One lesson children learn early is that if they combine their toys, they have the potential to have more fun.
The same can be said when child advocates pool their abilities: Combining skills and resources, especially during difficult economic times, we can generate more positive outcomes for North Carolina’s at-risk youth.
As Assistant Director at the Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office, that was a message I shared with viewers of OPEN/net, the live call-in program that addresses government issues. Joined by Tom Vitaglione of Action for Children of North Carolina and Rob Thompson of Covenant for North Carolina’s Children, we responded to questions and concerns about how to engage youth in mentoring or leadership roles, access to healthcare and how to motivate adults to take an active role with at-risk youth in their community.
I hope that families, advocates and policymakers saw the benefits of applying different perspectives to aiding our youth, and how well we work together. We strive to complement each other’s strengths and to fill any limitation that any one entity might have due to its role and structure.
My colleagues and I firmly believe that it’s more important than ever for advocates to remain steadfast and focused to make sure the North Carolina’s vulnerable families are not forgotten. Their needs are at the forefront of our minds, and we remain dedicated to advocating for the best interests of North Carolina children and their families.
If you would like to help at-risk youth through mentoring, please visit the N.C. Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service.