Foundational Frameworks
40 Assets
The 40 Developmental Assets Framework asks the question, "What skills, experiences, relationships, values and behaviors do youth need in their lives in order to THRIVE?'
The Framework, created by social science institution Search Institute, identifies 40 building blocks of healthy youth development that enable young people to grow into successful and contributing adults.
Data collected from Search Institute surveys has consistently demonstrated that the more Developmental Assets young people acquire, the more likely they are to avoid risk behaviors like substance use and violence, and the more likely to become happy, healthy, contributing members of their communities and society.
And the good news is that everyone in a community has a role to play in building youth Assets. Simple actions can make a big difference in the lives of our young people!​
Want some Asset building ideas that show kids you care? Here are 150 Ways! (Many of which we know you already do!) Know that your efforts and intention make a difference!
Developmental Relationships
Young people are more likely to grow up successfully when they experience developmental relationships with important people in their lives. Developmental relationships are close connections through which young people discover who they are, cultivate abilities to shape their own lives, and learn how to engage with and contribute to the world around them. Search Institute has identified five elements—expressed in 20 specific actions—that make relationships powerful in young people’s lives.
Science of the Positive
Given the 24-hour news cycle, the relentless nature of our social media feeds, and access to information whenever, wherever and however we want it, it can often feel like we live in a frightening world, where dangers and problems seem overwhelming—particularly when focusing on the issues and risks that our youth are faced with daily.
Here at Tri-Town Council, we are guided by the the Science of the Positive, a framework developed by Jeff Linkenbach's Montana Institute. which essentially involves “changing the lens” through which we view the world to recognize, shine a light on, and ultimately grow that which is positive.
​
By shining a light on all the good, positive behaviors that exist in any community, we strengthen “protective factors” (which reduce the risk of substance use and mental illness) and grow the positive that already exists.
​
The Cycle of Transformation is a process method at the heart of such positive growth, with four key steps: Spirit, Science, Action, Return.
