You might be surprised to know that the smallest gesture of mild-mannered conversation with the young man behind the counter at the convenience or grocery store could change his life. Could it really be that simple? Can a kind word, a friendly smile, or an authentic interest really make a difference in the path to adulthood that young man takes? When two strangers, one a teenager and the other an adult, connect in little ways that make both of them feel positive and enriched, the question of whether "small talk" can begin a relationship, change perceptions, and maybe even transform the way a community feels about and cares for its youth arises.

Battling Stereotypes
Once seen as "patriotic" and "idealistic," youths in contemporary society are often perceived much differently. Many adults often identify teens as "selfish" and "materialistic;" nearly the opposite of how they viewed them 20 years ago.

Due to media-driven impressions and societal based misconceptions, adults in today's society feel that teens have rejected traditional values and have chosen to label the youth with negative characteristics. Assumptions are then ultimately created of what they think American youth has evolved into, and their negative labels follow.

To break free from these counterproductive notions, two youth-related organizations, The Youth Services Quality Council of Rochester & Monroe County (YSQC) and The Community Asset Partner Network, along with the Rochester Ad Council, have created a campaign that leverages the theme line: "Small Talk, Big Difference." This campaign encourages adults to talk to a youth and shift their perceptions based on real interaction. Moreover, this campaign says that it's important and easy to reach out to young people in our community because it's beneficial to their adolescent growth.

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks says the campaign is an opportunity for generations to connect. "This ad campaign will help bridge the gap between youth and adults, open up lines of
communication, and let our young people know now much we care about them," says Executive Brooks.

The Mission
The vision of "Small Talk, Big Difference" aims to increase awareness of the importance of adult involvement in young people's lives and provide them with the skills to make healthy choices and form positive relationships with those they encounter.

"By simply saying hello or making small talk you can make a big difference," says Elaine Spaull, PhD., Executive Director of The Center for Youth, and Campaign Chair. Spaull adds that this campaign "will remind adults that young people thrive when they have attention and a listening ear, and that it doesn't have to be complicated, it doesn't need to take a lot of time."

The Real Story
Contrary to common belief, many teens place high value on honesty, hard work, and a successful future. According to a survey by Bostrom, a national research firm, "63% of teens say they rely on their parents when facing important decisions."

Media-driven stereotypes also contribute to many of the common negative perceptions of youth. Research also indicates that TV "reinforces a common stereotype of teens as self-absorbed," and portrays the youth disconnected from their family or community.

The Rochester Community
Much like other places around the country, there is a common misconception by youth that parents should be the primary person responsible of their development. However, 96% of adults interviewed say it is important to engage some way with youth. According to a telephone survey conducted in Rochester and commissioned by the Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau, and the Asset Partner Network only 34% of adults are actually volunteering with youth in their community and their reasons for not participating are that they have no time (53%), haven't been approached (46%), or feel that they are lacking the skills to provide proper help for the teens (31%). "Good adult role models can instill civility, teach respect, demonstrate character, show caring, and provide values for our children. This is our community. It is our responsibility to work together and the solution must start with us," said Rochester Mayor Robert J. Duffy.

Youth Perspectives
From the city of Rochester, a youth who wished to remain anonymous shares how the guidance of compassionate adults in her life:
"I didn't have the typical support that a lot of kids have. What I found instead were a few key adults who cared enough to guide me to make the right choices. One person in particular, a staff member at a local recreation center, helped keep me busy and out of trouble by making all kinds of volunteer opportunities available. My grandma always told me 'It doesn't matter what you do, as long as you can be comfortable with it,' and I lived by that motto. I learned from her that there are always lots of choices in every situation; I just had to try and choose the right one. These adults helped to teach me that if I made a mistake, I had to go back and make it right."
Olivia Moore, a 17-year-old junior at Fairport High School and student facilitator for Leadership Asset Training, feels strongly about the interaction of adults and youths in a community:
"Without the love and steadfast care that all adults in my life give me, my role as a young person in the world today would have no significance. It is through the
support of these people I love that I feel that I can do
anything."

Bottom line: youths do value the input and guidance of an adult mentor and strive to make better lives for themselves.

Helping the Youth in Your Community
Research and our own experiences tell us that the company of a caring adult can be one of the most important things in an adolescent's life. Take a few minutes, and you'll be surprised at what a difference you make in someone's life.

 

Editor's Note: The Small Talk, Big Difference
campaign is a Rochester area collaboration of the Youth Services Quality Council, Asset Partner Network and the Ad Council of Rochester. Special thanks to Jay Advertising for their generous support to this project.