An Asset Checklist

Review the following questions developed by the Vancouver YMCA and Search Institute.  This will give you an idea of the number of the 40 Developmental Assets that you or a youth you know has.

 

  1. I receive high levels of love and support from family members.
  2. I can go to my parent(s) or guardian for advice and support and have frequent in-depth
    conversations with them.
  3. I know some non-parent adults I can go to for advice and support.
  4. My neighbours encourage and support me.
  5. My school provides a caring, encouraging environment.
  6. My parents(s) or guardian help me succeed in school.
  7. I feel values by adults in my community.
  8. I am given useful roles in my community.
  9. I serve in the community one hour or more each week.
  10. I feel safe at home, at school and in the neighbourhood.
  11. My family sets standards for appropriate conduct and monitors my whereabouts.
  12. My school has clear rules and consequences for behaviour.
  13. Neighbours take responsibility for monitoring my behaviour.
  14. Parents(s) and other adults model positive, responsible behaviour.
  15. My best friends model responsible behaviour.
  16. My parents(s) and teachers encourage me to do well.
  17. I spend three hours or more each week in lessons or practice in music, theatre or
    the arts.
  18. I spend one hour or more each week in school or community sports clubs or
    organizations.
  19. I spend one hour or more each week in religious services or participating in
    spiritual activities.
  20. I go out with friends “with nothing special to do” two or fewer nights each week.
  21. I want to do well in school.
  22. I am actively engaged in learning
  23. I do an hour or more of homework each school day.
  24. I care about my school
  25. I read for pleasure three or more hours each week.
  26. I believe it is really important to help other people.
  27. I want to help promote equality and reduce world poverty and hunger.
  28. I can stand up for what I believe.
  29. I tell the truth even when it is not easy.
  30. I can accept and take personal responsibility.
  31. I believe it is important not to be sexually active or to use alcohol or other drugs.
  32. I am good at planning ahead and making decisions
  33. I am good at making and keeping friends.
  34. I know and am comfortable with people of different cultural/racial/ethnic
    backgrounds.
  35. I can resist negative peer pressure and dangerous situations.
  36. I try to resolve conflict non-violently.
  37. I believe I have control over many things that happen to me.
  38. I feel good about myself.
  39. I believe my life has purpose.
  40. I am optimistic about my future.

Now you have an idea of what you have you can now see what you can add.  Remember the more Developmental Assets a person has the better they are able to deal with personal challenges in their life.  The reason you need to care about this is that if you can deal with challenges you will be successful.  In being successful I mean you will be more likely to live the life you want rather than the life that others want for you.   Being a confident, interdependent and healthy person will mean that others will want to be around you and have you in positions of leadership.  In others words you have a good chance of being happy and healthy.