Developmental Assets

Developmental Assets - Helping Kids Succeed

Building Assets in Every Child

The YMCA believes that every child is an asset worth investing in. It's not only an investment in their future but an investment in our community. Assets are 40 key building blocks that help youth grow up healthy, positive, confident and competent. The more assets youth have, the more likely they will succeed.

So what does this mean for you? You have a lot of power to influence youth, which is why we need to work together. There are things we can do intentionally each day to build assets in every child we meet or have contact with throughout our day. Here are just a few:

The YMCA Supports Children and Youth

A parent's love and support is critical but today it's everyone's job to raise a child. Our staff and volunteers are caring, encouraging and good listeners. Other adults are important in helping to guide each child through life so they can grow up healthy but also to love and care for others.

Now it's your turn...

  • Ask a child about themselves
  • Kneel, squat, or sit so you're at their eye level when you speak to them
  • Think back to your childhood? Was there one adult you enjoyed being with? Why?

How the YMCA Empowers Children and Youth

Children need to feel valued and valuable. They need to know that they are respected and have something to contribute. This starts with their role at home and expands outwards into the community. At the YMCA, youth take part in leadership development classes where activities and special events help prepare them for future volunteer and employment opportunities.

Now, it's your turn...

  • Treat everyone, including children, as equally important
  • Advocate that the community develop meaningful opportunities for young people 
  • Give a child a simple chore to do

The YMCA Encourages Constructive Use of Time

Children are encouraged to take part in activities and lessons that not only allow them to build skills in the arts, sports, leadership or recreation but to meet new people. Programs allow young people to excel in their area of interest while connecting them to caring adults who nurture their skills.

Now it's your turn...

  • Help a child learning something new
  • Comment positively on a song you hear a youth listening to
  • Model extracurricular behaviour by having an activity yourself

The YMCA Teaches Positive Values

Good character happens even when no one is looking. At the YMCA, we believe that Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility are particularly important in the development of good character. Our values are evident in all program areas and interactions - from our Board to staff to volunteers and members, we treat all people with respect and dignity.

Now it's your turn...

  • Apologize when you've done something wrong
  • Let them tell you how they feel
  • Include them in conversations

For more on building Developmental Assets in children, please visit the Search Institute at http://www.search-institute.org/