Spirit of Youth

The Research Behind Recognition
Community programs, which focus on frequently recognizing youth's achievements and good deeds, help youth to advance their aspirations, and hinder negative behavior.
Settings that allow for adolescents to be recognized and valued decrease the likelihood that they will become involved in high-risk behaviors and improve their self-competence, school attitude and performance.
Spirit of Youth Campaign recognized by the Search Institute

Spirit of Youth's positive recognition and media campaign was recognized by the Search Institute in a recent article as an effective way to promote the Developmental Assets. The article is titled "Strategies You Can Use: Get Local Media to Support Your Initiative". Read it here
Celebrate Alaska. Celebrate Alaska's Youth
On October 18th you can celebrate Alaska Day by celebrating Alaska's youth. Every nominee is presented with a certificate of recognition and Spirit of Youth keepsakes. All Alaskan youth ages 12-19 are eligible.

Make a nomination for recognition at www.spiritofyouth.org

Share the Spirit of Youth audio or video PSA through your station or Web site

Post a message to your Facebook page or join ours!
Attend Spirit of Youth's Open House at Terra Bella Coffee Shop on October 15 from 5-8 p.m.
10 Tips from Teens to Adults
1. Look at us. Make eye contact.
2. Spend time talking with us.
3. Listen. Pay attention. Don't multi-task or get distracted when you're with us.
4. Be dependable. Do what you say you're going to do.
5. Show appreciation for what we do. Give compliments.
6. Relax. Don't feel like you have to be on guard.
7. Show that you're interested. Attend our concerts, games and other events. Ask us to show you what we can do.
8. Laugh with us (and at yourself).Laugh at our jokes. Show us your humor.
9. Ask us to help you. Ask us for our ideas. Share your own, too.
10. Challenge us. Teach us what you know. Push us to do our best.
-Search Institute