University of Wisconsin - Extension

Following the events of Sept. 11, America's youth believe that building respect and tolerance for others is the single greatest community need, according to a recent national survey commissioned by 4-H as part of its Centennial activities.

When asked what youth would do to improve their communities,

increasing respect and tolerance was the most popular response at 20

percent, followed by mentoring/tutoring children/teens (17 percent),

protecting/improving the environment (17 percent), helping someone

who is physically or mentally handicapped (14 percent), and helping

an older person (13 percent).

Inspired by the heroism of rescue workers in New York and Washington,

nine out of ten (90 percent) youth agree that they are more likely to

volunteer and get involved in their community after seeing, reading,

and hearing about others who have volunteered to help the victims of

the recent terrorist attacks.

Another source of motivation for youth to perform community service

is the example set by adults. Slightly more than eight out of ten (83

percent) youth agree with the statement, "I would be more interested

in volunteering/becoming more involved in the community if I saw that

my parents and/or teachers were volunteering.''

By comparison, celebrities are less influential than parents and

teachers in influencing youth interest in community service. Only 66

percent of youth agree (30 percent "strongly'' and 36 percent

"somewhat'' agree) that, "I would be more interested in

volunteering/becoming involved in the community if I saw, read, or

heard about celebrities volunteering.''

Most young people think the need for discussion between adults and

youth about community needs has increased since the terrorist

attacks.

The overwhelming majority of adults and youth believe that the recent

terrorist attacks have increased the need for youth and adults to

work together to solve community problems. 91 percent of adults agree

(70 percent "strongly'' agree) that the need for youth and adults to

work together on community problems has increased due to the attacks

on the United States. Youth believe the need is still greater, as 94%

agree with this statement (73% "strongly'' agree).

These findings come from a survey conducted Sept. 28 through Oct. 4,

2001. Researchers questioned 1,000 adults and 400 12 to

17-year-olds. The margin of error for the 1000-interview survey is

+/- 3.1 percent at the 95 percent level of confidence. The margin of

error for the 400- interview survey is +/-5.7 percent at the 95

percent level of confidence. The complete survey and its findings are

available by visiting http://www.4hcentennial.org.