The problem with statistics and polls is that both can be manipulated or
presented in a way to prove a point either way. That's why my own personal
experience weighs heavily into my opinions. My wife and I are heavily
involved in the youth of our community in multiple ways:
1. Through the schools. We are actively involved in the music program as
well as reading assistance programs.
2. Through the Kiwanis. Our particular Kiwanis is very active with youth
programs, scholarships and other things in our county. We are both members.
3. Through the ministerial alliance. My wife is one of the "power players"
in the county ministerial alliance. The churches in the county have united
together with an effective crisis assistance fund that actually works. (she
is also a director in a domestic violence shelter program which is another
eye-opener).
4. Our own direct work with youth through our own church and through our
daughters.
Not tooting our own horns, but just putting in the perspective of somebody
who has their own boots on the ground. At least every month, we've directly
assisted somebody with a bag of groceries or a ride or something of
meaningful value to a family in need. Have we been burned? Oh, yes. The
level of fraud is incredible. But that doesn't stop us from giving, it just
makes us smarter so we don't make the same mistake twice.
Our house is known as a "sanctuary" for youth. We have the occasional
"movie night at the nortons" where we show some Christian movie, and have
quite the spread of snacks and treats. It's not unusual to have 20 teens
hanging out. It's not church kids. At least half self-describe as athiests.
At least a third self-describe as LGBT. Regardless of their own beliefs or
thoughts on "Christians", they love being in our home. So many of them have
whispered to us as they leave, "I wish I could live here."
We listen to their stories and are heart-broken. Just when you thought that
there was a limit to "evil", you learn that there is a whole nuther level.
And this evilness crosses social-economic boundaries. I can safely say that
the problem with youth today is the adults today. The one thing that is
starting to get more and more attention now is sex slavery. I know it is
real and happening right under our noses. It is not a new thing, though.
It's just finally getting a spotlight shining on it.
I would encourage everybody on this list, who is able, to help out the
youth today in some form. Obviously, if you are on the sex-offender
registry, please just give money to programs and leave the personal contact
to somebody else. Just being involved in Kiwanis is a good start. If your
local Kiwanis is anything like ours, you'll be kept abreast of what is
going on in your community and you have a direct way of contributing in an
educated and effective manner. Our local group has about 40 active members,
and we give tens of thousands of dollars every year and donate many
hundreds of hours.
Most importantly, don't worry about how many at-risk youth there are. You
only need to help one. That person may be just one of many in your life,
but you may be the ONLY one in their life that cares for them. Just
remember, don't OWN their problems. And also remember that if you have any
issues of your own that puts them at greater risk, it's not for you.
AG
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