An interesting and exciting report from the Commission on Children at Risk crossed my desk back in 2003. A joint project of the YMCA of the USA, Dartmouth Medical School and the Institute for American Values, the document confirmed scientifically what most of us who look at the world through the lens of a biblical world and life view have known for a long time. Entitled Hardwired to Connect, the report issued a call to the nation to reverse the negative trends in child and youth well-being by creating and building “authoritative communities” that would provide kids with the connections they so desperately need and so obviously lack.

Especially exciting was the report’s emphasis on scientific research, which points to the human need to be connected to others and to God. Specifically, kids have been suffering because they lack connectedness to others and to a system of spiritual meaning. Born to be attached to others and to God, we shouldn’t be surprised when the lack of either results in deep social problems and individual brokenness.

In an exciting development, the Commission has just released a Hardwired to Connect DVD that highlights the findings of the report, along with suggesting in straightforward terms what our culture must do to address these pressing issues. Interviews with researchers and other experts are featured in the DVD.

This 20-minute DVD is available from the Institute for American Values. Information on securing a copy can be found at www.americanvalues.org. I would recommend without hesitation that all youth workers not only get their own copy, but that you use the DVD with parents, youth volunteers and your entire congregation as a catalyst for discussion and as a precursor to mentor recruitment efforts.

—Walt Mueller

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                ©2007, The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding