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Be An Asset Builder

The Search Institute has identified 40 positive experiences and qualities that help youth grow up healthy, caring and responsible. They are:

Support-
1. Family Support
2. Positive Family Communications
3. Other Adult Relationships
4. Caring Neighborhood
5. Caring School Climate
6. Parent Involvement in Schooling

Empowerment-
7. Community Values Youth
8. Youth as Resources
9. Service to Others
10. Safety

Boundaries and Expectations-
11. Family Boundaries
12. School Boundaries
13. Neighborhood Boundaries
14. Adult Role Models
15. Positive Peer Influence
16. High Expectations

Constructive Use of Time-
17. Creative Activities
18. Youth Programs
19. Religious Community
20. Time at Home

Commitment to Learning-
21. Achievement Motivation
22. School Engagement
23. Homework
24. Bonding to School
25. Reading for Pleasure

Positive Values-
26. Caring
27. Equality and Social Justice
28. Integrity
29. Honesty
30. Responsibility
31. Restraint

Social Competencies-
32. Planning and Decision Making
33. Interpersonal Competence
34. Cultural Competence
35. Resistance Skills
36. Peaceful Conflict Resolution

Positive Identity-
37. Personal Power
38. Self-esteem
39. Sense of Purpose
40. Positive View of Personal Future

For more information on developing these assets please call us at 410-632-0056.

We can all be Asset Builders

Anyone can become an asset builder including parents, non-parents, youth workers, neighbors, teachers, bus drivers, adults, youths, elders, and those who are outgoing, quiet, wealthy or just getting by. Asset builders can also include city people, small town residents, and farm families. Developing assets can provide a positive experience in the lives of young people in your community.

Some characteristics of an asset builder:
• Honest
• Responsible
• Self aware
• Trustworthy
• Reliable
• Willing to share assets with youth in your community
• Supportive
• Active listener
• Caring

How do you behave like an asset builder?
• Build relationships with youth and children by simply saying hello, wave, or ask a simple question.
• Believe in and take good care of yourself.
• Look for and acknowledge the good in others.
• Encourage young people to focus on future goals and success.
• Attend events for youths such as sport events, concerts, poetry readings, and plays.
• Be a role model by demonstrating kindness, good citizenship, lifelong learning, and self-restraint.
• Have meaningful conversations with youths about personal values, beliefs, decision-making and cultural differences.

If you have any questions about assets please call 410-632-0056. The Developmental Assets were developed by the Search Institute based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota.