PERSONAL REFLECTIONS by Roger Nelson
BECAUSE who we endeavor to serve. A community’s children & youth, and their families are of paramount importance to the ultimate well-being of all of us. For our society to survive & thrive at all levels (person, couple, family, organization, community), we must find ways to support our beleaguered families & marriages, and to fully prepare our youth for their (our) future.
Examples: Offer family-friendly events, talent shows & hobby-connections.
BECAUSE what we endeavor to do. ABC’s aim is to support (not duplicate) family, education & youth-oriented organizations, and their programs to offer opportunities, experiences, skills, & character-building. As young people explore & develop their personal & potential assets (talents, gifts, interests), ABC attempts to offer an array of opportunities & experiences that can augment or help promote new or existing community offerings.
BECAUSE community-role also highlighted. The family, school , health-care & Church are the essential providers in caring, teaching, guiding & support. But, “It takes a village to raise a child.” The broader community builds on those foundations, by offering role-models, civic expectations & a range of opportunities. Local businesses offer jobs & socialization. Clubs like Leo’s & Cub-Scouts offer adventure, skill mastery (self-esteem) & sense of belonging.
BECAUSE we promote both community & youth assets. Young people learn & thrive best in a fostering environment. ABC is chartered to promote & develop, in tandem, both youth and community assets. Board members get excited when individuals & groups in the community respond to (or initiate) opportunities to help “make a difference,” for kids. Be it expressions of friendliness, willingness to listen, sharing a hobby.. kids learn they matter!
BECAUSE we promote 20 essential assets (tools) for successful living. We live in what is often a confusing, scary (threatening), fad-oriented and, an anchorless world. Principle-centered living, self-evident truths & standards, get displaced by dong what’s expedient, or offers immediate gratification. Damaging family conflict & neglect is no longer uncommon. ABC promotes: a Commitment to Learning - Social Competencies - Positive Identity &Values. All kids need an anchor & a compass to find their way, and adults to assist.
BECAUSE we promote 20 key community assets to facilitate success for
all. It’s an ever-changing, demanding &
highly-competitive work world that young people now must face. The knowledge & skills required of them -
technical, transferable & self-management - can boggle the mind! Our local schools, community colleges, private colleges & universities do a great job with well-prepared & receptive students. But, they too
need an informed & supportive public. To help kids become prepared,
ABC advocates:
Support - Empowerment - Boundaries & Expectations - & Constructive Use of Time.
