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Visit our website: www.dekalbcountykeys.org |
The KEYS to the Future |
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APRIL 2009 |
Volume 1, Number 11 |
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To learn more about Search Institute’s asset categories or the 40 Developmental Assets and ideas for helping young people build them visit www.search-institute.org/assets
Developmental Assets® are positive factors within young people, families, communities, schools, and other settings that research has found to be important in promoting the healthy development of young people. From Instant Assets: 52 Short and Simple E-Mails for Sharing the Asset Message. Copyright © 2007 by Search Institute®, 877-240-7251; www.search-institute.org. This message may be reproduced for educational, noncommercial uses only (with this copyright line). All rights reserved.
For more information on the Teen Parent Program at Kishwaukee College, contact Julie Male at 815-825-2086, ext. 312; for more information on the Kishwaukee College WIA program, contact program Coordinator Mary Ann Kolls at ext. 519.
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Asset #9: SERVICE TO OTHERS
By helping others, young people learn to help themselves.
To many young people, the world is small. It’s made up of their school, home, and neighborhood. They may assume all schools are like their school. And, when they’re very young, they may think the world revolves around them. But when young people start to reach out and help others, their world grows and so does their confidence. In fact, many young people report that when they give of their time and energy, they receive much in return. Serving others can help kids feel good about themselves and understand that they can make a difference in the world.Service to Others is Asset 9 of Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets, qualities, experiences, and relationships that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.
Here are the facts Research shows that young people who serve others in the community for one or more hours a week are more apt to be respectful of others, helpful and kind, and patient. They also tend to value diversity. Encourage all young people to recognize the value of helping others.
Tips for building this asset
The best way to teach young people the value of helping others is to be a role model. Activities such as providing a meal to a new parent, driving a neighbor to an appointment, or babysitting can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Look for service opportunities to do with a young person. Join organizations that involve—and provide leadership roles for—both young people and adults.
Also try this
In your home and family: Together, think of 10 ways your family can serve others. Choose one idea. Pick a date to do the activity. Afterward, talk about your experience.
In your neighborhood and community: Join or support an organization that teaches (and provides opportunities for) serving others. Some possibilities to consider: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, YMCA, and Youth Service America.
In your school or youth program: Seek learning opportunities for students and group members to engage in community service projects. Also bring community resources into the classroom or program setting.
Local statistics
According to the Search Institute, the national average of young people 11-18 years of age who say they regularly serve their community is 48%. Forty-six percent of DeKalb and Sycamore teens that participated in the 2007 Assets Survey indicated that they serve in the community one hour or more per week. Research has also found that adolescent girls are more likely to serve others regularly than adolescent boys. In addition, trends show that as young people move through middle and high school, they become less likely to serve others.
Please remember: Assets have the power to protect our young people from engaging in risk-taking behaviors such as alcohol use, shoplifting, vandalism, trouble with the police, engaging in violent behavior, and more. Get involved with your children’s lives!
Assets in Action April 24 – 26 is Global Youth Service Day. Service should be the common expectation and common experience of all young people. Children and youth are community assets and resources possessing unique perspectives, idealism, energy, creativity, and commitment. The earlier youth are asked to serve, the better prepared they are to embrace the virtue of lifelong service and philanthropy. Youth-led service projects are most effective because decision-making gives young people ownership for the solutions. Youth can be authentic leaders during childhood and adolescence. Meaningful youth service activities create strong, diverse communities of inspired, intelligent, civically-engaged young people. Youth from all backgrounds must have the opportunity to serve and lead in their communities.
Global Youth Service Day is a program of Youth Service America with the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC). It is the largest service event in the world. Millions of youth from all 50 states will join in the 21st Annual Global Youth Service Day.
Local Youth Service Projects: · Sycamore High School KEYS Club is hosting a “Senior Prom” for residents at Oak Crest Retirement Center on Saturday 4/25. The following day KEYS club members will participate in a post-prom celebration by cleaning litter from local roadways. · Kishwaukee Family YMCA Teen Leaders Club will be operating various games in the “Kid Zone” at the DeKalb County March of Dimes walkathon event on Saturday 4/25
DeKalb County Youth in the News!
Motivated Teens: Many kids helping others by volunteering. TAILS Humane Society, Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center, DeKalb County Community Foundation, Kishwaukee Family YMCA, Pay It Forward House, and area food pantries are just some of the local not for profit agencies benefiting from young people volunteering their time and talents.
Adrianna Acosta, 12, Pay It Forward House and Sycamore United Methodist church food pantry volunteer suggests that all kids should do some kind of volunteer work. “It just makes you feel good to know you did something good for other people, she said.” 04.05.2009 Daily Chronicle
Helping Hands: Daisy troop collects items for local food pantry. Seven members of the Daisy Troop 395 in Sycamore stood outside of Brown’s County Market in Sycamore with a mission of collecting donations to give to people in need in their community. This collection supported the Sycamore Food Pantry.
When Laramie O’Sullivan, 7 was asked about her favorite part of the morning, she replied, “Mostly everything, I feel really good and helpful. I’m happy to help people.” 04.05.2009 Daily Chronicle
Supplies are welcome donations at local nonprofits. DeKalb Twins Derek and Olivia Olson made birthday party plans for their seventh birthday. Instead of gifts, the two asked their friends to bring donation for the DeKalb County Animal Shelter. As a result of their humanitarian efforts, they were able to provide the shelter with a new space heater, paper towels, dish soap, bleach, and other every day items. 03.27.2009 Daily Chronicle
Share your Asset stories with us! What are you doing to get more young people engaged in community service? Are you creating opportunities and actively recruiting young people to get involved? As parents, are you helping your child find ways to engage in community service, are you doing it together? If you have seen or been a part of a story that shows Assets in use, please email us so we can share your story with our readers. Reach us at info@dekalbcountykeys.org.
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