Youth First 40 Assets

Join Youth First and do something positive for the youth in our community today.  Each week we share some quick easy steps for building the asset of the week.  This week we are talking about the 40 Developmental Assets. 

This week’s tip is:  

The 40 Developmental Assets are a lot like building blocks.

In Washington County, the average youth has 18.3 assets.  61% of Washington County youth are considered at risk or vulnerable based on their level of assets.  The good news is we can change this because we ALL have the power to build assets in young people’s lives.  The first step is understanding this question: “What are the 40 developmental assets?”

We all have numbers in our lives.  10 is the number of fingers & toes you have.  2 is the number of eyes and ears you have.  1 is for your brain and heart.  What does the number 40 represent?  40 is for the developmental assets.  The 40 developmental assets are like building blocks our youth need to succeed.  Some of these 40 building blocks are caring, honesty, self esteem, safety, family support and high expectations.

If you have ever played with building blocks you may have used the blocks to build a fort or a wall.  During wars and battles, forts and walls were used to protect people from danger.  The 40 developmental assets are meant to do the same thing; to protect youth.   By having these 40 building blocks in the lives of our youth we can help them to avoid bad decisions, lies, dangerous situations and bad attitudes.

Each week throughout the year we will be learning about one of the 40 assets and practical tips for how we can build the assets in our youth.