(To read all the posts about empowerment, please go to the Empowerment category page.)
Empowerment can mean many different things.
To families on Supernanny, empowerment is learning to use the tools that stabilize their homes. To oppressed women in foreign lands, empowerment is embracing an opportunity to make a choice or participate in government. To youth, empowerment is knowing someone’s listening to their ideas and recognizing them as valuable members of society.
Whether we’re mayors, teachers, neighbors or parents, we all have roles to play in empowering youth. We do it — or don’t do it– in most interactions we have with young people.
On Pass the Torch, I write frequently about how young people take initiative and accomplish outstanding things (case in point- Heather Wilder — you can still vote for her through July 25.) There are countless examples of youth doing great things, raising money for charity, or making connections for those who can’t.
But empowering youth is also the small, daily opportunities adults have with young people, to ask their opinions, listen to their ideas, teach them new skills or even follow their lead. Each interaction like this helps kids to find their own voices, to figure out their strengths, and to pursue what inspires them.
In the course of writing the book, Empowering Youth: How to Encourage Young Leaders to Do Great Things, I had the opportunity to interview dozens of inspiring people. One of the most memorable quotes for me, was shared by Julia Hampton, United Way Youth Initiative Coordinator:
Empowerment is having confidence because someone has spoken it into you.
It’s the track coach that gives the pep talk to push through the harmless, but uncomfortable side-ache. It’s the dad that helps his son prepare to confront a friend by role-playing the conversation. It’s the teacher that notices a student’s strength in writing and encourages her to submit an essay. It’s the business owner that says “yes” to the kid who asks to place a food drive box in the entry. It’s the neighbor that sends her kids to a neighborhood book club to support the 11-year-old who’s organizing it.
It’s every day seeing children, just as we see adults. It’s recognizing their lack of experience or education doesn’t mean their input isn’t valid.
And it’s a willingness to concede that every once in a while…
…their insight is better than our own.
My book, Empowering Youth: How to Encourage Young Leaders to Do Great Things, will soon be available from Search Institute Press.
Do you have a story about kids that make you proud, or adults who are passing the torch? Please let me know and I’ll spread the word on Pass the Torch Tuesday.Former PTT posts.
Tags: *Empowerment, service-learning, youth leaders, youth service
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6:36 pm
I just thought I’d comment, that as a youth, it is particularly encouraging when someone believes in you, so I whole-heartedly agree with the quote by Julia. After all, it has empowered me so much when our local paper decided to give me a shot at being on the editorial board and has made me realize just how much I can accomplish if I try.
6:40 pm
Thanks so much for chiming in, Miss Lissy! It’s exactly that perspective that helps understand why youth empowerment is important.
6:55 pm
Oh, I loved so many things about this article. I love the way you made me think about my own role in instilling confidence. And I loved the quote you shared. Thanks!
11:05 pm
As a mom and homeschooling teacher, I’m amazed at the faith and profound insights of children. My 7-year-old encouraged me to attend a prayer meeting tonight, and I’m glad we went.
1:01 am
I love this manner of empowering youth. Often today, it’s empowering them for the wrong reasons, as in “you can’t discipline me, because I know my rights.” But what you’re doing is so important for parents and other adult community leaders as well as for our youth. I’m amazed too at the things I learn even from my toddler, and I’m glad that my husband and I have the patience to really listen to (and hear) him. Can’t wait until the book’s out in stores, it’s definitely on my list of a must-read.
8:28 am
hello there
you invited people to share their positive youth stories. i have two that come to mind right away. how do we go about it?
9:51 am
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