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1 Building Assets In Youth <br />In 1996, the League of Minnesota Cities defined a "livable community" as one <br />where local government: <br />• Responds to citizens' needs; <br />• Is actively supported by enthusiastic volunteers; <br />• Is open and user - friendly; <br />• Encourages and implements cooperation and collaboration; <br />• Provides and maintains an adequate infrastructure to meet local needs; <br />• Educates citizens on local, regional, and state issues; <br />• Informs and communicates with citizens to foster participation in <br />public policy decision - making; and, <br />Participates in youth development. <br />The LMC Improving Community Life Committee was created to gather and <br />disseminate information to increase the communication, facilitation, and resource <br />development skills that city officials need to build and maintain more livable <br />communities. Over the past year, three subcommittees have focused on strategies <br />for building local leadership, educating and involving citizens in city issues, and <br />providing leadership in positive youth development. <br />The members of the Youth Development Subcommittee are pleased to present <br />this material to help your city proactively participate in youth development. This <br />material is based on the asset model developed by Search Institute and used by many <br />Minnesota communities. It identifies 40 assets, or building blocks, which all young <br />people need in their relationships and environments. The Search Institute <br />research, which surveyed more than 250,000 youth, clearly shows that the more <br />assets a young person bas, the less likely he or she will engage in illegal and /or high - <br />risk behaviors. (For more information about this model, see page 5 or contact Search <br />Institute at (800) 888- 7828.) <br />Page 83 <br />The following 40 assets provide a <br />framework for discussions, brainstorming, <br />and planning in city departments, staff <br />meetings, Council workshops, and com- <br />munity collaborations. To get you started, <br />we have identified at least one example of <br />a specific personnel policy, staff activity, <br />or city initiative that builds youth assets, <br />We hope these suggestions stimulate <br />creativity and illustrate possibilities for <br />building youth assets in Minnesota cities. <br />Asset types <br />• Support <br />• Empowerment <br />• Boundaries and Expectations <br />• Constructive Use of lime <br />• Commitment to Learning <br />• Positive Values <br />• Social Competencies <br />• Positive Identity <br />