Following are excerpts from his welcome address to participants of the Pennsylvania Conversation on Youth Development in the 21st Century:
“The University is proud to be host of this statewide conversation, and we eagerly join all of you in helping focus more attention on the needs of our young people. This year marks the 100th year that 4-H has been in existence, and this statewide gathering is part of the celebration of the milestone achievements that are part of the 4-H success story. Since 1912, Penn State, through Cooperative Extension, has been involved with 4-H, helping this premier youth organization reach out to young people.
“Now serving nearly 125,000 young people across Pennsylvania alone, 4-H has been instrumental in the development of confidence, competence and character in our youth. Many of the young people in this room are the best testimony to the countless accomplishments that truly define 4-H.
“As you know, this meeting is the second leg in a process that began last October, involving a series of conversations in more than 3,000 counties across the United States. Here in Pennsylvania over the last two months, conversations took place in our 67 counties, as hundreds of individuals from a multitude of youth organizations brainstormed ways to empower youth and provide them with the tools they need to be successful.
“Some important themes emerged from those local conversations. For one thing, the youth of this state are concerned about the need for increased respect for others and acceptance of the growing diversity of our population.
Pennsylvania’s youth also want to be provided with more opportunities that will give them a greater voice in decision making.
“It is encouraging to know that these worthy and inspirational ideas have come from the young people of our state — young people in this very room. I am awed by the insight and intelligence possessed by this rising generation, committed to better serving Pennsylvania, the nation and the world.
“As you discuss and examine these issues and others during today’s statewide conference, your dialogue will lead to an action plan. Your voices will eventually be added to others from across the country in a national report that may impact public policy and make a critical and positive difference in the lives of young people.
“To the young people in this room, I commend you for your involvement and for your interest in the world beyond your own home. It is the job of every new generation to take up the challenges left by previous generations and leave the world a better place than the one they found.
“The generation born between 1979 and 1995 is 70 million strong — more than three times as big as the generation that preceded you. You are also the most technologically savvy generation — some of you may have logged onto a computer in kindergarten.
“You will have a profound influence on our nation, and the nation needs you.
“The contributions of all of you in attendance today will not only open up opportunities for young people, but also will bring positive change to communities across Pennsylvania and ensure that America’s youth are active citizens and a vital part of our nation’s future success.
“I cannot think of a better way to commemorate 100 years of service to youth than to guarantee another 100 years through this worthwhile initiative.”
