We believe that if young people thrive, our community and the businesses in it become stronger. Like the solid foundation businesses need to succeed, young people need a solid foundation of supports, experiences, and values to help them be healthy and successful. 

    Everyone in the community has a role to play to insure that every young person has a foundation for success.   Businesses play a particularly vital role as leaders and employers within the community. 

    Businesses who implement the following  policies to help empower youth in their organization will benefit through increased morale and productivity, better products and services, and a reliable, growing workforce that has the skills and values to make your business successful into the future.*

* from Your Workplace: Simple Investment, Big Reward; Search Institute 2004

Communicate the Help Empower YOuth message. Place brochures in customer bags with receipts, print the message on your store’s bag, and/or prominently place a list of ways people can empower youth in a high traffic area within your business.

Show all young people that they are important to your business. Provide a kid-zone, with toys for toddlers and bulletin-board and books for older kids. Ask young people how your business might better serve their needs, in terms of products, services, jobs and internships.

Offer internships for young people. Help a young person build skills and gain knowledge that will help them complete their education and lead them into a successful future. Internships should provide concrete learning opportunities, with plenty of guidance and, if applicable, a professional reference to help them gain future employment opportunities

Employ teenagers, if possible, and treat them as you treat your adult employees. Establish and communicate clear guidelines and expectations for professional behavior. Encourage them to do their best and to feel free to ask questions. Celebrate their accomplishments. Teach them new skills and provide consistent, supportive supervision.

Encourage your employees to mentor young people. Partner with a mentoring organization like Big Brother, Big Sister, a child-care center or a school. Allow employees to take one hour of paid time each week in which to mentor a young person, read to a group of pre-schoolers or tutor students in subjects related to his/her job. Create a ‘Mentor of the Month’ employee reward program based on their commitment to asset-building practices.

Collaborate with other organizations in the community on behalf of young people. Work with youth-serving organizations and provide whatever resources you can to support their efforts. Partner with other businesses to incorporate asset-building practices.

Provide flexible scheduling that enables employees to take their children to the doctor, attend child conferences and special events.

Use advertising space to celebrate children, youth and principles of Help Empower Youth!