The Honorable Minister Steven T. Robinson | Bio Sketch
From the shores and waters of lakes, rivers, oceans and seas, to the air that sustains the vitality of all life, we are born different, creatively unique and by design, not to allow our differences to make a difference, but to ensure the commonality of our experiences and love for humanity will serve as our testimonies of change and transformation, ultimately making a difference throughout the world.
-- Minister Steven T. Robinson
Minister Steven T. Robinson, Founded the Interfaith Social Change Movement, (IFSCM) in 2013, and is recognized as one of the most an innovative, influential and outspoken spiritual leaders of our time, in addition to being a progressive pioneer in the education of disadvantaged children. As a former teacher of the Philadelphia School District who experienced the tragic deaths of two of his former students, he answered the call from God, completed his theological studies as a minister, and created the IFSCM organization, which consists of forming of a coalition of religious institutions, business owners, educators, and community leaders throughout Philadelphia. The organization was given its name symbolic to what is represents - “Bringing people together from all walks of life and transforming lives – As Minister Robinson has stated on many occasions, Our purpose and mission of who we are is - Where making a difference represents the testimony of one’s faith”
Inter-faith’s mission and purpose is built on the theological premise, adhered to by all major religions, that the alleviation of human suffering and the protection and nurturing of children are paramount obligations. Interfaith seeks to empower the disadvantaged to view their spiritual, academic and social enrichment as critical in their development, and the catalyst to affect individual, family, and ultimately community transformation. Far too often as diligent members of worship, many of us become desensitized to the societal ills of sin and moralistic decay. The false representation of our weekly practice of attending service in the absence and performance of righteous deeds is truly the travesty of our own salvation.
As disciples of God’s inspirational and life changing word, we must commit our self’s toward becoming examples of our faith by stepping outside of the four walls of our houses of worship, business, and homes, and into the lives of our children and disadvantaged in the community.
Symbolic to his dedication and character, Minister Robinson wrote and composed the organization's inspirational community anthem "Your Pain is Mine," and has received from the Mayor's office and City Council numerous citations and proclamations for the diligence of his work in the community, and in collaboration with many civic, private and community based organizations.
Given God all honor and praise from whom all blessing flow and through the creativity obtained, he also published and presented the School District of Philadelphia it’s historical and first of its kind the Business and Career Exploration Program Curriculum and Students Activity Workbooks for Elementary and Middle School Aged Children which was approved by its Office of Curriculum Assessment and Support to be taught as a supplement in social study classes throughout the district.
In 2018, Minister Robinson working in partnership with School District Administrators and various Universities and Colleges implemented in accordance with its Business and Career Exploration Curriculum and Student Activity Workbooks its Annual Inner-City Diamonds Minding My Own Business project. Specifically designed not for high school students but for Elementary and Middle School Aged School to inspire them at an early age not to drop out of school and continue pursuing their education and dreams.
Collaboratively both incentives stress the importance of education to their future success at an early age in obtaining gainful employment and provide the necessary supportive services to ensure each student participant’s successful transition into high school with the goal of gradation. Minister Robinson believes and research supports that our children are most impressionable at an early age. Given the research supporting early intervention from Head Start, Get Set, and other preschool educational programs, it follows that opportunities for life-changing support and mentoring should be offered in elementary school. Early intervention by providing tools for making the connections between education and a vision what is possible may decrease our alarming school dropout rates, reduce truancy, change negative behaviors or involvement in criminal activities recently seen in flash mob incidents, but also maximize the overall future success for our children.
The unique alternative of prevention provides academic, social, and emotional supports to disadvantaged elementary and middle school students before these children become disengaged from the educational system and socially isolated. The Inner-City Diamonds Minding My Own Business project and the Business and Career Exploration Curriculum and Student Activity Workbooks provides the bridge that connects students’ public-school experiences with reality-based, positive life experiences of business and career options through personalized assembly presentations, and individualized / community learning projects,
In 2020, the organization will fully implement under the leadership and guidance of Minister Robinson affectionately known as Rev. and short for his nickname of Revelation to bring into existence divine methods of resolution will implement in working with elected officials, business owners, educators and all concerned its ‘New Gangster Initiative” to decrease violence, crime and assist in resolving the issues associated with mass incarceration, and its “Deliver What You Promise, working with our coalition of religious institutions to hold individuals running for any public office and elected officials accountable for what they promise when they campaign for votes and visit our institutions of worship.