Dear Annie: Young people are ready, willing and able to tackle the world’s most difficult challenges, and yet are vastly underrepresented as active citizens, decision-makers and problem solvers. We know that young people are uniquely suited to help solve problems if given the opportunity.

1. Fifty percent of the world’s population is under age 25.

2. Brain research tells us that young people are uniquely suited to solve problems if given the opportunity. They are wired for novelty (learning new things and creating new solutions), risk (trying things adults might not) and peer authority (kids listen to other kids more than they do to adults).

3. Youth who are engaged as active community members are more likely to grow up to volunteer, vote and donate to charitable causes.

4. Today’s social and environmental problems are immense; we need youth to be leaders and problem solvers today, not just the leaders of a distant tomorrow.

Please let your readers know about Global Youth Service Day, April 17-19. During this three-day event, held in the U.S. and around the world, we are asking that young people raise their voices, claim their place on our GYSD map and tell their story. Together with their parents, teachers and friends, young people will begin their story of service and address unmet community needs. This event spotlights what youth are doing to make a difference. When given the opportunity, young people are great assets and resources to their communities, providing unique perspectives and skills.

For more information, readers can visit www.ysa.org and www.gysd.org. You can also find us on social media at @YouthService on Twitter and YouthServiceAmerica on Facebook. Sincerely

— Steven A. Culbertson, president and CEO, Youth Service America

Dear Steven Culbertson: Thank you for once again allowing us to mention Global Youth Service Day. Young people all over the world do such wonderful and helpful volunteer work, not only on this day, but every day of the year. Global Youth Service Day provides more opportunities for everyone to get involved. We hope all of our readers, young and old, teachers and students, will check out your website.

————

Dear Annie: “C.B. in New Hampshire” said people should write down their plans for their own funerals and not leave family members guessing. When my husband passed away, I was fortunate that our insurance covered his expenses. I didn’t want my daughters to worry about me when my time comes. I had a CD that would cover my expenses. We went to the funeral home, and the director called the bank and had the CD turned over to an irreversible trust fund. It will accrue interest, and after all expenses are paid, any money left over will go to my daughters. Additionally, all of the decisions are made, from the vault to the obituary.

For anyone who can pre-plan and pre-pay for their funeral, it’s a great idea. My girls said it was the best present I ever gave them.

— Planning Ahead

Dear Planning: Such pre-arranged plans give children peace of mind. We wish more people would be willing to address this issue ahead of time.

————

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Email your questions to [email protected], or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. To find out more about Annie’s Mailbox and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

— Creators Syndicate Inc.