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| Asset Building
At the Y, we incorporate developmental assets
or "building blocks" into our programs and activities. The Search
Institute research has found that when children acquire these assets it
increases their potential to contribute to society - they are
developmental "building blocks". They are also powerful influences on
child and adolescent behavior - both protecting young people from many
different problem behaviors and promoting positive attitudes and
behaviors. Asset building is an approach, not a program or class the Y
offers. Here are some examples of internal and external assets that
the Y has identified to help build "strong kids":
- Support: the Y provides a caring, encouraging environment;
- Empowerment: a young person can provide service to others through volunteer opportunities at the Y;
- Constructive
use of time: children and youth spend three or more hours per week
participating in creative activities and sports;
- Commitment to Learning: children spend time doing homework in our Out of School Care programs;
- Social Competencies: young people learns to peacefully resolve conflict through the YWCA Week Without Violence campaign tools;
- Positive identity:
young person is optimistic about his or her personal future due to
leadership training at the Y and opportunities through
our Employment programs.
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