A first step in introducing asset building in a new culture or country would be to dialogue with local leaders and young people who you believe may see asset building as a beneficial approach, if grounded in the local context. These leaders may be young people, policy leaders, physicians, community organizers, religious leaders, or others. In some cases, U.S. citizens who work cross-culturally have also played this role.
These initial conversations typically explore a variety of issues, including the following:
- What aspects of asset building seem to resonate (and why)?
- What issues and challenges must be addressed to make the approach more relevant and appropriate?
- How might the framework of Developmental Assets need to be framed, explained, or adapted in order to be relevant and culturally appropriate?
- In what ways will young people be actively involved in the process and planning as leaders and contributors? What other populations must be intentionally included to be effective within a particular context?
- How broad or targeted will the effort be? Is there a desire (and readiness) to move forward at a national, regional, or local level? What sectors (private, public, nongovernmental organizations, health care/public health, primary and secondary education, universities, faith-based systems, etc.) are envisioned to be involved?
While these conversations are underway, we encourage asset champions to begin conversations with other leaders and activists in their setting and other relevant contexts who may be allies, collaborators, and resources in exploring asset building. They often find it helpful to participate in a listserv of international asset builders or attend Search Institute’s annual conference to network with other asset builders, including a growing number from outside North America.
