I’ve been reflecting on the role of earned success in urban youth development. Regarding earned success, Arthur Brooks of the American Enterprise Institute says, “Earned success is the elixir of joy in people’s lives. You find that it doesn’t matter that you earn eight times as much money as me–if we both feel we have earned success in our lives, statistically we will be equally happy.”
Elsewhere he notes that a person who feels as if he or she has earned success is twice as likely to be happy as one who has not.
I think earned success is what motivated teens in Pasadena, Calif., to compete for jobs in the Harambee Junior Staff Program.
One year, waves of new teens came to Harambee for job applications. We had not recruited them. Our program served African Americans primarily, but these job-seekers were mostly Latino. The program leader was a woman, but the majority of seekers were males. Many of these young people crossed gang territories to get to our center. Though we required six weeks of volunteer work–hard work, I might add–before one could qualify for a paid position, more than half completed the probationary period and were added to the payroll. That year, 44 teens earned a check through the Junior Staff Program, more than in any previous year.
It turned out that these successfully employed youth were the best advertisement for the program. I heard stories. A junior staffer might not cash his or her check right away. Those small checks–I recall signing checks for amounts such as $21.44 and $34.52–were used as leverage. They were proof of accomplishment. They were proof of future capacity. They earned respect in the hood. They also transmitted cultural values, susch as the time I overheard one youth deny his friend’s financial request: “I had to work for this. Go get your own job.”
New youth after new youth came from nearby public schools to Harambee in search of what their friends had. When they got here, they realized it was about more than money. We loved and respected each young person. We taught them the reason for our love–God’s salvation provided through Christ–in Bible studies and through staff role modeling. We challenged them to aim high, toward college and beyond.
So when a youth walked home every two weeks with his Harambee paycheck, he knew he had worked for it, reached for it and persevered for it. He knew he had earned it.
When it comes to urban youth work, we need to ensure that our youth have opportunities to earn things of lasting value. Reflect on your own ministry. Ask yourself if you are just entertaining teens, occupying their time and keeping them out trouble, or if you are treating them justly by giving them a foundation of earned success.
Partners Worldwide
• Nova Bossa, a waterless car wash company in India, launched late in 2010. Nova Bossa seeks to create 2,000 new jobs by 2014 for disadvantaged youth and others.
• As the U.S. Regional Facilitator for Partners Worldwide, my focus is on putting business as mission into action. I’m looking for business champions who are passionate about growing businesses and creating jobs to fight poverty here in the States. Contact me if you would like to connect.
• Feb. 8 Conference: Local Impact, Global Reach: Business as Ministry in Tri-Cities, Washington.
Brother 2 Brother
Here’s an article about a Christian men’s group in Southeast Grand Rapids. I went to my first Brother 2 Brother gathering within a week of moving to Grand Rapids. Afterward, a group of the men came to my rental house and unloaded the moving truck. I’ve been a grateful participant ever since.
Last Weekend with Urban Youth Workers Institute
Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011, there were 112 paid registrants and 140 people total at the Reload West Michigan conference sponsored by the Urban Youth Workers Institute. I enjoyed leading a workshop called, “From Youth Ministry to Community Transformation.” In another session, a group discussed the formation of a regular urban youth worker networking time around the city.
Acton Institute Job Openings
“Connecting Good Intentions with Sound Economics”–I love that tagline. That’s what the Acton Institute for Religion and Liberty is about. Acton is currently looking for a program outreach director and a program outreach coordinator, as well as for a major gifts officer. Details here.
Got an urban ministry infobit? Please share.
