The Trust Gap

Across education, philanthropy, youth development, and civic engagement, we spend enormous energy trying to engage young people.But what if engagement isn't the real challenge?What if the challenge is trust?Young people are asked to participate.→ They are invited to contribute.→ They are encouraged to share their ideas.But are they trusted to shape what happens next?That's the gap that drives my work.

What I've Observed

I've worked alongside students, educators, nonprofits, school districts, and community leaders around the world.I've seen young people improve schools, strengthen communities, influence decisions, and lead meaningful change.Different countries.
Different cultures.
Different challenges.Yet one pattern keeps emerging:When young people are trusted, they often exceed our expectations.That's why much of my recent work has focused on a simple question:Do adults trust young people?

What I've Learned

A few lessons continue to stand out:• Trust shapes opportunity. Opportunity shapes leadership.• Voice without influence creates frustration.• Belonging grows when young people contribute.• Sometimes one trusted opportunity changes a life.

What I've Built

Highlights include:• National Gold Ribbon Schools in Service-Learning• Arizona State University's service-learning course• 100+ youth leadership resources• National and international leadership frameworks• Leadership training and partnerships in 100+ countriesThe goal has always been the same:Create the conditions that help young people move from participation to influence, leadership, and meaningful contribution.

Selected Work

A few examples of initiatives, resources, and frameworks I've developed:• TrustYouth• Youth Changing the World Toolkit• Kids in Action Guide• Semester of Service• Arizona State University Service-Learning Course• National Gold Ribbon Schools in Service-LearningEach reflects a common belief: when young people are trusted with meaningful responsibility, leadership follows.

Writing, Research,
& Ideas

I write and speak about youth leadership, service-learning, civic engagement, school connectedness, and the role trust plays in helping young people thrive.Featured work includes:• Youth Today• Arizona State University• NASSP• NAESP• U.S. Department of State ProgramsMuch of my recent writing has explored a simple question:If we want young people to lead, are we willing to trust them first?

Let's Connect

If you're exploring youth leadership, TrustYouth, service-learning, civic engagement, school connectedness, or youth-adult partnerships, I'd love the opportunity to connect.

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