Asset Champion Network

Now Hiring

2009-05-11T12:58:00.000-07:00

Hello Champions,

Malin and I need help to find our replacements. We are looking at filling this position by the end of the month or the end of June. Please, pass the attached job description to anyone and everyone who you know that needs a job. As many of you know this is a great opportunity for recent college graduates to use their degree and gain many transferable job skills. This is also an opportunity for people who are looking at making a career change.

If you or the person that you pass this information on to has questions please have them contact us. You can also find more information on our wedsite: www.metroyouthpartnership.org

Eleanor and Malin

Brave New Voices

2009-04-20T14:31:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung, along with an array of exciting asset building activities. From "Spark" Training to sandbag slinging, youth in the Fargo-Moorhead area have been active and engaged in community service.

Recently, I saw a commercial advertising a new HBO series showcasing the spoken word pieces of youth across the nation. The youth in this series are engaged, empowered, and poetic.

Check it out! http://www.hbo.com/bravenewvoices/about/

Brave New Voices is a new seven-part series that features teenage poets and their mentors from San Francisco, Philadelphia, New York, Santa Fe, Ft. Lauderdale, Honolulu and Ann Arbor as they prepare for Youth Speaks' 2008 Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Finals.

These young poets represent a growing national movement featuring thousands of teenagers writing and performing spoken word as a way to have voice in their communities and in the nation as a whole. These are the Brave New Voices and the organizations that support them.

The youth represent an amazing blend of spoken word, hip-hop, poetry, music, power, voice, imagination, and more. Brave New Voices sheds light onto this largely unseen world, putting an honest spotlight on some of the most dynamic young adults in the country.

Curious George Sighting

2009-04-13T08:31:00.001-07:00

Saturday, April 18th at the Moorhead Center Mall
Curious George will be celebrating Week of the Young Child

I would encourage you to bring your family to celebrate young children and families with a fun filled morning at the Moorhead Center Mall.

If you have questions please call Metro Youth Partnership 218-299-5437.

Reflection

2009-04-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

I know that as we were all fighting back the waters of the mighty Red, Buffalo, and Wild Rice Rivers the last thing that was on our minds was asset building.

I would encourage you to reflect on the last 12 days, to find some stories to share with others about the impact you made on the community and the lives of the people who came to help us fight back the waters. As you all know, where there are people interacting there are opportunities to build assets and those are the stories we would love to hear about.

Please share your stories by clicking on this link and completing the form!

A message from our Executive Director:

The flood of 2009 is not over yet, but we are breathing collective sighs of relief. The stories of people fighting for their community have been inspirational and overwhelming. Once again, our young people stood shoulder to shoulder in this fight against the flood – whether they were natives, college students or young people from around the region.

We want to make sure we capture the stories of young people who came to the rescue. Please send us your stories, big and small….if you have names and feel comfortable using them, that is great; in those cases, it would be helpful to also have contact info – phone/address/email. Please also include links to news stories, YouTube, Facebook, anything that captures the involvement of young people. Eventually, we may come up with a more high tech way to capture these stories, but do not want to waste time. And I don’t have a concrete plan as to what to do with the stories, but do want to begin the process of capturing them.

Thanks, in advance.

Barry Nelson, Executive Director

Metro Youth Partnership

Asset Champions meet "Spark" Champions!

2009-03-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

One of the most exciting things that has been happening at Metro Youth Partnership centers around a growing partnership with a small group of dedicated students at Ben Franklin Middle School in Fargo, ND.

This group of empowered students has been working hard to create a youth-led version of Asset Champion Training. Their training is interactive, artistic, exciting, and extraordinarily powerful!!! On top of introducing adults in the Fargo-Moorhead area to the developmental asset framework, it asks each participant to consider acting as a "Spark" Champion for young people in the community.

There are two community "Spark" Trainings scheduled for this spring, here are the details:

"Spark" Training

Teens Training Adults

The "Sparks" (Search Institute) of these teens will teach adults simple skills to become a "Spark Champion" for any teen.

When? March 30th or April 22nd: Noon to 1pm

Where? Fargo Public Schools District Office, Board Room (415 4th St. N.)

Why? To learn and impact the lives of children and teens

How? Contact Mary Jean Dehne. Ben Franklin Middle School. 701-446-3800

Hard Economic Times...call for Family Time

2009-03-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

In these hard economic times…have you noticed how advertisers are encouraging people to spend time with their families at home?

Companies like Kraft and Stouffers are encouraging people to save money and stay at home with their family.

The new Kraft singles commercials that I saw over the weekend; shows you all the great ways that you can create an inexpensive and healthy meal with your family. The commercials suggest different ways to beef up a grilled cheese sandwich. The commercial shows a mother and daughter making the meals together. How you seen the commercials? Did the commercial inspire you to spend time with your family? Does this sound like Asset language to you, it does to me?

As I was growing up meal time meant family time.

Stouffers is all about family meal time on their website “Stouffers Dinner Moments”.

This section of the website is so family focused it is wild!!! You should really go check it out http://www.dinnermoments.com/default.aspx. The video under the “Let’s fix Dinner” tab has a lot of Asset language, which reinforces that the idea that you are building Asset and do not even relies it. As we say in the training Search’s research just supports and reinforces the great things that many of you are already doing. Check out the website and let me know what you think. Also, share your meal time ideas with others by posting them on the blog.

These are the Assets that family dinner time will build: (This list might be shorter if I was to list Assets that can NOT be built at the dinner table.)

Asset #1—Family Support

Asset # 2—Positive Family Communication

Asset # 3--- Other Adult Role Relationships (encourage your children to invite their role models to dinner with your family)

Asset #11--- Family Boundaries (This will give you as parents the opportunity/ venue to discuss family boundaries

Asset # 20--- Time at home

What other Assets do you see that could be built around the dinner table?

Family Games Night “Bring Home the Fun”

Here is what Hasbro has to say about Family Game Night…Let me know what your families favorite game is.

“Family Game Night!

It's time to bring home a new game and bring your family together - it's time for FAMILY GAME NIGHT! HASBRO games are a tried and true medium for lively, engaging, face-to-face fun and connection.

When you bring home a new game and make a night of staying in and playing, your family gets to laugh, trash talk, have new adventures, and get into the fun!

With so many new Hasbro games, the possibilities for Family Game Night are endless!”

http://www.hasbro.com/familygamenight/

FREE Community Event

2009-03-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

Asset 34- Cultural Competence... Tell us what you think? We would love to hear your reactions to this event.

Student Service-Learning Project “History in the Making”

Hosted by the Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County

The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County (formally the Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center and the Clay County Museum and Archives) is proud to host over 100 students from House 7A of Horizon Middle School as they unveil and celebrate the local history projects they created in conjunction with their community partners: Bonanzaville USA, Concordia College Archives, The Historic Comstock House and the Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County.

Projects for “History in the Making” include performances, documentaries, multi-media presentations, and exhibits that celebrate and showcase the rich heritage of our region.

Language Arts Teacher Carla J. Smith hopes “that students find that this truly is home and that they continue to appreciate and celebrate our region and its rich history. I want students to feel rooted here, to feel that what they say and do matters. I believe this project is important because it begins to forge those bonds.”

Date: March 9, 2009

Time: 4pm-7pm

Location: Hjemkomst Center

202 1^st Ave N

Moorhead

Admission: Free & Open to the Public

Great News for National Service Programs!

2009-02-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

From the Corporation for National and Community Service:
(For the full story, click here.)

Overview of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act)

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th, 2009. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act is an extraordinary response to a crisis unlike any since the Great Depression, and includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

Implementing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act)

The Recovery Act includes $201 million in funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service to support an expansion of AmeriCorps State and National and AmeriCorps VISTA programs. This investment is a strong vote of confidence in the value of national service in engaging citizens in addressing unmet needs and strengthening communities.

As we begin to carry out the Recovery Act, it’s important to remember that the entire family of national service – Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, VISTA, NCCC, and Learn and Serve America – is critical to helping communities and individuals cope in our current economic crisis. For decades, national service programs have worked in our most vulnerable communities, providing hope and help to people facing economic and social needs. Today, as the economic downturn puts millions of Americans at risk, we need national service and volunteering more than ever.

Oprah's show yesterday

2009-02-17T10:04:00.000-08:00

I have said this before and I will say it again... after you have learned about Assets you begin to recognize Asset building activities all the time.

Yesterday, on Oprah she had "The World's Smartest and Most Talented Kids"

Dalton was one for the performers, he was an inspirational speaker who spoke about how adults have an impact on his life. I could not find the clip of him on the show but take my word it was really good. I was able to find Dalton speaking at a Martin Luther King Jr. event in Jan. 2009. Here is the link to the YouTube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_STe9Ff0yc&feature=related

Below is the information from the Oprah Show.

From an early age, 10-year-old Dalton has been passionate about one thing—talking! "If I pick him up from school, Dalton will talk all the way home. I say, 'Man, just give Daddy a break,'" says Carlos, Dalton's dad. "He just loves to talk."

Dalton's fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Redmond, sensed his passion, as well. In fact, she entered him in a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. oratorical contest, where he won a $1,000 prize. "I love that [talking] inspires people," Dalton says.

After winning the contest, Dalton was invited to speak at events all over Dallas. He was even asked to address more than 17,000 teachers and administrators of the Dallas Independent School District. "I was very nervous, [but] you couldn't tell," he says. "I was shaking a lot." Dalton didn't let his nerves get the best of him. "He gets up there and he just knocks it down," Carlos says.

Dalton says one day he'd like to become a news reporter—a passion Oprah knows a lot about. "I was a speaker, did you know that?" Oprah asks him. "I was doing this when I was 3, 5 and 7, and I wanted to be a news reporter. Good luck. I think you're on the way."

-http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/20081106_tows_kids/8

Asset Building Tools

2009-02-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

You're receiving this email because of your relationship with Search Institute. Please confirm your continued interest in receiving email from us.

You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails.

In This Issue . . . February 2009, #1

Assets are FREE SI in the News FREE Webinar Valentine's E-Cards New Training at Search

Developmental Assets are FREE!

We have a wealth of resources that won't cost you a cent . . .

NEW free products and podcasts

Ideas for connecting with youth

Research about the power of the assets

Parenting tips and tools

E-Newsletters . . . and more!

"Taking on Spiritual Development: Its Importance and Possible Pitfalls for the Youth Development Field"

February 20, 2009 12:30 - 2:00 pm CST
Hosted by Dr. Peter Benson and Gene Roehlkepartain

My Heart Belongs to You(th)!!!!!

2009-02-10T11:23:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends of Metro Youth Partnership,

Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) wants to inspire you to share with others in need and help health-related nonprofits in our region. On Thursday, February 12, DMF will match online contributions made to Giving Hearts Day nonprofit organizations up to $5,000. Metro Youth Partnership is participating in this opportunity with our “MY Heart Belongs to You(th)” campaign and I invite you to give from the heart! With your help, Metro Youth Partnership can raise a tremendous amount of funding to support our mission. And, if Metro Youth Partnership is one of the top five organizations to receive the most online contributions, we will receive additional incentive funding from DMF!*

To make a secure online contribution to Metro Youth Partnership and have your donation matched, simply go to www.impactgiveback.org on February 12 and click on the Giving Hearts Day “Learn More/Donate” button. On Giving Hearts Day, you can double your charitable dollars and GiveBack with Impact!

!!In the meantime, please forward this message, the linked flier, or, more importantly, your own email to your friends, co-workers, family and urge them to give on this date.

*Incentive funds will be awarded to the charities that receive the most donations on February 12 (first place = $20,000; Second = $15,000; Third = $10,000; Fourth = $7,500; and Fifth = $5,000!).

Looking for a PDF to forward to everyone you know? Find it here!

Job Posting

2009-02-05T07:51:00.000-08:00

Do you need a job or do you know someone who does.... Metro Youth Partnership has what you need!!!!!

Follow this link to look at the job description:
http://metroyouthpartnership.org/Asset%20Champion%20VISTA%20Job%20Description.pdf

If you have questions please contact us!!!!

My Heart Belongs to You(th)!!!

2009-02-03T07:16:00.001-08:00

Search Marks 50-Years!

2009-01-26T06:27:00.000-08:00

For the full story with images, click here!

At 50-year mark, Search Institute still has a heart for kids

By PATRICE RELERFORD, Star Tribune

January 23, 2009

In a suburban Minneapolis high school, a group of low-income and minority students meets with teachers for an "emotional check-in" to discuss advanced courses they're taking and their college plans. Several states away, educators in Houston help teens whose families relocated there after Hurricane Katrina adjust to their new lives.

While they're separated by hundreds of miles, these programs and countless other youth initiatives in the United States are influenced by the work of the Search Institute, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit that recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Search Institute evolved from a Midwestern youth survey organization in the late 1950s to a nationally renowned child and adolescent development agency in the late 1980s and 1990s. Today, Search Institute resources are used by more than 10,000 U.S. schools and youth agencies.

According to youth development experts, Search Institute's key contribution is a pioneering framework of 40 "developmental assets," or qualities that all kids should possess, whether they live in a penthouse or a tenement. They were developed by Peter L. Benson, Search Institute's president and CEO.

At first glance, the nonprofit's developmental assets are deceptively simple. They include the need for a caring school climate, a sense of purpose and strong relationships with at least three non-parent adults.

But youth experts said Search Institute's philosophy represented a groundbreaking research-backed road map that reshaped the way many schools, governments and other agencies work with youth.

"Before he [Benson] came onto the scene, America defined positive development in young people as the absence of problems," said Richard Lerner, director of the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University in Boston. "Imagine if your boss said you've done a good job today simply because you didn't embarrass them or burn down the office."

Focus on resources, not problems

The St. Louis Park School District used Search Institute principles to restructure its high school in the 1990s. Today some of its student-centered programs, including efforts on behalf of low-income and minority youths, are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

"Search is one of the few agencies that looks at kids as resources rather than problems that need to be fixed," said Angela Jerabek, director of St. Louis Park High School's ninth-grade and small learning communities programs.

Terrence Chastan-Davis, a junior at St. Louis Park High, said teachers and other staff at his school are supportive, and he doesn't hesitate to approach them about school work or other issues outside of class.

The 16-year-old said teachers encouraged him to apply to join an after-school program called Admission Possible. It helps low-income juniors and seniors prepare for the ACT, manage their course work and navigate the college admission process. St. Louis Park students in the program meet with college coaches at least twice a week.

"If I'd never gotten into this [program], I wouldn't be thinking about college," he said.

Signature contribution

Benson created the developmental assets in the late 1980s and 1990s. Benson joined Search Institute in 1978 as a lead researcher. At the time, the nonprofit had 12 employees and a budget of less than a half-million dollars. Today it employs more than 50 people and has an annual budget of roughly $8 million.

He has written and edited more than a dozen books on child and adolescent development. His latest book, "Sparks: How Parents Can Help Ignite the Hidden Strengths of Teenagers," contains a foreword by Alma Powell, wife of former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell and chair of the America's Promise Alliance. The national nonprofit facilitates volunteer programs for youth nationwide.

"It isn't the only thing we do but our signature contribution is to bring to the world this universal framework [of developmental assets]," Benson said. "Scientific studies show the 40 assets matter for all kids across race, ethnicity and family income whether they live in New York or Abilene, Kansas."

In Texas, Search Institute has also built close relationships with schools and youth agencies, said Pat Rosenberg, of Houston, who is a member of the Texas Association of Partners in Education.

Search Institute trained Houston school counselors to develop methods to emphasize the importance of building positive relationships with students. Houston students, including teens who moved there after Hurricane Katrina, have traveled to Search Institute youth conferences.

"We knew that even the custodians can have a positive, lasting impact on kids," Rosenberg said.

As the Obama administration settles into Washington and works to foster more opportunities for children and teens, Lerner said the work of youth development agencies could gain more traction. Search Institute is a pillar of that movement, Lerner said

"In his notion of youth development [Benson and the Search Institute] have given communities and families hands-on actions they can take to improve the lives of young people," Lerner said. "If there was a medal that we gave out in the youth development field, he would be first in line to get."

Patrice Relerford • 612-673-4395

Assets at Oak Grove Lutheran School

2009-01-21T09:49:00.000-08:00

This morning MYP and a crew of youth-leadership folks headed over to the Scheels Center at Oak Grove to teach 110 - 6th, 7th, and 8th graders the importance of developmental assets!

The morning began with a bustling game called "the hovda."

It goes something like this:

mingle, mingle, mingle

then a number is called out and everyone has to scramble and form groups to complete a certain action. for example, number 5 is a merry-go-round with one person standing in the center and four other people holding hands and circling the "pivot" person!

The opening games were a blast!

Next, we broke into small groups and rotated through several asset building stations. The collage above is from a station where the students explored their personal history by cutting out images that represented significant happenings in their lives.

Other stations included asset bingo, team-building by trying to fit into a 3'x4' square taped on the floor, relaxation and reflection, and human machine construction!

All in all, the morning was a gigantic asset building fest!

More pictures to come!

Intergenerational White House

2009-01-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

Intergenerational asset building has moved to the White House! A recent NY Times Article, profiles the new First Family highlighting that Michelle Obama's mother will be moving into the White House.

Relationships that cross generations are a fundamental aspect of asset building. Whether it's a live in mother-or-father-in-law, or a friendly neighbor, adult role models are essential to the healthy and successful development of young people.

Share your intergenerational stories as comments on this post!

If you want to learn more about relationships that cross generations, check out these sites:

Service Learning

2009-01-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

I love service learning...I know that I learn better when I am in an environment of service. This could be why I have chosen to do a year of VISTA Service. The things that I have learned in my 6 months are endless and I know that I will learn more looking back on the experience in a few years. If you would like to learn more about how you can become the Asset Champion Network Coordinator, please contact me.

The reason that I bring up Service Learning is because this month's Asset Champion Newsletter from Search Institute is all about Service Learning. Below is the link to the newsletter but I want to highlight a few things.

http://www.search-institute.org/asset-champion/jan2009

I think that it is so important for young people to have elderly people in their lives, I know that as I was growing up I had many adoptive grandparents that played a large part in my life and still do.

The service project highlighted in the newsletter is great because the youth plan the activities at the assisted living facility and also participate in them. In the newsletter it states that 27 of the assets are built through this activity. Holy cow...why was this not around when I was in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade? If you are interested in starting something like this in our community, please contact me and together we can work on starting something.

Check It Out....

2009-01-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

Some sweet asset building advise!!!!

Asset Champions are doing great things again...so I had to share it with you all...
Nancy Taralson wrote this newsletter letting everyone know about the importance of building assets.

Check it out, we are the cover story
http://www.moorheadpolice.com/pdf/BeatJan09.pdf

All City Youth Super Bowl Party
When : Feb 1st 5-9pm
Where: Oak Grove Lutheran Scheels Center
What: Potluck--Bring a snack

Share in a celebration recognizing and honoring the Forum's "person of the year"

At half time, there will be a "Chalk Talk" to discuss what will happen in the second half or what is next for our great young leaders

Everyone is invited and it would be great to have Asset Champions, a.k.a. supportive adults, in the community showing support by attending. All are welcome and encouraged to bring friends and neighbors.

If you have questions please contact me!!!!!

In the Forum Today

2009-01-06T14:03:00.000-08:00

The front page of the Life {Mom's and More} section featured the new in-forum website

In-forum Moms

Asset Champions is one of the newest members of the website so become our friend our user name is AssetsChamps.

Remember to save the date for January 23rd at Babb's to support Metro Youth Partnership's Mentor Program. See other posts for more information

Your Asset Building Stories

2009-01-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

Thank you for sending in your stories!!!

These are great examples of easy things that can be done throughout the year to build assets.

I did some asset building before Christmas break by sending handwritten thank yous and Starbucks gift cards to area elementary teachers who serve as models for my students.

This is a great example because January is Mentor Month
Remember, to schedule your coffee dates on the 23rd at Babb's! See more details below.

My Asset Building during the past two weeks consisted of 8 days with
my grand kids and did we have a full schedule. The ages are 9, 7, 6,
and 3 we spent alot of time outside snowmobiling and sledding and
walking in the deep snow in the woods which they just love.

We had time for many stories which I have to make up at bedtime and it
is always about nature and the deer, bear and animals in the forest. I
did read and have them read to me also. The 3 year old tells her own
type of story!

It is great to see that asset building opportunities can also be teaching opportunities

An unlikely asset builder?

Check out this video from E!'s Snoop Dogg's Fatherhood the clip is "Snoop Dogg: Team Talk"

http://www.eonline.com/on/shows/snoopdogg/index.jsp

Tell me what you think.

Ceck this Out and Save the Date!

2008-12-31T12:08:00.000-08:00

Here is a great way to thank those who have helped you become the person you are today. Mentor Day at Babb's January 23rd. I would like you to think about your mentor and bring the stories to Babb's on the 23rd to share with others. I would also encourage you to then use your skills and time to help others by becoming a mentor. The details about Mentor Day at Babb's are below.

Check out this website: www.whomentoredyou.org

This site is a place to share mentoring stories and celebrates all things having to do with mentors.

Have a great new year!!!!!

January is National Mentoring Month

January 23 is Metro Youth Partnership Mentor Day at Babb’s Coffee Houses, 604 Main Avenue and 1617 32 Avenue South, both in Fargo

Stop by during their regular hours of 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., check out information on becoming a mentor.

And, while you are there, order one of their delicious white chocolate mochas and a chocolate fudge bar……for each Babb’s will donate 50 cents to Metro Youth Partnership’s mentoring program.

I challenge you to move at least one of your meetings to Babb's on the 23rd of January. As Asset Champions, I would also encourage you to put your asset knowledge to work by becoming a mentor.

The Holidays

2008-12-30T11:10:00.000-08:00

I hope that you all had great, safe, and happy holidays.

I had a great holiday and I even did some asset building. I took three of my little cousins sledging on Christmas Day. I think that I worked off Christmas dinner carrying the kids up the hill, it was my daily cardio.

Did you spend one-on-one time with young people?
Did you tell some one that you appreciate them and value your relationship?

Let me know what you are up to so that we can pass on your asset building activities on to the other champions.

Asset #1 is Family Support — Family life provides high levels of love and support

2008-12-23T09:05:00.000-08:00

During these busy next few days of travel, food, and family; it is important to remember that the #1 asset is Family Support—Kids feel love and supported in their family.

Below are just a few things that can be done in this busy holiday season to show the kids in your family you support them. These suggestions are from the book What kids need to succeed.

Give more hugs and verbal reinforcement. Don’t assume that you kids know how much you love them. Tell them.

Let your love for your children show in the way you look at them, the words you say, your tone of voice, and your body language.

It’s not true that all kids want their parents to stop hugging or kissing them once they become teenagers. Ask your children to tell you what feels comfortable for them, and respect their boundaries. This is important as your children get older.

Eat at least one meal together every day. I have also heard the suggestion to have the children help plan and make the meals. There is great learning and teaching moments in all things that we do everyday.

Set aside at least one evening per week for family activities. Brainstorm as a family things you might like to do, then agree on which ones to try. Be open to ideas from all family members, and willing to share your children’s interest. I know that Asset Champion Chris Barton, does this with her family. She even says that the idea of family game night is spreading through her neighborhood.

Spend time with each of your children individually. If Jon and Kate Gosselin can do this with their 8 kids, you can do it too!!! I challenge you to do this everyday by blocking out time in the morning or at night. Make sure to share your ideas with others by posting a comment on the blog.

Talk with your kids about what would make your home more comfortable and inviting for them and their friends.

BE YOUR CHILD'S BIGGEST FAN!!!!!!!!

Make sure to post and share holiday Asset building stories with us!!!

The Life section is all about Asset Building

2008-12-22T11:59:00.000-08:00

The Forum-- Life section is all about Asset Building!

“Seven Ways to Simplify your Holidays”.

One of the suggestions is to “Give the Gift of Time” by spending time with a younger child as a gift for the holidays. The gift of time is something that will strengthen your relationship with the child and it is an asset building activity, too. This suggestion reinforces the importance of asset building and building relationships with younger children. Make sure to check out the whole article in the Forum today.

Save the Date--January 23rd

2008-12-11T08:55:00.000-08:00

Hello Champions!!!

January is National Mentoring Month

January 23 is Metro Youth Partnership Mentor Day at Babb’s Coffee Houses, 604 Main Avenue and 1617 32 Avenue South, both in Fargo

Stop by during their regular hours of 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., check out information on becoming a mentor.

And, while you are there, order one of their delicious white chocolate mochas and a chocolate fudge bar……for each Babb’s will donate 50 cents to Metro Youth Partnership’s mentoring program.

I challenge you to move at least one of your meetings to Babb's on the 23rd of January. As Asset Champions, I would also encourage you to put your asset knowledge to work and become a mentor.

Assets In Action: Great Things Going On In Our Community!

2008-11-24T09:09:00.000-08:00

It is nearly the end of November - it's amazing how time flies!

Here are a couple of updates from your Asset Champion Network Coordinators:

Upcoming Training Sessions:
★ Jan. 5 Mon. (6:30-8:30pm) @ Clay County Family Service Center in Moorhead for Clay County Childcare Providers
★ Jan. 7;14;21 Wed. + Feb. 4 Wed. (4:30-5:30pm) @ Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo
★ Jan. 20 Tues. (8:30-10:30am) @ Probstfield Center for Education in Moorhead for Moorhead Early Childhood & Family Education
★ Jan. 28 Wed. (5-6pm) @ MSUM for Education 310 Course
★ Feb. 12;19;26 Thurs. (5-6pm) @ Probstfield Center for Education in Moorhead register through Moorhead Community Education

If you are interested in attending any of these training sessions, please email us at asset.champion.network (at) gmail (dot) com!

Other News:

Asset Champion, Paul Laney, was recently profiled in the Forum for his work reading to students! Thank you, Sheriff Laney, for your excellent work as an asset builder in our community!

Asset Champion, Jill Wenger, has been using asset-building techniques when developing programs for young people through Restorative Justice. Thank you for incorporating assets into our justice system!

Upcoming:

35 Days of Asset Building! A blogging mini-exploration will begin soon!

How to Build Assets on Halloween!

2008-10-31T08:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween, Asset Champions!!!

Halloween is darn near my favorite autumnal celebration. Why? Because where I grew up the evening of October 31st was always greeted by hordes of goblins, ghosts, princesses, and other delightfully costumed children running up and down the streets and alleys toting pillowcases laden with calorie-packed nuggets of chocolate and every other imaginable solid manifestation of sugar! How wonderful, right?

I admit that the piles and piles of empty-calories lugged home by young people of all ages on Halloween flies in the face of any and all reasonable lessons about nutrition and exercise, but I still love Halloween. In addition to filling the coffers of candy companies, Halloween offers a rare and socially acceptable alibi for going door to door and talking to one's neighbors.

Thus, Halloween is the perfect excuse to reconnect with one's neighborhood. I hesitate to suggest that we need an "excuse" to reconnect with our neighbors, but I do know (from my experience as a new resident in Moorhead) that it can be a bit intimidating to go knock on those doors. So, tonight, let's meet our neighbors and build our community by participating in one of my favorite pastimes of childhood: trick-or-treating!!!

Whether you're at the beck-and-call of the doorbell or out pounding the pavement with your kids (or your brother's kids, sister's kids, neighbor's kids, co-worker's kids, etc.) use this Halloween as an opportunity to meet your neighbors and build assets!

Jane Jacobs wrote that "eyes on the street" are a large part of what keeps neighborhood streets safe - so get out there tonight (or any other night!) and walk your local sidewalks, keep your "eyes" on the street and know that by doing so you are contirbuting to the safety of our community!

More information:
Jane Jacobs bio

Please share your asset building Halloween stories by adding your comments to this post!!!

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!

Show Your Support for Metro Youth - Help Fill the Dome!

2008-10-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Last May when Metro Youth Partnership teamed up with organizations throughout our community to asses how many developmental assets young people in our community report, one of the most striking results was that only 25% of students in grades 6-12 perceive that adults in the community value youth.

Strikingly, 75% of 6-12 graders in Moorhead Public Schools, Park Christian School, St. Joseph Elementary School, Fargo Public Schools, Grace Lutheran School, Oak Grove Lutheran School, Fargo Catholic Schools Network, and West Fargo Public Schools don't feel that adults in the community value them as young people.

One great way to show support for local youth is to participate in youth-organized events such as the upcoming Fill the Dome event. Fill the Dome is a youth-led food drive and is a wonderful opportunity to show young people in Moorhead, Fargo, and West Fargo that adults in our community are supportive!

Things you can do today to support Fill the Dome:

Attend the Fill the Dome Press Conference this morning at the Fargo Dome. It's at 10:00am.
Have extra canned goods ready for "Trick-or-Canning" tomorrow, Halloween night!
Buy one or two non-perishable food items each time you visit the grocery store and plan to donate these items by November 24 when the Fargo Dome will be filled with donated food.
Watch for young people wearing Fill the Dome apparel and, when you see them, ask their name and let them know you support their cause!
Visit the Fill the Dome website to learn about other things you can do to help: http://www.fillthedome.org

Member Survey!

2008-10-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Asset Champions,

Malin and I would like to thank you in advance for participating in this survey. The survey should take no more than 5 minuets to complete. We created this survey in lieu of the December Quarterly Gathering. As coordinators, we want to better understand what we can do for you to encourage your engagement with the Asset Champion Network. We will share the results of the survey with you in the coming months.

There are only ten questions and no demographic or personal information is required, so please share your thoughts!

Click here to take the Asset Champion Network Survey

Become a Member of the Asset Champion Network

2008-10-24T09:34:00.001-07:00

Would you enjoy connecting with like-minded people from across the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo area who are focusing on our youth?
Do you get fired up when you think about the young people in our community and the possibilities that exist?
Are you familiar with the developmental assets or would you like to become more familiar with them?
Do you like thinking proactively about what your organization can do to build support in kids?
Are you young, old or in between?

If you said YES, to any of these questions, you may want to represent your organization in the Asset Champions Network.

Here's how it works:

All sorts of people in the Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo community are part of it.
Asset champions are adults and young people.
Asset Champions are trained on the developmental assets and, in turn, train those in their organizations, communities, neighborhoods.
Asset Champions literally champion asset building as they make decisions, set direction, plan activities and sponsor events.
Asset Champions attend quarterly Network gatherings where they can connect with others in the community committed to the Asset Champions Network philosophy.
Asset Champions connect between meetings through a virtual community - this blog.
Organizations involved in the Network can decide to do things independently or with others to build assets in youth.

What Are the 40 Developmental Assets?

2008-10-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

Support

Family Support- Family life provides high levels of love and support.
Positive family communication-Young person and her or his parent(s) communicate positively, and young person is willing to seek parent(s) advice and counsel.
Other adult relationships- Young person receives support from three or more non-parent adults.
Caring neighborhood- Young person experiences caring neighbors.
Caring school climate- School provides a caring, encouraging environment.
Parent involvement in schooling- Parent(s) are actively involved in helping a young person succeed in school.

Empowerment

Community values youth-Young person perceives that adults in the community value youth.
Youth as resources- Young people are given useful roles in the community.
Service to others- Young person serves in the community one hour or more per week.
Safety- Young person feels safe at home, school, and in the neighborhood.

Boundaries & Expectations

Family boundaries- Family has clear rules and consequences, and monitors the young person's whereabouts.
School boundaries- School provides clear rules and consequences.
Neighborhood boundaries- Neighbors take responsibility for monitoring young peoples behavior.
Adult role models- Parent(s) and other adults model positive, responsible behavior.
Positive peer influence- Young person's best friends model responsible behavior.
High expectations- Both parent(s) and teachers encourage the young person to do well.

Constructive Use of Time

Creative activities- Young person spends three or more hours a week in lessons or practice in music, theatre, or other arts.
Youth programs- Young person spends three or more hours per week in sports, clubs or organizations at school and/or in community organizations.
Religious community- Young person spends one or more hours per week in activities in a religious institution.
Time at home- Young person is out with friends "with nothing special to do," two or fewer nights per week.

Committment to Learning

Achievement motivation- Young person is motivated to do well in school.
School engagement- Young person is actively engaged in learning.
Homework- Young person reports doing at least one hour of homework every school day.
Bonding to school- Young person cares about her or his school.
Reading for pleasure- Young person reads for pleasure three or more hours per week.

Positive Values

Caring- Young person places high value on helping other people.
Equitable & social justice- Young person places high value on promoting equality and reducing hunger and poverty.
Integrity- Young person acts on convictions and stands up for her or his beliefs.
Honesty- Young person "tells the truth even when it is not easy."
Responsibility- Young person accepts and takes personal responsibility.
Restraint- Young person believes it is important not to be sexually active or use alcohol or other drugs.

Social Competencies

Planning & decision making- Young person knows how to plan ahead and make choices.
Interpersonal competence- Young person has empathy, sensitivity, and friendship skills.
Cultural competence- Young person has knowledge of and comfort with people of different cultural/racial/ethnic backgrounds.
Resistance skills- Young person can resist negative peer pressure and dangerous situations.
Peaceful conflict resolution- Young person seeks to resolve conflict nonviolently.

Positive Identity

Personal control- Young person feels he or she has control over "things that happen to me."
Self-esteem- Young person reports having a high self-esteem.
Sense of purpose- Young person reports that "my life has purpose."
Positive view of personal future- Young person is optimistic about her or his personal future.

2008-06-02T09:35:00.000-07:00

Recently, I had the pleasure of collaborating with an Advanced Public Speaking class at Concordia College in Moorhead. These 15 students, encouraged by their professor to spend a semester dedicated to asset building through a service learning project, probably had no idea what they were getting into and how it was going to shape their experience in this class. I witnessed something truly amazing - the POWER of assets to effect positive change.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm certain most of these students were asset builders before they began this class. Many of them had younger siblings, were involved in coaching activities like basketball and cheerleading, were tutors helping to ensure adequate literacy levels in young students, shared a desire to go into teaching or ministry - these students were no strangers to assets! It wasn't until they went through the Asset Champion training curriculum, though, that many of them probably started making the connection between things they were already doing (like coaching, helping students with their reading skills, spending time with siblings) that they realized how important these relatively mundane-seeming activities really were. And because part of their project for the semester was to intentionally and purposefully build assets, they began developing creative ways to implement this new 'asset awareness' into their lives.

For most students, it seems their projects followed an interesting trajectory. Many of them started simply - making an effort to hold doors or open doors for people, talking to people they didn't know and making small talk, spending time in classrooms with students, incorporating assets into tutoring, reaching out to help their friends, encouraging fellow students in their classes - as you can see, there was ample variety. For some, the lofty visions they developed for their projects required redesigning so that the project could be completed by the end of the semester. Whatever path each individual project took, they all seemed to share something in common. Each project produced a student who voiced a desire to remain an asset builder! Each project, or rather each student's commitment to his/her project, resulted in an entire class reporting how easy asset building had become. For a group of 15 students, asset building became a way of life, the effect of which will continue to make a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities these students come into contact with throughout their lives. Now that's powerful!

You see, these projects didn't just take place in a college classroom, although the positive effect it had on the classroom environment was profound. These students got involved on campus, in their families, and in their communities at a different level, building relationships with others and enhancing existing relationships. Then, because it was a public speaking class, came the final part of their project - a public speech! Each student shared the message of asset building and its importance, along with their experiences as asset builders, to a public audience of their choice. Again, their choices ranged - from other college students in their dorms, to a local Rotary Club, to a high school class, to school faculty, to a church congregation. Some of the power of this project resulted as the students made connections with others in their communities about asset building, impacting hundreds of other people with this positive message. What started as a simple assignment to do a simple project resulted in a lasting positive difference in the way a group of students live their lives. Simple.

What Can I Do Right Now?

2008-04-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

Be available to talk to your own kids, their friends, your grandkids, your babysitter or youth in the neighborhood. Ask them what they like to do, what they are involved in, what they would like to do someday. Show them that you care.
Talk to your neighbors about including youth activities in your neighborhood association...If you don't have a neighborhood association, form one. Or start getting to know your neighbors by holding a root beer float night, potluck, day at the park...start building relationships.
Encourage your congregation to look at its practices to make sure they are youth friendly. If you provide nametags for adults, provide them for youth too. Publish a children's bulletin. Hold services for children. Tie asset building into religious education. Consider starting an outreach program offering structured activities for community youth. Involve youth in the planning of these things.
Look at your business policies and consider them in light of what will support families and their children. Purchase items you normally would (magazines, holiday items) from youth groups. Offer flexible work schedules. Provide reimbursement for employees who take parenting classes. If you employee teens, consider ways you can support their positive development. Provide training. Explain why you do, what you do in your business. Provide flexible scheduling to work around academic commitments and extra curricular activities.
Volunteer to help children at your local school, whether or not you are a parent. You can read with or to students, share information about your career or hobby or help with special projects.
Young people can help their peers and younger children in many ways. Invite a new student to join an activity you are involved in. Say hello to younger children and really listen to what they have to say. Compliment them. Look for opportunities to be a mentor, either formally or informally.
Provide leadership opportunities for youth; through your synagogue or church, your neighborhood, your school or your boy or girl scout troop.
If you don't do it already, start today by saying hello to young people!

What are assets?

2008-04-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

Most people think of assets in terms of property or financial resources. Developmental Assets are the positive relationships, opportunities, values and skills that young people need to grow up caring and responsible. Search Institute identified 40 developmental assets as the essential building blocks of healthy child and youth development - including adult role models, positive peer influence, caring school climates and a sense that community values youth. Search Institute's research shows that youth need 31 or more of the 41 assets to thrive. Our data shows the Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo youth have an average of 19.1 assets. Each of us has the power to make a difference by being asset builders for children and youth.

There is no doubt that young people need adult role models in order to thrive. And guess what? YOU ARE A ROLE MODEL, whether you want to be one or not. Our young people are watching all of us, not just parents and teachers, to learn how they should act and feel about themselves and the world. Every interaction counts: The look on your face as you pass a group of young people at the mall; the greeting you offer when you see a neighbor’s kid walking down your street; the way you maneuver your car near them while they cross the street. Just imagine what a tremendous impact we could have on young people if every adult they encountered simply smiled at them! You don’t need to be a parent or a “professional” to build assets. You only need to be deliberate in a few ways to make a big difference.

Asset Champion Network Vision

2008-04-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

The Asset Champion Network vision is that a critical mass of asset builders will surround all children and youth throughout the Moorhead, Fargo, and West Fargo area so that asset building becomes a way of life supported by asset-building programs, public policy and media.

Following are the Asset Champions Network's high-level results in promoting the assets approach to impact public policy, programs, personal behavior:

Public and Private Schools involvement
Corporate involvement
Provided training for faith communities, school representatives, parents

Asset Champion Network Goals

2008-04-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

Parents and other adults embrace, model & promote asset building with all children and youth. Indicators: Adults report changed behaviors with young people in their families and the community. Increased adult volunteerism/activism with/for children and youth, e.g. parent involvement in schools, adult volunteers in community groups/programs, advocacy in the community, etc. Increased numbers of adult asset builders will contribute to increased community awareness of developmental assets and the Asset Champion Network.
Children & youth embrace, model and promote asset building with their peers and in partnership with adults. Indicators: Children & youth report changed behaviors with their peers - speak up/take action to promote respect for themselves and others. Children & youth report increased opportunities for youth-adult partnership. Increased numbers of child & youth asset builders will contribute to increased community awareness of developmental assets.
Organizations and systems in the community adopt, integrate and promote the assets approach. Indicators: Increased numbers of city councils, school boards, funders, CBO boards, media outlets, etc. implement, integrate and promote assets. Improved school success. (focus on ALL children & youth) Increased assets for “high-risk” children and youth.