GROTON — The Groton Dunstable Alliance for Youth (GDAY), is kicking off a new initiative on positive youth development, based on the Search Institute’s 40 developmental assets for youth.
Developmental assets are building blocks that help young people, aged 12 to 18, develop in a healthy way. Some assets are external; others are internal. External assets involve support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, and constructive use of time.
Internal assets encompass a commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and a positive identity.
Over the next few months, all types of developmental assets will be covered, so be sure to look for them in this newspaper. The more assets a person can identify, the less likely that he or she will develop a high-risk behavior, and the more likely that person will acquire a positive attitude and positive behaviors.
High-risk behaviors include alcohol use, illicit drug use, sexual activity and violence. Positive attitudes and behaviors are succeeding in school, valuing diversity, maintaining good health and exhibiting leadership. An internal asset, like standing up for one’s beliefs, acting on convictions and showing integrity, would be an example of a positive value.
An example of an external asset might be spending at least three hours a week after school in clubs, sports or organizations in the community. This would show a constructive use of time.
For information visit www.search-institute.org call Judy Robinson at (978) 448-6362, ex. 1132, or e-mail jrobinson@gdrsd.org.
