| FROM THE PRESIDENT |
 |
| PARENTING TOPICS |
| RESOURCES |
 Parenting Related NewsMy colleague told me she was having her 10-year-old stepson practice his reading and comprehension skills while reading entries from my personal blog. Effectively, she noted, along the way she discovered that it’s a creative method of early drug prevention too.
Let’s face it. Teens are not that interested in talking to someone whose sole intent is to pepper them with questions, judge their answers, and offer unsolicited advice. In fact, these forms of communication serve to obstruct rather than facilitate communication with our teens. As a matter of fact, they are part of a longer list of communication blocks that parents would do well to avoid if they’d want their teens to talk to them.
As a college student living 5 hours away from my parents, I have the freedom to do pretty much whatever I want. If I got into any real trouble, with the university or the law, only then would the school contact my parents. Otherwise, I can get away with a lot without my parents ever knowing. That’s a scary thought for parents reading this, right?
She smiled and said she was proud of him. He had come to a 180 degree turn in his life. And with that, he turned to the other teens and thanked them for helping him change his life. His victory became theirs.
Being a responsive parent instead of a reactive parent begins with more matter-of-fact interactions with our kids. This means speaking to them in a calm manner and not freaking out, overreacting and getting extreme with our emotions. Too often, when we see something in our relationship that we don’t like, we try to change everything wholesale. We say things like, “From now on, things are going to be different!”
One of the most important things you can do as a 21st Century grandparent is instilling a belief in philanthropy. My husband and I have helped foster a sense of “giving back” into our grandchildren that is helping them learn the importance of assisting those in need.
One in five teenagers has abuse prescription pain medication. Dr. Drew shares some reasons why teens are abusing pills and what parents can do if they suspect their child is using.
I am betting that very few of you have sat through a week’s worth of sex education classes at your teenkid’s school. If your school district offers – or mandates – such classes, you no doubt have received a carefully crafted note listing the topics to be covered. And, if you have somehow managed to raise one of those rare tweens or teens who, in response to “so, what happened at school today?” replies polysyllabically, you might have a general notion of what goes on.
Truth be told, the lessons about alcohol consumption that are the most powerful may just be the ones that are not accompanied by a wagging finger and a tongue lashing. It is the small, accumulated lessons about drinking that add up to make a difference.
Do you know an outstanding youth coach or student athlete who demonstrates a commitment to fair, drug-free play and an overall healthy lifestyle? Does this person inspire others to give it their all, make the team smile after a big defeat, or show exemplary character and integrity on and off the field?
If you answered YES, [...]
|
 |
| HOME | ABOUT US | MISSION STATEMENT | SUPPORT PTRN | CONTACT US |
DOES YOUR TEENAGER WANT TO SAVE THE WORLD?This is the first in an occasional series about careers. Helping your teenager explore his or her career path may seem like a daunting project. Although your child may not be ready to choose a specific profession, it is not too early to begin talking about the various options, especially as college looms closer. You may also want to encourage your teen to take a volunteer position in a field of interest to him. DOES YOUR TEENAGER WANT TO SAVE THE WORLD? By Christa Beall Diefenbach, M.B.A. I will never forget the day that “no margin, no mission” clicked for Holly Kress, our student intern. She just completed a mission trip to Ethiopia where she was confronted by the stark reality that good intentions only get you so far. After a time, you need resources to change the world – and she has every intention of making sure good organizations have the funding they need to do good work. She will begin her fundraising career this January working for an environmental justice organization. Holly is one of 25 undergraduate students at North Park University pursuing a career in nonprofit management. With previous generations, nonprofit careers were less deliberate. I personally had no intention of having a “nonprofit career”; 15 years later, I now know I wouldn’t have it any other way. Students today are intentional and focused. They sit across my desk and tell me their life-size plans: “I want to make clean water accessible for all the world’s inhabitants.” “I want to reduce the rate of homelessness and urban poverty.” “I would like to create sustainable business solutions that will reduce our carbon footprint.” The missions are as different as the faces sitting across from me, but one thing is always the same: they intend on changing the world. And the nonprofit sector is just the place for them to do that. There are around 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the US, employing approximately 10 percent of Americans. And the sector is rapidly growing: the number of nonprofits has doubled in the past 15 years. Universities are responding to this growing demand by providing nonprofit management degrees and certification. American Humanics, a national alliance dedicated to preparing the next generation of nonprofit leaders, provides nonprofit management certification through 60+ affiliated universities. This program requires students to attain specific competencies through course work, a 300-hour nonprofit internship, attendance at a national conference, and other activities. Over 400 students across the country received American Humanics certification last year alone. When choosing an educational program, students should look for one that provides both experiential and academic learning opportunities. Internships are an excellent way for young adults to receive real-world training and “test drive” different career options. The career opportunities in the nonprofit sector are as varied as the organizations. Fundraising, marketing, program development, volunteer management, special event coordination, financial management, health services, and administration are just a few. The settings vary as well – working for a major metropolitan museum or college university is very different from working at a small animal shelter or after-school program. Many students ask: “If it is a nonprofit, do we get paid?” The answer is a resounding yes! Many nonprofit professionals find positions that offer competitive pay and a robust benefits package. Although the pay may not equal that of their for-profit counterparts, more innovative organizations will counter this by offering flexible schedules, casual dress, and other non-monetary benefits. In addition, in September 2007, Congress approved a college tuition assistance bill that establishes a student loan forgiveness program for people who work at nonprofits for 10 years. Just another way that nonprofit careers are becoming more attractive. For those interested in pursuing a nonprofit career, the best approach is to start volunteering today. Nonprofit organizations have a wide-range of volunteer opportunities for teenagers—from one-time events to serving on the board. Resources for teens considering a career in the nonprofit sector:
Christa Beall Diefenbach is the Assistant Director, The Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management at North Park University in Chicago, www.northpark.edu/axelson.
|
SUPPORTERS:
|
