Word of the Day: Initiative (CRC) | Start Strong, Build Your Future
Word of the Day: Initiative
Initiative means taking the first step without waiting for someone else to tell you what to do. Merriam-Webster defines it as “an introductory step” and as the energy or ability shown when beginning an action.
The word comes through French from Medieval Latin initiativus and Latin initiare, meaning “to begin.” At its heart, initiative is about starting: with purpose, courage, and confidence.
Why Initiative Matters
Every big accomplishment begins with one small move.
It might look like opening a book, asking a question, practicing a new skill, helping a younger sibling, or speaking up when something important needs to be done. You do not have to have every answer before you begin. You only need to be willing to take the next positive step.
Initiative supports success by helping young people turn ideas into action and build communities where everyone has a chance to grow.
For young men and boys in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and throughout Florida, taking initiative can be a powerful form of leadership. It says:
“I believe I can learn.”
“My voice matters.”
“I can help make things better.”
“I am ready to grow.”
That confidence can begin anywhere: including a trusted barbershop.
Initiative in a Trusted Community Space
At The Competitive Readers Coalition, literacy is more than reading words on a page. It is about building confidence, identity, communication, and opportunity.
Through FROM THE BARBERSHOP TO THE BOARDROOM, CRC brings literacy experiences into barbershops and other trusted community spaces. A haircut can become a moment to read aloud. A conversation can become a lesson in self-awareness. A book can open a door to a future a young reader is still imagining.
When a young person chooses to read, asks for help with a difficult word, or shares an idea from a story, that is initiative in action.
Families can encourage this quality by celebrating effort: not just perfect results. Try saying:
“I noticed you started even though it was challenging. That shows initiative.”
Those words can help a child understand that leadership is not always loud or dramatic. Sometimes, leadership is simply beginning.
Try This Today
Choose one action you can start before the day ends:
Read two pages of a book.
Ask someone you trust to explain a new word.
Help clean or organize a shared space.
Write down one goal for school, work, or personal growth.
Encourage a friend or sibling to keep going.
Then complete this sentence:
“Today, I will take initiative by __________.”
Parents and caregivers can join in, too. Share your own example of taking initiative and invite your child to describe what happened next. These small conversations build vocabulary, confidence, and connection.
Start Small. Keep Going.
Initiative does not mean doing everything alone. It means being willing to begin: and knowing when to seek guidance along the way.
At CRC, young readers are surrounded by community members, families, barbershop professionals, educators, and mentors who believe in their potential. Together, we can help children and teens develop the literacy skills and self-belief they need to move from the shop to the classroom, from the classroom to the workplace, and from personal growth to community leadership.
Learn more about CRC’s mission through The Competitive Readers Coalition, or visit the Get Involved page to explore ways your family can participate.
The first step may be small, but it can lead somewhere remarkable. Take initiative today: and start building the future you want to see.
Connect with CRC
Follow The Competitive Readers Coalition on LinkedIn for substantive updates, community stories, and literacy insights.
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