The YMCA's Commitment to Asset-Building

Assets are 40 key building blocks of development that young people need to grow up to be healthy, caring, competent, and productive. Assets are built through caring, nurturing relationships.

Asset #25 Reading for Pleasure
	Read aloud to your child every day.
Asset #3 Other Adult Relationships
	Get involved in a class, group or informal network with other adults and children.
Asset #9 Service to Others
	Coordinate a food drive and deliver the goods together.
Asset #5 Caring Climate
	When you look for child care arrangements, watch for signs of a caring environment. A place where caregivers and children enjoy learning and being together.
Asset #18 Youth Programs
	Sign your child up for one or two out-of-home activities led by caring, nurturing adults.
Asset #38 Self Esteem
	Provide opportunities for your child to try something new. Allow them to grow their independence and self esteem.

 

40 Developmental Assets

Asset Buidling for YMCA Members

ASSETS PROTECT:

The more assets young people have, the less likely they will participate in risky behaviors and dangerous behaviors (alcohol use, illicit drug use, violence, trouble with police).

ASSETS PROMOTE:

The more assets a young people have, the more likely they will act in ways that we value, such as succeeding in school, valuing diversity, maintaining good health, and delaying gratification. 

We are an asset-rich YMCA. We build developmental assets in young people.  By building assets, we support, empower, set boundaries and expectations, provide constructive activities, cultivate a commitment to learning, instill positive values, develop social competencies, and nurture a positive identity. Researchers at the Minneapolis-based Search Institute have surveyed almost two million young people, and they have proven that the more assets young people have the more likely they will act in positive ways and not get into trouble.  At the Kishwaukee Family YMCA, we’re building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities by building these 40 developmental assets.

Asset building is an approach, not a program. That means that everyone at the Y can make a difference through asset building. (Check out the PDF entitled Asset Building For Y Members above.)