Building Healthy and Sustainable Communities for Youth

Life Skills, School Libraries, and Social Involvement

Abstract

Healthy communities are based on social justice and mutual respect. Healthy communities for youth promote values such as fairness, equal treatment, accountability, opportunity, participation, and opportunities to make choices. This paper is based on definitions and activities from the U.S. President's Council on Sustainable Development (1993-1999). School librarians serve communities when they develop venues ensuring the development of social values and personal life skills for youth. Workable suggestions, including reading programs, for a variety of school situations are provided. Case reports are offered illustrating how school librarians can develop life skills for youth as active community social agents.