About Manners First
Our Origin
Manners First is derived from the Godly principles of showing “respect for self, for others, and learning.” Manners First was inspired in the heart of its founder, Lavern Clayton Washington. These Godly principles were taught to Clayton by his grandmother, his parents, the Rev. Frankie and Lucinda Washington, and others. They instilled in him the principle: “Good manners will take you further in life than money.”
Clayton introduced the Manners First principles to Delaware schools in January 1997. Since then, Manners First has flourished, positively impacting numerous students, families, businesses, colleges, and communities.
In 2022, we significantly shifted our focus to better align with God’s Purpose. This change reflects our unwavering commitment as God’s Ancestral brand: The MannersFirst Institute for Learning and Knowledge (The MILK).
The Rev. Frankie Washington received a Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian award, for his faithful service as one of the first African Americans to serve in the United States Marine Corps. Click here to read the full story about Rev. Frankie Washington and the Montford Point Marines, who were sent out to make a difference and ended up making history.
Our Vision Statement
We are GOD-Purpose-Driven by HIS Grace.
As envisioned in 1994, 1997, 2007, 2022, and now, every good work, every success, and every increase within The MannersFirst Institute of Learning and Knowledge (The MILK) has come by the Power of GOD and faith in HIM. Our Lively, Knowing Hope abides and remains firmly anchored in the Power of GOD — never in ourselves.
Our Mission
We advance research, access, and opportunity to expand learning, workforce pathways, and health and well-being for learners in every sector.
Call to Action
Join The MILK to help build stronger education, training, and mental health and wellbeing supports that open doors for everyone. Together, we can expand opportunity, strengthen hope, and create pathways that honor GOD’s Purpose for every learner. Is It Not A Cause?
Who We Are
THE MILK is a solutions-driven Institute grounded in proven research, targeted implementation, and measurable results. Our work is anchored in GOD-given Wisdom, Purpose, and Insight.
We operate GOD-Purpose-Driven by His grace, united as a collective of experienced teachers, professors, administrators, counselors, families, leaders, volunteers, and well-able professionals across every field — including military service.
Our reach spans public, private, and charter schools; post-secondary institutions; technical and trade programs; corporations; small businesses; and community-based organizations. Wherever teaching, learning, and caring are present, THE MILK stands ready to serve.
Our Purpose and Priorities
The MILK’s purpose and priorities are to cultivate a Lively, Knowing Hope in every learner by creating environments where faith is lived out through works, and where each individual is encouraged, inspired, and supported in using their GOD-given gifts, talents, and skills.
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