March 7, 2006 —An amazing experience! How refreshing! So much energy! Great ideas!

Khepe-ra Maat, facilitator of the youth symposium, views young people as critical community assets.

These were some comments expressed by participants who attended the NeighborWorks® Youth Symposium in Atlanta on February 22. Khepe-ra Maat, facilitator and youth consultant, kept the group focused and alert. With participatory dialogue with the audience and energetic youth leaders who showed off their passion for hip-hop prose and step, this symposium “jumped off” — as the young people would say — to a great start.

One particular topic of the symposium—Bridging the Cultural Gap Between Youth and Adults—ignited a continuing conversation throughout the day that encouraged participants to examine stereotypes held by youth and adults about one another.

Maat emphasized a familiar phrase used among her peer group, “Don’t Talk About It—Be About It,” which means “put your words into action.” She reminded the group to use “simple” language when speaking with young people, and for both groups—adults and youth— to ask questions when they didn’t understand a term being used.

Throughout the symposium and the next day’s forum, adults and youth groups productively collaborated as they explored fresh ideas and new ways to work together in the community development field.

“My secret for getting young people motivated is that I come into contact with them with the assumption that their possibilities are limitless," said Maat. "I allow them to self-direct and initiate activities, and I generally continue to infuse them with positive reinforcement. I view young people as necessary assets and leaders in the community, and I think they can feel the inherent respect that I have for them. In addition, I try to keep it fun, creative, and as inventive as I can."

Before closing the event, Maat challenged NeighborWorks America to add youth courses as a permanent track within the NeighborWorks Training curriculum. Many participants enthusiastically echoed her recommendation.

*'Represent,' translated in adult language means: 'They did a great job representing their peer group.'