Need

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Need
During the past decade, democratic governments, market economies and civil society organizations have grown stronger in many nations in transition throughout the world. These advancements have produced a corresponding need to develop a new generation of leaders with new attitudes and skills to support the flourishing of these institutions. Research indicates that "social capital," a shared sense of trust and habits of civic participation and collaboration, is a key factor in the development of civil society and economic vitality. Thus to insure continued progress, it is critically important that a broad foundation of youth develop a hands-on sense of responsibility for the social, political and environmental conditions in their countries and regions, and develop a sense of citizenship that extends beyond their own borders.

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New Horizons

However, youth in many of these nations have long been subjected to passive roles within institutions of socialization. Little emphasis has been placed upon direct youth participation in civil society or development of critical thinking and leadership skills beyond textbook instruction. This has resulted in a sense of fatalism among youth about prospects for positive social change and pessimism about their own career options.

YSI believes that the next generation needs to make the transition into adulthood with experiences of social problem solving, a belief in their ability to help shape the future, and an ethic of citizen service. By creating quality youth service programs, and a supportive youth service policy infrastructure, YSI helps provide the experiential learning opportunities that instill these values and skills.