When people truly live in healthy relationships, their personal environment will change, impacting family, neighborhood, and community perceptions one person at a time. 

This is crucial for successful community development, where people feel welcome, that they belong, and can contribute to their community and its economy.  Youth need to be heard, taught, and encouraged to be productive, contributing citizens as we consider their new ideas and approaches. 

A wise community takes time to understand, instruct, and support children with local opportunities and makes room for them. 

Community members must actively reach out to youth to welcome, engage, enjoy, and recognize the talents they have to offer. Enthusiasm and patience are a must to teach young people skills to take their place in their community and society as productive citizens.   

At a time when many people feel overwhelmed by the problems and challenges facing children, adolescents, parents, and our workforce, communities across the country are discovering new energy by working together toward a positive vision for young people and their community’s future.