Developing 21st Century Leaders Young people, their families and communities are being confronted with numerous life-altering challenges: social and race-based injustice, climate change, economic upheaval as a result of COVID-19, and the widening fault lines caused by political division. Youth voice, agency and mobilization have been central to driving positive, meaningful change within every movement throughout history.60 Once again, youth are rising to the challenge as leaders to demand social, political and economic change. They are being called out to the streets to protest, serving as thought leaders, developing innovative and creative solutions, and demanding a voice in decisions that impact their current reality and future.61
♦ Participate in Service-Learning Opportunities – Youth take on developmentally appropriate leadership opportunities in programs such as SMART Girls in Action, Keystone Club, Torch Club and Youth of the Year Suite. Youth also participate in service-learning opportunities that allow them to explore their Club and community. By confronting familiar and unfamiliar challenges, youth see the world through a new lens and identify how they can create positive change. These experiences help young people build skills such as empathy, perspective-taking and problem-solving. ♦ Lead Change – Youth take on increasing leadership opportunities in and outside of the Club by identifying pressing issues affecting their peers, community and the world. They spotlight needs such as mental health, racial inequity and immigration by participating in National Keystone Conferences, local demonstrations addressing climate change and racial equity, civic activities, and youth-led efforts to build a positive Club environment. They galvanize their peers and partner with Club staff to develop responsive solutions. Throughout this process, youth learn from and partner with peers and staff who model social-emotional skills that develop strong character. This growth is the necessary foundation for developing leaders and change agents.
As supportive facilitators, advocates and allies in their growth and development, Club staff partner with young people to create a safe, inclusive environment. Within this nurturing environment, youth can develop into future world leaders by following a character-building trajectory: ♦ Build Foundational Social-Emotional Skills – Youth practice and build social-emotional skills by participating in Club programming and interacting with caring adult staff. These essential skills include having healthy relationships with others, making sound decisions and communicating effectively.
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Laying a Critical Character Development Foundation As youth build and practice social-emotional skills, they develop key character traits that are then demonstrated or reflected in their behaviors. For example, when youth are respectful to others, they work together and
BOYS & G IRL S CLUB S OF A M ERICA
