Why should congregations focus attention on building Developmental Assets with and for children and youth? Here are six reasons:
- Asset building is consistent with the tenets and beliefs of faith communities – People from many faith traditions see the assets as consistent with and connected to their beliefs, sacred writings, and practices.
- Asset building helps young people grow in faith – Research shows that young people who experience more assets are more likely to place a high importance on being religious or spiritual.
- Asset building helps young people make healthy choices – The more assets young people have, the more likely they are to avoid negative behaviors and engage in positive behaviors.
- Asset building fosters a congregation-wide commitment to young people – People of all backgrounds and all generations tend to see asset building as a motivating, hopeful approach for working with children, youth, and families – both within the congregation and in the community.
- Asset building gives congregations a concrete, fresh way to use their gifts – Congregations are in a great position to nurture intergenerational relationships; encourage young people to contribute; provide constructive, enriching activities; support families; and advocate for children, youth, and families in the community.
- Asset building opens opportunities to link with others in the community – Because building assets takes a whole community, an asset-building approach can open doors to new relationships and opportunities for congregations and the broader community.
