Youth service a focus
Dear Annie: This is regarding “Charged-Up Spouse,” the aggravated man whose wife is constantly using and misplacing his phone chargers. He should look into a “key-finding” device. There are many inexpensive paging/tracking devices available today.
The receiver is typically attached to your key ring and emits a loud beep whenever the transmitter is activated. Though these are often marketed for finding keys, they can be used for any item. The receiver would be affixed to the phone charger instead of to his car keys. And unlike the coloured tape option, this solution would not require that the missing charger be within his actual line of sight. I’ve used these devices myself, and I have found them consistently effective and reliable. Mike K.
Dear Mike: A modern solution for a modern problem. I like it.
Dear Annie: Young people are ready, willing and able to tackle the world’s most difficult challenges, yet they are vastly under-represented as active citizens, decision-makers and leaders. From the preschoolers collecting canned goods to combat hunger to the high schooler in Virginia creating STEM clubs for women and girls, all of these remarkable youths have a common goal: to raise awareness and solve the problems facing the world.
Please let your readers know about Global Youth Service Day, which occurs from April 21 to April 23 this year. During this three-day event, thousands of community partners in the U.S. and 125 countries will activate millions of young people to strengthen their communities. Global Youth Service Day recognizes the solutions that young people are bringing to the world’s most pressing issues 365 days a year. When given the opportunity, young people are great assets and resources to their communities, providing unique perspectives and skills. Youths who are engaged as active community members are likelier to grow up to volunteer, vote and donate to charitable causes. Research shows that when youths engage in quality service and service learning projects, they strengthen their leadership skills, increase their academic engagement and develop vital career and workforce readiness skills. These outstanding youths demonstrate that young people are leaders and problem-solvers today, not just the leaders of a distant tomorrow.
For more information, readers can visit ysa.org/ gysd. You can also find us @ Youth-Service on Twitter and at facebook.com/youthserviceamerica. Steven A. Culbertson, president and CEO of Youth Service America
Dear Steven: I couldn’t agree more. When young people are given the opportunity to help their communities thrive, they thrive, too. I encourage all my young readers to celebrate Global Youth Service Day this weekend. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.