Bravely Connected

The Power of Community in Shaping Our Youth

It was in the early 90’s when Iceland was experiencing over 85% of their youth struggling with addiction, bullying, and at risk behaviours. The community and parents decided to rally together to DO SOMETHING about it and 10 years later, the number when lower than 10%. Read that again, and let that sink in. The community rallied together, made a plan, and solved an enormous social problem we are all seeking to solve right now in our neighbourhoods.

Iceland reminds us that there is NO SOCIAL ISSUE community cannot solve. So my friends, it’s on US to come together to figure this out. That’s what has got me excited about this week’s podcast/blog with my special guest, Karen Young, CEO of Calgary United Way.

The idea that “it takes a village” to raise a child is more than just a saying—it is a fundamental principle of effective community development. Creating positive environments for young people requires an integrated effort from families, community leaders, and organizations. We must come together to ensure our youth have the support, resources, and guidance they need to thrive.

When young people are given leadership opportunities and a strong sense of belonging, they flourish. Programs like United for Youth aim to reignite leadership development among young people, providing them with the tools to build their futures. However, success does not come from isolated efforts—it is the combined impact of healthy adult relationships, natural supports, and positive environments that truly create opportunities for growth. After all, these young individuals are the future leaders of our communities.

Building Stronger Communities Through Engagement

Karen Young, CEO of United Way Calgary, is a firm believer in the power of community involvement. She herself started as a young volunteer, engaging in activities like junior leadership in day camps, recreation programs, and dance instruction. These early experiences shaped her path, leading her to dedicate her career to community development and empowerment.

Her journey highlights a key point: when young people are supported and mentored, they gain confidence and skills that can lead to lifelong contributions to their communities. Leadership development doesn’t just happen in boardrooms—it starts on the playground, in after-school programs, and through volunteer initiatives.

How Can We Motivate Change?

Communities thrive when individuals take ownership of their surroundings. One simple yet effective strategy is conducting “walkabouts”—assessing neighborhood strengths, identifying areas for improvement, and discussing ways to enhance access to resources and services. This approach fosters engagement and empowers residents to take charge of their community’s development.

The United Way’s Community Hubs Initiative exemplifies this empowerment. Through resident-led efforts, neighborhoods come together to improve local services, increase food security, and develop social enterprises. The Sunalta community, for instance, has built a community kitchen, established a coffee shop to fund local initiatives, and created a community garden—all through the collective efforts of engaged residents. These are tangible examples of how listening to a community’s needs and working collaboratively can lead to lasting change.

Getting Started: How You Can Make a Difference

For those wondering how to initiate similar efforts in their own communities, the first step is getting involved with local community associations. These volunteer-led organizations provide a foundation for grassroots initiatives, allowing individuals to contribute to causes they care about—whether it’s food security, education, or cultural programs.

The United Way plays a crucial role in connecting individuals and businesses to meaningful causes. In Calgary alone, over 15,000 volunteers have contributed their time and skills to various initiatives. From grassroots organizations to systemic change efforts, collective action is key to creating a resilient and supportive society.

Introducing Planet Youth: A Model for Change

A shining example of how communities can transform youth outcomes is the Planet Youth model from Iceland. In the 1990s, Iceland faced serious challenges with youth drinking, crime, and bullying—issues that seemed insurmountable. However, through a strategic community-wide effort, they shifted their focus from addressing problem behaviors to creating healthier environments for young people.

The success of Planet Youth is rooted in primary prevention—altering the conditions in which youth grow up. Rather than trying to change behaviors directly, the initiative enhances protective factors in schools, families, and communities while reducing negative influences. This approach led to a dramatic shift: youth substance use in Iceland dropped from 85% to less than 10%.

Inspired by this model, Calgary’s United Way has begun integrating these principles into its programs. By prioritizing upstream solutions—fostering strong community connections and supportive environments—we can prevent many of the challenges youth face before they even arise.

The Next Steps

Building a brighter future for our youth starts with us. When parents, educators, and community leaders come together, we can create lasting change. The conversation doesn’t stop here—stay tuned as we explore further strategies and insights on how communities can unite to transform the lives of young people.

I am looking for parents, communities, and every day people who want to rally together to create bravely connected communities where WE can see our young people thrive. Is that you? If it is, email me at connie@conniejakab.com and be a part of the change coming!

You can watch the interview with Karen by clicking here