Dear Editor,
Where are all the young adults? I cannot help but notice the deteriorating number of young adults, age 18- to , in our community. Over the last two years, I have decided to spend some time finding out why they are leaving. Their responses have painted a grim image of hopelessness, as they have been unable to find their place in a town that seems set on growing old instead of growing young. Kingman is being robbed of the influence of these dynamic world-changers as they continue to vanish because they are simply being ignored.
For nearly two decades I have worked with and mentored young adults in the church as well as the business sector. They bring an infectious enthusiasm and fresh perspective to the table that is simply unmatched and beneficial to all who are willing to engage them and give them a shot. I have been, and continue to be, blessed and inspired by their fearless spirit.
Unfortunately, this same spirit is being quenched by the rejection they are continually facing from their community as they venture out on their own and try to make their mark on this little corner of the world. Again, and again they find themselves without a voice or a platform to showcase their talents simply because they have not been granted the opportunity to do so.
This is the problem I am imploring all of us to address. Nearly every young adult I have spoken to has contemplated leaving Kingman, has already started the process or has already left, due to a lack of opportunity for them in their own hometown. They do not see any options for them past entry-level positions. The common consensus is they feel like older adults do not want to give them a chance or a place at the table because they are not old enough. With nothing to contribute, they are forced to move on in hopes that another community will accept them and their intrinsic value.
If we, as older adults do not give these young people more opportunities, beyond serving our food or washing our car, then they are going to leave. We cannot afford for that to happen. These young adults will be vital to the continued growth and sustainability of this great town by working and leading in areas of public service, healthcare, business, education, and ministry. It is my hope that as a community we will recognize and embrace these young people and all they have to offer by inviting them to the table and giving them a voice—we might just be surprised at what they have to say. We need to seek them out, encourage them, and empower them before they are all gone. In doing so, Kingman might stop growing old and start growing young.
Dennis Oberg
Kingman
