Why I Created the Practices of Showing Up
When we show up for a young person, we remind them they're not alone and that their future matters. In this moment, many youth are searching for belonging and facing isolation. I kept asking: What helps them feel seen, supported, and hopeful when their world feels so uncertain?
The answer lies in small, daily moments—listening, noticing, and staying present. The Practices of Showing Up turns what we know from research and experience into five simple ways to build stronger relationships and help young people see what’s possible for their lives. When adults choose to show up in these small but meaningful ways, young people begin to see themselves differently—and to believe that change, and a brighter future, are possible.
