The Trust Gap

Across education, philanthropy, youth development, and civic engagement, we spend enormous energy trying to engage young people.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?

What I've Observed

I've worked alongside students, educators, nonprofits, school districts, and community leaders across the globe.I've seen young people improve schools, strengthen communities, influence decisions, and lead change.Different countries.Different cultures.Different challenges.The pattern has been remarkably consistent:When young people are trusted, they often exceed our expectations.

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• Training and speaking in 100+ countriesThe goal has always been the same:Help young people move from participants to leaders.

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 was designed to help young people build leadership, purpose, confidence, and civic agency through meaningful action.

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 ProgramsRecent writing has focused on a simple question:If we want young people to lead, are we willing to trust them first?

What I've Learned

After two decades working with young people and the adults who support them, a few lessons continue to stand out:• Leadership grows at the speed of trust.• Voice without influence creates frustration.• Belonging grows when young people contribute.• Sometimes one trusted opportunity changes a life.

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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