title: Addressing spiritual development in youth development programs and practices: opportunities and challenges.
abstract: If strengthening children's moral and spiritual selves is the most important challenge facing youth-serving organizations in the United States today, three things are required to respond: a clear road map of where to go and how to get there, a critical mass of champions prepared to lead the way, and candid readiness assessments and strategies for individuals and organizations ready to take on this work. More clarity is needed on defining the concepts of spiritual development and spirituality, the boundaries and bridges needed between religious and secular organizations, and the activities and practices that are both effective and allowable under separation of church and state. Immediate steps to take include engaging frontline workers across sectors and identifying strategies for integrating spiritual development into youth practice.
authors.affiliation: Forum on Youth Investment, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pittman
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Garza
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yohalem
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Artman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D041923:Adolescent Development; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D006801:Humans; D012067:Religion; D029181:Spirituality