How to Involve Youth in Sustainability Programs

[Intro]
You may have heard the common phrase “today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders”. It is a concept that is believed by many Alaskan tribes. Rural communities want to focus on engaging youth to become future leaders for our state. It’s one thing for today’s youth to become involved with sustainability programs. It’s even better when they want to apply this experience to their future. University of Alaska Anchorage journalist Lizzy Abellera reports:

[Voicing]
Not many children or young adults typically look at environmental issues. If they do, it’s only because it’s a required assignment they must complete for school. At a young age, youth in our community should start to consider the actions they are making that may impact our environment. These decisions will affect them in the long run and acting now can give them exposure they need to open their eyes. Children and young adults under 17 years of age may receive many benefits if they start becoming involved now. Michelle Davis from the US Environmental Protection Agency expresses how she feels about this:

[Actualities]
Time: 6s
Title: Michelle on teens
“Sustainability programs help teens think about their tribe. They see the bigger picture and will apply these concepts for themselves and their future.”

[Voicing]
If youth activities are promoted now, they will have a likelihood of growing into leaders for Alaskan tribal organizations and communities. There are several local programs running that are good examples of where and how to start. Brenda Trefon, from the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, shares her advice on how she gets youth involved.

[Actualities]
Time: 5s
Title: Brenda asking for help
"Always ask for help and learn from others ... it’s amazing with how much work can be done in one day."

[Voicing]
An important concept to remember is that youth and other community members should re-introduce themselves as environmental workers when becoming involved. Since tribes and rural villages are so small, it's easy for someone to see you as one person. However, when you reintroduce yourself as an environmental worker, you are presenting yourself as someone different representing the community.

Many of these established programs work hand-in-hand together. Charlie Ess who represents the RurALCAP organization, shares his experience of working with youth.

[Actualities]
Time: 3s
Title: Charlie kids find stuff
"Kids just love to find stuff and they love to be involved.”

[Voicing]
Charlie talks about how they love to pick up things they find laying around. He tries his best to set a good example by being that person who picks up the can on the ground and throws it away.

[Actualities]
Time: 3s
Title: Charlie pick up can
"You are the best example there is for the kids... so go pick up a can."

[Voicing]
When organizations give youth a chance to become more involved in their community, they not only help out others but they are helping themselves out too. A common stereotype with youth is that all they eventually do is get themselves into trouble. They're troublemakers. They shouldn't be trusted. With the help of these programs giving them these opportunities to prove others wrong, they are helping to build and set goals for themselves, and to reach them.

Michelle likes to reflect on a saying she always heard her mom tell her long ago.

[Actualities]
Time: 3s
Title: Michelle trouble
"A teenager that is put to work is one that stays out of trouble".

[Voicing]
The power of youth should never be underestimated. They are capable of much more than we could imagine. AJ Salsoski, Community Development Supervisor at RurALCAP had his doubts of first working with youth.

[Actualities]
Time: 7s
Title: AJ employment opportunities
"There aren't a lot of employment opportunities for them in rural areas ... So getting youth involved gets their foot in the door and they get exposure to real job experience."

[Voicing]
Youth involvement in programs will continue to grow and be promoted within rural areas of the state. Several of these smaller projects have had much impact to become permanent, ongoing programs. Youth can enjoy the benefits of building their resume and engaging in employment opportunities -- all while helping to benefit their community.