Building Assets in Youth: The Power of Positive Youth Development [Video]

This VHS video reviews research conducted by Search Institute identifying 30 developmental assets which are necessary building blocks to healthy youth development. Assets are categorized as either external or internal. External assets include support, control, and time use; internal assets include educational commitment, positive values and social competencies. Their research indicates that children need at least 25 of the 30 assets for healthy development. Correlates lack of developmental assets to at risk behaviors such as alcohol use, school failure, violence, etc. and presence of developmental assets to positive behaviors. A study of 300,000 youth indicates an average number of assets to be 16. Stresses the importance of communities working together to promote youth assets. A leader's discussion guide is included to facilitate group discussion with separate groups including youth, educators, community organizations, civic groups and congregations. The discussion guide includes a checklist of the 30 assets.