The saying, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, may seem cliché, but it’s important that young people grow up with a sense of community. How they engage with their local community can have a significant impact on their development. Being part of a community allows young people the opportunity to develop feelings of belonging and security. They thrive in an environment of mutually supportive and caring relationships. That’s why it’s so important for them to feel part of a broader community. Benefits of getting them involved in the community include:

• Helps them find their place in the world
• Develops understanding of how society works
• Allows them to understand shared values in our society

Since your young ones learn by doing, getting them involved in the community will help them build strong connections. And it’s not just a once in a while sort of thing. Community engagement should be part of their everyday experience. Here are some ways to get them involved:

• Take a day trip to a local community gathering spot, such as a park
• Donate food to a local food bank or serve food to the homeless
• Get involved with a community garden and grow food for others

Being a good role model is another way to help ensure that your adolescents will want to be part of their community. Demonstrate the benefits of community participation. Pick something you enjoy, and volunteer with your teen. Talk about the new friendships, the sense of accomplishment, how you have learned or been inspired. Here are some ways you can be a good role model:

• Teach a yoga class
• Volunteer in a community project
• Run for city council