Fifty years ago, we didn't give much thought to the young people who didn't fit in, perhaps because their numbers were smaller, or perhaps because their behaviors were less noticeable.

Now, a significant and growing number of young people are not getting their basic developmental needs met through the "4 A's" -- academics, athletics, appearance and traditional activities. They are increasingly disconnected from family, school and community institutions. They are acting out that disconnectedness more visibly, and sometimes more violently.

Engaging the least engaged youth is not a program, it's a paradigm shift. It's not about 'bringing them in,' it's about reaching out, building bridges, connecting and including them.

The purpose of engaging the least engaged youth is:

• Not to reduce violence or make school safer
• Not to clean up the back parking lot or front entrance where they might hang out
• Not to fit them into the boxes of traditional activities so they have something to do
• Not to reduce the load on the discipline system or school counselors
• Not to make it easier for teachers . . .

These may all be results, but they are by-products, not the main objective.

The objective of engaging the least engaged youth is to connect, to include, to make a place in our schools and communities for those who have different preferences, beliefs, attitudes and even different values.

Engaging the least engaged youth requires getting past the surface differences, and the deep differences, to find and build upon the deeper commonality that connects us.

Engaging the least engaged youth means that all young people get their basic developmental needs

For purpose (direction)
For power (mastery)
For place (belonging)

met in positive, healthy, and pro-social ways.

Engaging the least engaged youth means that all of us get the benefit of their energies, ideas, and spirit, as allies in strengthening our communities... because they feel a sense of ownership of our common space, and are invested in our common vision.

While engaging the least engaged youth requires a comprehensive, community-wide approach, the place to begin is where you are and the time to begin is now.

And since every school and community is unique, there is no off-the-shelf program or training for engaging the least engaged youth.

If you call, we can together:

• Assess your current situation
• Identify needs and opportunities
• Map out a plan, with strategies that may include training and skill development for both youth and adults in your school and/or community

Together, we can create schools and communities where all youth feel a sense of purpose, power, and place.