40 Developmental Assets
Assets are defined as the 40 key building blocks that are critical for young people's successful growth and development. The chart below outlines both internal and external assets:
External Assets - These come from outside teens - from us, other people, institutions, etc. They surround teens with support, boundaries, and structure they need to thrive.
Internal Assets - These are the commitments, attitudes, values and skills that support youth from within.
External Assets
Support
1. Family support-Family life provides high levels of love and support.
2. Positive family communication-Young person and her or his parent(s) communicate positively, and young person is willing to seek parent(s) advice and counsel.
3. Other adult relationships-Young person receives support from three or more non-parent adults.
4. Caring neighborhood-Young person experiences caring neighbors.
5. Caring school climate-School provides a caring, encouraging environment.
6. Parent involvement in schooling-Parent(s) are actively involved in helping young person succeed in school.
Empowerment
7. Community values youth-Young person perceives that adults in the community value youth.
8. Youth as resources-Young people are given useful roles in the community.
9. Service to others-Young person serves in the community one hour or more per week.
10. Safety-Young person feels safe at home, school, and in the neighborhood.
Boundaries and Expectations
11. Family boundaries-Family has clear rules and consequences, and monitors the young person’s whereabouts.
12. School boundaries-School provides clear rules and consequences.
13. Neighborhood boundaries-Neighbors take responsibility for monitoring young people’s behavior.
14. Adult role models-Parent(s) and other adults model positive, responsible behavior.
15. Positive peer influence-Young person’s best friends model responsible behavior.
16. High expectations-Both parent(s) and teachers encourage the young person to do well.
Constructive Use of Time
17. Creative activities-Young person spends three or more hours per week in lessons or practice in music, theatre, or other arts.
18. Youth programs-Young person spends three or more hours per week in sports, clubs, or organizations at school and or in community organizations.
19. Religious community-Young person spends one or more hours per week in activities in a religious institution.
20. Time at home-Young person is out with friends with nothing special to do two or fewer night per week.
Internal Assets
Commitment to Learning
21. Achievement motivation-Young person is motivated to do well in school.
22. School engagement-Young person is actively engaged in learning.
23. Homework-Young person reports doing at least one hour of homework every school day.
24. Bonding to school-Young person cares about his or her school.
25. Reading for pleasure-Young person reads for pleasure three or more hours per week.
Positive Values
26. Caring-Young person places high value on helping other people.
27. Equality and social justice-Young person places high value on promoting equality and reducing hunger and poverty.
28. Integrity-Young person acts on convictions and stands up for her or his beliefs.
29. Honesty-Young person tells the truth even when it is not easy.
30. Responsibility-Young person accepts and takes personal responsibility.
31. Restraint-Young person believes it is important not to be sexually active or to use alcohol or other drugs.
Social Competencies
32. Planning and decision-making-Young person knows how to plan ahead and make choices.
33. Interpersonal competence-Young person has empathy, sensitivity, and friendship skills.
34. Cultural competence-Young person has knowledge of and comfort with people of different cultural/racial/ethnic backgrounds.
35. Resistance skills-Young person can resist negative peer pressure and dangerous situations.
36. Peaceful conflict resolution-Young person seeks to resolve conflict non-violently.
Positive Identity
37. Personal power-Young person feels he or she has control over “things that happen to me”.
38. Self-esteem-Young person reports having a high self-esteem.
39. Sense of purpose-Young person reports that “my life has a purpose”.
40. Positive view of personal future-Young person is optimistic about her or his personal future.
The Challenge
KIDS NEED MORE ASSETS
While there is no "magic number" of assets young people should have, the data
indicates 31 is a worthy, though challenging, benchmark for experiencing their
positive impact the most. Yet, as this chart shows,
only 9 percent of youth have31 or more assets.
More then half have 20 or fewer assets.The good news is that assets are powerful and that everyone can build them. The
challenge for all of us is that most young people aren’t experiencing enough of
them.
The Gap in Assets Among Youth
OVER 56% OF YOUTH EXPERIENCE LESS THAN 20 ASSETS
The
Power Of One
Helping young people get the need is like exercising
your right to vote: It's important, it's powerful, it can be done after a lot of
deliberation or on the spot, it's relatively easy, and its your power - no one
can do it for you. Asset building is like voting in another important way: Not
enough people do it! Studies show that while the majority of Americans say they
believe it's a good idea to contribute to the healthy development of young
people, very few actually take action.
Fortunately, unlike voting, you can build assets every day, everywhere, as many
times as you want . Once you start looking, you'll find plenty of opportunities
that fit your time, energy, resources, commitment, and comfort level. You'll
probably surprise yourself by coming up with some unique ideas that fit your
personality and lifestyle. Here are some examples, from simple and
straightforward to challenging and complex. Some will work best for youth, some
for adults. Most though can be modified or adapted by anyone!
In the Home
Anyone
* Contact local media to encourage positive coverage of children and youth.
* Check out organizations that serve youth in your community and make a donation (whatever amount you are comfortable with) to one or more of them.
Youth
* Post the 40 developmental assets where you live. Choose different assets each day and focus on ways to help build it for and with friends or siblings.
* Talk about the 40 developmental assets with your family. Which assets do family members think are the strongest in your family?
* If you have friends over, be sure to introduce them to your parents or guardians
Adults
* If you entertain friends in your home, pick a time to include their children.
* Offer to help your children with their homework.
* Send a friendly note to a young relative or friend, just to say "you were on my mind."
In the Neighborhood
Anyone
* Learn the manes of your neighbors of all ages.
* Treat all neighbors with respect and courtesy; expect them to treat you the same way.
* Start or join a neighborhood watch or block club.
Youth
* Ask a parent or guard to introduce you to neighbors you don't know.
* Discuss with other young people in your neighborhood what's good about where you live. Also talk about ways you could improve the neighborhood.
* Volunteer to help a neighbor with babysitting or chores around her or his house (such as yard work, pet care, or cleaning).
Adults
* Take time just to hang out with the young people on your block or in your building.
* Offer to help a young neighbor with a project or task (such as building or repairing something or a tough homework assignment).
* Let neighborhood youth know when their behavior is inappropriate or out-of-bounds .
Other Asset Building Ideas for Youth
* Participate in at least on club, group, team, or sport, or find something creative that appeals to you, like acting or music
* Replace put downs with affirmations
* Write a note to or call one of the main asset builders in your life. Thank her or him for making a difference in your life
* Go out of your way to greet your neighbors
* Volunteer at a local nursing home, community center, or animal hospital
* Start a book club with friends and read just for fun
* Identify something each family member is good at and learn from them. If your sister at geography, turn to her when you’re reading a map or needing help with a geography assignment. If your dad is a whiz at math, seek him out for making a savings plan or for assistance with a math problem
* Even if your family provides a warm, caring, supportive place to grow, also seek support through adults in your school, community organizations, or congregation.
* Seek out members and healthy role models
* Get involved in the community through volunteering
* Let your friends know that you are available when they need someone to talk to. If they need it, help them get additional assistance from a counselor, social worker, parent, or other adult.
Safe and Drug-Free Schools
PO Box 9069
Bradenton, Florida 34206
Phone (941) 751-6550 ext.2270