"Children need childhood, and the opportunities you have to meaningfully connect with others ... are what make life better both now and when they grow up. The environment matters, and as adults we have the capacity to shape the environment. Surely, there is no more compelling moral issue than the recognition that children and youths are the vulnerable link in the human chain. Ultimately, what impacts them impacts all of us. The most fundamental contribution we could make might be to help our nation consider better indicators for keeping a watchful eye on our smallest citizens -- which more authentically speaks to their quality of life."
-- Cathann Kress, director of youth development for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, speaking Friday (Sept. 9) at the Penn State Forum, a speakers series sponsored by the Faculty Staff Club at the University Park campus. Kress's appearance marked the start of the 2005-06 Forum season. For more information, visit http://live.psu.edu/story/12788