But youth are stabilizing the system through significant and effective work in the civic sector of society. It is that place in society where we listen to music, view art, experience culture, appreciate theater, and hang out in coffee shops. Civil society consists of beauty parlors, front porches, Elks Clubs, Junior Leagues, and all of our various forms of groups and associations. Consequently, the misunderstanding of how youth perceive their political role is drawn from the absence of youth involvement from the private and public legs of our societal stool. This movement is a broad, sweeping wave of youth action that builds upon that third leg, and not only brings America back into balance, but leaves a lasting mark on civic renewal in its wake.
Many young people have big hopes and exciting dreams for their lives.
But they aren't as down and out as public opinion analysts and the media so often suggest. It isn't because jobs aren't as available as they were, because they are. The hopes and dreams of youth today are different from those of previous generations, but they are just as important and far-reaching. Southern Community Partners funds youth-driven initiatives in the South that are helping to revitalize urban and rural areas through key strategic efforts. Partners in Education is forging partnerships between communities and schools, bringing community service into the classroom and tapping a valuable, previously under-utilized resource.