Promoting Positive Youth Development through a Values-based Sport Program

Résumé 0

"The increase in youth programming has been aresponse to societal concerns over the increasein school violence and juvenile drug abuse,incarceration, and prostitution. Since many ofthese problems have trickled into our schoolsteachers are found struggling to make sense ofkids who are alienated to learning and disruptivein their classroom. Costs to the taxpayer toprotect against the problems caused by "troubledyouth" have further fueled the fires ofpublic discontent. Some of these costs havesupported the many "quick fixes" seen in ourpublic schools (e.g., metal detectors, resourceofficers, stringent law enforcement, cameras inthe hallways, zero tolerance policies, backgroundchecks). In essence these approacheshave viewed youth as a nagging burdentothe community.Fortunately, programs that focus on thestrengths of youth, rather than their weaknesses,have begun to grow. Many of theseprograms include sport learning experiencesthat teach responsible behavior and citizenshipto children and youth. This articledescribes one such program, Project Effort,that teaches personal social responsibilityto underserved youth. The genesis of theprogram is profiled along with a descriptionof Project Effort´s: a) sport clubs, b) mentoringprogram, c) teacher and parent involvement,and d)Youth Leader Corps. We alsosuggest some strategies that have helped usmove the club members forward within eachof Project Effort´s programs."