Alfred H. Kurland bats for adolescents' active engagement in civic life through his ground-breaking work “The Soul of Adolescence Aligns with the Heart of Democracy: Orphans, Rebels and Civic Lovers Unite” (BookBaby; 2021).
“The Soul of Adolescence Aligns with the Heart of Democracy” tells the author's journey of discovering his life's purpose, that is, to empower teens and encourage their civic engagement. He talks about his work with teen justice-makers, as well as adults who were involved in community enhancement and political change and had worked with teens in various capacities.
The author also shares his experiences that helped pave the way for his calling as a civic mentor to teens. He narrates his confrontation with his teacher during one English class and explains how that experience led him to develop new outlooks toward official sources of authority and a body of autonomously derived and dissident viewpoints. He also talks about the death of his former roommate, which deeply impacted him, and the riot in his neighborhood.
With its focus on teen empowerment and engagement in community space, “The Soul of Adolescence Aligns with the Heart of Democracy” shares the author's insights on how teen services programming should better serve the true nature of adolescence. It highlights the story of community and citizenship from the perspective of community organizers and teen social justice agents who have made a difference,
Through his book, the author aims to dismantle the barriers that hinder the civic participation of adolescents and help promote best practices for enhancing teen-adult relationships. He calls on the adults to recognize and help safeguard the teens' “fundamental right to articulate, advocate for, and address their concerns as equal partners within the sphere of civic life.”
The author emphasizes that it is time adults let go of their falsely held assumptions about teens and stop treating them like 'unwanted immigrants' of the past. Adults should now recognize teens for their unique gifts and potential and invite to work alongside them as partners and friends toward the common good.
“The Soul of Adolescence Aligns with the Heart of Democracy: Orphans, Rebels and Civic Lovers Unite” by Alfred H. Kurland is available on Amazon and his website at https://www.alfredhkurlandbooks.com/.
“The Soul of Adolescence Aligns with the Heart of Democracy” was last displayed by self-publishing and book marketing company ReadersMagnet at their exhibit at the 2022 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference & Exhibition.
“The Soul of Adolescence Aligns with the Heart of Democracy: Orphans, Rebels and Civic Lovers Unite”
Author | Alfred H. Kurland
Published date | December 2021
Publisher | BookBaby
Book retail price | $35.00
Author Bio
Alfred H. Kurland has pioneered teen leadership programs for three decades. He aided teen activists amid the violent times in the 1980s and, in 2014, helped teens to become eligible to serve on NYC Community Boards.
He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the social justice unsung hero award from the Petra Foundation, an honorable mention from the Brook Russell Astor Foundation, and the Silver Beaver award from the Boy Scouts of America.
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