Powell asks nation's leaders to invest in their youth
By Lisa M. Rosellini

July 9, 2000
University Park, Pa. -- Challenging governors from across the country to stick with their commitments to help America's youth, retired Gen. Colin Powell told the nation's leaders today (July 9) that it's time to "stop building jails and start investing in our kids."

Powell, now head of a U.S. alliance aimed at making youth a national priority, spoke to the 38 governors attending the 92nd annual National Governors' Association meeting at University Park. During his talk, Powell asked the governors to double the pledge they made in 1997 when his group -- America's Promise -- was first launched at a summit that included the governors of 30 states.

"Our future is our young people," Powell said. "We are not going to solve our problems of crime and drug abuse in the jungles of Colombia, but we will solve it by putting character into the hearts of our children. By building competence. By teaching them accountability. Governors see the problems in their states every day and you are the ones that address them and you are the ones that can make this happen."

Three years ago, Powell, who was a professional soldier for 35 years and served as chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993 -- the highest military position in the Department of Defense, took up the challenge of a national campaign aimed at building and strengthening the character and competence of children.

The alliance, a not-for-profit organization funded by public and private contributions, involves people from all sectors of American life, from corporate CEOs and national policy makers to local faith-based institutions, educational institutions and community groups. The organizations pledge to be involved in the lives of youth by fulfilling five promises that have been endorsed by the five living U.S. presidents. Those promises include: ongoing relationships with a caring adult; safe places with structured activities during non-school hours; a healthy start; marketable skills through effective education; and opportunities to give back through community service.

Powell, who says America's Promise is not a program, but a crusade to save the nation's youth and its future, spoke to the governors as a way to rally more support for the cause and to create agreements with leaders in every state. Powell asked the governors to send a message to others by endorsing youth service programs, contacting state legislators and other political leaders, and expanding the network of those involved in the partnership.

"For all of our success as a nation and all of our wealth, most of us have been building jails. We won't need those jails if we give children the character and competence they need," Powell said.

Through community-based programs -- like YMCA initiatives and Foster Grandparent programs -- children are provided with adult role models and learn the importance of community service. Programs that stress access to the Internet and train youth in the use of computers also are examples of projects initiated by some of America's Promise partners. On the national level, the Pillsbury Co. and Big Sisters of America and Boys & Girls Clubs of America are recruiting adult mentors. In addition, the U. S. Department of Transportation is educating 1 million students about careers in transportation. In total, more than 1,000 local and national groups have stepped up to answer Powell's call for action to show America's youth that the nation cares about them.

"We are putting the power back in the hands of communities," Powell said. "We owe these children and we need to make sure they have safe places and a healthy start. We need to let them know we think they are valuable."

America's Promise has partnerships with governors across the nation. North Carolina Gov. James B. Hunt said governors need to be leaders in the movement. Hunt is one governor who has signed a newly instituted compact with Powell that pledges to expand the role of state agencies to help youth succeed. In North Carolina, the governor set a goal of identifying 40,000 people to act as mentors for children. To date, 30,000 mentors have been named.

In Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Ridge said the state has identified high-risk children and is working toward educating and housing them , as well as reducing risks such as drug abuse and teen pregnancy through a variety of programs. In Maryland, Gov. Parris Glendening said his state is attempting to eliminate the "digital apartheid "that has limited access to technology and the Internet of some sectors of the public.

"We have no choice but to do this," Powell said. "We have a single goal of saving every one of our children. Not most of them, not some of them. All of them."

To learn more about America's Promise, visit the Web at http://www.americaspromise.org/.