Opportunity Youth

Buenos dias Sunday Morning Coffee-ites! I trust that you’re somewhere cozy with the morning drink of your choice, giving thanks for the beautiful day and anticipating a week of love, meaning, and positive juju.

One of my recent projects has been a partnership with Lone Star Justice Alliance, for whom I’ve been developing a training curriculum for peer advisors who will be working with Opportunity Youth. In our society, there exists a group of young people who are often overlooked but possess immense potential to thrive if given the right opportunities. These individuals are known as "opportunity youth," a term used to describe young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who are not engaged in education, employment, or training. Despite facing various challenges and obstacles, opportunity youth represent a reservoir of talent, creativity, and resilience waiting to be unleashed. I love this terminology. Back in the day, I remember a Texas senator who referred to our efforts to educate such youth in a therapeutic environment as “hug-a-thug.” The impact of language is as overlooked as the youth themselves. When we see disconnected young people as opportunities for success vs thugs, what’s that impact?

Opportunity youth are young folk who, for various reasons, have disengaged from the traditional pathways of education and employment. They may have experienced barriers such as poverty, homelessness, family instability, or lack of access to resources and support systems. Without the necessary guidance and opportunities, these young people often find themselves in a state of limbo, unsure of how to navigate their futures and fulfill their potential. However, it's essential to recognize that behind their circumstances lie untapped talents, dreams, and aspirations waiting to be realized.

What can communities do to support these youth? I’ve given this some thought, attempting to be as comprehensive as possible, and here’s what I think:

Communities can collaborate with educational institutions, vocational programs, and workforce development agencies to create pathways for opportunity youth to acquire essential skills and credentials. Offering flexible learning options, such as alternative education programs or online courses, can accommodate diverse learning styles and schedules.

Mentorship programs play a crucial role in providing opportunity youth with guidance, support, and positive role models. Mentors can help young people navigate challenges, set goals, and develop the confidence and resilience needed to overcome obstacles. By sharing their experiences and insights, mentors can inspire and empower opportunity youth to believe in their potential and pursue their aspirations.

Communities can work with local businesses, employers, and nonprofits to create job opportunities, internships, and apprenticeships tailored to the needs and interests of opportunity youth. Providing meaningful work experiences not only helps young people gain valuable skills and work experience but also fosters a sense of belonging and purpose within the community.

Communities must address the systemic barriers and inequities that contribute to the marginalization of opportunity youth. This includes tackling issues such as poverty, housing instability, racial discrimination, and lack of access to healthcare and social services. By advocating for policies and initiatives that promote equity and social justice, communities can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all young people to thrive.

Lastly, communities can foster a culture of belonging and empowerment where opportunity youth feel valued, respected, and heard. Creating safe spaces for young people to express themselves, share their stories, and engage in meaningful dialogue cultivates a sense of community and belonging. Empowering young people to be agents of change and active participants in decision-making processes amplifies their voices and contributes to positive social transformation.

Opportunity youth are…well, an opportunity…to make a difference in each young person’s life, but to also elevate our communities and our society as a whole. There are countries who don’t throw away disconnected young people. We should take note and follow suit. By providing access to education, mentorship, job opportunities, addressing systemic inequities, and fostering a culture of belonging and empowerment, we can empower opportunity youth to unlock their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society. Together, we can build a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future for generations to come.

This sounds much more effective than resurrecting draconian laws that incarcerate young people in mass number, or placing them in system-sponsored institutions that have consistently failed them. Instead of complaining about or being fearful of the young people in our communities, we can pull together to open the doors necessary for them to thrive.

We got this!

Enjoy your Sunday, my friends, and all the Sundays before you. Cheers!

P.S. If you need assistance in developing educational or training curriculum, or if you’re interested in professional development around working with opportunity youth, you can contact me here. I also love hearing success stories and/or brainstorming solutions, so if you want to chat, reach out!