It is an asset for adolescents to perceive that they are valued by the adults in their community. As an adult member of your own community, here are a few ways you can contribute to the empowerment of your community’s youth.
- When a teen worker serves or helps you at a local business, greet them warmly and give them a compliment (on their good work, their unusual hairstyle, or what have you). Be patient with young workers in your community. They are new to the workforce, and they will make mistakes. Be supportive instead of showing irritation.
- If you know a young person who is starting a new job (especially their first job), congratulate them. Maybe celebrate with lunch and a tour of your own workplace. Tell them about your job, and ask them about the job they have been hired to do. Encourage them to ask lots of questions!
RECOMMENDED READING: Empowering Youth: How to Encourage Young Leaders to Do Great Things by Kelly Curtis
Search Institute has identified 40 building blocks of healthy development, known as Developmental Assets, that help adolescents to grow up healthy, caring, and responsible. Visit us here every Wednesday to read about different ways that you, your family, and your community can take action to help equip our young people develop resilience and achieve success in life.
Phoenix Education Foundation 