I am honored to be be hosting a chat tonight at 7 PM Eastern time with author Nash Hasan. Nash has written a book of poetry dealing with the Youth of America.
Nash quit his job to spend his life trying to educate America about the trials and struggles of American Youth. It is a must attend chat for all parents, even if your children are young. Teachers will also benefit from his knowledge.
I worked one on one with the youth in our area for 14 years and I saw the struggles they deal with on a daily basis. Nash's poems will reach out and grab your heart. He has posted some of his poetry and why he quit his job to dedicate his life to the youth. Check it out, I really think you will be impressed.
See you tonight at 7 PM Eastern Time Here. The chat will last one hour.
I was a teen in the 70's and I know it is harder on the teens today than it was then. Lets discuss the youth and how we can make a difference in their lives.
One lucky gather member who attends the chat will win a copy of his book "Diamonds in the rough - The Youth Of America"
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Comments: 24
I agree with you. I am a firm believer in the Mother staying at home whenever possible. However I do understand that it is not always possible.
I came from a two parent household and my Dad worked, My mom was a full time homemaker. I benefited greatly from that fact.
You can read the transcript of the chat later. Sorry you have to work and will miss out though.
I know you will benefit from the chat. I do hope you can make it.
I hope you enjoy your dance. You can always read the transcript of the chat. :)
Sandra,
I do hope you can make it.
Shelia,
See you this evening at 7
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977287180&nav=Namespace
I also believe that an available parent at home is best if it is possible.
other obligations I would love to get that book too!!
You can read the transcript of the live chat with Nash HERE.
You can read the transcript of the live chat with Nash HERE.
You'll find, below, some of the questions that were not addressed during the chat with answers listed below each question. In addition, I would like to pre-clarify few things:
First, all of my writings, views and opinions in regards to the Youth are based, solely, on my own interactions and unofficial interviews with hundreds of people from all walks/aspects of life and across the board. I am neither a parent nor an educator on the topics of Youth or Parenting.
Second, the definition of "Youth" varies between Congress, the United Nation, World Bank, and others. The term "Youth" I've referred to in my writing is related to people who are 15 – 25 years of age.
Third, my unofficial interviews were of people from a diverse background regardless of age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, skin color, race, income, profession, any convictions, etc.
Question:
I'm curious as to how Nash Hasan got to be a sort of teen advocate, for lack of a better term. Was he always interested in teens and the treatment of teens or did something specific happen in his life that encouraged him to have an interest in teenagers and write the book "Diamonds In The Rough"?
Victoria H., Mar 20, 2008, 7:
ANSWER:
My interest in helping people began while I was a teenager, working as a lifeguard, teaching swimming and coaching water polo.
Since 1995, I taught/coached thousands of professional on management and leadership.
In 2003, while remodeling my house and living in the garage, people stopped by for a visit, sat in Grandma Shaw's recliner love seat ( from the early 1950s), and began sharing with me their heart felt stories.
I felt their pain, and I wrote those stories as soon as they left. The Youth of today are vulnerable, open minded, ready and welling to learn, and capable of making major adjustments in their lives.
Question:
Could you tell us a bit of history about your concern for the Youth of America?
Connie, March 20, 2008,
Answer: I would like to share with you this quotation.
"According to the White House Task Force for Disadvantaged Youth (April 2003), the National Academy of Sciences estimate that one-quarter of the adolescents in this country are at a serious risk of not achieving productive adulthood."
Question:
What is the root of their depression, Nash?
Bob B., Mar 20, 2008, 7:14pm EDT
Answer:
I'm assuming that you are referring to a prolonged periods of depression that is harmful and dangerous. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why people get depressed such as: neglect, abandonment (due to divorce or death of a parent), abuse (in all of its forms), etc resulting in low self esteem, drugs and alcohol abuse and if not addresses properly end up leading to disasters.
Question:
My observations, many had already been wounded and depressed by the time they were 8 years old, and didn't show any signs of it until they were in their mid-teens
It all sounds depressing to me. I want my children to grow up, get a good education, and know that they are loved and cherished. I want them to go on, get good jobs, be healthy, and have children of their own.
What can we do to change things?
Victoria H., Mar 20, 2008, 7:16pm EDT
Answer:
There are many programs in place. Unfortunately, the forces working in the opposite direction are much more intense. It will take many hours to discuss this point.
In a very strange way, writing these poems has been very helpful to people who had similar experiences but have not been able to talk about their experiences.
Question:
Did your research find that most sexual violations were family or friends?
Connie~, Mar 20
Answer: Most of the sexual abuse victims claimed:
1. The abuse started before they were a teenager
2. It involved an elder person who is either a family member, or a relatives or a friend of the family.
3. They felt as if it were their fault and kept it to themselves.
4. The ones who told their parents (typically the Mother); they were ignored or not taken seriously.
5. They never got any help, and typically, they became sexually active and at a very young age.
Question:
Nash,
Are you working on another book?
Connie~I Love Researching Genealogy ~ C., Mar 20, 2008, 7:22pm EDT
Answer:
I have several book ideas in place related to the youth and younger generation. I'll be working on them as soon as I get this book going.
Question:
Where are the parents during all of this? My entire life, even during the troubled teen years, I knew that my mom and dad would be there for me. Even now as an adult, I know that if I need them all I have to do is call. I am trying to raise my own two children to know that their mommy and daddy will always be there for them. When these young women graduate and then can't support themselves, where are their parents?
Victoria H., Mar
Answer:
Many of them didn't grow up in a 2-parent family home.
Question:
Nash, do you think keeping troubled teens/children with their biological parents should always be a priority?
Amanda C., Mar 20, 2008, 7:41pm EDT
.Answer::
It depends. There were times in my life when my father and I were at odd. However, no matter how bad our relationship was, I never wanted anyone else to take his place at home.
Unfortunately, there are kids who had one or both parents either addicted to drugs/alcohol, mentally ill, etc. who had inflected physical, mental, or sexual wounds on their family members. Those children are better off without such a parent.
Question:
Have you thought about a speaking tour? I think you would also make a great training consultant for people who work with youth.
Amanda C., Mar 20, 2008, 7:53pm EDT
Answer:
Book me up and I will be there.
Question:
Nash,
I see you are from the middle east, are the conditions there the same for youth, or are it worse in America.
Connie~I Love Researching Genealogy ~ C.
Answer:
I have not kept up to date on the Youth of the Middle East other than what my nephews and nieces share with me. I believe that cultural and religious norms have preserved the bonding between children and their parent's. On the other hand, there are changes taking place, now, such as increasing divorce rates, which will not be noticed for a while.
Question:
Nash, have you thought about contacting the Boys and Girls Club of America? I think they may be interested in contracting with someone like you. Not only could you share your poems, but you could also help the young people develop their own voices.
Amanda C., Mar 20, 2008, 8:01pm EDT
Answer:
I have been promoting my book, solely. I welcome any lead that would help me reach as many people as possible.
Question:
Connie & Nash, Sorry I missed the chat. Late as usual. :-)
My fiance & I were just discussing the plight of the teenager in America. I hate to sound old fashioned but thisngs have changed so much from back in the day. We were talking about finding a Christian oriented teen charity to support. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks!
Talea J., Mar 21, 2008, 2:23am EDT
Answer:
I'm sure any church would accept your donation.