Building Assets

Embracing the asset framework brings people together in new and exciting ways. It serves as a call to action and cooperation, a catalyst for uniting people whom never before had reason to work together. Here are a few principles that help guide the way:

• Everyone can build assets.
  Building assets isn't just about great families or schools or neighborhoods. It requires consistent messages across a community.

• All young people need assets.
  While it is crucial to pay special attention to youth who struggle - economically, emotionally, or otherwise - nearly all young people need more assets than they have.

• Relationships are key.
  Strong relationships between adults and young people, young people and their peers, and teenagers and children are central to asset building.

• Asset building is an ongoing process.
  Building assets starts when a child is born and continues through high school and beyond.

• Consistent messages are important.
  It is important for families, schools, communities, the media, and others to all give young people consistent and similar messages about what is important and what is expected of them.

  To get started on building assets, the following information provides some ideas about…

• ...who can build Assets,
• ...how to build Assets, and
• ...resources and tips for Asset-Building.