• Groups with diverse backgrounds are more dynamic and effective.

• Different backgrounds, cultures, ideas and thought processes lead to creative ideas.

• They can produce successful ideas and solutions which will lead to a better world.

Introduce diversity into your youth groups.

Recruit participants from a variety of backgrounds, ages and cultures.

It makes them more dynamic and effective,

There is a TED Talk entitled ‘Where Good Ideas Come From.’

In this talk, Steven Johnson notes the positive results when diverse groups of people meet and share ideas. This approach has created an amazing number of innovations.

New ideas are born when a diverse group of people collaborates.

Some of the diversity which I have seen are youth groups with varying ages, cultures and gender.
I have seen group members spanning from 6 to 16 years of age. Often this is a result of younger siblings joining their older sisters and brothers. This can create interesting and positive dynamics.

Children from immigrant families also bring a different perspective.

Homeschooled youth joining with those attending public school add to the mix.

Debate is important as it challenges standard ideas. Diversity in thought, lifestyles and backgrounds create varying opinions. This leads to more thorough and thoughtful development of ideas.

Please note that diversity can delay the development of trust and delay team bonding. Trust and bonding is required to enable free discussion, debate and even argument. However, it is worthwhile to overcome these challenges. The results are worth it.

Different backgrounds, cultures, ideas and thought processes lead to creative ideas in all types of organizations.

Steven Johnson tells us about how the Global Positioning System (GPS) was developed. It is an example of the collaboration of people with differing backgrounds.

If you wish to view Steven Johnson’s TED Talk you can view it below:

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Our world is currently facing many changes and challenges.

Groups of youth from a variety of backgrounds can find innovative approaches. This can lead to new successful ideas and solutions.

This will only lead to a better world.

Please share your ideas on how we can assist our youth by creating and encouraging diverse groups.