Use a coupon to make a difference for young people

Frontiersman editorial board

If you want to hear all kinds of talk about creative solutions, results-oriented programs and community-based success, just tune in to the political debates on television and radio. If you want to actually see those things in practice -- and play a role, head to your local Carrs grocery store and look for coupons hanging on products. How do coupons add up to community solutions? Youth Court volunteers have teamed up with Carrs to offer shoppers an easy way to give to the innovative, and successful, program.

The volunteers will collect coupons and hang them on products. At the register, the shopper will have the option to use the coupon or donate its value to Youth Court. Carrs will handle the administration. It's as easy as that.

The thing is, due to recent government cuts, Youth Court needs support from the community. The program helps youth in many ways. Misdemeanor youth cases are heard in Youth Court, instead of the traditional court system. The cases are tried by peers, and the sentences are designed to lead to rehabilitation rather than punishment. Those sentences include community work, letters of apology and other innovative approaches that actually encourage the young offenders to make up for their indiscretions rather than simply be punished for them.

The process is also beneficial to the volunteers who learn about community involvement and the criminal justice system. Everybody wins -- including the community at large.

There has been much talk in recent years about the rise in criminal activity among youth. Everybody has an idea about how to deal with the situation. Some want to try the youths as adults, to send a strong message. In some cases that may be necessary, but that approach doesn't even begin to address a real solution. The Youth Court model is one that seeks positive results and encourages young offenders to take responsibility for their actions. It's a good idea, and it reflects an attitude of hope in a community rather than one of desperation.

Next time you're filling up your cart, make that minimal effort and tell the cashier that you want to leave those coupons for Youth Court. You'll be saving a lot more than a few cents.