Caring Neighbors ==> Connected Youth

Caring neighbors ==> connected youth:  Caring neighbors lead to connected youth and connected youth are healthier, happier youth. Research shows that youth who feel valued in their community enjoy better mental health; a greater sense of personal control and optimism; reduced crime, violence, and fighting; less substance abuse; and higher academic performance.   What can you do?  Recent examples I know of include setting up a "movie theater" in the yard to show the Harry Potter movies for the neighborhood kids and inviting the kids weekly to come over, enjoy the trampoline and the fire pit and hangout with the adult neighbors.  Start small; it only takes a second. 

Learn the names and interests of the kids in your neighborhood, and find areas that you have in common. “Check in” with children and youth who are playing outside. Attend a game, play, or event in which a neighborhood youth is participating.  Support local youth in their fundraisers. Even if you don’t care for candy or the other items that the children are selling, your support of their activities shows that you value their goals and efforts.  And, by all means, stop at every lemonade stand!

To learn more:  http://www.projectcornerstone.org/pdfs/August_CaringNeighborhood_ResourceKit.pdf

To get involved in the Palo Alto Developmental Assets Initiative of Project Safety Net contact us at devassetspaloalto@gmail.com