Search Institute has identified 40 building blocks of healthy development that help young people grow up healthy, caring and responsible. These building blocks are referred to as “assets.” Local schools have united in identifying monthly “asset” themes for schools and communities to help kids reach their potential.

This initiative endorsed by: Lorain County Superintendents, Center for Leadership in Education, Lorain County Prevention Connection, The Lorain County Prosecutor, The Lorain County Health Advisory Council and sponsors listed below.

CitizenshipEmpowerment Support

Constructive use of timeCommitment to learning

Decision-makingRespect

ResponsibilityCaring

FairnessTrustworthiness

Positive Identity

Young people are empowered to make positive changes in their community; they recognize and live up to their social and civic obligations.

I believe I can positively impact the attitude toward youth in my community.

I have a useful role in my community and I know how I can contribute my services.

I often volunteer my services in the community.

I make choices that help me feel safe at home.I make choices that help me feel safe at school.I make choices that help me feel safe in my neighborhood.I make choices that help protect our environment.I abide by the laws of my community, my state, and my country.

I use the democratic process to insure that all people are treated fairly and equally.

I use the democratic process to exercise my personal rights as a citizen.

Co-Sponsors of this page:

What’s happening in your family, classroom, school, hometown, state, the nation, the world?Are you up to date on issues and trends? Do you read the newspaper and watch news programs? Who are your elected representatives?

(School board, City Council, state, United States officials?)What are your rights as a U.S. citizen? Are you taking care of the environment?Your world may sometimes seem small if you only think about your family, classroom and school, but it’s really much bigger. Expand your boundaries and think

about your hometown, state, country and the world. Every place has rules or laws. And every place has needs: your family might need you to help out at home, your classroom might need some new computers, and perhaps your school needs air conditioning. Maybe your neighbor needs help with chores. Your hometown might need a skate park. The state needs more jobs. The nation needs transportation solutions. The world needs people thinking green. The list goes on and on. Are you doing your part and staying involved? It starts at the smallest level. Be a good friend. Help your family. Maybe your neighbor needs help. Get involved in activities and organizations.

Clean up after yourself; remember to recycle. Donate your time and energy to making things a little bit better. If everyone gets involved, lots of great things can happen. You can help with fundraisers for your schools and community. Take part in helping animals and people. It simple and easy and starts with you. Stay involved, informed and active.Communities That Care (CTC) of Lorain County

Here’s one way you can stay involved and learn more about an important issue:

FREE event includes a film about how one community got involved in solving local problems, youth activities.

Learn about local prevention. Plenty of FREE pizza and pop.

For more information call: Tim Williams at the Elyria YWCA, 322-6308.