Here’s your sign
By Bill Stanczykiewicz

The sign alongside the major thoroughfare pointed to the past as well as to the future. “Whatever Happened to…Polio? See the Exhibit, 2nd floor.”

Nearly 100 years ago, polio was the HIV/AIDS of its day. People lived in fear of contracting this debilitating disease that seemingly held an intractable grip on the entire world. Today, however, polio virtually has been eradicated.

The demise of polio occurred thanks to an extraordinary collaboration among researchers, public health officials, government leaders and nonprofit organizations. Their solutions were then delivered by everyday doctors making house calls in the neighborhoods of America and the villages of developing nations. As a result, polio is now confined to its own iron lung, gasping to stay alive.

The noteworthy sign was posted in front of the Smithsonian Museum of American History. After terrorizing the world, polio now exists in just two places – nearly 100 medical cases in Africa and several exhibit cases in a history museum. Remarkable results are possible when people see the signs and work together to respond in amazing ways.

The same is true for healthy youth development. A collaborative effort among parents, public officials and private organizations can make a huge difference in the lives of kids. The children themselves are looking for signs that it might be so.

“Hey, coach. Are you going to call me ‘Moose’ again this year?” The anxious question came from an excited little leaguer who was playing for the same coach for a second season in a row.

“Absolutely, Moose,” the coach replied. “Head out to left field so that we can work on our cut off throws.”

The 10-year-old’s strong, stocky build and hard-charging style of play led to the nickname. In turn, the nickname led to the player knowing that he was noticed, that he belonged and that he mattered. The nickname was a sign, and the player wanted to make sure the sign was still posted.

While none of the other players ever said a word about their nicknames, they still felt the same positive messages of healthy youth development. The evidence was found on their thank you note to the coach at the end of the season. Instead of just signing their names – Sam, Will, Clark and Ryan – they also signed Shag, Unit, Superman and Tag. The little leaguers knew there was something special about those nicknames – and something special about them.

We can never lose sight of the signs kids are looking for, signs of devoted adults who are passionately committed to their very existence. Yes, adults who provide food, and health care, and education and fun youth programs. But also adults who take time with young people to go on a walk and discuss the changing seasons, who watch the game and ask about a favorite player or who take time to create a nickname and display other signs that show they care.

That’s one of the lessons evident at the makeshift memorial at Ground Zero. Located at the edge of devastation, the memorial includes signs of hope created by kids during the aftermath of 9/11.

“Everyone here loves you,” reads one of the handwritten notes, now laminated and hanging on a simple rope where two of the world’s most impressive buildings formerly stood. “If you need us, we will come to you and hold you. I have extra love that I can give to you. Come to Vermont, and we will show you the beauty of the world again. Love, Cassandra.”

Or this word of advice. “If I were the President, I would go and shoot Osama bin Ladin in the butt. I feel sorry for you, and I’d come down and help, but I don’t have a driver’s license.”

And, quite simply, “Dear friend, I’m sorry. I care about you. Chris.”

Within the necessary clutter of foreign policy, military strategy and political calculation that defines our post 9/11 culture, the notes from these young people cut to the heart of the matter. Love. Peace. Hope.

Which are exactly what children and youth are yearning to experience from the rest of us. Let’s keep that in mind as we embark on this New Year when much of the world, including Hoosier children, looks for signs of peace on earth and goodwill toward all.

(Bill Stanczykiewicz is president and CEO of the Indiana Youth Institute. He can be reached at iyi@iyi.org.)