40 Developmental Assets Search Institute

Common Interests Common Interests  We care about young people  We’re concerned about their well being  Sometimes aren’t sure what to do

A Positive Approach… Developmental Assets  Represents common wisdom  Based on research conducted by Search Institute

Provides A Framework Who can we add to the connections?

Requires Two Shifts First Shift From fixing young people’s problems to Promoting young people’s strengths

Two Shifts Second Shift Beyond programs to Relationships

A New View A New View From… Young people’s problems Professional’s work Young people absorbing resources Troubled young people To… Young people’s strengths Everyone’s work Young people as resources All young people

Asset Building moves us… Asset Building moves us… From… From… Problem focus ReactiveBlaming Crisis management CompetitionDespair To… To… Positive focus Proactive behavior Claiming responsibility Vision building Cooperation Hope

Developmental Assets Eight types of assets in two categories:  External assets  Internal assets

External Assets  Support  Empowerment  Boundaries & Expectations  Constructive Use of Time Those assets that young people can get from outside sources, like friends, family, school, and organizations in the community

Internal Assets  Commitment to Learning  Positive Values  Social Competencies  Positive Identity Those competencies and values that young people learn and internalize on their way to becoming responsible and healthy adults

Thinking about the young people you know…  What assets do you believe are strongest ?  What assets are most lacking?  What are the average number of assets among young people?

The Power to Protect

The Realities for Youth

6 Asset Based Principles 1.Strengths more than risks 2.Relationships more than programs 3.All adults and youth, not just professionals and parents

6 Asset Based Principles 4.Engagement more than services 5.Unleashing, not controlling or directing 6.Long term, not a quick fix

What About You?  How does your community already build assets?  What ideas do you have for asset building in your community?

Imagine 10 years from now… A generation from now…  What do you, as an individual, plan to do to support young people?  What would you like your community to do?

What ASAP wants  We want local leaders to help connect the dots  Share your energy and enthusiasm  Support/participate in planning and hosting local asset building initiatives

Regional Resources  ASAP Center  Asset Builders Alliance  Indiana Youth Institute  Kentucky Child Now  Ohio Resource Network (ORN)

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