It’s Monday. And as we head out to create the future of our world, we all need a little inspiration! To those of you new to the blog, that is the purpose of the Monday Morning Rock Out - to put a little sanity and joie de vivre into work that takes all the collective “umph” we can muster!
This week’s Rock Out is dedicated to the voice of young people everywhere.
I know I talk a lot about engaging young people in our work. So instead of my rambling rants, I thought I would let a member of the younger generation speak for herself.
Yes, out of the mouths of babes.
But stop and think: When was the last time you were open to getting this much honesty and clarity from the young people in your own community? When was the last time you asked them about what they fear, what makes them happy, what they aspire to create in their communities?
Regardless of your mission, it is their future we are creating. We can create it FOR them (and look how well that’s worked so far…). Or we can create it WITH them. For my money, I’d bet on that latter option any time.
So that’s your challenge this week: How will you engage the honesty and energy and wisdom of the young people in your community? How will you start working WITH them, instead of FOR them?
(And then, when you have begun to finally integrate young people into the very fabric of your work, it’s time to aim at the other end of the spectrum. There is more honesty and energy and wisdom there than we give them credit for either.)
Have a great Monday and a great week, all!
(If you are new to the Monday Morning Rock Out, you can find previous Rock Outs here - enjoy!)
