DALLAS (ABP) — At a conference held at Dallas Baptist University, First Lady Laura Bush urged Americans to engage and encourage the country's youth.
Bush spoke during a regional Helping America's Youth conference held at the school. She said today's youth face more challenges than previous generations and called the country's adults to provide positive examples for them.
“And we all know that the challenges facing young people in the United States today are far greater than they were for children just a generation ago,” Bush said. “Drugs and gangs, predators on the Internet, violence on television and in real life are just some of the negative influences that are present everywhere today.
“And as children face these challenges, they often have fewer people to turn to for help. More children are raised in single-parent families, most often without a father. Millions of children have one or both of their parents in prison. Many boys and girls spend more time alone or with their peers than they do with any member of their family.”
Bush praised several faith-related efforts that give positive outlets for young people. She specifically mentioned Homeboy Industries, a Catholic program that provides jobs for former gang members, and CeaseFire, a Chicago-based effort that encourages clergy to act as role models for teens in neighborhoods with high crime rates.
The gathering of 200 community leaders, which included Albert Reyes of Buckner International and Tony Evans, pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Church in Dallas, also heard Bush note that children need people to encourage them to develop their gifts.
“To make sure every child is surrounded by these positive influences, even more adults must dedicate themselves to helping young people,” Bush said. “Adults should be aware of the challenges facing children, and then they should take an active interest in children's lives. Adults, and especially parents, should build relationships where they teach their children healthy behaviors by their own good example.”
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