In 2006, United Way’s Youth First Committee surveyed more than 1,600 Southeastern New Brunswick students in Grades 6 to 12 throughout Southeastern New Brunswick. The survey found that:

• Almost 70% of young people say they get lots of love and support from their families!
• Nearly two-thirds of the youth in Southeastern New Brunswick say their best friends and peers, model positive and responsible behaviour.
• What kind of values do our young people have? Seventy-three per cent of youth tell the truth even when it’s not easy and 71% act on their convictions and stand up for their beliefs!

The future looks bright! Seventy-one per cent of our young people are optimistic about their personal future!

What can our community do to give young people what they need to succeed in life?

Only 19% of our young people surveyed believe that adults in the community value them. What can we do? For starters, get to know the names of youth around you... on your street... in your workplaces. Get to know the names of your colleagues' kids. Smile at kids and teenagers too!

Just 26% of young people feel they are given useful roles in the community. Encourage a teen to volunteer at least one hour a week. Better yet, volunteer with them! And ask for a young person's opinion on issues that affect them.

You play a vital role in building youth assets, both in how you relate to a young person and how you connect youth with other caring people and places in your family and community!