Karaim, R. (1997, November 14-16). Can a town agree on what’s best for teens? USA Weekend, p. 16.

OVERVIEW

William Damon is an innovative educator who has visited 3,040 schools implementing his solution to youth crime—the "youth charter."

In response to continuing high levels of youth crime, Damon’s book, Together to Raise Standards for All Our Children, proposes a unified statement of what is expected of youth. The general thrust: expect more from kids.

Damon believes that all leaders in the community should understand and take action on the following hypothesis: " ‘A clear, unified stand about what is acceptable behavior goes a long way toward countering the mixed message young people get from music, TV, movies, and often, from adults.’ "

The charter challenges youth behavior in four areas: spirituality, sportsmanship, youth activities, and alcohol and drug abuse.

Consider a charter created in Wellesley, Massachusetts. It includes a town-wide statement of sportsmanship. This statement involves all participants and is signed by players, coaches and parents. Each is reminded of his or her role in fostering good sportsmanship.

Nightshift, a popular coffeehouse run primarily by teens, is a concrete result of the charter which recommended creating "substance-free" recreation opportunities for the kids.

Unification is the key to solving the youth crime problem. According to one who has participated in creating a youth charter, people naturally come together as a result of the charter-formation process: " ‘There is a lot more communication between parents, people from the schools and the police department about what is going on with kids. It’s broken people out of their little worlds.’ "

One young man from Wellesley, Massachusetts agrees that the charter works, " ‘You have to expect a slow process...but I think this town is coming together.’ "

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. What is the power behind the community charter idea?
2. What cultural factors have the most profound effect on the youth worldview?
3. Which community groups will be most difficult to convince to sign and live by the charter?
4. What standards of behavior do you think should be set for all to follow?
5. How could churches and youth groups initiate the charter idea and engage the broader community?
6. Do you think it would work in your community? Why or why not?

IMPLICATIONS

• The community charter is a powerful tool for improving youth behavior. In order for a culture to be credible in its behavioral requirements, youth need to hear a unified message from every subcultural group. For example, preaching abstinence while handing out condoms sends a confusing message to youth about what is expected from them.
• Not only is the charter helpful for its impact on youth, but it draws the whole community together in discussion. This cohesion among various community groups can help foster cooperation among all in caring for youth and helping them make mature decisions.