Empowerment

It is advantageous for youth to feel that adults in the community value them.

Credit: This photograph is from Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.

What you can do:

• Tell kids how much you appreciate them.
• Recognize kids' accomplishments publicly, through the newspaper or other local media.
• Invite community members to youth activities, especially those events that showcase kids' achievements and creativity.
• Encourage adults in the community to volunteer to work with youth.

Youth benefit when they serve others in the community an hour or more per week.

Credit: This photograph is from Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.

What you can do:

• Provide opportunities for -- and encourage youth to participate in -- service activities such as community clean-up projects, nursing home visits, or story-telling with younger children.
• Honor youth who serve others.