By Susan Brandenburg  |   More by this reporter  |  Ponte Vedra Beach News  |   Posted: Saturday, May 10, 2008 ; Updated: 2:16 AM on Saturday, May 10, 2008

For the past 12 years, Peggy Johnson of Ponte Vedra Beach has gone to jail 24 weeks a year. Based on the Toastmasters International meeting format, Johnson originated an eight-week program called Power, Polish & Purpose that she presents three times a year to jailed juveniles, ages 14 to 18, at the Duval County Jail.

Partnering with 6th Degree Black Belt Kirk Farber of Atlantic Beach, and two-time U.S. Olympic track qualifier Almon Gunter Jr. of Jacksonville, Power, Polish & Purpose challenges young inmates to explore words and actions related to respect, responsibility, risk, commitment, sacrifice, freedom, preparation and teamwork.

Johnson structures the meetings in the jail on familiar Toastmaster protocol, requiring prepared speeches from the inmates and rewarding ribbons for a job well done. Farber demonstrates martial arts, showing the power of balance, discipline and focus, while Gunter provides motivation through his "Focus on the Final Seconds" workbooks. The polish is provided by Johnson, who models and teaches refinement of appearance, behavior and communication skills.

"By introducing them to the confidence that comes from being a Toastmaster, we hope to help these young men turn their lives around," Johnson told attendees at the District 47 Toastmasters International Spring Conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Jacksonville on April 26.

"We envision Toastmasters adopting this program and reaching out to jailed juveniles everywhere," Johnson added.

On hand to endorse the program and encourage its adoption by Toastmasters International were supporters Karen Brune Mathis (former business columnist for the Florida Times-Union and now executive director of Dreams Come True), former Duval County Sheriff Nat Glover, Chief Assistant State Attorney Jay Plotkin, and Dr. Ken Pinnix, vice president, 100 Black Men of Jacksonville, Inc.

"I've seen the positive impact it had on inmates," said Glover. "It is one of the best programs the jail has ever had." Currently, there is no funding available for the Power, Polish and Purpose Program. "Our summer schedule isn't set yet," said Johnson. "We're hoping for the best."

For information, call The Working Warrior, Inc., at 241-8044.