"What we do to our children, they will do to society." Pliny the Elder
Whether you are a parent, an employer, a school or a concerned citizen, this manifesto is designed to change not only the way we act towards young people but the way we think about them and our relationships with them. Isn't it about time that, as a society, we stopped crushing the spirits of the next generation and instead embraced them and encouraged them for the change that they can effect?
This manifesto aims to bring together thought leaders and change makers in a common purpose and set guidelines to connect, engage and mobilize the next generation.
So join me and start a revolution on how we view, think, respond and act towards young people.
We cannot remedy anything by condemning it!
By joining in my quest you are saying that you agree with and will do your very best to uphold the following when dealing with young people.
1. Focus on long-term, integrated solutions rather than worn out, fix-it style approaches that damage the spirits of the next generation.
2. Make young people part of the solution rather than making them a problem that must be dealt with.
3. Engage young people from their point of view rather than getting them to see things my way.
4. Concentrate on the relationship with the young person over any measurement, behaviour or result.
5. Accept that conflict is inevitable and always aim to reconcile rather than blame or punish.
6. Problem solve with young people rather than establishing guilt or apportioning blame.
7. When things don't work out, tweak the system rather than punish the young person.
