A dynamic aspect of The 4C's is the power of choice. Many young adults believe they don't have a choice or believe their choices are limited. Everyone makes choices each and every day. I personally appreciate having choices. I understand people who prefer not to have to make a choice. The key aspect of a choice is the responsibility that comes with it. The responsibility to see it through and accept the consequences of your choices. Our youth make choices and with direction, education, support and inspiration they will make the right choices and reap great rewards. Under-privileged and at risk youth frequently make decisions out of desperation and what they consider limitations.
The mission of our platform is to get youth to be open to civility, kindness, respect and unity. Around the globe we see and hear the cry of our youth. Youth activists such as Greta Thunburg are standing up and speaking out regarding climate change. Others such as Shamma bint Suhail Faris Mazrui (youth advocacy), Malala Yousafzi (women's girls education), Yari Shahidi (women & girls engagement), Mari Copeny known Little Miss Flint (water access) all those mentioned are youth who made a choice to stand up and make a difference. Malala Yousafzai says, "There is a moment when you have to choose whether to be silent or to stand up." We need more youth to stand for civility in order to create sustainable change for a better tomorrow. Who do you know that can become the change agent for civility? Perhaps the change starts with you. Each of the 4C's presents an opportunity for everyone to consider how they can be an agent of change.
As a parent, World Civility Ambassador and Youth Civility Activist I no longer subscribe to this notion. I have learned so much from the young girls we mentor with BlessedGirl. Young people catch things that adults may overlook. When we are looking for solutions let's include our young adults. Let's ask questions and tap into their minds for answers. I learn so much when I listen to young people. They have an insatiable appetite for solutions, technology, diversity and inclusiveness. Jesus valued the children. In The Bible Mark 10:14 "Let the children come to me, for such is the kingdom of God."Jesus was open to love & listen to children. Listening demonstrates love.
Adults are busy "adulting" and preoccupied with their own concerns and stressors to listen and consider the concerns of the youth. Our children's concerns, anxieties and challenges often are not addressed and supported. This book shares stories, experiences, insights, and topics for you to listen, learn, and live civility.
Sustainable change is the beginning of sustainable development. You can change something today and go back to the old way tomorrow. We can talk about change. We can complain about the way things currently are. We can cry and pray over our current circumstances. For a better tomorrow we must create sustainable change. We all agree that change is necessary in various areas of our lives. We may need to make changes in our community, organizations and governments and perhaps our personal relationship.
Civility is foundational to good leadership. Civility authorizes you to consider someone else. Considering how- what you do or choose not to do, may affect someone else. This is the beginning of sustainable change. Imagine a world where each person takes into consideration how their daily actions or inactions can affect the next person. My imagination led me to this work of using the 4C's to create sustainable change. I am inviting you to use your imagination as you read each chapter and see yourself as the solution. See yourself as the answer.
A key point to civility is receptiveness to diversity of thought. One's ability to consider someone else's ideas, perspectives and solutions creates a successful recipe for a better tomorrow. Collectively we can!
