Dr. Peter Benson
It almost seems cliché to call Peter Benson, President of Search Institute, a luminary. But it is the image that kept coming to mind upon hearing of his recent death. Luminaries are people of prominence and brilliant achievement, and Peter certainly fit that definition. But I think his life expanded the concept of luminary. He shed light on unexplored paths, illuminated solutions to difficult problems, persevered when the path was dim, and threw light on what many of us cannot see or understand. At Peter’s memorial service yesterday, it was clear that many people viewed him the same way. References to light, sparks, incandescence, and illumination were present in the speakers, prayers, program and the music. Peter truly was a unique and bright light. He always saw clearly all that is good in children and youth and he invited and challenged adults to a play a positive role in young people’s lives. Peter was able to translate his vision; what was crystal-clear to him, to each and every one of us so we could play a role. He was inspiring, funny, genuine, humble, innovative and practical. I heard Peter speak hundreds of times over the past 20 years, and I read many of his books. I was always captivated and referred to his writings often in presentations, reports and casual conversation. Darrell Thompson, Executive Director of Bolder Options and Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota board member, also viewed Peter as an unparalleled leader in the field of youth work. Darrell observed, “Peter was someone many of us respected and looked up to when it came to youth issues in this country. Peter made Bolder Options and hundreds of other mentoring programs stronger and helped all of us create a community of caring adults.”
In his recent book, Parent, Teacher, Mentor, Friend… How Every Adult Can Change Kids Lives Peter quoted the German Theologian, Martin Luther, who observed, “Indeed, for what purpose do we older folks exist, other than to care for, instruct, and bring up the young?” This is a charge Martin Luther gave not just to parents but, in his words, “to every citizen.” Peter expanded on this age old concept in admonishing all of us to “think of raising great kids as so much easier when all adults use their natural abilities to name, know, watch out for, cherish, and support young people.” Peter often noted that young people need multiple caring adults in their lives in order to thrive. In the youth mentoring world, we fed off of his research and joined Peter in his efforts to spread the word about the critical nature of adult and youth relationships. Peter said, “Families function better when adults rally around kids. Schools are more successful when they are embedded in a web of community support. The web is critical and essential. It highlights the power of the Ethiopian proverb: When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.”
The Reverend Gwin Pratt acknowledged at the memorial service that even Peter’s absence is a presence. His light, passion, and spark for positive youth development will carry us forward and continue to expand our thinking. While his physical presence will be missed, he has illuminated a clear path for all of us to follow.
Mai-Anh Kapanke
April Riordan
Joellen Gonder Spacek
Polly Roach
