Individuals Taking Action
The Power of Caring Individuals
Getting Started
Virtually every major social movement in this nation has begun with individuals (or groups of individuals) making a personal commitment to addressing a need or a cause in their own lives, in their community, or in the world. Building young people's foundation of assets is no different.
No matter how much money is spent, how many elaborate programs are initiated, how many laws are passed, or how many professionals are hired, the experiences of young people will not fundamentally change unless individuals-parents, youth, neighbors, friends, grandparents, and others-take personal responsibility to contribute to the healthy development of children and adolescents in their community.
The Power of Caring Individuals (Back to Top)
When researchers ask people why they don't get more involved in the lives of children and adolescents in their community, many say that they feel overwhelmed and immobilized by the portrayal of young people's problems. They feel inadequate to address the serious and life-threatening issues that dominate headlines. So they defer to professionals. While there certainly are concerns that demand professional attention, one of the greatest needs of young people is ongoing relationships with caring, principled people. They need people who are trusting and trustworthy, who can model positive choices, who can offer guidance and encouragement, and who will be there for them through the ups and downs. Such relationships are too rare for too many youth. For example, a recent study of youth in Minneapolis found that only 29 percent of youth experience caring neighbors, and only 39 percent of youth say their neighbors take responsibility for monitoring their behavior.
Formal mentoring programs certainly play an important role in providing young people with these kinds of relationships. Yet it is even more important to nurture these relationships in everyday life.
Getting Started (Back to Top)
Asset-building action can begin with small changes in attitude and actions. Here are some ways you can get started in your community:
View youth and youth issues through an asset-building lens. Whether you're reading the newspaper or talking with friends, interpret youth issues not by the problems, but by identifying strengths you can help build or opportunities you can offer.
Show young people you care. Most young people in the United States feel ignored by adults. And, when you ask them, many adults admit being afraid of youth. In Bemidji, a community in Northern Minnesota, adults made a pact simply to start smiling at teenagers when they see them on the street. Residents see it as a first step in breaking down suspicions and rebuilding trust.
Build sustained relationships with youth. A critical need of young people is to have lasting relationships with caring and responsible adults outside their families. Identify two or three young people with whom you would like to develop a lasting relationship. You may know them through your extended family, social networks, or neighborhood. Or link with a young person through a formal mentoring program.
Rebuild connections and commitments in your neighborhood. Get to know your neighbors, including their children. Organize informal get-togethers. Encourage people to watch out for kids. If your neighborhood has an organized association, identify creative ways to use this network to build assets.
Get involved in youth-serving programs. Programs through schools, community organizations, and congregations are important resources for youth. Yet many programs struggle with inadequate resources. Volunteering in and donating to these programs strengthens their ability to build assets in youth.
Influence organizations and networks. Share your perspectives with friends who get together informally to watch football or play cards. Or encourage a corporation or organization to contribute some of its philanthropic resources to asset building. After hearing about asset building. After hearing about asset building Carl Zinn, a businessman in Minnetonka, Minnesota, challenged himself to enlist fellow Rotarians to work with the YMCA as trained mentors for local youth. He has been instrumental in getting 15 fellow club members to become mentors.
Advocate on behalf of youth. Attend a neighborhood meeting to encourage a proactive approach to addressing the needs of young people. Speak out about concerns about young people. Meet with or write to public officials to support legislation that can contribute to asset building.
Asset Building in Action: Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton
Asset Building in Action: Leander Morgan
* Source: http://www.search-institute.org/archives/hchy/7c.htm
5 Things Adults Can Do to Build Assets
- Look at and greet every child or adolescent you see.
- Have a five-minute conversation with a child or adolescent about her or his interests.
- Send a "thinking of you" or birthday card, letter, or e-mail message to a child or adolescent.
- Invite a young person to do something you enjoy doing together (play a game, go to a park, go to a movie, etc.).
- Have an open-door policy in your neighborhood so kids feel welcome in your home for refreshments, conversation, or just hanging out.
Copyright (c) 1995 by Search Institute. This article may be printed for personal use only. Other uses require prior permission from Search Institute, 1-800-888-7828. All rights reserved.
* Source: http://www.search-institute.org/archives/hchy/7d.htm
5 Things Young People Can Do to Build Assets
- Take advantage of interesting and challenging opportunities through youth programs, co-curricular activities, and congregational youth programs.
- Post the 40 developmental assets in your room or your locker and disucss them with friends and family.
- Talk with peers and adults about boundaries, expectations, and values. Commit to supporting each other in the ones you share.
- Get to know an adult you admire.
- Find chances to build relationships with younger children through service projects, volunteering, tutoring, baby-sitting, and other opportunities.
Copyright (c) 1998 by Search Institute. This article may be printed for personal use only. Other uses require prior permission from Search Institute, 800-888-7828. All rights reserved.