Asset Corner #59

November’s Asset Category: EMPOWERMENT The empowerment assets focus on community perceptions of youth & the opportunities they have to contribute to society in meaningful ways. Feeling valued and appreciated is important to all of us. For young people, this means feeling safe and believing they’re liked and respected. These feelings can go a long way toward empowering children and youth. Providing opportunities and recognizing accomplishments helps young people build self-esteem. This in turn, gives them the confidence to share their ideas, knowledge, and creativity by volunteering and working in paid jobs. By paying attention to young people, you show that you value them.

EMPOWERMENT Assets Include:
       # 7 Community Values Youth - Kids perceive that adults in the community value youth. (22%*)
       # 8 Youth as Resources – Young people are given useful roles in the community. (26%*)
       # 9 Service to Others – Young person serves in the community one hour or more a week. (48%*)
       #10 Safety – Kids feel safe at home, school & in the neighborhood situations. (51%*)
           

This column’s focus will be on…..Asset #10 – Safety

Combating fear, and growing up safe in an unsafe world Young people who feel threatened, unsafe, or scared often spend a lot of time trapped in fear or in their attempts to protect themselves. They’re less likely to venture forth and take some healthy risks. On the other hand, young people who feel safe are more likely to feel secure enough to try new things. That’s why safety is an important part of feeling empowered. Fear, both imaginary and real, is a normal part of growing up. The key is learning to overcome it.

Here are the facts
Research shows that young people who feel safe in their surroundings are more likely to make positive contributions. About 51 percent of young people, ages 11–18, say they feel safe at home, at school, and in their neighborhood, according to Search Institute surveys. The key to safety is to create and maintain an environment that minimizes fear and maximizes opportunities to take healthy risks.

Tips for building this asset
Media reports fuel reality-based fears, such as crimes and accidents. You may inadvertently add to young people’s insecurity by feeling anxious yourself and believing the world is dangerous. Young people pick up on adults’ attitudes and beliefs even if they don’t tell children how they’re feeling. Be aware of your behavior, body language, and words—and those coming from others. When you talk to young people about particularly upsetting or frightening events, remind them such occurrences aren’t common. Point out the many ways people take care of one another to be safe.

Also try this
In your home and family: Discuss with your child suggestions for how to remain safe in certain circumstances, and role-play situations. For example, create—and practice—an escape plan in case of a fire in your home. Identify a neighbor your child can go to in an emergency.

In your neighborhood and community: Donate your time, materials, or other resources to a local community center where children can safely play. If there isn’t a community center near you, work to establish one or create other safe activities for young people in your neighborhood.

In your school or youth program: Discuss with young people what it means to be safe at school or in your program. Encourage them to tell you—or other caring adults—if their safety ever feels threatened.

ASSET RELATED NEWS 
l  The Collab’s  monthly Mobile Food Pantry is scheduled this month for Thursday, November 13th. Also, it’s not too late to include adopting a family in your organization’s plans for the holidays. Call the Collab at 440.887.4873 for information about these and other programs/services.

l  Find out more about how you can volunteer and/or become more engaged in the education of our kids by calling the office of Family and Community Engagement at 440.842.7022. Opportunities abound and your time, talent and ideas would be appreciated.

l  If you or if you know of anyone having questions re: the federal health insurance program (Obamacare) or about Ohio Medicaid, visit Parma Health Ministry’s web site at  www.parmahealthministry.org or phone: 440.843.8087. Their Health Care Navigator should be able to help. Remember, the open enrollment period for coverage effective 2015 begins on November 15, 2014.

SHARE YOUR ASSET BUILDING IDEAS AND/OR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENTAL ASSET CONCEPT BY VISITING THE “ASSET CORNER” FACEBOOK PAGE. I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.

Visit www.parmacityschools.org/character, www.search-institute.org/assets for more information about the 40 Developmental Assets and ideas for helping young people build them. Or go here  http://www.parentfurther.com/  for great asset-based parenting tips, tricks, activities and ideas.