March 2013 Featured Article

Three Ways to Refocus Your Asset Approach this Spring Break!

For many schools and youth programs across the country, spring break is either happening now or it's on the horizon. Taking a break from the classroom doesn’t necessarily mean the planning, grading, or learning stops. Whether you're catching up on sleep or catching up on work, we invite you to take advantage of your "extra" time this spring break to refocus your approach to building Developmental Assets in your classroom, home, or community.

Here are three ways you can renew your commitment to asset-building over your spring break:

1. Remember: Asset-building is fun! Our research shows that higher levels of Developmental Assets are critical to positive youth outcomes, so it's common for caring adults to solely focus on the number of Developmental Assets youth are experiencing. While this is important, it's also important to remember that asset building is a community-wide effort. There are many quick, simple, and fun ways that individual caring adults can put Developmental Assets into action right away. “It's not about how much you do, but how much love you put into what you do that counts.” -- Mother Teresa (1910-1997)

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2. Keep surrounding yourself with inspirational people and resources. Remember: Adults need mentors too! Make sure you are continuously learning from those who inspire you to make a difference for kids. Get inspirational resources here.

3. Keep listening to your "Youth Voice." It's common to observe and speculate about what adults in your school or community are doing (or not doing) to help youth succeed, but remember that it's important to consistently revisit the most powerful and accurate source for this information -- the youth! What does your youth survey data show? Are you finding the right opportunities to engage youth in powerful conversations? What else can you do to keep your finger on the "asset" pulse of your school or community?

Propellers