Growing our greatest assets: kids
How you and your YMCA can empower youth
Studies by Search Institute show that young people need a sufficient number of "Developmental Assets" to grow up to be healthy, caring, and competent adults. Assets include healthy relationships with adults, engagement in service to others, creative activities, honesty, peaceful conflict resolution skills, self-esteem, and more. YMCAs and Search Institute pledge to surround more young people with abundant assets in their YMCAs, in their families, and in the constellation of "small communities" they encounter every day. The goal is for every young person to experience:
- meaningful daily relationships with caring adults;
- programs and activities that stimulate positive growth and development;
- a set of values for living, and clear expectations and boundaries; and
- opportunities to be of service to others while playing a meaningful role in community life.
By making a deeper commitment to bring out the best in young people and families, YMCAs aim to create stronger, healthier communities where everyone has a voice and everyone's contribution is important.
For information on how your YMCA promotes asset development and how you can help, talk to a staff member or volunteer who works with youth. For more information on the Abundant Assets Alliance, a collaboration of YMCA of the USA, YMCA Canada, and Search Institute, go to http://www.abundantassets.org.
DID YOU KNOW?
Developmental Assets are the 40 building blocks that kids need to grow up to be healthy, caring, and competent adults.
- Asset No. 8 is a useful role in the community. YMCAs regard children and youth as resources and encourage them to be responsible leaders in all of their activities.
- Asset No. 21 is the motivation for and expectation of achievement. YMCAs offer a variety of programs, making it easy for kids to find something that suits their specific interests and talents, increasing the likelihood that they will be able to feel a sense of accomplishment.
- Asset No. 32 is the opportunity to plan and make decisions. Many YMCAs offer adolescent leadership programs, such as Leaders Clubs, Hi-Y, YMCA Black Achievers, and YMCA Earth Service Corps.