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Over the last year, we have heard these two words frequently on television, in the newspapers, on websites, and bumper stickers. As most of us, I have had much opportunity to think about what these two words mean and how relevant they are to me on a daily basis. Then I started thinking about what these words might mean to kids. How do kids become hopeful? How do kids learn to deal with and master change?
At Arizona Youth Partnership we like to hear from the communities where we do our work to find community members are thinking. Annually, we ask adults and youth to complete two (2) surveys that we have developed: What Youth Need to Succeed In Life and the Top 3 Problems Youth Face. For the first time ever, this Fall, as one of their top 3 answers, youth respondents said they need “hope” to succeed in life. The survey is brief and just asks respondents to check off or list what youth need using one word answers. This makes it difficult to know what they mean or why they are responding so.
As I thought about this finding, I was reminded of the Dixie Chick song, “I Hope,” and listened to it. Regardless of one’s political views, this is an amazing song. In the song, the Dixie Chicks sing about how we are the role models for our trusting children. As the child development research shows, children do what we do rather than what we say. Our actions are powerful cues to children about how to view the world, interact with others, deal with unexpected and planned life events, form opinions, and chart a life. Of course, each child is born with a unique temperament and an innate resiliency that influences his/her reactions to people and events, but, as adults we have a powerful opportunity to show youth how to succeed as well as face change plus nurturing and enhancing hope. Now is the perfect and right time to show our children that they can trust us. I hope.
On another but related note, Arizona Youth Partnership has implemented a new initiative to work with high school youth plus 18 to 30 year olds who have graduated from local high schools and develop a program that will prepare youth for success after high school. The pilot phase of the project will involve conducting focus groups in key areas including Ajo, Globe/Miami, Kingman, and Springerville/Eager. We are seeking the 18 to 30 years olds that still live in their home community and those that have moved away. We want to know if they feel like they have succeeded and, if so, what they got from family, school, or community to support their success. Alternatively, we want to know what they did not get that would have made success more possible. If you are 18 to 30, let us know if you have anything you want to let us know about what helped you succeed by going to our website www.azyp.org and contacting us.
Luan E. Wagner Burn, Ph.D.
Executive Director
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