Alan Oliver: Take A Fresh Look at Growing Up

When we take a fresh look at some area in our lives or in the community, we frequently find some weaknesses, some gaps and perhaps new needs that have not been met. Over the past few weeks, I have been reminded of this by earthquake commemorations and the reminders to check out individual preparations as well as information about community preparations for future earthquakes. I hear comments about foundations and whether certain buildings are on solid ground. Do we live and work in buildings that can withstand the shocks of the primal natural force?

As we take a fresh look at youth programs, we need to ask some of the same questions. Are our youth programs solid and do they help our youth build a foundation that will sustain the shocks of everyday life right now and in the future. Many of our youth face unsettling events constantly, but somehow survive and cope. They get through the situation, but the damage caused may be hidden ­ perhaps to emerge later in adult life.

In January, February and March, the Richmond Neighborhood Coalition examined these "foundations" to take a fresh look at what is needed by children, youth and families in the Richmond District. From these discussions has come an agenda of 10 program initiatives that would strengthen the foundation for children and youth in our community. Practical steps need to be developed to address the following issues.

Nothing is more basic then health, both physical and mental. The Richmond has no official health clinic and the school health-nurse role is almost non-existent. Richmond Area Multi-services (RAMS) does provide high-quality mental health services to various ethnic communities and school programs, but the teen population needs more than is available. We recommend increased emphasis on physical and mental health services.

For younger children, we want an expansion of quality childcare for ages one to five. With the need for more than one salary, both parents often are working which creates a need for expanded programs for young children. Similar forces are at work at the elementary and middle school level. Many parents and school administrators cite the need for an expansion of after school programs and supervision of play areas after school so kids can "hang out" in safety until they go home. Accessibility of these play areas at school is a key issue for parents. Issues of inclusion for disabled youngsters and increased focus on girls programs are other recommended needs.

At the middle and high school level, there is general concern about bullying and harassment among students while at school. Youth who participate in bullying and harassment may move on to more severe violations in the future. How do we limit these behaviors through rules and enforcement while providing these youth with services to prevent more serious problems from developing? These middle years, when many behavioral choices are made, are crucial to successful adult lives. Transition or "Rites of Passage" programs need to be improved for youth entering middle school as well as when they move to the high school level. These are teachable moments as children adapt to new roles and situations when responsibility to the community can be emphasized along with personal growth and social relationships. As youth are offered more options and freedom, there needs to be an expansion of leadership/empowerment development programs in preparation for careers and adult roles.

The Richmond doesn't have any teen centers so many of our youth are using the Rec and Park centers as places to meet and socialize with friends. These centers need to be supported with funds for food and activities. They are places with caring adult supervision, which play an important role as a relaxing space for teens. Youth at these centers, as well as at the three secondary schools in the Richmond, reflect a great variety of cultural backgrounds. There is a need for more options for families and youth that will help with cultural transitions between the home culture and the mass culture. Can we plan more discussions, workshops, seminars and cross-cultural experiences that will help with these transition problems and opportunities?

So there is work to be done on the foundations of our youth services. Progress will be measured in many individual steps that we can take together. Join our youth task force that will be addressing these goals.

For more information or to give suggestions, call Alan Oliver, Safety Network Program at RAMS, 668-5998, ext.103.