Introduction
Search Institute seeks to support opportunities to introduce its innovations in human development in cultures and countries outside of North America. And we seek to do so in ways that recognize both the common humanity of all people and the uniqueness of each context. We also seek to ensure that our research, processes, frameworks, and tools are introduced in ways that allow for co-learning, appropriate adaptation, and reinterpretation in other cultures and contexts. The information in this section of the Web site is designed to facilitate dialogue and exploration.
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Developmental Assets
Since its introduction in 1990, Search Institute’s framework of Developmental Assets and its approach to community and social change has been grounded in the cultures and communities of the United States. In recent years, a number of youth advocates in other countries and international organizations have begun exploring how Search Institute’s work may be a resource in their efforts to promote healthy children, youth, and communities. We welcome these co-learners in the asset-building movement and seek opportunities to link with, support, and learn from these efforts.
Introducing Developmental Assets to New Countries and Cultures
Search Institute has prepared the following guidelines and suggestions for allies to who seek to introduce asset building to cultures and countries outside of North America. We offer these as starting points for dialogue and seek to learn from others as they explore these and other approaches.
- Learn from Asset-Building Initiatives Outside of North America* Hold local informal conversations
- Attend Search Institute’s annual Healthy Communities • Healthy Youth Conference, where a growing number of representatives from countries outside of the United States network and learn from each other.
- Connect with other international asset builders
- Begin formal exploration of asset building in your specific context
- Establish a formal relationship
Translations of the Developmental Assets
Many communities have taken the time to translate our 40 Developmental Assets list into their primary languages. Although these translations have not been formally approved or reviewed for accuracy by Search Institute, we believe they have potential benefit for others. Click here to see the languages into which the assets have been translated.
Child Rights and Developmental Assets
The 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child provides a useful starting point for international dialogue about asset building in international contexts as it calls on everyone in society to “build a world fit for children.”
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Spiritual Development
Search Institute’s research on spiritual development is the first Search Institute research agenda that has been launched with a global context in mind from the beginning. We are collecting data on spiritual development in 17 different nations, and we have advisors guiding the work from 19 different nations. Learn more about this emerging work at the Web site of Search Institute’s Center for Spiritual Development in Childhood and Adolescence.
