Over the last two years, we have improved our approach and integrated the 40 Developmental Assets into our programs and initiatives. We are proud to share that with the full support of our city council, community partners, and local youth, we will be implementing the Positive Tickets project in the fall of 2008! Positive Tickets are given to youth at local hangouts, such as skateparks and pizza places, who are spotted doing something positive and are the gateway to a relationship between adults and youth. They were first implemented by Ward Clapham, Superintendent of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in British Columbia, Canada.
In 2007, two of our local asset champions, Margaret Jones and Michael Clifford, traveled to the Search Institute conference and learned about the Positive Tickets concept. When they shared the idea with our coalition, we knew we had to talk to Ward. Speaking with Ward is such a treat and we only wish that everyone could meet him. He is a dynamic, forward-thinking innovator and we were thrilled to learn from him. Ward gave us some pointers and ideas about implementing Positive Tickets and has been instrumental throughout our entire planning process. Thanks, Ward!
As we began developing implementation strategies with our partners, we also began working closely with Portland Community Policing Officers, who continue to be strong allies.
We are so excited that our coalition is fortunate enough to have the opportunity to pilot Positive Tickets in Portland! We will continue to work toward highlighting strengths-based approaches in our great community. We believe that our partnerships for building assets are what make our city great, and we are proud to have the support that we do!
OMOP partners include: youth peer leaders; school officials; community police; substance abuse prevention, intervention and treatment providers; public health officials; local coalitions; housing authority professionals; and community members.
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