Teens must learn about how social change takes place. Americans today have a cynicism about the political process and teens share that bias. Yet despite the examples of abuses that the media so loves to expose, politics is also the process through which one can change the world for the better. Teens are amazed to discover how open the political process is at the local, state and national level. It is a powerful message to teens who, with a little direction, can find dozens of vehicles to channel their moral outrage into constructive engagement.
Community service offers another avenue for teens.
Increasing numbers of high schools are requiring community service for graduation, and the Clinton Administration has also come up with several post-high school initiatives. Jewish organizations should take advantage of this environment and create contexts in which Jewish teens can engage in community service under Jewish auspices even as they reach out to help those beyond the borders of the Jewish community. No wonder they log hundreds of hours in front of the T.V. and the computer. Inspire Teens respond to passion and to role models. The adults in their lives need to speak from the heart and tell them why it is important to help alleviate some of the pain in the world.