> SOUTHERN INDIANA — Time flies and amazing as it may seem, Thanksgiving 2010 is already history and we’re rushing into the Christmas season at warp speed. This season gives us opportunities to build multiple assets for and with our young people.

It’s been awhile, so before we consider what we can do, let's recap what asset building is about. The 40 Assets are the positive experiences, attitudes and behaviors that our children and youth need in order to grow up successful in life. Having a high number of the 40 Assets also promotes thriving behavior such as success in school, leadership, maintaining good health, and valuing diversity while simultaneously protecting from risk behaviors such as alcohol and drug use, violence, and sexual activity.  

Asset building is not a curriculum. Asset building is the positive attitude and approach we take by intentionally, consistently, and repetitively interacting with young people in our lives … even if it means simply acknowledging children and youth, greeting them with a smile, saying hello and recognizing the good actions they demonstrate. The young people can be family members, neighbors, or youth we don't know but happen to see in public.

Examples of external assets you can help build include:

• Positive Family Communications (#1): talk and plan how the family will spend holiday time and dollars. Share about traditions and how to make new traditions.

• Community Values Youth (#7): many young people are undertaking special efforts over the holidays to help those less fortunate; acknowledge and show appreciation for those efforts.

• Youth as Resources (#8) and Service to Others (#9) are very connected and there are a multitude of means through which youth serve the community: food drives, adopting angels, serving in soup kitchens — invite them to come along with you as you serve in the community.

• Adult Role Models (#14): being a role model knows no season, but what a great season for showing by your own actions the importance of giving, caring, responsibility, restraint, and planning and decision making.

• Creative Activities (#17): Whether through music, art, theatre, and more, many creative outlets can be utilized in celebrating the season; encourage youth to use their creative talents as they celebrate the season.

• Religious Community (#19): help youth find opportunities to connect to the faith community as not only Christmas but Hanukkah and other faith celebrations occur this time of year.

The Christmas season affords many unique opportunities for youth to develop and enhance their own internal assets. By acknowledging their actions, you encourage and validate young people especially in developing internal assets such as:

• Caring (#26): placing a high value on helping others; all of us, including young people, can take this time to reflect on how much we have to be grateful for and then to find ways to help those less fortunate.

• Responsibility (#30): accepting and taking personal responsibility; both at home and in organizations to youth can help ensure that needed actions are accomplished by.

• Planning & Decision Making (#32): in this busy time of year, planning ahead and making good choices is more important than ever.

• Peaceful conflict resolution (#36): as special and delightful as the season is there is often stress; be especially in-tune to efforts your young people make to compromise and to resolve difficult situations peacefully.

• Sense of Purpose (#39) and Positive View of Personal Future (#40): Encourage the young people in your life to explore opportunities and to find their purpose. Offer support and encouragement of their positive choices and help them be hopeful.

These are examples of many assets that you can help build over Christmas. Don't be overwhelmed with the number; rather, remember it's all about modeling positive attitudes and behaviors as you help the youth in your life celebrate a joyous, peaceful Christmas season.

For additional ideas or information, or to share your story or ideas about asset building, contact 812-923-1160 or barbara@youthcount.com and please visit the Youth Count website at www.youthcount.com.