It Takes More Than A Parent To Raise A Child....
It Takes A Village!

Join the hundreds of people in your community who value and invest in the youth of today!
All residents in the community have a role to play in ensuring young people receive the support, guidance and opportunities they need during childhood and adolescence to achieve their full potential!

These are little things you can do to make a difference in today's youth...

Show Support!
Vow to say one encouraging thing to someone each day
Encourage passions and interests in others
Show courtesy to family members in public and at home
Invite caring, responsible adults to be part of your children's lives.

Show Empowerment!
Include young people as active participants in events
Encourage teenagers to take leadership roles in their community
Give young people appropriate and important responsibilities within the family.
Teach children and youth how to be safe wherever they go.

Show Boundaries & Expectations!
When setting boundaries for someone else, explain the values behind them
Talk together about how to establish family rules and consequences
Treat all people, regardless of age, with respect
Respect teenagers' privacy, but take interest in their friends and activities
Be a positive role model in a young person's life.

Show Constructive Use Of Time!
Visit museums and libraries and attend plays and concerts with youth
Encourage teens to be involved in at least one hobby
Have a regular family night to do something fun together
Involve youth in decisions about family spiritual activities
Volunteer in programs for activities for young children.

Show Commitment To Learning!
Ask a young person to teach you a new skill
Set daily homework goals
Organize a neighborhood book swap
Believe that all young people can learn.

Show Positive Values!
Remember that mistakes are part of living and growing
Show care and concern for your neighbors by offering a helping hand
Write down what you believe and post it where you can see it
Be responsible for all your thoughts, words and actions
Try new things and take on new responsibilities.

Show Social Competencies!
Have family meetings where children have a voice in decision making
Smile and say hello to at least one person each day
Learn about your own cultural heritage and the heritage of others
Help youth practice coping skills when difficult situations arise
Learn and model peaceful ways to resolve disagreements.

Show Identity!
Dwell on what children do right instead of what they do wrong
Avoid comparing young people to each other
Let youth/young children know you are proud of their talents, capabilities, and discoveries
Listen when young people talk about their sense of purpose in life
Ask young people what they are passionate about.

Sponsored by the Vermilion River Region Healthy Communities Coalition and the Wainwright & Area Social Action Committee.

Click on the link for further information  http://www.vermilionriverregion.ca