A workshop was held in South Toledo that included the youth of the area, a few facilitators, Councilman Mike Craig, Sherrie from Parks & Recreation, and some dedicated residents of the area. The purpose of this workshop? To encourage the youth of the area to identify the needs of the area, make suggestions as to how to improve the area, and then learn who and how to approach in order to make progress.
While listening to the facilitators and the panel speak it became evident that the one lesson that we ALL need to learn is that nothing gets better instantly. That to be a part of progress takes time, dedication, belief, perseverance, and hope. The young people in attendance were encouraged to identify assets of the area, issues affecting the area, and needs to continue improvement to the area. This was all done by the young folks using brightly colored sticky notes and writing their own suggestions/ideas on them and placing them on a map of the area.
The ease of participation in this project was amazing. The young people didn't seem to feel pressured into writing down the 'politically correct' answer that someone in authority may be wanting to hear, but instead they put down in words what was in their hearts. They set forth ideas and concerns that we, as adults, may not see. They were willing to speak up, and the adults were more than willing to listen. It's amazing what happens when we (the all knowing adults) will take just a little time and listen to the youngsters that are our future. I believe that used to be called mutual respect. Something that has been sorely lacking under the guise of control, power and political correctness. Not to mention the fear that goes with relinquishing even a small portion of control and/or power.
While we, the all knowing adults, are quick to label, define, dispute, and negate the worth of todays' youth, WE should take a step back and realize a few very important things:
1) Things have changed. They will continue to change. It's called progress - or social evolution - whichever term you choose.
2) Because someone wears baggy clothes, has piercings, tattoos, etc. does not instantly make them bad. It quite possibly makes them young and under pressure to conform to all the ideas that the media pumps to them on a daily basis to look like the rest of their peers. This does not render these youngsters incapable of independent thought.
3) We, the all knowing adults, are SO guilty of stereotyping. Think back - we hated it when we were teenagers (no matter which generation THAT might have taken place in) and the 'old folks' would label us because of hairstyle, clothing, etc. and didn't take us seriously. Things haven't changed.
4) If we, the all knowing adults, encourage the leaders in a group (those with the instinctive leadership trait) to lead the followers in a POSITIVE direction, then those that are on the fence about their life choices will feel left out and most likely tag along on the positrain. This could happen. It really could! But it's up to US - it's up to US to encourage, teach, listen, console, inspire, repair, participate, cooperate, instigate, guide, and do away with blanket condemnation of thoughts that are 'outside the box' just because they come from a mind that is struggling with todays pressures.
Todays' youth. What a wonderful and plentiful asset we have. And WE are overlooking it.
Yes - it takes a village to raise a child - or at least that's the saying. I'm more inclined to believe it takes a child to inspire and 'raise' an adult.
There truly are Groundz4Change. Jump on the positrain, join in the effort, become a part of the solution instead of griping about the problem. I dare you!
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