You can make a difference for yourself and your peers by learning about and building the
developmental assets. Some young people have started by learning the names of their peers
at school or in their neighborhood. Some build assets by befriending younger children. Here
are some ideas on how you can get started as an asset builder:
- Learn the names of your neighbors (including adults, children, and other teen-
agers) Ask one of your parents to introduce you to neighbors you don’t know.
- Post the 40 developmental assets in your room or in your locker. Choose a different asset each day and focus on nurturing it for your friends.
- Sample a variety of experiences and activities in music, theatre, art and athletics, at school and your community
- Participate in at least one club, group, team, or sport—to find something creative that appeals to you like acting or music.
- Get to know an adult you admire
- Replace putdowns with affirmations
- Become a walking example of asset building. Learn more about the research and the implications of the asset framework.
- Write a note of call one of the main asset builders in your life. Thank him or her for making a difference in your life.
- Think of your best friends. Do they build you up or drag you down? How do they build assets for you? How do you build assets for them?
- Go out of your way to greet your neighbor.
- Limit the amount of television you watch. Choose shows you really like and not just whatever is on.
- Volunteer at a local nursing home, community center, or animal hospital.
- Take a conflict mediation course.
- Start a book club with friends and read just for fun.
- Practice different ways of saying no when people try to get you to do things that you don’t really want to do.
- Talk about the 40 developmental assets with your family. Which assets do your family think are the strongest in your family?
- If you have a part-time job during the school year, limit your work schedule to allow time for schoolwork, doing things with your family and friends, and other activities.
- Identify something each family member is good at and learn from them. If your sister is good at geography, turn to her when you need help reading a map or with a geography assignment.
- Discuss with young people in your neighborhood what is good about where you live. Also discuss ways you could help improve the neighborhood.
- Even if your family provides a warm, caring, supportive place to grow, also seek support through adults in your school, community organizations, or congregations.
Taken from Pass It On! Ready To Use Handouts for Asset-Builders
 Asset Building Tips For Download
 NOTE: Documents are in PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded free of charge.
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