Throughout this week's readings the core issues related to the importance of taking action for community change as well as the importance of youth community activism and civic engagement in their communities. As seen in chapter 7 in the book Better Together, the importance of youth engaging in their community and the importance of being consistent and committed were strongly emphasized. Therefore, the article, The Importance of Youth Involvement in Community Activism and Volunteer Programs written by Timothy Higgins, JR, also relates to the readings in regards that it emphasizes the importance of children and teenagers beings involved through many ways in their community, starting at an early age, in order to develop further skills such as leadership, responsibilities, etc. in the future. As stated in the article, "By getting involved, young people not only directly help the group they work with, but they take a great deal from the experience as well. Young people can develop many skills which will help when job hunting later in life. These skills include communication skills, responsibility, and work experience...Young people will also see that they can make a difference and help to influence events in the community" (Higgins).
link to article:
http://www.junipercivic.com/juniperberryarticle.asp?nid=482