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VOLUME II, NUMBER IV
JULY – SEPTEMBER 2003
METRO News… A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION
Making Extension Connections
portrayed a sense of control and
Teens 2003: Have We Really Been There and Done That?
assurance, many of them experi-
by Dr. Jannie Carter
enced emotional difficulties as
Talk to parents who are rearing Reviews of recent studies on youth well. Threats of attacks and rumors
teenagers and you're likely to hear development issues confirm that of wars persist and validate
comments about their many some of the factors that placed programs that foster building
challenges. Those of us who have youth at risk in the 90s have coping skills and resiliency.
come of age tend to think back on improved. However, statistics on
our own teenage years and wonder many of these factors continue to Youth & STDs
why it's taking today's adolescents linger at levels that are much too Sexual health issues also create
so long to come around. high. For example, teen stress, very serious concerns and pose
sexual health, youth violence, and parenting challenges. Studies show
We weren't like that. When our physical health and wellness are that approximately 20 percent of
parents told us to do something we still real issues that youth face, teens in the United States are
did it. If kids would just listen, they particularly those growing up in having sex before they reach 15
could avoid a lot of mistakes. We America’s inner cities. years-of-age. Statistics further
have already been where they are indicate that only about a third of
trying to go. Teenage Stress the parents of sexually active
We don't generally associate
(continued on page 3)
This probably sounds familiar. But feelings of stress with youth, but
have we really been there and have as teens make the physical and
we really done that? Can life two emotional transition from youth to
or three decades ago really be adulthood, they do experience
compared to what youth are facing stressful situations that test their
in the twenty-first century? What coping skills. Characteristically,
are some of the real youth develop- youth want to display a sense of
ment issues? What are some of the control in stressful situations, but
social and emotional consequences their behavior may not always
associated with these issues? Can represent their true feelings. The
we offer solutions that will help 911 attacks, for example, were a
youth respond positively to life's devastating blow to our country.
situations? And what are the key We can accurately classify it as an
programming areas where youth- event unmatched by many of our
serving agencies might focus their American tragedies. Needless to
time and resources? say, it was also disturbing for the
youth population. While the
behaviors of our teens may have
Chicago Skyline
(photo by
Dr. Dony Gapasin)
Highlights of the 2003 Urban Extension Conference
by Wendi A. Williams
In the words of Wally "Famous ranks at the bottom in national Over 500 Extension administra-
Amos," the opening keynote percentages when it comes to tors, agents, and staff attended the
speaker at the 2003 Urban Exten- education, poverty, or health. But 2003 Urban Extension Conference
sion Conference held in Chicago in Alabama can be proud of the fact Meeting the Challenge of a Chang-
May of this year, "There's nothing that its Extension System is being ing America. Conference events
normal in Alabama!" recognized as a national leader in were designed to help participants
developing model programs for better understand America's
Amos, who had spoken with Alabama citizens. Several Urban changing urban population, the
Extension Specialist Dr. Dony Affairs programming initiatives social issues arising from this
Gapasin earlier, lightheartedly were featured at the national change, and the need to create
joked about the place called conference such as the Relatives as Extension programs that appeal to
Normal, Alabama, home of Parents Program. a diverse urban audience.
Alabama A&M University
(AAMU) and the Alabama Coop- "Relatives face a variety of legal, Other keynote speakers included
erative Extension's System's Urban social, financial, emotional and/or Roger Ulrich from Texas A&M
Affairs & New Nontraditional physical health problems in their University who addressed the
Programs unit. But what was efforts to parent a grandchild, interrelations of people and plants
evident at the conference is that niece, nephew, or other relative. in national and international urban
Extension, the outreach arm of The magnitude of this problem settings; Dirk Ficca, Council for a
AAMU and Auburn Universities, requires Extension to develop and Parliament of the World's Reli-
is indeed anything but normal in design programming to address the gions, who spoke on Making a
developing urban Extension needs of these diverse families," World of Difference; and Dr. Gary
programs. said Dr. Wilma Ruffin, Extension Weaver, American University who
family development specialist. closed the conference with a
"Conference participants were presentation on The New Face of
quite impressed with the programs Other featured programming America: The Challenge That Lies
that are coming out of Alabama," efforts included LegalEase, Dogs Ahead.
said Extension Assistant Director as Companion Animals, and the
Dr. Jannie Carter. Spanish-language website The University of Minnesota
[Programación en Español]. (Visit Extension will host the next
Perhaps participants were sur- www.aces.edu/urban for more (biannual) Urban Extension
prised at the programming efforts information.) Conference in 2005.
because the state of Alabama often
2
(continued from page 1) Youth Obesity References
Obesity in youth reigns as a major Centers for Disease Control. (April
youth are aware of the fact that national health problem with more 7, 2003). Youth violence. National
their children are sexually active. than 20 percent of U.S. children Center for Injury Prevention and
Estimates reveal that about 20 being categorized as overweight. Control. Retrieved June 10, 2003,
percent of the people who live in The problem is attributed to fast from http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/
the United States have a sexually food, lack of physical exercise, factsheets/yvfacts.htm.
transmitted disease (STD), and 25 and a number of other factors.
percent of all new cases of STDs Some associated consequences for Duke University Medical Center.
are among teens. AIDS, one of young Americans are early heart (2003). Childhood obesity signals
medical history's most fatal STDs, disease and increased cases of increased risk for serious health
surfaced in the United States over diabetes. problems. Dukemed News. Re-
20 years ago. Current statistics trieved June 10, 2003, from http://
reveal that since that time over 20 dukemednews.duke.edu/news/
million people worldwide have It goes without saying that all medminute.php?id=5493.
died as a result of AIDS-related statistics on youth do not reflect
illnesses and over 42 million now negative behavior, but the disturb- National Institute of Health. (May
live with the disease. About half of ing facts are the ones that need 20, 2003). One in five U.S. teens
all new HIV infections in the attention. These should prompt have sex before age 15. MEDLINE
United States occur in people parents, educators, and communi- Plus Health Information. Retrieved
under 25 years of age and thou- ties to actions and activities that June 10, 2003, from http://
sands of teens become infected have positive outcomes. www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/
each year. Many teens are not fully youthviolence/forums.asp.
aware of the consequences of their Some youth manage to succeed in
sexual behavior. They need to be spite of adverse situations. They Satcher, David. (January 17, 2001).
educated and prepared to avoid have been characterized as having Youth violence: A report of the
some lessons that are best not positive self-esteem, a sense of Surgeon General. Report on
learned through experience. control over their surroundings, Community Forums – Youth
meaningful interactions with Violence and Public Health.
Youth Violence mature adults, confidence in adults Retrieved June 10, 2003, from
Youth violence statistics have as role models, and a cooperative http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/
dropped over the past decade, but spirit. These characteristics must library/youthviolence/forums.asp.
still exist at alarming levels. be nurtured over time and are
Statistic from the National Center fostered through mentoring, teen The Nemours Foundation. (June
for Injury Prevention and Control leadership, and other programs 2001). Sexually transmitted dis-
(2001) reveal that more than that provide opportunities for eases (STDs). TeensHealth. Re-
400,000 youth ages 10 to 19 were youth to be involved, build self- trieved June 10, 2003, from http://
injured as a result of violence in confidence, and make a difference kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/
the year 2000. And homicide was in their communities. Educators stds/std.html.
the second leading cause of death and significant others can begin
for people ages 10 to 19 overall. the process by being there to listen Winfield, Linda. NCREL mono-
and provide responses that will graph: Developing resilience in
steer teens in the right direction. urban youth. North Central Re-
gional Educational Laboratory.
Retrieved June 9, 2003, from http://
www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/
educatrs/leadrshp/le0win.htm.
3
Transition2 urging Extension administrators to According to the author of Privi-
by Wendi Williams "take risks" in developing urban lege, Power and Difference, racism
programs. He challenged the is no longer an issue. In its place is
What has been consistent at every crowd to find out what the people a system called privilege. Dr.
national Extension meeting that I want and to use contemporary Johnson stated that each one of us
attended in the past two years is methods to reach them. University subscribes to this system in our
that Extension is being redefined. of Illinois Specialist Jane Scherer own way and that white privilege
The focus is to break out of the also shared Cleaver's sentiments in is perceived as being normal and
traditional mode of thinking or her Marketing, Resource Develop- deserved. Essentially, privilege
way of doing things. Extension is ment and Accountability work- occurs when the dominant popula-
being advised to take risks, to shop. Scherer advised participants tion believes that it has the author-
embrace the new, or to consider the to meet the needs of their clients, ity to determine what is normal or
nontraditional. Administrators at while making programs "relevant, the right way to act, think, or even
the Alabama Cooperative Exten- timely, accurate, understandable, look in society. And those outside
sion System are working to and accountable." the dominant population are
restructure the organization, while expected to assimilate.
trying to successfully launch a The general idea is to create
marketing campaign to inform the programs that adequately meet the Although Johnson is a white male,
general public about who we are needs of America's changing and he urged all participants to exam-
and what we do. As a relative diverse populations. Such demo- ine our relationship to this system.
newcomer to Extension, I suppose graphic challenges are being met This form of privilege is a concrete
my question is what challenges lie in the Relatives as Parents Pro- example as to why diversity or the
ahead as the organization strives to gram developed by Family Devel- acceptance and appreciation of
redefine itself? Such a question opment Specialist Dr. Wilma people, cultures, customs, and
was answered at the 2003 Urban Ruffin or in the Spanish-language what they have to offer must be
Extension Conference in Chicago website developed by Communica- integrated into Extension's pro-
earlier this year. tions Specialist Jean Hall-Dwyer gramming efforts as stated in the
and Animal Scientist Julio E. ECOP report. Furthermore, re-
In February 2002, the National Correa. (Both projects were specting what people or partners
Association of State Universities featured at the 2003 Urban Exten- bring to the table, speaks to the
and Land-Grant Colleges sion Conference.) Kellogg Commission's definition
(NASULGC) published a report of an engaged institution.
titled The Extension System: A While conference proceedings
Vision for the 21st Century. The centered on diversity, it also The engaged institution knows
Extension Committee on Organiza- challenged participants to look how to integrate research and
tion and Policy (ECOP) developed inward and to change the way they expertise to help solve community
the report in response to Returning think or respond to people and problems. Does this sound famil-
to our Roots: The Engaged Institu- situations. This was clear in the iar? It should because it is the very
tion. This is a document developed motivational address Renewing heart of Extension. However,
by the Kellogg Commission on the Your Commitment to Helping according to the Kellogg Commis-
Future of State and Land-Grant People delivered by Wally "Fa- sion, true institutional engagement
Universities (Kellogg Commis- mous Amos," founder of the involves a seven-step process.
sion) that focuses on how state and cookie company that bears his
land-grant institutions might name. Amos cited familiar insights True engagement is making sure
engage individuals, organizations, such as "together everyone that we listen to the communities
and communities in ways that are achieves more" through the art of we serve and adequately meet their
mutually beneficial. The underpin- storytelling. In addition, confer- needs. It's about respecting those
ning of each report was echoed ence speaker and Hartford College partnerships, learning how to
throughout the 2003 Urban Exten- Professor Dr. Allan Johnson spoke remain neutral if research and the
sion Conference Meeting the on the issues of privilege and needs of the public clash, and
Challenge of a Changing America. power. While there are variations being accessible to the public. It
of privilege and power, Johnson involves integrating scholarship
Former Kansas City Mayor specifically spoke on white privi- with the mission of our institu-
Emanuel Cleaver II opened the lege. tions, and making sure that depart-
Urban Pre-conference session ments or units are in concert with
4
one another. And it's about deter-
mining whether there are adequate
resources to implement engage-
ment. In short, it is similar to a
self-study, a way in which institu-
tions examine strengths, weak-
nesses, and resources in order to
effectively meet the needs of their
constituents when the winds of
change begin to blow.
I imagine that a similar process is
taking place among committees
charged with the task of restructur-
ing Extension. But as the face of
America becomes more diverse
and farmlands turn into urban
sprawl, there should be no doubt Negative Peer Pressure and Youth Drug Use
that urban or nontraditional pro- by Peace Dunu
grams are meeting the needs of
populations across the nation and Young people are often described worrisome aspect of the peer
certainly, here in Alabama. The as the leaders of tomorrow pressure is the negative influences
challenge now rests in expanding through whom today's values will and their outcomes on youth such
the development of Extension be transmitted to the next as drug abuse, shoplifting, teen
programs to further engage com- generation. It is equally important pregnancies, teen chat rooms, and
munities in symbiotic relationships. to know that this "perfect kid," alcohol abuse to mention a few.
This requires nothing short of the who just months/years ago was This is especially true during the
ability to transition to the second the master of the universe and the adolescence period as teenagers
power. envy of younger schoolmates, develop a sense of independence
could change to "that bad kid" in from their parents. It is during this
such a short period of time period in their lives that the urge
References because of societal pressures. to try new things or to explore the
ECOP. (February 2001). The This pressure comes from world around them is the greatest.
extension system: A vision for the different angles, especially from
21st century. New York, NY: peers, which is not a bad thing in In such an environment, teens
NASULGC. itself. After all, it helps define may be confronted daily with
who we are and how we feel decisions about drug use. The
Kellogg Commission. (January about various subjects in our truth is when kids make the leap
2001). Returning to our roots: lives. However, it is how we from elementary school to junior
Executive summaries of the Re- choose to react to peer pressure high, their exposure to drugs
ports of the Kellogg Commission that defines who we are as increases dramatically. Recent
on the Future of State and Land- individuals. Our peers can studies reveal that 1 in 13 sixth
Grant Universities. NASULGC. negatively and positively graders have smoked marijuana.
Retrieved June 6, 2003, from http:// influence us. Peer pressure only The figure jumps to an even more
www.nasulgc. org/publications/ becomes bad when we allow it to alarming 1 in 5 by the seventh
Kellogg/ influence us negatively. grade. This is an increase of
Kellogg2000_RetRoots_execsum.pdf nearly 300 percent.
As children grow older, the
University of Illinois Extension. parent's influence over them Since most teenagers have a
(2003). Meeting the challenge of a diminishes and the influence of strong desire to conform to their
changing America: 2003 urban the friends that surround them peer groups, parents are
extension conference and pre- gains ground. A healthy part of encouraged to control the friends
conference. Chicago, IL. every child's development is that surround them. If the
involvement with his peers. The
(continued on next page)
5
(continued from previous page) • Model the behavior you want Tips for Youth:
your teens to learn. Teens pay
adolescent is hanging out with a Getting a Handle on
as much attention to your
group of teens that are involved in actions as they do your words. Life and a Grip on
sports, and then meets someone Your own drug use, including Leadership
who is into drugs, his opinion of alcohol and tobacco has an by Dr. Jannie Carter
that teen will most likely be "he is impact on your kids.
stupid." Why? Partly because he Never accept anything less than the
will embrace the opinion of the This enormous task of keeping best that you can be.
teens closest to him. The problem teenagers off drugs should not be
is that the reverse is also true. left to the parents alone. After all, Prioritize, prioritize, and prioritize!
What then does this mean for Know what's important.
it takes a whole village to raise a
parents of budding teens? While child. The Alabama Cooperative
many parents have had "the talk" Success is achieving what you set out
Extension System has many to do. Set realistic goals for yourself
with their teenagers, others have youth programs in place to and work to achieve them.
yet to discuss the dangers of channel the energy and leisure
drugs with their teens. As a time of youth into productive Take charge of your own life and
parent, you do make a difference activities that help them build be a good example. You have to be
in your child's decision about the their self-esteem, develop their going somewhere if you want
right choices throughout the potential and leadership skills, others to follow you.
teenage years. and above all else, develop as
Inspire someone else
good and well-informed citizens
Here are some tips for parents to make a difference.
of the community, state, and
who want to help their adolescent nation. Sometimes permission to lead doesn't
children stay drug free, courtesy
come. You have to step up to the plate.
of the National Youth Anti-Drug References
Media Campaign: National Institutes of Health. Understand that there are situations
(January 31, 2003). High school greater than you.
• Make clear rules for your and youth trends. National Work to change the things you can.
teens and enforce them Institutes on Drug Abuse.
consistently. Retrieved June 13, 2003, from Make every day count and have a
• Tell your kids you don't want purpose in what you do.
http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofax/
them using drugs ever. HSYouthtrends.html
• Know where your teens are at Be flexible and embrace change.
. Change is inevitable and the
all times, who they're Parents. The Anti-Drug. (2003). forerunner to progress.
spending time with, how to Don't let your teens go to pot:
reach them, and when they Parent tips. School's Out. Worry only about those things that you
will be home. Retrieved June 13, 2003, from can change for the better. Then go
• Praise their positive behavior. http://www.theantidrug.com/ ahead and change them.
• Help your child learn ways to schoolsout/tips.html.
say no to drugs so that when Have a positive spirit and a sense of
drugs are offered to them they humor. Laughter is good for physical
United States Department of
will know how to reject them. and emotional well-being.
Health and Human Services &
• Spend some quality time with Substance Abuse and Mental Be careful what you do, where you go,
each child individually at Health Services Administration and what you say.
least once a week. Center for Substance Abuse
• Open an ongoing dialogue Prevention. (2002). Keeping Be well informed.
about the risks of drug abuse, youth drug free. Alcohol and Know what's going on around you.
and the benefits of living a Drug Information. Retrieved June
drug-free life. 13, 2003, from http:// Climb your mountains and learn
• Let teens know the immediate www.health.org/govpubs/ from life's experiences.
effects of drug use such as PHD711/phd711.pdf.
doing poorly in school or Use common sense!
disappointing the family. It can happen to you.
6
What Kids Should Know About Money
by Dr. Bernice Wilson
No one can argue that children change and to count
should be taught the value of large amounts of coins.
money. In fact, they should be Age 7: A child should be able to
exposed to educational activities read price tags and
that will encourage them to learn identify sale items.
about money at an early age. Age 8: A child should learn how
Experts will also agree that chil- to make money by doing
dren should be taught how to save extra jobs.
money and that saving money Age 9: A child should be able to
should be emphasized as children make a simple spending
learn more about money concepts. plan for the week.
Age 10: A child should be able to
Parents can start by identifying an save a small amount
affordable allowance for a child. each week for a large
Instill into the child why this expense, and be aware of Decide with your child in advance
allowance should be spent using a how peer pressure how much of their money (earned
budget, and help the child under- affects buying decisions. or allowance) should be saved. If
stand why it is important to stay Age 11: A child should be able to your children have a summer job,
within a given budget. look for facts about they could make more money than
products, etc. they should spend. Also, set an
Perhaps a parent may wonder at achievable goal to be reached with
what age should a child be intro- American teens spent an average the savings, i.e. trip, clothing,
duced to money concepts. You of $104 per week in 2001 accord- books.
may find these age guidelines ing to a Teen Research Unlimited
helpful as you teach children about study. Approximately $172 billion References
money. passes through the hands of youth National Consumers League
annually, or an average of $3,000 (2002). Teens and finances. Money
Age 3: A child should know each year. You might wonder and Credit. Retrieved June 9, 2003,
how to identify coins where they spend their money. from http://nclnet.org/
and the amounts of Following is a list of merchandise moneyandcredit/.
dollar bills. or goods that teens often purchase:
Age 4: A child should know • 1.9 billion on Womack, Sandra. (2001). Family
how many cents a coin is toys, games, and money matters. Maryland Coop-
worth. crafts erative Extension University of
Age 5: A child should know • $700 million on Maryland College Park, Eastern
coins that are compa- clothing Shore.
rable in worth. • $600 million on movies,
Age 6: A child should know spectator sports, and Bodnar, Janet and Matt Popowsky.
how to make simple live entertainment (August 2000). Into the job pool.
• $486 million on video- Kiplinger's Personal Finance
arcade games Magazine. Vol. 54, Issue 8, p. 126-
• $264 million on 128.
"other" expenditures
such as stereos,
telephones, fragrances,
cosmetics, cassettes, and
compact discs
7
Inc. The goal is to instill a love of
reading among children in
Huntsville's underserved popula-
tion.
Bucks for Books is available to
children entering grades 1 - 7
during the 2003 school year. Each
participant can read a maximum of
Bucks for Books five books per week from a
by Alison Couch recommended reading list. Every
week the child visits the commu- 5th Annual
Reading is the foundation for all nity center to give oral presenta- Family Conference
learning. Yet extensive research tions and to submit written reports by Wendi A. Williams
indicates that the reading skills of on each book read to a volunteer.
children, particularly those in low- Participants are then awarded The Alabama Cooperative Exten-
income communities, decrease $3.00 per book (up to $60.00) that sion System is known for its
during the summer months. is presented at a special ceremony programming efforts in serving
Furthermore, 88 percent of chil- at the end of the program. Alabama families. This event
dren who have difficulty reading at offers thought-provoking keynote
the end of the first grade display Former Speaker of the House speakers, workshops, theme plays,
similar difficulties at the end of the Newt Gingrich and Dr. Mel Steely exhibits, and networking opportu-
fourth grade (Juel, 1998). A child's of West Virginia College first nities to help participants address
school success is greatly dimin- introduced the concept of paying cutting-edge issues facing today's
ished if they cannot read well by children for reading books through traditional and nontraditional
the end of the third grade. Poor the "Earning by Learning" literacy families. The theme "Strengthen-
readers at the end of the fourth program in 1990. ing Family-Centered Communi-
grade comprise an overwhelming ties" will deal with how economics
percentage of school dropouts, For more information, please call affects families and their commu-
juvenile delinquents, and prison Dr. Wilma Ruffin, FLC Coordina- nities. So, come join us – register
inmates (Kingery, 1999). tor at 372-4960, Alison Couch at today!
372-4584, or Cynarra Moore, FLC
Access to quality reading material Program Assistant at 533-6076. October 15, 2003
should continue throughout a Von Braun Civic Center
child's school years; however, this References North Hall
becomes a challenge for many Earning by Learning of Dallas. Downtown - Huntsville, AL
children in low-income communi- General Information. Retrieved on 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
ties. For this reason and others, July 2, 3003, from http://
there is an enormous need for www.eblofdallas.org/. Registration Information
summer programs that focus on • $45 Early-Bird Registration
reading, while involving parents in Juel, C. (1998). Learning to read Fee received on or before
the child's learning process. and write: A longitudinal study of August 15, 2003.
fifty-four children from first • $50 Registration Fee received
To address this concern, the through fourth grade. Journal of August 16 through October 3,
Alabama Cooperative Extension Educational Psychology, pp. 437- 2003.
System's Urban Affairs and New 447. • After October 3, 2003 – NO
Nontraditional Programs unit is MAIL-IN REGISTRATION
piloting a summer reading program Kingery, B. (1999). Reading, ACCEPTED! (Fees include
in Huntsville's public housing English and language arts. lunch & refreshments)
communities called Bucks for Charleston, WV: West Virginia
Books. This project is being Department of Education. For a copy of the registration form,
conducted in collaboration with the visit us online at www.aces.edu/
Family Life Center (FLC), the urban.
Huntsville Housing Authority, the
Boys and Girls Club, and Girls,
8
What are they buying?
Most teens and young adults are
avid consumers of products related
to appearance and personal enter-
tainment. According to a market
research report of youth purchases,
34 percent bought clothing, 22
percent bought entertainment
items, including computers, and
food accounted for 15 percent of
their purchases. Another 8 percent
was spent on cosmetics and
Youth with Empowered Purchasing Power personal care items; sporting goods
by Patricia Henderson and related clothing accounted for
another 6 percent; 3 percent was
America's youth are consumers Feelings of uncertainty abound spent on reading materials; and
with an identifiable mark for relative to who they are; many another 11 percent was spent on
shopping. This generation has times their self-identity is wrapped other items. (Note: percentages
raised the bar for consumerism. up in being identified with the will not add up to 100 percent
Their sights are noticeably differ- "right" group. To a large degree because of rounding).
ent because they are a generation they look to their peers, their idols,
with economic power unlike any and to advertising for the "right" Today's marketplace for today's
youth before them. Today's teens look, the "right" products, and for youth abounds in a multiplicity of
and the early twenty-something the "right" way to conduct them- forms. In an informal discussion
generation were born in an era of selves. recently held with several young
technological and media advances
adults, it was related that they
that affords them limitless access Additionally, Generation Y has expect super customer service, big
to consumer markets. And this easy access to shopping and are discounts, high-speed e-trading,
group is astute at maximizing the taking advantage of this access. speedy deliveries, and excellent
utility of these markets. So much They are a prime Internet audience return policies.
so, until they are distinguished by as one of the fastest growing group
names that clearly borrow their of computer users. It is estimated So there you have it!!!
inferences from the "Techno- that 62 percent log on from home
World." They are lovingly referred for at least four hours a week. The References
to as "Echo Boomers, or the Wired Generation is expected to Hofman, Mike Hofman. (April 10,
Digital, Wired or Gen-Y Genera- spend $1.2 billion online in one 2003). Tapping generation y.
tion". Having been born between year, and retail firms understand Inc.com. Retrieved June 13, 2003,
1977 and 1987, they are between and are marketing via Web sites from http://www.bcentral.com.
16 and 26 years-of-age. This age and other high tech venues.
group is growing approximately Retailers also understand that Oelkers, Dotty. (2004). Fashion
twice as fast as the general popula- many in this group own credit marketing. Stamford, CT: South-
tion, and is projected to number 35 cards in their own name, or have Western, pg. 54-74.
million by 2010. It is no surprise access to a parent's card. Both
that America is paying attention to retailers and parents realize the Young, Vicki M. (February 3,
this generation's buying habits. advantages and disadvantages of 2003). Teen shopping heats up
credit access to youth. And to online. Women's Wear Daily, pg.
Why are they buying? counteract parents' concern, many 26.
Why? Because young people in creative forms of start-up accounts
this age category are dealing with are available from digital wallets
fundamental development issues as to prepaid pocket cards and/or gift
they make the transition from cards. These techniques have
childhood to adulthood. The need proved appealing to retailers and to
to belong is ranked high on their parents; however, it is a win-win
list of priorities, and "looks" are situation for Generation Y.
crucial to social acceptance.
9
Youth & the Law: Changing Times age to be granted full legal question again since the early 90s
by Kevin H. Crenshaw rights. Even today juvenile when the country experienced an
law is created with the increase in violent crimes among
"Young boy opens fire in the intent to protect children in addition juveniles. There was an outcry for
classroom…" More and more it to punishment. legislative "crackdowns" and
seems that America's youth are greater offender accountability.
making headlines as juvenile crime This philosophy leads to key differ- Alabama is among most states that
increases. Scenes like Columbine ences between the juvenile system made their juvenile justice systems
and the young sniper in D.C. and the criminal system. Specific more punitive. This included the
opened the nation's eyes to a harsh laws vary from jurisdiction to addition of transfer provisions that
reality facing our children today. jurisdiction; however, there are made it easier to transfer juveniles
Many of us fear for the safety of common trends. Each system holds to the criminal system. Also,
our children and the general public public safety as a primary concern confidentiality laws were modified
as it becomes clear that these are and violations of the law must be to make records and proceedings
more than isolated incidences of punished. But rehabilitation is the more open.
violence. We are reminded in a focus in the juvenile justice system
painful way that there are many whereas in the criminal system, The debate surrounding youth and
issues and concerns that need to be punishment is dictated by offense the law is a difficult one. While the
addressed in our society. The and the goal is deterrence. Each numbers indicate a rise in juvenile
juvenile delinquency problems system targets educational crime offenses, there is also significant
manifest themselves in extreme prevention, but prevention for a research documenting educational
ways as mentioned previously; juvenile is addressed by other factors gaps and shortfalls, rising numbers
however, there are many ways in that precipitate crime such as fami- of children in poverty, and the
which the youth encounter the law. lies, schools, and the community. influx of handguns into our streets.
These variables cannot be ignored
The approach by which the law With regard to law enforcement, and the law alone cannot ad-
engages our youth is rooted in a both systems are based on constitu- equately deal with juvenile delin-
history of moral and judicial tional rights, yet some levels of quency.
philosophy. Juveniles were per- intervention are extended to juve- For these reasons, more efforts
ceived as being cognitively and niles such as truancy, runaways, and need to be made on behalf of youth
morally incapable of committing curfews. Also, the information of and our communities to ensure that
crimes before they were separated youth offenders is more highly the issues of the youth and the law
out of the adult criminal system. protected. Juveniles are also pros- are being handled in a comprehen-
However, by 1825 there were signs ecuted in a slightly different manner sive and sensitive manner.
that juvenile crime was a growing than adults. The legal action taken
problem, and soon many larger against a youth offender is deter- References:
cities developed their own juvenile mined by legal facts as well as
jails. Due to the conditions and social factors and age. Juvenile Bernard, T. (1992). The cycle of
frequency of abuse in these places, courts are generally confidential and juvenile justice. New York: Oxford
the states stepped in to take on that there is no right to a jury in most University Press.
responsibility. The first juvenile states. If prosecuted, a juvenile is
court in the country was established detained in a separate facility than Federal Bureau of Investigation.
in 1899 in Cook County, Illinois. that of adult incarceration. (1997) Crime in the United States
1996. Washington, D.C.: U.S.
Since inception, juvenile courts Youth and the law have experienced Government Printing Office.
were different from the adult court a tenuous relationship in the past
Fox, Sanford, J. (1998). A contribu-
system. The significance of this few decades. More recently, there
tion to the history of the American
fact is that the state based their has been a concerted effort to focus
juvenile court. Juvenile and Family
intervention and treatment of the juvenile justice system on the
Court Journal, Vol. 49, No. 4.
young people in the legal system offender rather than the offense,
on the judicial principal of the state with an increase in prevention Szymanski, L. (1998). Juvenile
as parent. This gave the state the efforts. However, the effectiveness delinquency code purpose clauses.
right to intervene with children of the system has come under Pittsburgh, PA: National Center for
even though they were not of the Juvenile Justice.
10
EDITORIAL STAFF & CONTENT AREAS
If you have any questions, please contact the appropriate editorial staff member by content area. When in doubt, contact the
editor.
Wendi Williams (Editor/National-International News) Jannie Carter, Ph.D. (County News)
wawillia@aces.edu jcarter@aces.edu
Edna Coleman (Specialist News) Julio Correa, Ph.D. (Spanish Programming)
ecoleman@aces.edu jcorrea@aces.edu
Kevin Crenshaw, Esq. (Legal Issues) Jean Hall-Dwyer (Print/Electronic Design)
kkcren@aol.com jhall@aces.edu
Erica James (Administrative News/Distribution) Jacqueline Johnson, DVM (Online Database)
ejames@aces.edu jujohnso@aces.edu
Jeanetta Williams (Proofreading/Distribution)
jwilliam@aces.edu
Phone: 256-372-5710
Fax: 256-372-5840
Visit Our Website At
www.aces.edu/urban/metronews
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, by the Alabama Cooperative Extension
System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University).
Your Experts for Life
JULIO - SEPTIEMBRE 2003
Información De La METRO…
Lo Último En La Avenida
Juventud Con Poder De Compra
Autorizado
Por Patricia Henderson
Dólares Por Libros
Por Alison Couch
La juventud de hoy día y la generación en los veinte y algo
nacieron en una época de adelantos tecnológicos la cual les El acceso a materiales de
permite acceso ilimitado a mercados de consumo. lectura debe de continuar a
través de los años escolares
¿Porqué Están Comprando? del niño. Sin embargo, para muchos niños en
comunidades de bajos ingresos esto es un reto. Por
La necesidad de ser aceptados por su grupo generacional y la esta y otras razones, hay una necesidad enorme de
belleza física está entre sus mayores prioridades. En adición, programas de verano enfocados hacia la lectura,
esta generación es uno de los grupos de mayor uso de mientras envuelven a los padres en el aprendizaje
computadoras y acceso al Internet. Las tiendas de venta al de los niños.
detalle lo saben y están mercadeando via sitios web y otros
lugares de alta tecnología. Detallistas también saben que Para enfrentar esta preocupación, la Unidad de
muchos en este grupo generacional tienen tarjetas de crédito a Asuntos Urbanos y Programas No Tradicionales del
su nombre o tienen acceso a las tarjetas de sus padres. Sistema Cooperativo de Extensión de Alabama está
llevando a la práctica en verano un programa piloto
¿Que Están Comprando? de lectura llamado "Dólares por Libros" (Bucks for
Books, nombre en inglés). Este proyecto es llevado
La mayoría de los adolescentes y adultos jóvenes son a cabo en colaboración con el Family Life Center,
consumidores ávidos de productos relacionados con la Huntsville Housing Authority, Boys and Girls Club,
apariencia física y el entretenimiento personal. Un estudio de y Girls, Inc. (nombres en inglés). La meta es
mercado sobre los hábitos de compra de la juventud reportó infundir entre los niños de bajo nivel en Huntsville
que un 34 por ciento compró ropa, 22 por ciento compró el amor por la lectura.
artículos de entretenimiento
(incluyendo computadoras), y la Dólares por Libros está disponible durante el año
comida representó un 15 por ciento escolar 2003 para niños entre los grados primero y
de sus compras. Otro 8 por ciento séptimo. Cada participante puede leer, de una lista
gastó en cosméticos y artículos de previamente aprobada, un máximo de cinco libros
cuido personal; mercancía y ropa por semana. Cada semana el niño se reune con un
deportiva representó otro 6 por voluntario del centro comunal para dar una
ciento; 3 por ciento gastó en presentación oral y someter un reporte por cada
materiales de lectura; y otro 11 por libro leído. En una ceremonia especial al final del
ciento gastó en otros artículos. programa, a cada participante se le otorga $3.00 por
libro presentado (hasta un máximo de $60.00).
Consejos Para Tomar Transición2 La Juventud Y La Ley: Los
Control De La Vida y Por Wendi A. Williams Tiempos Están Cambiando
Del Liderato Por Kevin H. Crenshaw, Abogado
En todas las conferencias que yo he
Por Jannie Carter. Ph.D.
asistido en los pasados dos años, lo Aparentemente la juventud
que ha sido consistente es que norteamericana está en los titulares
• Siempre haz lo mejor que
Extensión se está volviendo a cada día más y más a medida que el
puedas.
definir. A Extensión se le está crimen juvenil aumenta. La juventud y
• Da prioridades.
aconsejando que tome riesgos, la ley han tenido una relación floja en
• Establece metas realistas y
acepte lo nuevo, o considere lo no las últimas decadas. Recientemente,
trabaja hacia lograrlas.
tradicional. con un aumento en los esfuerzos
• Toma control de tu propia
vida y da el ejemplo. preventivos, el sistema judicial juvenil
La idea general es crear programas ha enfocado sus esfuerzos más hacia el
• Inspira a otros a que hagan
que satisfactoriamente puedan delincuente que al delito. Sin embargo,
la diferencia.
cumplir con las necesidades de la cuando el país tuvo un aumento en los
• Hecha hacia adelante.
población cambiante y diversa de crímenes violentos entre jóvenes a
• Trabaja hacia cambiar
los Estados Unidos. Tales retos principios de los años 90, la efectividad
cosas que puedes cambiar.
demográficos se están cumpliendo del sistema se cuestionó una vez más.
• Haz que cada día cuente y
en el programa "Parientes Sirviendo Hubo protestas para una ofensiva
ten un propósito en lo que
de Padres", desarrollado por la Dra. legislativa y más responsabilidad para
haces.
Wilma Ruffin, o en el sitio web en el delincuente. Entre los estados que
• Se flexible y acepta el
Español, desarrollado por Jean Hall hizo su sistema judicial juvenil más
cambio.
Dwyer y Julio Correa. punitivo está Alabama.
• Preocúpate solamente por
aquellas cosas que puedes
A medida que los Estados Unidos Mientras los números demuestran un
cambiar para bien.
se convierte en un país más diverso alza en los delitos juveniles, hay
• Ten un espíritu positivo y
y las tierras de labranza se documentación que también demuestra
un buen sentido del humor.
convierten en extensiones urbanas, un hueco y déficit educacional, alza en
• Ten cuidado con lo que
no cabe la menor duda de que los el número de niños en pobreza, y
haces, hacia donde vas, y
programas urbanos o no afluencia de pistolas en nuestras calles.
lo que dices.
tradicionales están cumpliendo con Estas variables no se pueden ignorar y
• Mantente bien informado.
las necesidades de la población a la ley por si sola no puede
• Aprende de las
través de toda la nación y satisfactoriamente resolver la
experiencias de la vida.
ciertamente aquí en Alabama. delincuencia juvenil.
• Usa el sentido común.
Lo Que Los Niños Deben De Saber Acerca Del Dinero
Por Bernice Wilson, Ph.D.
Nadie puede argumentar de que a los niños se le debe de enseñar el valor del dinero. La pregunta es, a que edad debe un
niño aprender sobre conceptos monetarios. Las siguientes edades le pueden servir de guía a medida que educa a sus hijos
sobre el dinero:
• 3 años: El niño debe de saber identificar monedas y las cantidades de billetes.
• 4 años: El niño debe de saber cuantos centavos vale cada moneda.
• 5 años: El niño debe de saber que monedas comparan en valor.
• 6 años: El niño debe de saber cómo hacer un cambio sencillo y contar grandes cantidades de monedas.
• 7 años: El niño debe de poder leer las etiquetas de precio e identificar artículos en especial.
• 8 años: El niño debe de aprender cómo hacer dinero por medio de trabajos adicionales.
• 9 años: El niño debe de saber cómo hacer un plan de gasto semanal.
• 10 años: El niño debe de poder ahorrar una cantidad pequeña cada semana para un gasto grande, y estar consciente de
cómo la presión generacional afecta las desiciones de compra.
• 11 años: El niño debe de poder buscar los hechos sobre los productos, etc.
13
Puntos Culminantes De La Quinta Conferencia Anual Sobre La
Conferencia De Extensión Urbana Familia
2003 Por Wendi A. Williams
Por Wendi A. Williams
Este evento ofrece conferenciantes, talleres informativos,
El Estado de Alabama se puede sentir muy orgulloso obras dramáticas, exposiciones, y oportunidades de hacer
de que su Sistema de Extensión está siendo conexiones con el propósito de ayudar a los participantes a
reconocido como líder nacional en el desarrollo de bregar con los problemas que enfrentan las familias
programas modelos para los ciudadanos de áreas tradicionales y no tradicionales hoy día. El tema de este año,
metropolitanas. Varias de las iniciativas urbanas que "Fortaleciendo Comunidades Familiares", se tratará de cómo
figuraron en la conferencia nacional fueron los la economía afecta las familias y sus comunidades.
programas "Parientes Sirviendo de Padres", 15 de octubre del 2003
"Facilidad Legal", "El Perro Como Animal de Von Braun Civic Center – North Hall
Compañía", y el sitio web en Español. En el centro de la ciudad de Huntsville, AL
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Los eventos de la conferencia fueron diseñados para
ayudar a los participantes a tener un mejor Información Sobre Registro
entendimiento de los cambios en la población urbana
norteamericana, los problemas sociales que surgen de Cuota de Registro recibida antes del 15 de agosto del 2003 =
dicho cambio, y la necesidad de crear programas de $45; Cuota de Registro recibida entre el 16 de agosto y el 3
Extensión que apelen a una audiencia urbana diversa. de octubre del 2003 = $50; (La cuota incluye refrescos y
almuerzo).
Presión Generacional Negativa Y Uso De Drogas Entre Jóvenes
Por Peace Dunu
El grupo generacional al que uno pertenece nos puede influenciar negativa y positivamente. Sin embargo, la presión
generacional es mala solo cuando permitimos que tenga una influencia negativa.
A medida que los niños crecen, la influencia de los padres disminuye mientras que la influencia de las amistades que los
rodea gana terreno. Lo que es de preocupar sobre la presión generacional en la juventud son las influencias negativas y
resultados tales como el abuso de drogas, robo en tiendas, embarazo en adolescentes, y abuso de alcohol.
El National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign (nombre en inglés) ofrece los siguientes consejos para padres que desean
ayudar a sus adolescentes a mantenerse fuera de las drogas:
• Hágale claro a sus adolescentes cuáles son las reglas y aplíquelas consis
tentemente.
• Dígale a sus hijos que usted no desea que usen drogas.
• Sepa en todo momento en donde se encuentran sus adolescentes,
con quién andan, cómo conseguirlos, y cuando van a estar de regreso
en la casa.
• Haga elogios por comportamiento positivo.
• Ayude a su niño a aprender medios de decir que no a las drogas.
• Dedique tiempo a cada niño por lo menos una vez a la semana.
• Mantenga siempre abierto el diálogo sobre los riesgos del abuso de
drogas y los beneficios de una vida libre de drogas.
• Deje saber a sus adolescentes sobre los efectos inmediatos del uso
de drogas.
• Sirva de ejemplo en el comportamiento que usted desea que sus
adolescentes aprendan.
14
Adolescentes 2003:
¿Habremos Nosotros Verda
deramente Pasado Por Lo Mismo?
Por Jannie Carter. Ph.D.
¿Podría uno comparar la vida de hace dos
o tres décadas atrás con la vida que la
juventud está enfrentando en el siglo 21?
Junta Editorial y
¿Podemos ofrecer soluciones que ayuden
Contenido
a la juventud a responder positivamente
a las situaciones de la vida hoy en día? Si tiene alguna pregunta, favor de
Por ejemplo, estrés en la adolescencia, comunicarse con al miembro de la
salud sexual, violencia juvenil, y salud junta editorial y contenido por
area. Si tiene dudas, comunìquese
y bienestar físico. con la Editora.
911 Wendi Williams
(Editora/Noticias Nacionales e Internacionales)
correo electrónico: wawillia@aces.edu
Típicamente, la juventud quiere demostrar un sentido de control en
situaciones de estrés, pero su comportamiento no siempre representa Jannie Carter, Ph.D.
sus verdaderos sentimientos. Aunque el comportamiento de nuestros (Noticias Locales)
adolescentes represente un sentido de control y seguridad, muchos de correo electrónico: jcarter@aces.edu
ellos también tienen dificultades emocionales. Amenazas con ataques Edna Coleman
y rumores de guerra continúan y dan validez a programas que (Hojas Informativas)
alberguen el fomento de destrezas de hacer frente y poder de correo electrónico: ecoleman@aces.edu
recuperación.
Julio Correa, Ph.D.
(Programación en Español)
Jóvenes Y STDs correo electrónico: jcorrea@aces.edu
Los problemas de salud sexual también ocasionan serias Kevin Crenshaw, Esq.
preocupaciones y representan retos para los padres. Se estima que (Asuntos Legales)
aproximadamente un 20 por ciento de las personas que viven en los correo electrónico: kkcren@aol.com
Estados Unidos padece de algún tipo de enfermedad transmitida Jean Hall-Dwyer
sexualmente (STD, siglas en inglés), y el 25 por ciento de los casos (Impreso/Diseño Electrónico)
recientes ocurre entre adolescentes. Más aún, la mitad de los casos correo electrónico: jhall@aces.edu
recientes de VIH en Estados Unidos ocurren en las personas menores
de 25 años de edad. Muchos adolescentes no saben las consequencias Erica James
(Noticias Administrativas/Distribución)
que puede tener su comportamiento sexual. Por lo tanto, necesitan correo electrónico: ejames@aces.edu
ser educados y preparados para evadir ciertas experiencias.
Jacqueline Johnson, DVM
Violencia Juvenil (Base de Datos en Línea)
correo electrónico: jujohnso@aces.edu
Estadísticas del National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Jeanetta Williams
(nombre en inglés) revelan que en el año 2000 más de 400,000 (Comprobación de Lectura/Distribución)
jóvenes entre las edades de 10 a 19 años fueron heridos como correo electrónico: jwilliam@aces.edu
resultado de actos de violencia. Más aún, la segunda causa de muerte TELÉFONO: 256-372-5710
para personas entre los 10 y 19 años de edad fue el homicidio. FASCIMIL: 256-372-5840
Obesidad Juvenil
La obesidad en la juventud está considerada como un problema
nacional de salud. Más del 20 por ciento de los niños
15
Visite nuestro sitio web
en
www.aces.edu/urban/metronews
Lo Último En La Avenida
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in coop-
eration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System
(Alabama A&M University and Auburn University).
Your Experts for Life
