Working With Young People is More than a Business...

So much of what we do in the business world is based on statistics and analysis. 


And when we work with young people, it's tempting to try to fall into the same sort of analysis. We want programs that have big turnouts. We want to see high levels of effectiveness, positive survey results, etc.


While it certainly is important to be accountable, and to make decisions that guarantee that we serve young people in the best ways possible, sometimes it's important, too, to look beyond the numbers and take a minute to look at the little anecdotes -- what researchers call qualitative data. 


Many programs plug along for years, drawing big numbers. And yet, those programs can point to few if any young people and families whose lives have really and truly been transformed.


That's a problem.


So in the work that you do -- whether you are a teacher, a youth leader, the director of a non-profit or just someone who works with groups of young people in an informal manner -- I encourage you to look beyond the numbers and think about the individuals. 


Are you seeing the lives of children changed? Are other adults noticing that the young people you serve are making better choices, behaving differently or excelling in some other way?


Are young people, or alumni who have been out of your programs for a few years, coming back and telling you that you made a difference in their lives?


These stories -- this qualitative data -- matter. And arguably, they're just as important as any quantitative data that you might collect on your program.


Remember, working with young people is more than a business. It's a calling.