Jenny Jolly, Search Institute Online Content Editor
Let me begin by introducing myself as an asset-building rookie. That’s right—I’m a two-week-old member of the Minneapolis Search Institute family, and before yesterday, assets and asset building were abstract notions that I only really understood on the surface. I was still lacking a real, meaningful — or more accurately — personal connection with the concept. So like any good organization dedicated to the proper training of its employees, Search Institute sent me to a type of “summer asset camp,” a place where I could go to make sense of it all. So, what is “summer asset camp,” exactly?
Each summer, Search Institute hosts a training of trainers (TOT) here in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This training is a place where educators and adults who are passionate about reaching children can convene for an intensive crash course in asset building. I was fortunate enough to attend one of the most popular asset training sessions, Building Developmental Assets in School Communities, led by Search Institute asset-building expert and trainer extraordinaire, Chris Beyer. Now this particular training was designed to aid educators and school administrators, but as a training participant not employed in the field of education, I found the dynamic to be interesting, simply because I had the opportunity to talk to and learn from a group of people I probably never would have interacted with otherwise. The environment was collaborative, supportive, and empowering, and as we worked together to learn about the principles of asset building, we worked together toward a greater understanding of what lies at the core of this research-based approach to connecting with the kids around us. If I were asked to describe what the experience meant for me in one sentence I’d say, “It really put the notion of asset-building into perspective.” I learned that when it comes to asset-building, it doesn’t really matter who you are—English speaking or not—because anyone can do it. Knowing and believing that this idea is true, should be motivation enough for anyone to become a catalyst for change. Sometimes, all it may take is a bit of creative thinking.
One story that stuck with me was about an educator from Colorado Springs, Colorado, who came up with a brilliant idea for getting parents involved in their kids’ education. Because the particular school where this educator taught was overwhelmed with low-income families, she came up with the idea to install a washer and dryer in the basement of her school. She then invited all parents to come do their laundry in the school’s basement in exchange for one hour of volunteer time in the classroom per laundry visit. The parent response was stunningly high, and what an innovative way to get parents into the classroom, engaging with their own kids! Every educator out there is capable of thinking progressively, the way she did, in order to reach those who are most vulnerable.
Although language differences may make it more challenging for you to reach parents, it is absolutely worth the effort. Consider these words of wisdom that I picked up in the training: If parents are their child’s first asset builders, it makes our job easier. If parents are not their child’s first asset builders, it makes our job more important. When I think back to my personal upbringing, some of the asset builders who come to mind weren’t native English speakers. My great aunt, a Spanish speaker, sparked my interest for the arts; my great grandmother, a Spanish speaker, celebrated everything with me—including me! If your students have asset-building adult influences in their lives then your job will be much easier. As you strive to overcome language barriers, remember that we are all allies in the grand scheme of asset building.
