“Giving Youth’s Voice a Chance to be Heard”
Article by Ariana Smith
Description:
From school lunches to district policies, students have been voicing their discontent with the educational institution for quite a while. However, their suggestions have been shot down and viewed as mere complaints from know- nothing adolescents by all- knowing adults. While it is true that not all youth have the ground- breaking solutions to all problems there is that special bunch which comes built with inspiring ideas waiting to be heard.
One might argue that there are opportunities such as student government and student advisory committees for these students to make a difference, but if examined carefully there are noticeable restrictions on the extent of power invested in these groups. They are usually restricted to planning homecoming, prom, pep rallies, and other social events. The serious material is left to “the big boys.” How non-efficient it must be for adults to manage student affairs. For a student to get there voice heard they must have all the right connections. If they know the right teacher or administrator it is possible that their idea can be squeezed into the next staff meeting. Sadly though, it often stops there.
What should be changed? For one, student government should run as a mock government. Rather than the secretary recording notes concerning suggestions for party favors at the next school dance, they should be taking down suggestions implemented by the students and keeping record of possible “bills” to be passed. Rather than the historian taking pictures of the various classes at pep rallies, they should be documenting the groundbreaking of a new structure within the school meant to support the needs of its students. All of this may seem beyond reality for ‘minors’ to handle, but we must realize that the saying “children are our future” is no joke. What better time to learn how to make a difference in a world that we will soon come to shape than now?
The question, “What would you do if you were given a large sum of money?” should be asked frequently and taken seriously. No one knows the world of youth better than the inhabitants of that world. If organized for a specific purpose, many goals can be accomplished to better the world of children and teens, and more importantly this will contribute to the skills needed to better the world of adults. It should be made a priority to get youth regularly involved with the elite decision- makers such as the district school board. By doing so, youth will have new role models- their own peers- and will not be afraid to utilize these accessible and open minds. Involving youth in making serious decisions not only boosts their esteem but further encourages them to take initiative and pride in their surrounding environments.
While it is true that the younger generation can benefit from the learning experiences of past generations, this educational experience can be greatly reciprocated as well. Sayings like, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” and “young people never listen to their elders” are generally supported when one group has become overbearing and consumed in their own priorities and ideas. Rather, if the two would join together in mutuality, great things could be accomplished. If influential adults were to take the time to truly listen to the ideas of this young generation, and youth were to take the time to observe the ongoing decision- making process, both would discover that a difference can be made. Youth must not only be given a voice, but a chance to be heard as well.
Funding for Academic Year: 2005