The Messenger Readers like you!
March 2007, Volume 2 number 1

arrow imageThe Messenger

In This Issue:

arrow imageMyths about Youth and Young Adults

arrow imageMessage from Kate Forbes

arrow imageThe Youth Involvement Toolkit

arrow imageA Note from the National Youth Council Chair

arrow imageScholarships and Awards

arrow imageNational Youth Council at Volunteer Administration Institute 2007

arrow imageCongratulations 2007 Youth INVOLVEment Strategic Investment Grant Recipients

arrow imageMeasles Advocacy 7th Annual Meeting

arrow imageAdvocates Lead the Battle against Measles

arrow imageNew Addition to Youth and Young Adult Programs and Services

Contact Information:
Darren Foster, Manager (202) 303-8442
FosterDa@usa.redcross.org
Phebean Cole, Sr. Associate
ColePhe@usa.redcross.org
Amelia Marian, Business Planning Analyst
MarianA@usa.redcross.org
Myths about Youth and Young Adults

By: Don Dudley, Acting Vice President, Office of the National Chair of Volunteers

Get Prepared!
While serving as an acting Vice President of the Office of the National Chair of Volunteers during the past few months I have watched and listened in an attempt to gain a comprehensive understanding of our services. I have listened to line staff, line volunteers, management staff and leadership volunteers. From these many hours of listening has come only one surprise.

On far too many occasions I have heard such statements as: 'youth are our future' or 'identifying young people with promise will allow them to grow into leadership positions' or 'if youth are selected to serve on boards they will eventually add value'—these statements, or similar ones, are far too common and, based upon my experiences over the past few months are, simply put—myths. They are myths for one simple reason: in so many ways and in so many locations and in so many events I have seen youth and young adults demonstrate consistent high level of service and leadership today.

Youth are not our future; they are our here and now.

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