Central to the mission of Highlands are our efforts to provide a meaningful and growth enhancing experience for the young people we work with. The Highlands motto of "Helping Yourself by Helping Others" recognizes that the rewards of giving and contributing to others can be of significant value in helping young people realize and achieve their positive potential.
As Highlands adult volunteers we need to remember that this focus must remain a priority. Although the young people are assigned to us by the courts, we should view them as partners in a valuable community service. The following are some suggestions that may be helpful.
*Whenever possible, the young people should be given a part in the planning and evaluation of the day's activities.
*Youth workers should be oriented and reminded of the historical and future significance of the work that they are doing so they understand that they are part of something larger then the activities of the day.
*A reluctant "foot-dragging" youth can often be drawn back into productivity by asking him or her to assist an adult volunteer with a task too large for one person.
*Listening carefully to the young person's ideas can be of significant value in communicating the sense of dignity and worth that we hope to have them experience.
*Respectful and playful humor can often help set the positive tone that we are hoping to generate.
*While we should always listen to our young people, the issue of how and why they ended up with us is far less important than an understanding of what they can contribute and gain through their experience with the project.
*While not every young person assigned to us will respond to this positive approach, experience tells us that the overwhelming majority will.
*If you are experiencing motivational, attitudinal, or behavioral problems with one of the young people assigned to us, please alert one of the Highlands supervising trustees.
*Working together with this approach allows us to help young people experience a positive side of themselves and allows them to practice the skills and attitudes needed to take their place as contributing members of society.
