Should there be more recreational programs for the youth?

Larissa John-baptiste
General Purpose: To persuade
Specific Purpose: To persuade my listeners to promote youth programs for
kids.
Central Idea: Supporting youth recreational programs is essential for the
growth and development of the community.

I.

Introduction
Attention material
A. Open with a story about a former classmate whose death could
have been avoided had there been programs for recreation and
formation while young
1. A story of a friend who was lost to violence and exposure to crime
2. Statistics or prevalence of crime in the US Virgin Islands
3. Recreational programs help in preventing such deaths
4. Lyrics from the Greatest love of all
(transition: discuss recreational programs thoroughly)
Body
I.
There should be more recreational programs for the youth.
Having such programs would make a positive difference in the
lives of children and society at large.
A. What are recreational programs and what are its
examples?
B. What is the difference between recreational programs and
educational programs
C. Both are important but far too often, recreational programs
are neglected. Although most governments provide for
compulsory elementary education or even high school
education, after school programs are lacking. And as such,
attention should be given to recreational activities which
occur mostly after school.
II.

Recreation programs can make significant contributions in nine

areas. They can:

A. contribute to reducing juvenile delinquency

As soon as classes are dismissed, crimes by children or against children
increases. Millions of children are out on the streets without constructive
activities or supervision.
This is so because it makes sure that the children are engaged and
supervised by a positive influence.
B. contribute to increasing positive and reducing negative
behaviors
Participation in recreational programs have been associated with reduced
problem behaviors during adolescence and into young adulthood.
C. expose youth to less violence
Due to being engaged in recreational activities, children would be less
exposed to negative influences and could be developed into peace loving
contributors to society. Studies show that community violence is less
among the youth when they live in neighborhoods with youth serving
organizations.
D. improve childrens educational performance and thus impact the
quality of the future work force and the national economy
Children only spend about 8 hours of their day in school and how they
spend the other hours left is crucial to their development. Research shows
that recreational programs can improve young peoples success rate in
school and in life.
E. help decrease health care costs related to childhood obesity
Recreational programs offer opportunities for children to be more
physically active.
F. help youth develop self-confidence, optimism, and initiative
II. Recreation is actually a requirement according to Article 31 of the UN

Convention on

the rights of the Child

The UN Convention on Childrens Rights

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted by the
United Nations in 1989, spells out the basic human rights to which every child,
everywhere, is entitled.

Conclusion
I.

II.

Summary
A. The youth are our future and their development is
beneficial to society
B. That is why recreational programs are important
Clincher
A. I really do believe that our children are our future. They are
our hope.

B. I urge everyone to help in forming our youth positively and

to promote recreational programs for the youth

Bibliography
http://udel.edu/~roberta/play/rights.html
Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, California (FCIK). (2001). Californias afterschool choice: Juvenile crime or safe learning time. California: Fight Crime:
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and benefits of after-school programs: The estimated effects of the After
School Education and Safety Program Act of 2002. Retrieved June 20,
2015, from
http://www.claremontmckenna.edu/rose/publications/pdf/after_school.pdf
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