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.
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

2013 Winners Map