NCJ Number
121010
Journal
Future Choices: Toward a National Youth Policy Dated: Premier Edition (Spring 1989) Pages: 84-88
Date Published
1989
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Recent meetings of a small group of professionals in Newark, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia have resulted in proposals for developing and supporting youth leadership from and for central cities to meet the challenges confronting today's youth.
Abstract
The efforts rest on the growing recognition that the standard interventions of after-school programs, sports activities, and calls for greater family roles are not sufficient. Thus, the group has used a strategic planning methodology to define the characteristics of self-reliant youth leaders, identify the obstacles that confront at-risk youth, and develop proposals and programs to overcome the obstacles. The discussions have emphasized the importance of involving youth in planning and carrying out interventions, of comprehensive and community-based efforts, and of the needs for training in ethical reasoning and for programs to be based on youth culture. The group has proposed four programs: 1) local leadership training and value re-education, 2) community education and community service, 3) economic development and job training, and 4) policy examination and information exchange. Implementation strategies are also being discussed. Tables.