What I've found over the years is that problems -- and solutions -- often look quite different on the periphery. For those of us at the "center" of society, the problems on the periphery can appear smaller because we are physically or psychologically removed from the fallout.

What is needed is a new and fresh vision for change from our nation's leaders -- at all levels. And child advocates across this country must redouble their efforts to demand change and progress at the local, state, and national levels.

Youth serving organizations across the country don't have youth on their boards. They need to see the benefits and start bringing youth on board.

I was honored to speak at the international conference of 100 Black Men of America, where this year's focus was on the topic of mentorship. This got me thinking about the skyrocketing high school dropout rate amongst our kids.