Action Quote by Joycelyn Elders
![“What I can do is to go out and talk about the problems and solutions, make people aware of the scope of the problems, get them to become advocates for a turnaround, and convince them to develop an action plan, targeted to their community, to deal with young people. [They need to] find out what the…” quote by Joycelyn Elders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/386/joycelyn-elders-12167_action_what-i-can-do-is-to-go-out-and-talk-abou_1600084.jpg)
“What I can do is to go out and talk about the problems and solutions, make people aware of the scope of the problems, get them to become advocates for a turnaround, and convince them to develop an action plan, targeted to their community, to deal with young people. [They need to] find out what the kids want to do - dances, midnight-basketball leagues.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Health Address, United States, 1995
Encouraging community‑driven programs that address youth needs by listening to them and creating local solutions.
In simple terms: Listen to youth, create local programs.
Key Takeaway
Engage communities to design youth activities.
Themes
public health
community engagement
youth empowerment
Mood
hopeful
determined
proactive
Type
motivational
practical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- school districts
- community centers
- after‑school programs
- local nonprofits
Key Concepts
participatory planning
social determinants of health
preventive strategies
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure youth voices shape the program?
- What resources are needed for sustainable community action?
A Different Perspective
May overlook systemic barriers like funding or policy support.
![“[On masturbation:] I think that it is part of human sexuality, and perhaps it should be taught.” quote by Joycelyn Elders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/403/joycelyn-elders-12167_humans_on-masturbation-i-think-that-it-is-part_391361.jpg)
![“[We must] deal with all of the contributing factors to gun violence as a whole, because it's like a leaky bucket - if you've got a bucket with six holes shot through it, [and] you plug up five, you've still got a leaky bucket.” quote by Joycelyn Elders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1ab/joycelyn-elders-12167_buckets_we-must-deal-with-all-of-the-contributin_649625.jpg)
