AT HOME:

AT SCHOOL:

IN THE COMMUNITY:

IN YOUR CONGREGATION:

Ask your kids what makes them feel valued.

Point out community resources to your kids.

Talk with children about where they feel valued in the community and where they don't. Encourage them to spend most of their time in places where they feel valued.

Role-play positive and appropriate ways to react to negative treatment.

Affirm and support your child's friends.

Attend community events as a family.

Form partnerships with community organizations through which students can volunteer and/or develop mentoring relationships with adults.

Invite people from the community to speak to students about their careers or volunteer activities.

Encourage students to get involved in community service.

Create leadership roles for youth.

Feature speakers who talk about family life and issues.

View kids as an asset instead of a problem.

Adults should take time to listen and value kids' opinions.

Adults should seek out young people and solicit their feedback.

Publicize and celebrate the ways young people contribute to the community.

Challenge negative stereotypes of youth in the media.

Thank people who work with children and youth.

Display youth artwork and projects at local stores.

Welcome youth as a part of the congregation, rather than as a separate group.

Include youth in leadership so they are valued by the members of the congregation.

Maintain year-round connections with youth.

Form a youth issues committee made up of youth.

Educate members in ways to overcome negative stereotypes of youth.