Businesses are well positioned to be asset builders. Merchants, manufacturers and service industries are integral to a healthy environment for young people. Businesses that hire and support youth are being recognized for their asset building efforts. They are not only improving the lives of a young workforce, they are also ensuring their future customer base by fostering personal relationships and a stronger sense of community support.
As a coalition we are working to educate businesses and help area merchants become more aware of their interactions with young people. Without realizing it businesses can often communicate uncaring and mistrustful attitudes toward young patrons. Young people tell us they frequently enter businesses where no one speaks to them or even makes eye contact. It is not uncommon for teenagers to be followed inside a store by employees suspicious of potential shoplifting. This is a valid concern, but kids inadvertantly get the message that they are not valued by the business community.
In Jackson County, young people visited dozens of area businesses as "secret shoppers" and recorded their experiences. They found several businesses that were very friendly and were naturally building assets for kids. As a coalition, we want to celebrate youth friendly businesses. Look for additions to this site that will tell you more about this initiative.
Businesses in rural communities like ours also face a tough challenge that researchers are now calling "youth migration." According to the 2000 Census report, the rural population in America has declined 9%. A large block of that departing group is our young adults. High school graduates are leaving in large numbers, and the number of 20-24 year olds has declined 31%! The number of young families in the 25-34 year old category has declined 9.8% in our region. Young people are leaving because they believe better opportunities lie in larger more populated areas. Among this exodus are some of the best and brightest students in the market. Therefore, over time, the quality of the future workforce is threatened. Building assets is vital to retaining our young people and giving them a hope of a successful life here. Youth who are engaged in and feel valued by their community have a greater likelihood of choosing to remain, or return as young working adults with children of their own.
If you would like more information on building a more youth friendly business, please contact us using the form below and someone from our coalition will respond soon.