Derek Clark
Derek W. Clark is an Inspiring Motivational Speaker and the Author of the I Will Never Give Up book series which includes the award winning and critic acclaimed autobiographical books "I Will Never Give Up", "I Will Never Give Up For The Teenager" and "I Will Never Give Up On God Again". Derek spent 13 years in the foster care system. At five years old his mother and stepfather turned him over to the county social services and yet, they kept his brother and sister. His father who he has never known was in jail for the criminally insane. As a foster child, Derek was disturbed and erratic. Having suffered child abuse and abandonment, he was prone to severe distress and crippling depression. He has been "labeled and misdiagnosed" in almost every psychological evaluation in existence. As a helpless child, Derek was nearly institutionalized due to severe erratic behavioral problems and violent tendencies. He is a survivor of brutal child abuse, and was diagnosed early on as mentally handicapped with an IQ of a two and half year old and suffered aretic psychosis. As he developed, it became clear to his wonderful foster parents that this diagnosis was without merit.
Derek has learned some very difficult lessons growing up as a troubled teenager. As a foster youth, he wanted to go back and live with his mom but that never happened. He felt rejected and became an angry teenager. He was constantly in trouble because of his difficulties dealing with his anger, respecting others and trusting adults. Even against unbelievable odds, Derek never gave up, using music, laughter, will power, and positive decision-making to triumph over adversity.
He reveals how he overcame his adversities and how he triumphed in his personal life. He takes you down his road of lessons that he has learned of hate, anger, resentment, mistrust in adults, violent tendencies, rejection, lack of love, child abuse and the memories that have haunted his life. Derek believes he has successfully thrived as a leader in life because of his painful past, compassion for others and living a No Excuse life.
Derek inspires youth and adults across this nation to never give up and to not let the past limit their incredible future. He shares his message of courage, hope and perseverance to help others find the strength to Never Give Up. When Derek speaks, it is from his passionate soul. He brings along his guitar to sing the journals of his life. He believes that music is one of the purest ways to touch and communicate with the hearts of the audience. His listeners will be ignited with passion and have the courage to take action and fight their fears. He will inspire and teach you to push yourself beyond your perceived limits. He believes it all comes down to a choice and taking responsibility for the direction of your life. He is proof that you don't have to let adversity hold you down in life; you have a fascinating and inspiring destiny awaiting you.
YOUTH EVENTS
Most youth are fighting a constant battle within themselves. Their personal battle might be a lack of self value, loss of self respect, loneliness, being labeled, trust, love, depression, insecurity, addiction or a sense of wanting to belong. The key to reinforcing hope is that their lyrics must have a triumphant and inspiring ending. Their individual journey must reflect hope, self respect, perseverance and victory. The youth are making a goal and writing their destiny in the format of song lyrics. They are looking past their problems and charting a different course for their life. There renewed Hope will fuel their faith in their ability to conquering self esteem issues, depression, addictions, loneliness and self respect.
After the audience listens to Derek's Inspiring story of overcoming adversity and sharing his leadership tools, the audience is now ready to inspire others. Derek uses music to show the audience how they can change the direction of their life by creating a new destiny. The audience is instructed on how to write lyrics in a song format. The classroom audience is split into groups of seven.. They write down their hardest struggles and darkest fears as well as their hopes and dreams. They are given a sample sheet to show the word and syllable arrangement to flow with the music that Derek has already created. (Music ranges from top 40 pop, rap and rock)
They are encouraged to turn their struggles into lyrics. This applies to a tragedy from the past that is holding them back from moving forward in their life. The second verse must reflect a solution to their struggle. The lyrics must be specific and contain no vulgarities or language that is violent or disrespectful. When they are done completing their lyrics, they have the opportunity to sing their song in front of the others as Derek accompanies them with his pre-programmed music. If the group is shy or does not feel comfortable about singing their song, Derek will then sing their song and dedicate it to the particular group. (groups are encouraged to sing their own songs) Each song will be recorded on a CD for future reflection.
The U-R.O.C.K program symbolizes the awakening of the voice from their soul.
Derek helps the youth modify their limited perception. A lot of youth go through high school feeling lost and hopeless. Derek helps them change their focus to see, feel and actually Hear Hope. Music is the tool that speaks to the youth on a lyrical level, whether it is Rap, Rock, Heavy Metal or Country. They communicate through sad songs, love songs, angry songs, promiscuous songs and gangster songs. This music is communicating to our youth and then they act out what they hear. It is important in this program that they change the way they perceive the present moment.
- Clarify their struggles and battles that are holding them back from excelling
- Find the empowerment to accomplish the life goals they set
- Develop their Personal Power Anthem (song) that will help strengthen their hearts and minds in their everyday struggles
- Have the Will to break through their self perceived limits
- Remember the U-R.O.C.K. Solution
- Understanding Integrity- Responsibility,-Opportunity- Choice- Knowledge
- Songwriting builds self esteem, confidence, hope and the positive power to overcome obstacles in their life
- Bring direction and goals
- Teach the youth about their self value and help build a positive life
- Create Team Building through accepting and appreciating each others differences and strengths
Derek W. Clark is an Inspiring Motivational Speaker and the Author of the I Will Never Give Up book series which includes the award winning and critic acclaimed autobiographical books "I Will Never Give Up", "I Will Never Give Up For The Teenager" and "I Will Never Give Up On God Again". Derek spent 13 years in the foster care system. At five years old his mother and stepfather turned him over to the county social services and yet, they kept his brother and sister. His father who he has never known was in jail for the criminally insane. As a foster child, Derek was disturbed and erratic. Having suffered child abuse and abandonment, he was prone to severe distress and crippling depression. He has been "labeled and misdiagnosed" in almost every psychological evaluation in existence. As a helpless child, Derek was nearly institutionalized due to severe erratic behavioral problems and violent tendencies. He is a survivor of brutal child abuse, and was diagnosed early on as mentally handicapped with an IQ of a two and half year old and suffered aretic psychosis. As he developed, it became clear to his wonderful foster parents that this diagnosis was without merit.
Derek has learned some very difficult lessons growing up as a troubled teenager. As a foster youth, he wanted to go back and live with his mom but that never happened. He felt rejected and became an angry teenager. He was constantly in trouble because of his difficulties dealing with his anger, respecting others and trusting adults. Even against unbelievable odds, Derek never gave up, using music, laughter, will power, and positive decision-making to triumph over adversity.
He reveals how he overcame his adversities and how he triumphed in his personal life. He takes you down his road of lessons that he has learned of hate, anger, resentment, mistrust in adults, violent tendencies, rejection, lack of love, child abuse and the memories that have haunted his life. Derek believes he has successfully thrived as a leader in life because of his painful past, compassion for others and living a No Excuse life.
Derek inspires youth and adults across this nation to never give up and to not let the past limit their incredible future. He shares his message of courage, hope and perseverance to help others find the strength to Never Give Up. When Derek speaks, it is from his passionate soul. He brings along his guitar to sing the journals of his life. He believes that music is one of the purest ways to touch and communicate with the hearts of the audience. His listeners will be ignited with passion and have the courage to take action and fight their fears. He will inspire and teach you to push yourself beyond your perceived limits. He believes it all comes down to a choice and taking responsibility for the direction of your life. He is proof that you don't have to let adversity hold you down in life; you have a fascinating and inspiring destiny awaiting you.
YOUTH EVENTS
Most youth are fighting a constant battle within themselves. Their personal battle might be a lack of self value, loss of self respect, loneliness, being labeled, trust, love, depression, insecurity, addiction or a sense of wanting to belong. The key to reinforcing hope is that their lyrics must have a triumphant and inspiring ending. Their individual journey must reflect hope, self respect, perseverance and victory. The youth are making a goal and writing their destiny in the format of song lyrics. They are looking past their problems and charting a different course for their life. There renewed Hope will fuel their faith in their ability to conquering self esteem issues, depression, addictions, loneliness and self respect.
After the audience listens to Derek's Inspiring story of overcoming adversity and sharing his leadership tools, the audience is now ready to inspire others. Derek uses music to show the audience how they can change the direction of their life by creating a new destiny. The audience is instructed on how to write lyrics in a song format. The classroom audience is split into groups of seven.. They write down their hardest struggles and darkest fears as well as their hopes and dreams. They are given a sample sheet to show the word and syllable arrangement to flow with the music that Derek has already created. (Music ranges from top 40 pop, rap and rock)
They are encouraged to turn their struggles into lyrics. This applies to a tragedy from the past that is holding them back from moving forward in their life. The second verse must reflect a solution to their struggle. The lyrics must be specific and contain no vulgarities or language that is violent or disrespectful. When they are done completing their lyrics, they have the opportunity to sing their song in front of the others as Derek accompanies them with his pre-programmed music. If the group is shy or does not feel comfortable about singing their song, Derek will then sing their song and dedicate it to the particular group. (groups are encouraged to sing their own songs) Each song will be recorded on a CD for future reflection.
The U-R.O.C.K program symbolizes the awakening of the voice from their soul.
Derek helps the youth modify their limited perception. A lot of youth go through high school feeling lost and hopeless. Derek helps them change their focus to see, feel and actually Hear Hope. Music is the tool that speaks to the youth on a lyrical level, whether it is Rap, Rock, Heavy Metal or Country. They communicate through sad songs, love songs, angry songs, promiscuous songs and gangster songs. This music is communicating to our youth and then they act out what they hear. It is important in this program that they change the way they perceive the present moment.
- Clarify their struggles and battles that are holding them back from excelling
- Find the empowerment to accomplish the life goals they set
- Develop their Personal Power Anthem (song) that will help strengthen their hearts and minds in their everyday struggles
- Have the Will to break through their self perceived limits
- Remember the U-R.O.C.K. Solution
- Understanding Integrity- Responsibility,-Opportunity- Choice- Knowledge
- Songwriting builds self esteem, confidence, hope and the positive power to overcome obstacles in their life
- Bring direction and goals
- Teach the youth about their self value and help build a positive life
- Create Team Building through accepting and appreciating each others differences and strengths
