Reconnecting Youth & Community: A Youth Development Approach

Reconnecting Youth and Community

The problems confronting this country today are in many ways overwhelming, in both number and complexity. When we face such staggering issues as crime, poverty, racism, and violence, it is critical to develop strategies for change that are based on logic. That logic, however, must be tempered by an understanding of the human condition.

Unfortunately, the path to social change increasingly has been filled with rhetoric, partisan politics, fear, and the need to debate rather than discuss the issues. In the absence of real dialog, people look for panaceas or one-step solutions to problems.

While there are no simple solutions to this country's difficulties, effective approaches do exist. Challenging problems demand analysis, a willingness to develop comprehensive strategies, and the courage to invest resources in the future.

The youth service field has for many years understood the need to explore options for investing in the potential of young people. Youth are resources, both for enhancing the quality of community life today and for building strong communities for the future.

Out of that understanding has emerged a philosophy about helping youth. It is called the Positive Youth Development approach.

The Positive Youth Development Approach >>