Youth Builds Community and Communities Build Youth

During times of war and major crises, society's existing challenges often become more intense. One key issue is the impact of these situations on teenagers and young adults, shaping both their behavior during the crisis and their long-term growth as adults. This article starts with the premise that adults play a crucial role in guiding youth by broadening young people’s opportunities for influence and leadership, recognizing their needs, and valuing their strengths. Engaging youth within community settings, where multigenerational bonds already exist, can help build positive frameworks for their development.

Adults often hold conflicting expectations for young people: on one hand, hoping they will exceed the achievements of the current generation, and on the other, expecting them to embody society’s established values. These mixed messages create tension for teenagers, especially those in transitional stages of identity, feeling the pull between childhood and adulthood. This can lead to behaviors characterized by frustration and the urge to both fit in with and rebel against adult norms. During crises, these internal conflicts may amplify, manifesting in behaviors that range from a desire to volunteer and help to engaging in risky activities.

How rebellion takes shape—whether as an effort to surpass adults morally or a rejection of established norms—largely depends on the structures adults provide. Communities can help direct this energy constructively by fostering a supportive environment where young people’s potential is valued and developed. A community approach reframes “youth at risk” not as an inherent problem in young people but as a product of social circumstances. When a community actively invests in youth, it reduces the likelihood of marginalization.

The success of a community can often be measured by the continuity of its values, with younger generations stepping into significant roles and reflecting the community’s principles. Community-building views youth as a core resource, with the ability to shape and contribute to communal growth. This requires collaboration across all community sectors—government, youth organizations, businesses, and residents—to empower youth and involve them meaningfully in community life.

Building a community that values its young people involves a mutual relationship:

1. Community for youth: mobilizing local resources to support young people’s growth, addressing their unique needs, and recognizing areas of risk.

2. Youth for community: embracing young people’s unique perspectives and strengths, ensuring they participate in shaping and improving community life.

Community resilience depends on cultivating a strong sense of belonging and trust among all its members, enabling young people to feel valued and proud of their contributions. When they experience high self-worth, they engage more fully, initiate projects, and bring energy and innovation to their community.?

In times of crisis, a sense of belonging and purpose can help youth overcome feelings of helplessness. Focusing on each individual’s strengths encourages everyone to contribute, fostering a sense of pride and resilience in the community. By acknowledging young people’s assets, the community can transform crisis situations into opportunities for growth and morale-building.

To integrate young people as essential contributors to the community, three key principles stand out:

1. Respect young people and elevate their voices.

2. Engage them in community activities and value their input in decision-making.

3. Create programs that set high standards for civic participation, supported by adult mentors.

A community that offers young people the space to contribute meaningfully and feel proud of their impact builds resilience, especially in challenging times. Prioritizing youth involvement can be transformative, allowing them to thrive and making the community stronger.

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"People will forget what you did, they will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel." – Maya Angelou