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Sometimes
we want so much for our children, and our community’s children,
that the task seems overwhelming. There are too many bases to cover;
too many areas to nurture or protect to make sure our children get our
best efforts and reach their full potentials.
It can help to focus our energies on a shared vision and identify ways
to reach those goals.
A wonderful publication called helping Kids Succeed—Alaskan Style
has ideas and approaches that are clearly appropriate for all our children,
in every state.
The booklet asks us to imagine living in a community where all young
people feel loved and supported by their families and neighbors, with
many positive, caring places to be.
It asks us to imagine a community where all young people know what is
expected of them—what actions are acceptable and not acceptable—and
see adults set good examples in those areas; a community where all young
people spend time in creative activities, both in and away from home,
believe that education and life-long learning are important, and have
strong values that guide their actions.
It asks us to imagine living in a community where all young people have
skills to make healthy choices and have good relationships; a community
where all young people feel strong, worthwhile, and connected to some
purpose and promise in life.
Finally it asks us to imagine a community where all young people are
really valued by all people, and serve others. Imagine the richness
of life for everyone in such a community.
The truth is that every community can become a place where young people
can grow up to be strong, capable, and caring adults. It takes only
simple but meaningful actions on the part of adults and policy makers.
It takes an awareness that the health of our children is the health
of our community.
As far as we have come in Santa Barbara County toward reaching this
goal, we must always be aware that many of our children do not have
these benefits. We must keep those children firmly in mind as we set
policies for social services, land use, and all the varied areas that
affect the quality of life for our young people.
We have made great strides, but the journey continues until all children
are included in this vision. It is worth all our efforts to work toward
these goals.
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