We all know incredible kids. They are intrinsically incredible because of the boundless energy they possess.
And because their minds are growing at a rapid rate they have the potential to transform themselves into amazing people.
That is, if adults guide them in the right direction.
Without positive reinforcement it’s easy for them to make self-destructive decisions, especially because negative behavior is reinforced constantly in entertainment media.
You know what I’m talking about: Video games featuring characters that rip off the heads of their enemies. Musical groups with names like Pussycat Dolls known more for their hyper-sexualized dancing than for their songs. A culture that celebrates athletes and not scholars.
How do adults who care about youth compete with that?
That’s where you come in.
I’m challenging everyone who reads this to take part in a simple gesture that is guaranteed to bring a smile to a kid and perhaps alter the course of his or her life.
The idea is to write a letter to the kid or kids of your choice, pointing out their accomplishments and talents and encouraging them to do well in school.
The idea is the brainchild of Campfire USA, the national nonprofit youth-development organization.
It’s a brilliant idea.
In fact, I think it’s something we should do more often. In e-mails, in person, over the phone, and especially in writing – because it’s something tangible a child can reflect on every time he or she sees it.
“There’s no way to know the impact of these letters, but it can only help,” said Mark McIntosh, CEO of the Central Rockies Council of Campfire USA.
He plans to start a media campaign in the next week and is hoping to get our governor and mayor to declare March 15 “Incredible Kids Day.”
That’s the day they hope people will send out their letters, but anytime before or afterward works, too.
The council’s website, campfirerockies.org, has sample letters, tips and downloadable stationery.
I’m already thinking about what kids I’ll send letters to. I meet a lot of students when I speak at schools and I always give out my e-mail address and mobile number. Occasionally I get a call or an e-mail from one of them. So I’ve got a list to choose from.
I know, from experience, that encouragement goes a long way – especially to those not accustomed to getting it. I remember, years ago, when I ran a journalism program for high school students there was a young man, DaShawn, who struggled at school. He had a gift for telling stories and I encouraged him daily, even on days when he spoke out of turn in class.
I later found out he had stopped going to school but continued to come to my class, which started at 7:30 a.m.
When I found out, I went to his home and met his mom, who wasn’t sure how to keep him in school. All it took to get him back in school was for me to tell him I believed in him. I told him he needed to sacrifice what he wanted today for what he could become. Gifts from God, I told him, shouldn’t be squandered.
He returned to school and graduated.
That turnaround is testament to the power of positive encouragement. DaShawn easily could have become another statistic. All it took to lead him in another direction was one caring person.
I hear adults complain constantly about youth. They talk about how parents need to step it up and that the kids need to learn personal responsibility.
But let’s flip that: What would happen if these same adults stopped complaining and took on some of the responsibility themselves?
We all can play a role in shaping youth.
Our kids need tons of encouragement. I say “our” because it will take all adults to get involved if we want to change the course of kids who are on the wrong path.
As McIntosh says, “Children are 25 percent of our population but 100 percent of our future.”
Cindy Rodríguez’s column appears Tuesdays and Sundays. Read Cindy’s blog at denverpostbloghouse.com/rodriguez.
