External Assets
The first 20 developmental assets focus on positive experiences that young
people receive from the people and institutions in their lives. Four
categories of external assets are included in the framework:
- Support-Young people need to experience support, care, and
love from their families, neighbors, and many others. They need
organizations and institutions that provide positive, supportive
environments.
- Empowerment-Young people need to be valued by their community
and have opportunities to contribute to others. For this to occur,
they must be safe and feel secure.
- Boundaries and expectations-Young people need to know what is
expected of them and whether activities and behaviors are "in
bounds" and "out of bounds."
- Constructive use of time-Young people need constructive,
enriching opportunities for growth through creative activities, youth
programs, congregational involvement, and quality time at home.
Internal Assets
A community's responsibility for its young does not end with the provision
of external assets. There needs to be a similar commitment to nurturing
the internal qualities that guide choices and create a sense of
centeredness, purpose, and focus. Indeed, shaping internal dispositions
that encourage wise, responsible, and compassionate judgments is
particularly important in a society that prizes individualism. Four
categories of internal assets are included in the framework:
- Commitment to learning-Young people need to develop a
lifelong commitment to education and learning.
- Positive values-Youth need to develop strong values that
guide their choices.
- Social competencies-Young people need skills and competencies
that equip them to make positive choices, to build relationships, and
to succeed in life.
- Positive identity-Young people need a strong sense of their
own power, purpose, worth, and promise.
For more information visit the Search Institute Website: www.searchinstitute.org
|