Helping youth find purpose.

In today’s world, there is an incredible emphasis on individual performance...yet many people find their true purpose in the contributions they make outside themselves. How do we help young people understand that contributing to our families, schools and communities often brings greater satisfaction than anything we could achieve individually?

First we need to ask ourselves: How am I using my skills and talents for the benefit of others? How can I be a role model to youth of someone living a life with purpose? Second, we need to identify the abilities of the young people in our lives and connect them to opportunities in our communities. You never know where those opportunities may someday lead!

Check out this article by Stanford education professor William Damon on youth purpose. He explores how purpose forms, why it is important and how adults can encourage it. For additional information, consider reading his book: The Path to Purpose: How Young People Find Their Calling in Life.