For teenagers, “cool” behavior is often associated with indifference or even destruction of community property. When youth are not involved in their communities they miss out on the gifts of civic involvement and service, and their communities miss out on their energy and ideas. This module examines the possibility of creating positive change in a community starting with the compassionate action of just a few people who care enough to try to make a difference.
In the Community Involvement Module, participants become aware of the value of their community and its direct impact on the quality of their personal lives. Teens build a vision for a community that will make it a better place to live, formulate a goal, then build the skills necessary to mobilize assets and resources toward achieving their vision. Along the way, participants begin to develop valuable leadership skills such as consensus-building and inspiring others to work for the good of the community.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Understand the role and value of the community
Begin to build a vision for a community that will make it a better place to live
Learn how to identify and access resources and assets in the community
Learn to identify problems and issues in the community that are obstacles to reaching the vision for the community
Learn how to build consensus for positive change
Recognize networking and team-building techniques to achieve goals
Learn the value of community service and civic engagement
Learn the power of positive self-expression and individual participation in effecting change.
