Encourage youth voice.

Take a minute to remember being a young person. Who was your best friend in middle school? What felt exciting to you? What felt overwhelming? Do you remember an adult who listened to you? Do you remember what that felt like?

Having an adult take the time to listen is a powerful experience when you are young. Can you commit to engaging a young person in a conversation this week? A conversation that goes below the surface? A conversation where they lead and you follow?

Helping youth share their voice by listening to them encourages them to:

• Establish a solid base of opinions and values
• Lead their peers and enlist adults in solving important challenges
• Develop self-worth and confidence

To learn more about how to encourage youth voice, check out this inspiring TedX video.