01-20-2012 Tristan Love Draws on Mentors for Guidance
Tristan Love is a bright, young leader and a good friend of Search Institute. When Love keynoted at our BigTent Conference back in 2010, he spoke to the power of mentorship,and revealed how his own mentors changed his life. As president of the Student Government Association at Wiley College, Love recently payed tribute to his mentors and spoke to the notion of being a “servant leader”. Read the full article here.
01-17-2012 Actions Speak Louder than Words!
How often do you ask yourself: What does my unintentional body language tell the kids I come in contact with on a daily basis? The following article and video from The Hartford Courant online urges adults to pay attention to their own body language and notice kids’ non-verbal cues. According to Carolyn Finch, a body-language expert from Danbury, “Actions do speak louder than words…When we are open and have our bodies open then our children can enter in.” But when we are distracted by our cellphones or computers, we can very easily shut our kids out.” Read the full article and watch the video here.
01-13-2012 Huffington Post Article Provides Anti-Bullying Action Steps,Highlights ParentFurther as Top Anti-Bullying Resource
In a recent article from Huffington Post Parents,writer, Mary L. Pulido (Executive Director at the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) provides anti-bullying action steps for parents and lists Search Institute’s parenting website, ParentFurther.com as “a great resource for parents for tips to prevent and stop bullying and what to do if your child is bullying others.” Read the full Huffington Post article now! >
01-11-2012 New Journal Article Highlights Social Responsibility in Childhood and Adolescence
In the latest issue of the journal New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development, authors Dr. Laura Wray-Lake, and Search Institute Research Scientist, Dr. Amy K. Syvertsen, explore the issue of social responsibility in childhood and adolescence. The authors argue that parenting adults and youth practitioners can cultivate socially responsible values and actions in young people by modeling pro-social behaviors, communicating messages of compassion and concern for others, and creating opportunities to practice civic skills. See the article abstract here.
01-11-2012 Tips for Creating a Web of Support with Developmental Assets
Joanne St. Martin from the Mayerthorpe Freelancer in Alberta, Canada, recently wrote an article highlighting tips for creating a web of support for adults connecting with kids. Here’s what St. Martin says: “In building this asset there is the power of five—connecting each of our children with five healthy adults, besides parents who will provide love and support. In choosing those adults we should ask (our children) the following questions: 1. Who are the adults who truly care about you? 2. Who are the adults who expect more of you than you expect of yourself? 3. Who are the adults who believe in you more than you believe in yourself? Read the full article >
01-03-2012 January is National Mentoring Month! Dr. Benson’s Tips for All Adults
When Dr. Peter Benson passed away last October, he left behind a powerful legacy of mentoring. We’ve pulled a blog he wrote for us in 2011 from our archives to honor his legacy this National Mentoring Month. Read Dr. Benson’s Ten Tangible Tips for Connecting with Kids >
12-29-2011 BARR Pilot Program Already Showing Signs of Success in one California High School
Back in September of 2010, The U.S. Department of Education’s Investing in Innovation (i3) Fund awarded Search Institute a four-year grant to expand the successful BARR program to more than 7,500 students, in four high schools across the country. Hemet High School in Hemet,California is one of those schools. A recent article from the Press Enterprise online indicates that the program is already showing signs of success in its first year. One parent said of the newly implemented BARR program, “I feel like this is what education is supposed to be.” Read the full story >
12-28-2011Successful BARR Program Garners National Attention
The Twin Cities Star Tribune online recently published a feature on the success of the BARR program, and the progress that is being made as we expand the program to schools in Maine and California. Read the full article >
12-23-2011 Year-End Reflections: What I Learned in 2011
As the end of the year approaches, the ParentFurther team has been reflecting on 2011 and sharing the parenting, work, and life lessons learned (and earned) this year with us. In the spirit of new beginnings and learning from each other, we’d like to share a few of these stories with you. Read ParentFurther Program Manager, Mary Margaret’s lesson in living thankfully and being prepared for life’s “what-ifs” on the ParentFurther blog.Go there now! >
12-14-2011 Holiday Tip for Asset Builders
Caring (Asset #26) – Kids place high value on helping other people.
Tip: Instead of spending money on holiday gifts for each other, identify a family in need. (Ask, at your child’s school, at your community center, and/or at your place of worship.) Then work together as a family to compile a list of gifts and necessities to shop for them. Arrange to have everything delivered anonymously.” to website and social media. Get more tips like this at Search Institute’s parenting website, ParentFurther.com.
12-07-2011 How Parents Can Use Their ‘Assets’ to Fight the Good Fight against Bullying
As the bullying epidemic continues, media waves continue to be flooded with stories of bullying, celebrity-endorsed anti-bullying campaigns, and more anti-bullying programs than we can count. Jonah Mowry’s YouTube video recounting his experience with serious depression (as a result of the years of bullying he has endured from his peers) is the latest viral video to circulate the Internet. Moved by Jonah’s story, ParentFurther.com Editor, Jennifer Jolly, shares an asset-inspired message to help adults create and sustain long-term anti-bullying efforts. Read her op-ed on the ParentFurther blog >
11-23-2011A Special Message from Gene Roehlkepartain, Acting President and CEO, Search Institute
“We at Search Institute are spending a lot of time reflecting on what it means to continue and build on Peter’s legacy. It’s clear to me that the answer to that question is not to try to replicate what he did. Rather, I think Peter would want us to recommit to the vision of a world where all young people are valued and thrive—the vision that motivated us to come to Search Institute in the first place. Then he would ask us each to pay attention to our own sparks, passions, and lives to discover what we might do next that is authentic to who we are as scholars, advocates, family members, colleagues, and citizens in a dynamic and ever-changing world.” —Eugene C. Roehlkepartain, Acting President and CEO, Search Institute
Read all tributes to Peter Benson >
11-03-2011 A Relationship-Building Activity that Really Works!
Check out Search Institute Senior Trainer, Tim Duffey’s November trainer tip, and be sure to download the suggested Rare Birds worksheet to make your next relationship building session really count. Learn more >
10-28-2011 Reminder: 6 Days Until National Thank a Youth Worker Day!
National Thank a Youth Worker Day is Thursday, November 3, 2011. Remember to take a moment to thank the other asset-building adults who are positively impacting the children in our communities. Send a youth worker an e-card >
Learn more about National Youth Worker day, and discover ways you can get involved here.
10-24-2011 Huffington Post Writer: How Developmental Assets, Benson Changed Way Americans View Teens
“For much of the 20th century, scientists spoke of adolescence as a period of inevitable depression and rebellion…Beginning in the late 1980s, a different view began to emerge. It was this: All teens experience some anxiety and conflict, but most are inclined to do what is right particularly if encouraged by adults who focus on youths’ talents rather than their shortcomings.” Read the full story >
10-17-2011 Letter to Massachusetts Newspaper Reveals Poignant Comparison of Dr. Peter Benson to Steve Jobs
In a letter to the Barnstable Patriot on Friday, October 14, Steve Brown of Centerville, MA, writes, “Peter Benson was probably not a household name. Nevertheless, I believe that Benson, the founder of the Search Institute, contributed as much to the wellbeing of America, and Barnstable County, as did Jobs.” Read the full letter >
10-13-2011 Roehlkepartain Named Acting President and CEO of Minneapolis-Based Search Institute
Eugene C. Roehlkepartain, Executive Vice President of Search Institute, has been named Acting President and CEO of the Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization, following the October 2 death of Peter L. Benson, who had served as President and CEO since 1985. Read the full media alert >
10-12-2011 Asset Champions Honored among America’s Promise Top 100 Communities
America’s Promise Alliance has announced its 2011 list of 100 Best Communities for Young People presented by ING. This year, more than 350 communities in all 50 states and Washington, DC, were nominated for the 100 Best competition. Several asset-building communities were announced among the winners in 37 states. Thirty communities recognized are first-time recipients of the honor. Learn more >
10-11-2011 Have a look at the New and Improved Events Calendar!
We’ve been hard at work upgrading our Search Institute Events Calendar. Now it’s easier than ever to find a Search event in your area. With over 20 upcoming events, chances are you can find one or more that will interest you. Or, better yet, schedule your own event through Search Institute Training and Speaking and we will put you on the map. Have a look >
9-29-2011 Introducing I-Time, the easy-to-implement curriculum from our new Building Assets Reducing Risks program.
Create a positive school climate by engaging students and staff in activities that build individual
and group strengths and improve student-to-student and student-to-teacherrelationships. Students and staff participate together in 33 weekly activities built around a variety of engaging topics.
Learn more about bringing i-Time to your classroom.
9-20-2011 National Family Day Raises Awareness around Importance of Family Mealtimes
September 26th marks the 10th anniversary of Family Day: A Day to Eat Dinner With Your Family, launched by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. Vice President of Search Institute,Gene Roehlkepartain says family meals do seem to be a priority for many families. “Parents want to spend more time with their kids. They know it is important and that it matters.” Learn more >
9-15-2011 Clever Acronym Brings New Meaning to “Sparks”
Child development specialist, Dr. Robyn Silverman is known for her no-nonsense yet positive approach to helping young people and their families thrive. In her latest article, “Kiss My Assets: Lighting the S.P.A.R.K. in the Young People We Love”, Dr. Sivlerman highlights easy ways to nurture sparks in young people through the use of a clever, new acronym for S.P.A.R.K. Read the full article >
9-14-2011 New Documentary Highlights Family Strengths
From humorous to uplifting, strong families all share one trait in common. They exemplify the common thread that defines family. What makes a family strong? Learn more from the individual stories told by inspiring families from across the country in the new documentary, Family Strengths: Growing Together co-produced by Twin Cities Public Television, Search Institute,The McKnight Foundation, and ParentFurther. Learn more >
9-7-2011 Spotlight on National Recovery Month: Understanding and Supporting Young Addicts
In recognition of National Recovery Month, Katharine Sadler, author of What Adults Need to Know About Kids and Substance Use, shares her advice for understanding and supporting young addicts. Read more >
9-1-2011 The latest Insights and Evidence is almost here!
Look for new articles in Insights & Evidence, our digital publication that presents the latest research from Search Institute on healthy children, youth, and communities. We will publish several new articles over the next year. Sign up here and we will send it right to your inbox. Already signed up? You’ll get the first issue soon!
9-1-2011 Have a look at the New and Improved Events Calendar
We’ve been hard at work upgrading our Search Institute Events Calendar. Now it’s easier than ever to find a Search event in your area. With over 20 upcoming events, chances are you can find one or more that will interest you. Or, better yet, schedule your own event through Search Institute Training and Speaking and we will put you on the map. Have a look >
08-29-2011 Parents: Are You Prepared for the The Anti-Social Media Revolution?
Recent news stories of violent flash mobs have been flooding the air waves and causing national concern. Social media, with its undeniable benefits, has recently been subverted to become “anti-social” with young people around the country using it as a tool to organize flash mobs that convene to harass or rob innocent passers-by, steal merchandise, or simply cause mayhem. Before leaping to conclusions about a lack of parental involvement, however, it is important to keep things in perspective. ParentFurther blogger, Marie Williams, offers sound advice and a realistic perspective on the situation, and empowers parents of teens to take action, and reduce the likelihood of violent, anti-social behavior. Learn more >
08-17-2011 A Fresh Start to the School Year: Create a Zero Tolerance School Zone
 |
Every student has the right to attend a school in which he or she feels safe. Be proactive now, and take action against bullying with these free, sample handouts from The Right to Be Safe: Putting an End to Bullying Behavior: |
| *Data based on an anonymous sample of 95 middle school students who took the Creating a Great Place to Learn survey (Search Institute, 2010). | |
08-17-2011 Help Parents Make the Most of the Back to School Shopping Season
Whether you are a parent, or work with parents, you might be surprised to learn that back to school time is a great time to talk to young people about money. Each year, Capital One conducts a survey about back to school shopping, and each time, they find that young people want to learn how to manage their money well. Learn More >
08-04-2011 Inspiration and Resources for the Back to School Season
With the new school year quickly arriving, now is a great time to reassess your individual classroom culture and collective ideas about positive school climate, and commit to doing your part to put an end to bullying behavior by creating a positive, safe school environment where students feel valued, and are more likely to succeed. Discover our most recommended back to school resources >
08-03-2011 In Wake of Public School Cheating Scandal, Ethical Education Expert Urges Schools: Lead with Integrity!
David B. Wangaard, Ed.D., executive director of The School for Ethical Education, and co-author of Creating a Culture of Academic Integrity: A Toolkit for Secondary Schools, urges school leadership (administration, teachers, unions, parents, PTAs, and student government) to pursue ethical school cultures, not only to advance the benefits of academic integrity, but to support the historical mission of education. Read the full essay >
07-20-2011 Create a Safe, Asset-Rich Community This National Night Out!
Since its inception 28 years ago, National Night Out (NNO) has become so much more than just a “block party” about safety awareness. It’s still firmly grounded in heightening crime and drug prevention awareness, but it also clearly overlaps with asset-building activities in its goals of strengthening neighborhood spirit while building support and community partnerships with police and anti-crime programs. In the spirit of boosting Developmental Assets this National Night Out, Search Institute Trainer, Deborah Fisher, is sharing her tips for making your local NNO event an asset-rich one. Get tips >
National Night Out is Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011. Find your local National Night Out Event >
07-05-2011 Building Assets Without Borders
Search Institute recently took asset building efforts overseas to Beirut, Lebanon, to participate in a workshop organized by The Center for Research on Population and Health at the American University of Beirut, World Vision, and Save the Children. Read the full story >
07-05-2011 A Workshop Leader’s View: Inspiration from the Hmong National Conference
The annual Hmong National Conference is an opportunity for hundreds of Hmong professionals and students to engage in a collective discussion through business, politics, social service, and education. Search Institute Adjunct Senior Consultant and Facilitator, Shelby Andress, participated as a workshop presenter at this year’s 15th annual conference, which took place this past April in Minneapolis,MN. She led a workshop titled, Developmental Assets: Building Blocks for Youth Competence and Community Connection. Most of the participants were college and graduate school students, using Search Institute resources in their studies on youth development, and the potential bridges between traditional Hmong culture and the new generation. Andress recently shared a retrospective look at her conference experience with us. Read her story >
06-26-2011 An Opportunity to Connect With Communities for Change
Communities across America are discussing how they can best achieve goals related to youth and education. A handful of cities, such as Louisville, Boston, and Grand Rapids, have begun to take action and get results with the support of nFocus Software. The upcoming Communities for Change Symposium is designed to provide local leaders with a better understanding about how to connect and mobilize community resources to track and manage change over time. Learn more about this wonderful opportunity to connect with change leaders in your area. Read the full story >
06-15-2011 National Summer Learning Day is June 21st!
The National Summer Learning Association is conducting its annual National Summer Learning Day on June 21. This advocacy event celebrates the importance of summer learning for young people. Summer learning programs across the country have signed up to showcase their work, with fun events planned for kids of all ages during the week of June 21 and the rest of the summer. It is not too late to host an event or take part in an event in your community! Learn more >
06-08-2011 Tips for Making a difference in Children’s Lives, Starting in Your Hometown
Recently, Detroit Free Press Columnist, Leanna Landsmann shared some sound advice for guiding the next generation. “Teens live ‘in the now’ and can be as positively transformed by the everyday things adults do — such as saying hello each day or thanking them by name for bagging your groceries every time you go to the store — as they are by well-designed youth programs.” Read the full article >
05-31-2011 Library Age of Technology, Internet Reinforce Importance of Teacher-Librarians
As the world of technology changes the way we obtain and process information, teacher-librarians are more important than ever before. In addition to their previous role as being the “information source” of the school, today’s teacher-librarians are also pioneers, forging into the new world of information communications. They enhance students’ lives by nurturing the 40 developmental assets through literacy initiatives based on brain research. Without teacher-librarians, today’s students could be lost in the World Wide Web and at-risk of falling prey to misunderstanding. Learn More >
Visit our Resources for Libraries Page >
05-20-2011 100% of Middle and High Schoolers Get the Idea of ‘Spark’ Right Away: Do You?
Learn more by watching the video below of Peter Benson’s recent TedxTC speech,“Sparks: How Youth Thrive”
05-19-2011 Project Cornerstone Asset Champions Awards Breakfast: Videos Now Available!
Remember the Project Cornerstone Asset Champions Awards Breakfast that was recently featured in our monthly Asset Champion Newsletter? Well, back in March, we attended the event, which marked the official data release of the initiative’s monumental survey of over 36,000 students, and honored Asset Champions in different award categories including Positive Cultural Identity, Caring School Climate, Positive Peer Influence, Adult Role Model, and Community Values Youth. We returned home to Minneapolis inspired by the great work that is happening in the Santa Clara community. Now you,too, can be inspired by the amazing award recipients. Check out the videos from the event on Project Cornerstone’s website >
05-19-2011 Research Indicates: Today’s College Grads are More Stressed About Finances Than Ever
Many of the 1.7 million students expected to graduate from college this spring will soon begin repaying student loans, which average close to $23,000 for this year’s graduating class.
A recent Capital One survey found that of the 69% who have undergraduate student loans to repay, 60% are very or somewhat worried about their ability to pay back their loans. You Can Help! Search Institute has teamed up with Bank It to provide resources for parents to help teens and young adults become more financially responsible. Learn More >
04-22-2011 Peter Benson Presents Sparks as an ‘Idea Worth Sharing’ at TEDxTC!
Search Institute president and CEO, Dr. Peter Benson, recently delivered an inspiring and informative TEDxTC talk, where he posed the question,What is our vision for America’s kids? and presented his ideas for real innovation and education reform.
Watch the video below to learn more about Benson’s ideas for how we can pave a new path of purpose, hope, joy, and connectedness for the 60 million American youth who have fallen to a road of medication, confusion, loneliness, and emptiness.
04-21-2011 Search Welcomes International Asset Builders!
The Search Institute home office,in Minneapolis, MN, recently welcomed a small group of International Fellows from the University of Minnesota to spend the day touring the office and meeting with SI staff. The Fellows were interested in learning more about Search Institute’s work and the ways it might be utilized in their home countries. The visitors–from United Arab Emirates (UAE), Morocco, Burma (Myanmar), Uganda, Kazakhstan–are part of the International Fellows Program, a state department-sponsored program designed to bring mid-career professionals, who are considered emerging leaders in their countries, to the U.S. for ten months of leadership development, supported by academic study. Click here to learn more about the program.
04-19-2011 Positive Youth Development: The Question Counts!
Families, schools, and communities share one goal: We want the best for children. We wish for happy, healthy, and successful children who flourish as adults. It’s a straightforward goal; yet every parent and teacher understands its challenges. Dr. Marilyn Price-Mitchell raises the following challenge on her blog, Roots of Action: Are we asking the right questions in order to get to the right goal? Read Article >
05-2-2011 It’s Teacher Appreciation Week: Show Your Gratitude!
Please remember to take a few minutes out of your day to thank all the hard-working educators who are helping us raise successful children every day! Send an educator an e-card >
04-12-2011 Asset Message Goes International at EMPOWER National Youth Conference
The 2011 EMPOWER National Youth Conference–a 3-day event organized by Reach Out To Asia (ROTA)–will take place at the Qatar Foundation Student Center from April 14-16, and will offer 300 student delegates the opportunity to experience a program packed with panel discussions, proactive group workshops, and experiential off-site visits. Dr. Peter Benson and Senior Trainer, Flora Sánchez of Search Institute are honored to be included as keynote speakers for the event. Benson and Sanchez will be speaking on the power of service learning and youth development. Learn more >
04-10-2011 Parents, Families: How Are You Volunteering During National Volunteer Week?
This week, the President is calling on all Americans to participate in our nation’s recovery and renewal by serving in our communities. There are many ways for parents and families to get involved. Search Institute and ParentFurther would love to hear from all of the parents, youth, and families out there who are engaging in volunteer activities together this week (or in the coming weeks). Submit your photos, videos, or stories of your volunteer experiences to webmaster@parentfurther.com for the opportunity to be featured on our websites or in our monthly newsletters. We believe it’s important to help tell the story of how youth are interacting and engaging in community, and what they’re getting out of the experience. If you’re not already doing so, find a volunteer opportunity near you!
Get started! >
04-07-2011 Addressing Risk Behavior through Positive Youth Development Strategies: Sign Up for the Webinar Now!
The U.S. Department of Education’s office of safe and drug free schools will present the third in its series of School Climate Survey Webinars entitled “Addressing Risk Behavior through Positive Youth Development Strategies.” Dr. Peter Scales, Senior Research Fellow at Search Institute, and Clay Roberts, one of Search Institute’s Senior Trainer’s, will present this free webinar:
Session 1: Wednesday, April 13, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm EDT
Session 2: Thursday, April 14, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm EDT
04-06-2011 
Are you ready for BigTent?
We’re getting ready for you. Registration is now OPEN!
04-05-2011 Looking for New Ways to Engage Youth in Conversation?
Check out the newly updated Conversation Generator to keep the conversation going!
03-31-2011 Lighten Up! Teens Doing Better Than Most Adults Know, Believe
In a recent op-ed article posted on CNN.com, author, Laura Sessions Stepp,and Dr. Peter Benson, both argue for the notion that most adults are clueless about the true state of our youth. Fueled by a recent, massive study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, citing that teenagers are doing better on a bunch of important measures, the article argues that our kids “truly are all right”. Convinced? Not? Read the research results, and you just may change your mind. Read the full article >
03-30-2011 Attention: BigTent Conference RFP Deadline Extended!
Are you a BigThinker? Come share what works!
Check out the Request for Workshop Proposals >
Submit your proposal by April 17, 2011 for the BigTent Conference in Omaha, Nebraska, November 3-5, 2011. Learn More about the BigTent Conference >
03-29-2011Cape Girardeau County Asset-Builders THRIVE!
The THRIVE healthy community initiative in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri has been hard at work spreading awareness of the 40 Developmental Assets and encouraging asset building in the community. Here’s a recent video produced by youth members of THRIVE. Learn more about the THRIVE initiative >
03-28-2011 Make a Difference Together!
Did you know National Volunteer Week is April 10 to 16? Why not take a cue from Madison County, NY youth and adults, and volunteer together?
Learn More >
03-23-2011 Intergenerational Relationships Build Assets!
One Iowa community is educating youth and adults about the importance of intergenerational relationships as they relate to asset building. “Passing the Torch: The Value of Elder Adults in a Strength Based Community” stressed the important role that grandparents play in helping children learn internal assets like a commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies and a positive identity. The event also allowed student panelists to share their own stories about the importance of intergenerational relationships.
Learn More >
03-18-2011 Download Now Available: Rural School Innovations BARR Webinar Presentation
The Rural School and Community Trust recently hosted the second installment of the Rural School Innovations Webinar Series featuring Search Institute’s Building Assets-Reducing Risks (BARR) Program. A Power Point download of the full presentation is now available. Download Presentation >
03-17-2011 OFDFS Creates Comprehensive Resource for Climate Needs Assessment
Safe and Drug-Free Schools often understand the issues their communities face and the conditions that may influence student risk behaviors. In order to assist educators and education agencies in creating safe, supportive, and drug-free schools,the Safe and Supportive Schools Technical Assistance Center is developing a compendium of student, staff, and family surveys that can be used as part of a school climate needs assessment. Access the compendium >
03-17-2011 Did You Know? Creative Arts are the Number One Most Common Spark Among American Teenagers.
Do you know your spark? Ask a young person to interview you using this guide. You’ll be interested (and maybe even surprised) to see how many of the listed activities you’ve completed in your search for what drives you.
Download the Sparks Activity Worksheet to get started.
03-08-2011 Family Mealtime Makes Families Strong!
Studies have shown that the more often families eat together, the less likely kids are to engage in high-risk behaviors and the more likely they are to do well in school, delay having sex, and communicate positively with their families. Hear what some of our friends had to say about family mealtime in their household. What’s your family mealtime tradition? Join the conversation on Facebook! >
03-08-2011 Seeking BigThinkers for the BigTent Conference
We are requesting Workshop Proposals for this years conference.
Share your best practices, innovative strategies, and research-based solutions for strengthening children, youth, families, schools, and communities by leading a workshop at the 2011 BigTent Conference.
Proposals due April 3, 2011
03-04-2011 National Mentoring Partnership Recognizes Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota for Sparks Work
The Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota (MPM) was recently recognized for their hard work and success in helping kids find their spark:
“Sparks is another example of the outstanding service MPM is offering programs throughout Minnesota so they can provide quality mentoring that can contribute to a successful future for young people.“–MENTOR president and CEO, Dr. Larry Wright
Read the full press release >
Learn more about MPM’s work with sparks >
02-28-2011 Upcoming Learning Opportunity! Replicate, Expand an Effective Strategy to Help Students Make a Successful Transition to High School
Are you one (or more than one) of the following? A rural educator, an educator in a suburb or urban setting, an aspiring educator, a community-based activist, a policy analyst, a member of a faith-based organization, or an education advocate for underserved and rural children.
Do you agree that innovation in both rural and urban school settings is imperative to the success of our youth?
Then you won’t want to miss the opportunity to join us for an upcoming webinar hosted by Doris Terry Williams, Executive Director of The Rural School and Community Trust.
Date: March 16, 2011 at 2:00 pm ET
Cost: FREE!
Featured Innovation: Search Institute’s Building Assets-Reducing Risks (BARR) Program: Replication and Expansion of an Effective Strategy which helps students make a successful transition to high school.
The Rural School and Community Trust invites you to join the second installation of the 2010-2011 Rural School Innovations Webinar Series featuring Search Institute’s Building Assets-Reducing Risks (BARR) Program, which was designed to help students successfully manage the transition to high school, and has been listed on SAMHSA’s National Registry Evidence-Based Programs and Practices, as well as receiving a recent Investing in Innovation (i3) grant.
02-24-2011 George Winston Project Seeks Sparks
| Grammy-Award winning pianist, George Winston, is the man behind the recently formed Winston Project, a Mississippi-based initiative focused on igniting sparks through the arts. "What we're trying to do is fill in the gaps of some young people's lives…We're looking for something that will stir a spark or a passion in these kids," says Janet Shriver, Director of the Winston Project. George Winston will perform in an upcoming benefit concert as part of the initiative. Learn more |
02-23-2011 California Asset Builders Awarded Grant to Expand Literacy Project
The “Building Developmental Assets Through Literacy” program at Canoga Park Sr. High School was among 91 literacy-based projects awarded the Reading is The way up® grant from City National Bank. The grants,ranging from $500 to $1,500, will help augment or expand literacy projects that were judged to be creative and engaging, and that would have a tangible effect on student achievement. Learn More >
02-23-2011 We’re Seeking BigThinkers for the BigTent Conference!
Are you one? Come share what works!
Check out the Request for Workshop Proposals >
Submit your proposal by April 3, 2011 for the BigTent Conference in Omaha, Nebraska, November 3-5, 2011. Learn More about the BigTent Conference >
02-23-2011 Fight the Flow!
How do you react with the flow of stress? Do you withdraw? Do your relationships begin to suffer when the going gets tough? Search Institute Senior Education Consultant, Nathan Eklund, ponders the idea on the Teacher’s Lounge blog. Go there now! >
02-14-2011 Developmental Asset Based Programs Chosen for National Mentoring Initiative
The National 4-H Council has announced that it has launched a nationwide mentoring initiative to increase youth social competency, family relationships, and academic success. Read about two Missouri communities that were selected to implement their developmental asset-based programs as a part of the 4-H National Mentoring Program.
02-11-2011 Youth Voices in Action: Ask Sec. Arne Duncan!
Federal officials often remind us that they “work for us.” Here’s a chance to see that in action.
We’re co-sponsoring an open-source democracy experiment around an issue we know you care about: what it really takes to fix our schools so all young people graduate ready for college or postsecondary opportunities. And we need youth voices!
The Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, has agreed to answer the top questions chosen by young people on SparkAction.org as part of the Department of Education’s National Youth Summit in DC on February 26!
WHO: All Young People across the United States
WHEN: Starting Wednesday, February 9.
WHERE: Visit SparkAction.org and suggest questions that you want Secretary Duncan to answer. Check out what other young people have suggested and then use your five (5) votes to choose your favorites – you can choose your own or others posted by the SparkAction community.
But hurry! Voting closes on February 18th. Don’t miss a chance to have your voice included. For more details and full instructions, visit http://sparkaction.org/summit
Please note: Secretary Duncan’s participation in this contest does not imply endorsement of SearchInstitute, SparkAction or the Forum for Youth Investment by the Secretary or the Department of Education.
02-07-2011 New Title From Search Institute Press!
Check out the latest title from SI Press, What Adults Need to Know About Kids and Substance Use, a practical, hands-on resource that explains why youth abuse drugs and how to identify the signs of substance abuse.
01-28-2011 High School Launches Bold Campaign to Change Misconceptions of Drug, Alcohol Use
Learn about how one high school used the results of the 2010 H-K Search Institute youth survey conducted by the Healthy Communities-Healthy Kids Coalition to launch a bold campaign addressing their community’s misconceptions on student drug and alcohol use. Read full story >
01-25-2011 An Interview With Peter Benson
Education News recently asked Dr. Peter Benson to share the inspiration behind his latest book, Parent,Teacher,Mentor,Friend. Read the full interview here. >
01-24-2011 Mentors Ignite Sparks, Change Lives!
Search Institute and Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota received a grant from the Carlson Family Foundation in 2010, which allowed them to create training and resources for mentors based on Search Institute’s new research on thriving and sparks. Learn More >
Sign up to have more stories like this delivered directly to your inbox >
01-18-2011 Survey Girl Is Back!
After taking a short hiatus to tend to pressing, survey-related matters, Survey Girl has returned! Click here to get Survey Girl’s answer to your latest burning question.
01-14-2011 Mentoring Recognized Among Youth Resources’ Top 10 Goals for Youth in 2011
Youth Resources–a nonprofit organization based out of Southwestern Indiana–has engaged over 143,358 young people in leadership and community service activities. Here are their Top 10 goal recommendations for teens for 2011.
01-7-2011 Will You Be in the Greater Omaha Area This Month?
The Annual Midlands Mentoring Conference will be happening on January 26th. Learn about the value of mentoring, and connect with others who are just as passionate about mentoring as you are! Download the conference flier to learn more. >
01-7-2011 Peer Helping in Action
Check out a this new video from Stanford University Journalism to learn how students in Palo Alto, CA used Peer Helping to foster a positive change in school culture following a devastating string of student suicides.
01-5-2011 New Year, New Webinars! Search Institute is hosting several exciting, new opportunities to learn this January. Cost: FREE! Space is limited. Reserve your seat!
Webinar: Integrating Developmental Assets and Ready by 21 Approaches to Community Change
January 27, 2011, 11-12:30 p.m. CST
Youth and Adults Take BigAction Together!Webinar: January 26, 2011, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. CST Webinar: January 26, 2011, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. CST
Webinar: January 30, 2011, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. CST
Click here to learn more about BigAction.
01-03-2011 New Y Logo, Same Important Values
2011 will be a year of change for the YMCA. After 43 years, the highly-recognized organization is changing its brand strategy. But there’s no need to be alarmed; the “Y” will continue to stick close to its core values—including an asset-based programs and goals. Read more about the Y’s 2011 re-branding strategy.
