, talent and resources.


Excellence

Sigma Beta Xi thrives in knowing that these young men can achieve anything that they choose to. Our program focuses on this philosophy and teaches our members the skills and abilities to achieve. All members will learn skills such as:

1. Characteristics of a leader
2. How to run a meeting
3. Goal setting
4. How to be an effective chairperson
5. Public speaking
6. How to delegate authority

Endurance
In the last 10 years of running our organization in the community of Rialto, Ca we have noticed many thing in our young men. One of those things that we have noticed is a lack of a work ethic. As time ages our youth are losing this vital piece that is the key to success or failure. We strive to empower our youth to endure until the end. Although it might seem hard and sometimes impossible, but it is not what you go through it is how you go through it. Successful and Happy people endure until they get what their hearts desire. That is what makes a winner. We teach our organization this tool by challenging them with small and large task that they have to achieve in their leadership roles.


Wisdom
As people grow old they are thought to have more experience which gives them wisdom on how to approach life and obstacles. Sigma Beta Xi takes the appropriate steps to prepare young men to make correct decisions by giving them an understanding that every decision no matter how big or small can make a dramatic impact in their lives. We accomplish this task by getting these young men involved in life experiences.

Some examples of this are:

1. Work experience
2. Meeting and building productive relationships with diverse people
3. Constant contact with alumni and college members
4. Field trips to new territory, businesses, places
5. Leadership roles that have them in charge of specific task.

Want to be apart of this empowering movement? Share your voice with us, Click here to fill out a membership form.

Testimonials

"This organization helped me by becoming a new person and becoming more responsible and that helps a lot. The reason why I joined Sigma Beta Xi, is because of my brother Richard and it is very helpful. Also, this Organization is helping me on speaking clearly in speeches and organization, but I am still learning how to become a leader. I feel that I have changed from how I was to how I am now. This organization helped me bond with people and my brothers. This decision I made has helped me a lot in my life. This organization helps teenagers become men."

-Bill Chhunry (RHS student)

My name is Reuben Castillo and the reason why I am in this Organization is because, well my mom wanted me to join. So I was confused because I was a freshman and I only been in school for two weeks and I didn't know anything about school activities until my mom said just give it a try. I said "no" and she said " just try and if you like it then join", then I said "OK". So I joined and I was scared because I didn't know anyone. So I wanted to quit because I was a shy guy and I thought to myself, why am I here? So when I was going to quit I told a brother, then he got upset and talked to me and told me not to quit and he said " give it another week", and I gave it a week and in that week I turned into a knight, then a brother, then I started loving the Organization. Xi impacted my life a lot, I got out of my shell and started being more out going. I use to be a shy guy,. but now I am an outgoing guy. It also impacted my life because whenever I am trying to read, sometimes I get nervous that I don't know what I am talking about, but now I can talk in front of a crowd and not get nervous and talk for a very long time. So yeah, Sigma Beta Xi changed my life. I found brothers I can trust, brothers I can go to, to talk, brothers I can lean on when I am not strong and brothers I can go to for advice. So I am glad that Xi came into my life.

-Bro. Castillo (RHS student)

To be honest at first I started Sigma because of my friend. He told me it was a good organization to join and when I came in it was more then just friends in it, it was a family that loves to have fun and it is about getting you ready to be successful your life. The reason I stayed in this Organization was on how it impacted my life in a short amount of time. I realized its not all fun and games and it helped me understand I have to get good grades if I want to be successful and it kept me from getting into trouble.

-Bro. Miguel Jimenez (RHS student)

First I joined this Organization because I just wanted something to do after school. But, then I soon saw why I really joined it. it was because of the brotherhood that we all have to offer to each other. Brotherhood is not something that you can just come in to in the Organization with, it is something that you have with other brothers. Brotherhood is knowing that you can count on one another, whatever the case may be. This Organization has helped me know when to play and when not to. It has also taught me that school comes first. I also believe that Sigma Beta Xi is the only Organization that can help you be able to manage your time.

-Bro. Branden Young (RHS student)

This Organization has helped me to become a better person, on and off of the school campus. i am actually becoming more reliable and responsible in most aspects of my life. Since I became part of this Organization I have improved in my school work and raised my grades, which allowed me to play football this season. Last year I wasn't able to play football because of grades. I joined Sigma this past year and I was helped with work that I didn't understand. The vibe in the Sigma Beta Xi room is always positive. I was never scared or embarrassed to ask for help. Mr. Rhone', in my words is the most influential person that is in my life. I look up to him and thank him for giving me an opportunity of a lifetime.

-Josef Stewart (RHS student)

The reason why I joined this Organization is because I wanted a better life this year by passing all of my classes and wanted to stop messing around and handle my business. I promised my family that I will do what I need to do in order to pass high school. A long time ago, before my Uncle or Grandpa died they wanted me to be a part of an organization that can help me change my ways and to have a better life. I Marquis D Stringfellow will keep that promise to my family. I will work hard to keep my pride, honor and my respect to this Organization as well as my family name.

-Marquis Stringfellow (RHS student)

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