Thriving youths

Some of the findings of a survey of 620 seventh- and eighth-graders in Cape Girardeau and Jackson are disturbing: One in 10 say they've been drunk in the last two weeks, 5 percent admit using illegal drugs three or more times in the past year and 7 percent claim to have engaged in sexual intercourse three or more times.

As alarming as such statistics can be, the survey, conducted by the not-for-profit Search Institute, showed some powerfully positive trends: 78 percent of youths in Cape Girardeau and Jackson have good family support, 73 percent are involved in religious activities, 33 percent believe their community values them and 47 percent feel safe.

All of these statistics were discussed at a recent THRIVE conference sponsored by the Community Caring Council and attended by more than 200 interested individuals. The conference focused on ways the community can prepare youths to be responsible, productive, happy and healthy adults.

The Search Institute has identified 40 building blocks for youths. The survey of Cape Girardeau and Jackson seventh- and eighth-graders showed they have, on average, more than half of those assets. The Search Institute says those with more than 30 will avoid illegal drugs and alcohol abuse.

The Community Caring Council and United Way of Southeast Missouri hope to use the 40-asset program developed by the Search Institute to help youths thrive. It's an ambitious undertaking, but it's one whose results stands to benefit the area and its youths in ways that are beneficial to everyone.