Building Our Community From the Youth Up PROJECT CORNERSTONE October 1, 2009

What is Project Cornerstone? Project Cornerstone is a catalyst for change in Santa Clara County by providing training and technical assistance to community partners. Our mission is to build a community where adults support all children to thrive. We use a research-based developmental asset model to promote healthy kids and a healthy community.

Our Santa Clara County Movement Project Cornerstone’s community partners number 400 and include schools, city and county governments, non-profit organizations, private businesses, youth groups, parent groups, faith-based organizations and philanthropies. Today, our work is directly impacting 40,000 youth and adults every month.

Developmental Assets are… …the experiences, values, relationships, opportunities and competencies that all children and youth need to succeed. Assets are the essential building blocks of healthy child & youth development.

The Assets Approach: Making the Shift Shift From…  Focus on problems  Youth as recipients  Assign Blame  Rely primarily on professionals  Short-term interventions  Despair To…  Focus on strengths  Youth as resources  Claim Responsibility  Everyone has a role  Long-term support  Hope

The Power of Assets to Protect

The Power of Assets to Promote

Assets Decline as Children Get Older

Asset Building Results in … … the accumulation of thousands of interactions in which children and youth are valued, respected and known.

Palo Alto Recreation - 41 Developmental Assets Provides a Common Language It’s Simple It’s Effective

Programs and Activities that Intentionally Build Assets Assets - Community Values Youth, Positive View of Personal Future Leadership Groups, Youth Leadership Recognition Night, Teen Center Evaluations Assets - Positive Cultural Identity, Self-Esteem, Positive Family Communication, Activity - International Week and Potluck, Girl’s Night, Boy’s Night, Member of the Month Assets - Positive Peer Influence, School Engagement, Reading for Pleasure Activity - Homework Computer Lab, Peer Tutoring, Library Collaborations, Text Book Drive Assets - Family Support, Positive Family Communication, Parent Involvement, Family Movie Night, Family Fun Night, What’s for Dinner BBQ, New Year’s Festival

Developmental Assets As A Framework Examples from Palo Alto Family YMCA: Adult Engagement Model – highlighting 10 assets during 10 weeks of summer camp focused on teaching through adults. Swim club – example of a program that incorporates Developmental Assets as a framework while maintaining program continuity.

Community Asset Initiatives Examples: Los Gatos has launched a community initiative that combines the efforts of the schools with youth serving organizations, service clubs, faith organizations and businesses. Morgan Hill intentionally connects the youth development activities of the City Parks and Recreation department with the YMCA.

We must be the change we want to see in the world. - Gandhi