For those who are unfamiliar with these assets, the Search Institute defines them as “building blocks of healthy development…that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.” The idea is that the more of these assets a young person possesses, the more inoculated he or she is against the risk factors of growing up in today’s world.
The author of this new book, Kelly Curtis, is a school counselor who advocates the Developmental Assets approach. She is also the founder of Empowering Youth, Inc., which works to develop positive youth development resources. Her book focuses on the four “empowerment assets,” and she devotes a chapter to each.
One of the most appealing aspects of Curtis' book is that it is full of inspiring, real-life examples of kids who are making a difference, and that support and encouragement that helped them get there. Curtis goes beyond explaining why it is vital to enhance leadership skills in teens; she actually provides a blueprint on how to get there from where you are now. Whether youth workers are interested in making small adjustments in the way they view and partner with youth, or are ready to bring sweeping changes into their school or agency, there is something here for them.
In fact, it may be impossible to read Empowering Youth without reflecting to some degree on one’s current practices. This is another strength of this book: it causes the reader to continually ask, “What should I (or my agency) be doing differently in our work with kids?” without leaving him feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or lacking in resources, as many books on working with kids seem to do.
Seeing Kids Differently
Curtis encourages individuals, agencies, and communities to shift their thinking regarding how they see youth. While other adults may see kids as immature troublemakers who need to be managed and contained, adults who strive to empower youth know that kids have much to offer if they are given the right opportunities and the right support.
Recognizing kids’ inherent value and ability, and helping them find the appropriate avenues to use their skills, is an amazing self-esteem builder. The sense of power kids feel when this happens often brings about other positive changes in kids: increased maturity, a sense of responsibility, an eagerness to do more, for example. In this way, more assets are gained, and kids’ development is further enhanced.
All Kids Can Serve
Another important piece of this process is recognizing that all kids have talents and skills that can be directed towards service and leadership. These opportunities are not solely for the kids adults typically think to include in service clubs and student councils. Again, changing how adults view youth means looking differently at every kid, even those that would usually not be considered for a position of responsibility.
The truth is, it’s these “difficult” kids that need this type of opportunity the most. With proper scaffolding of tasks at their readiness level, they can be assisted in finding their own gifts and skills. If they experience enough personal power through these types of positive activities, their need to seek it in negative ways may eventually fade away.
Promoting an Atmosphere of Safety
The final chapter of Empowering Youth provides a wealth of programs, resources, and ideas that help promote physical and emotional safety for kids in critical areas such as bullying, suicide prevention, GLBT awareness, etc. Anyone who works with kids in any capacity is sure to find something here worth further investigation.
Youth workers looking for powerful and inspiring ways to promote leadership skills will find them here. In addition to real-life examples, there are numerous activities that encourage reflection on current practices and brainstorming ways to move forward. Ideas are backed up by solid research, and a wealth of tips and strategies from those who are already hard at work empowering youth are included. Empowering Youth is a must-read for anyone interested in helping kids reach their fullest potential.
Reference:
Curtis, Kelly. Empowering Youth: How to Encourage Young Leaders to Do Great Things! Minneapolis, MN: Search Institute Press, 2008.
