“There’s this fear — this misunderstanding — that youth should be seen and not heard, and that’s just not a thing anymore.” ~ Siobhan Grayson

What makes someone “askable”?

Arlington, Virginia has launched an “Askable Adult” program to build adults’ capacity to be nonjudgmental and approachable resources and supports for youth in the county. Program proponents believe that everyone has a role to play in supporting the health and well-being of children and youth in the community. 

And on their short list of key skills that make adults more askable? Be a curious co-pilot.

To help us learn what it means to be an Askable Adult, I was joined by three dynamic and devoted Arlington community builders: Ashley Blowe, Training and Prevention Specialist, Department of Human Services; Siobhan Grayson, Youth Outreach Coordinator for the Prevention Unit under the Department of Human Services; and Scotney Young, Prevention and Outreach Manager at Doorways, a domestic and sexual violence response organization.

Forty-two percent of middle and high school youth are saying ‘I talk to someone at home about what matters to me frequently or always’ — So there’s a large percent of youth that are not doing that, and that’s something we can really hone it on and try to support and change.

Ashley Blowe

Listen to Choose to be Curious #182: Be an Askable Adult, with Ashley Blowe, Siobhan Grayson & Scotney Young

Learn more about Arlington’s Project PEACE, the Askable Adult initiative and Doorways.

A shout-out to Siobhan Grayson, who is retiring just as this show goes on the air. Thank you for all you have done to support the community — and especially our youth. We appreciate you.

Giving credit where credit is due: here’s the Vermont Askable Adult program that inspired Arlington’s efforts.

Kids have excellent BS radar. Check out this research to see how important being a credible source is.

If you liked this conversation, you’ll also likely enjoy Kate McCauley on Humble Inquiry for Parents.

Listen to my conversation about Solutions Journalism with Marie Von Hafften.

Our theme music is by Sean Balick. “Turning to You” by Landsman Duet via Blue Dot Sessions.

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