Dr. Martin Luther King was quoted saying, “Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. For some strange reason, I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be.”

This quote relates to the nearly insurmountable crises today’s teens face.

Many are struggling to survive in a world troubled with employment uncertainties. The demands of the 21st century necessitate that our youth are receptive to innovative concepts needed to pursue a career. Others are faced with personal or family issues leaving them depressed, even suicidal.

Because we are all interrelated, whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. It behooves us to be proactive in addressing this situation.

Zeta Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., along with other Greek organizations in the Miss-Lou, is offering a solution.

A teen summit has been scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Alcorn State University School of Nursing.

The theme is “Global leadership through timeless service.”

The emerging young leaders initiative is designed to ensure excellence by encouraging high scholastic achievement.

This innovative concept will help teens develop life skills to ensure a successful future.

Today’s teens can never be what they ought to be without organizations like Zeta Delta Omega Sorority coordinating networks to serve as a launching pad to acknowledge concerns and offer solutions.

It is imperative leadership development concepts are taught early to our youth so that they can successfully navigate life’s challenges.

Further, these traits will be instrumental as teens participate in rendering services to their community.

Displaced young people are struggling to survive in a society plagued with crisis reaching epic proportions. It is imperative positive reinforcement resources, such as teen summits, are available to protect them from negative influences, including, but not limited to: gangs, absence of role models, personal trauma/suicides, exposure to violence and chaos, cyberspace/texting, unintended pregnancies, drugs or alcohol, a breakdown of social and cultural systems, disruption of school and friendship, obesity, bullying and racial gaps in schools due to increased dropout rates.

Teen summits create an environment for teens to articulate their concerns to listening ears and compassionate hearts. Although the challenges are vast, collaboration is a necessary component needed to activate systematic change.

Key players from the community will be part of the network system we intend to implement.

Whereas we know we cannot solve all of the problems, we can start here.

We invite all teens in the Miss-Lou to attend. We are encouraging everyone from the community to come armed with ideas and support for our youth.

Martha Griffin is vice president of the Zeta Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.