Coaltion for Youth Asset Development

A group of diverse community and school leaders have come together to form the
Rocky River Community Coalition for Youth Asset Development. The Coalition began as an initiative of Community Challenge in 2002. The group is focusing its energies on the development and support of programs and events to help young people make wise decisions, choose positive paths and grow up competent, caring and responsible.

The group, which is comprised of teachers, counselors and administrators from each of the city school district’s four buildings, the Rocky River School Board, the Rocky River PTA, the city’s Recreation Department, city government, youth group leaders and representatives of the business and church community, has been meeting regularly over the last year. The Coalition is exploring opportunities to promote 40 concrete, positive experiences and qualities – “developmental assets” - that have been proven to have a tremendous influence on young peoples’ lives. These assets have been identified through years of research conducted by the Search Institute of Minneapolis Minnesota.

The 40 developmental assets are grouped into the following eight categories.
Young people need….
Support - support from their families and from organizations and institutions that provide positive, supportive environments.
Empowerment – to be valued by their community and have opportunities to contribute to  others.
Boundaries and Expectations – to know what is expected of them and whether activities and behaviors are “in bounds” or “out of bounds.”
Constructive use of Time – constructive, enriching opportunities for growth throug creative activities, youth programs, congregational involvement and quality time at home.
Commitment to Learning – to develop a lifelong commitment to education and learning.
Positive Values – to develop strong values that guide their values.
Social Competencies – skills and competencies that equip them to make positive choices, to build relationships and to succeed in life.
Positive Identity – a strong sense of their own power, purpose, worth and promise.

Watch for more information on the development assets, the Coalition, and for announcements of upcoming events please call Mary Blank at 440-331-3838.