The Little Boy and the Old Man
by Shel Silverstein
Said the little boy, "Sometimes I drop my spoon."
Said the old man, "I do that too."
The little boy whispered, "I wet my pants."
"I do that too," laughed the little old man.
Said the little boy, "I often cry."
The old man nodded, "So do I."
"But worst of all," said the boy, "it seems
Grown-ups don't pay attention to me."
And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand.
"I know what you mean," said the little old man.
by Shel Silverstein
Said the little boy, "Sometimes I drop my spoon."
Said the old man, "I do that too."
The little boy whispered, "I wet my pants."
"I do that too," laughed the little old man.
Said the little boy, "I often cry."
The old man nodded, "So do I."
"But worst of all," said the boy, "it seems
Grown-ups don't pay attention to me."
And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand.
"I know what you mean," said the little old man.
MythsOlder adults are not interested in volunteering with children and youth
Young people admire people in the media most (athletes and entertainers)
Only a parent can effectively teach a child values
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Facts59% of Americans over age 55 currently volunteer and say retirement is a time to be active and involved in the community, to start new activities and set new goals
When asked to name someone they admire, youth and children are twice as likely as older Americans to name a family member, teacher, or mentor
Connectedness to another adult, such as a mentor is highly effective in helping youth
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