The GivEm 40 Coalition is an ever-expanding group of people working to help all kids succeed in Northwest Michigan. But GivEm 40 is much more than an organization - it's an opportunity and an obligation. GivEm 40 is a mission to make every child feel like a star. When we say GivEm 40, we mean literally "give our youth the 40 things they need to succeed." Those vital assets are the relationships, experiences, values and opportunities that shape each child's development. Youth thrive when they have positive things like self-esteem, adults who encourage them, hobbies for self-expression and safe and caring schools. Sadly, without these assets, youth tend to make bad decisions. Sometimes they even make headlines - with acts of violence, suicide and drug use. The folks in Northwest Michigan who pledge to GivEm 40 include individuals - like neighbors, parents and relatives - and large organizations like schools, community groups, businesses, law enforcement and the media. Together we're changing the way the community perceives raising kids. All youth need our support - not just "some kids" or "kids at risk." Helping youth succeed is everyone's responsibility. We can all make a positive difference. We can all "GivEm 40!" We   GivEm 40! when we make kids part of our personal lives daily - getting to know the neighborhood kids better, taking our nephew fishing, finding a way to make daily family dinners possible, etc. We   GivEm 40! when we make healthy kids our community priority. With innovation, cooperation and lots of hard work, the GivEm 40 Coalition has sparked effective new ways to make a positive difference on youth. Mentoring programs have sprung up in schools. Youth projects get priority funding. Districts are working to make schools more caring places. Businesses are offering youth internships. Teens have a voice in the decision making about public recreation projects, and much, much more.