A World Where Youth Hold The Power (Argument)

“A World Where Youth Hold The Power” by Adeola Oredola and members of Youth In Action along with the Youth In Action documentary both had the same argument. That argument was that we should allow youth to be leaders and be apart of community change. The article and documentary argue that youth is best served when they are asked to lead. When they are given their own tasks and responsibilities and even create their own curriculum at times.

Youth particularly in the providence area are faced with many obstacles students elsewhere aren’t faced with. Youth In Action is a place where kids can go to be themselves and have the support to make it through any hardships they may encounter. At YIA they learn to be leaders, voice their opinions in a safe place, and be the best they can be. It all starts by treating them as adults and not children. Let them be involved in things like politics, government, media, and organizing events.

            I think YIA has it figured out. Treating kids like adults can get them thinking like adults and quickly acting like adults. But not boring adults, active adults with great ideas and opinions on real world issues. We need new ways of thinking, and inspiring minds if we are going to create real change for youth. Providing youth with leadership opportunities is a great way to get them some hands on learning and problem solving, much more than you would ever get in a public school. I think that’s what’s missing from all public schools in Rhode Island. Today everything is based on raising test scores but in reality what we really need to be raising is leaders, youth leaders who are prepared for the real world and real ideas on how to make it a better place.