The Journey
A newsletter for chapter advisors, chapter officers, and regional officers.
June/July 2001
Issue
America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth
Survey Reveals Youth Are Nation’s Highest Priority
"When these simple promises are fulfilled, they change everything for that one child. They are promises that literally transform lives of need into lives of character and competence. They turn children at risk to children of promise."
Michelle Rothengast, America’s Promise
Commitments Director for Higher Education
In a survey released recently by America’s Promise and The Gallup Organization, Americans say "preparing young people for the future" should be the nation’s highest priority. Overall, preparing young people, with 40 percent, ranked above "improving healthcare," with 21 percent; "keeping the economy strong," with 18 percent; "reducing crime," with 12 percent; and "protecting the environment," with 7 percent.
"This means a great deal," said America’s Promise President and CEO Peter A. Gallagher, "because it shows a broad national consensus that all of us must do our part to give young people the resources they need to build their character and competence. As a partner of America’s Promise, this is exactly what you are doing."
Phi Theta Kappa began its America’s Promise partnership in April 2000 as the focus of the Society’s International Service Program for 2000-02. A little more than a year later, 547 Chapters of Promise have committed their time and resources to youth-related service projects.
Despite the overwhelming support Phi Theta Kappans have shown, there is still much work to be done in five critical areas America’s Promise calls the Five Promises. They are 1) caring adults; 2) safe places; 3) a healthy start; 4) marketable skills; and 5) opportunities to serve.
It’s not too late to register!
Save the Children’s guidebook for providing safe, nurturing, learning environments during out-of-school time is now available online. Community activists that want to "do a lot with a little" will find bulleted lists, sample forms, sample stories and resources to make the most of community resources. Download a copy of the guidebook here.
Looking for Ways to Get Involved? Read on!