Helping Kids Succeed Alaskan Style!
Practical Suggestions for Building Assets in Your Child
Asset # 8- Youth as Resources
Research In 1993, youth development researchers concluded that the marginality of adolescents is embedded in their lack of a social role. The popular media presents an image of the
youth that is unattached, useless, and irresponsible. Research shows that
these so called "free" youth are less likely to thrive than youth
who are attached, feel useful, and are responsible for something and/or
someone. In 1985, a study done in Cook County Illinois found that youth with lower than average grade point averages wanted to volunteer in the community as much as the youth with above average grades. However, they found that the community rarely asked the youth with less than average GPAs to contribute. A much larger study found that efforts that help youth feel attached to a group or project resulted in higher self-esteem, more community cohesion, and significantly less
drug and alcohol use. What are you doing to give the youth in your life useful and meaningful roles? Words of
Encouragement Youth and Adult partnerships do make a huge and positive impact on youth and their behaviors. Here are some tips for youth, when they are working with
adults. � Communicate your ideas and feelings openly. � Adults may not be aware of how capable you are enlighten them. � Adults will feel responsible for the success or failure of the project. Be willing to share in both successes and failures. � Adults may be just as uncertain as young people; they have just learned to disguise it more. � Criticism doesn't necessarily equate to condescension - just
because they don't agree with you, doesn't mean that they are dismissing
you. Here are some tips for adults, when they are working with
youth. � Communicate your ideas and feelings openly. � Don't expect more from the young person than you would from another adult. � Make sure that you don't hold the young person to a stricter
standard than the adults. � Conversely, don't excuse all indiscretions just because you
are dealing with a youth. � Be careful about interrupting. � Remember that your role in a partnership is not to parent. � Don't move too fast. Bring the youth along with you. This newsletter and
other asset resources are produced by the Association of
Alaska School Boards Alaska Initiative
for Community Engagement 316 West 11th Street Juneau, Alaska 99801 Tel: (907) 586-1486 Fax: (907) 586-1450 Email: alaskaice@aasb.org
