Pepsi Rising Above Negativity

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlXrQesm2Eg&feature=player_embedded

This is an amazing video by Pepsi which artistically captures the gravitational force young people feel pressing against them as they work to reach their dreams.

I want to be careful to say that I have no criticisms at all about this commercial. It is well done and will resonate in many a young person internationally.

What I will say is that the video misses the true source of friction that young people face which is the internal resistance young people face...the insecurities, the fears, the selfishness, the pain, the need for love with little clue as to where to find it in any lasting form. What a great video that would be!

Helping young people find traction in these areas of friction is the very secret to effective positive youth development.

Important document on Youth Development

This is an excellent document and it is central to the U.S. Government's current understanding of youth development. Read through it as you have a chance and please jump in here to give your perspectives.

http://ase.tufts.edu/iaryd/documents/pubPromotingPositive.pdf