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Connecting Faith Leaders to Asset Building Concept

(Howard County Connections)

COMMUNITIES BUILDING ASSETS
Connecting Faith Leaders to Asset Building Concepts

By: Nicole Modeen

On Thursday, December 16, 2004, many leaders in the faith community of Howard County joined together with Peter Benson, President of the Search Institute, to discuss Asset Building and its influence and possibilities in the faith community. In introducing Search Institute and its research focused on the building blocks of healthy youth development, Benson placed specific emphasis on the faith community and religious institutions as a key cornerstone to spreading the asset message into the community.

These members of the faith community were extended an invitation to join Howard County Connections, The Horizon Foundation’s new initiative promoting positive development for all youth, in looking at and discussing new possibilities to advance youth engagement in the faith communities. At least thirty faith organizations were in attendance, representing the major sectors and denominations of the religious community in Howard County. Benson’s presentation included a brief overview of the assets themselves, as well as their connection to the faith community. Aside from the regular research that the Search Institute does in schools and communities, there is also research and samples that have been done in congregations, which Benson added, show that, “as the number of assets rise in the individual, they become more interested in, and place more value on, the spirit.”

The faith community, ideal because of its intergenerational connections and community feel, has enormous potential to influence and positively effect the development of young people. While not focusing on one program or one idea, the Asset Building message can be infused into the faith community with the intentional focus on youth, involving them, encouraging them, and interacting with them. While all assets are important, those of particular focus covered in Thursday’s presentation included “Community Values Youth (asset # 7)” and “Other Adult Relationships (asset #3).”

Making youth feel that they are valued does not mean allotting them a part of the budget, or making sure we set aside resources for them, though both of those are important. The perception that the community values their youth is measured by the visibility of support and care offered by the community to the youth in a young person’s life. A caring neighborhood and school climate, and the acknowledgement of the faith community, and their involvement and commitment in the growth and development of youth are needed. Other adult relationships are also key, and ideal, in the faith community. A place where people of all ages and backgrounds meet and share fellowship is one where a young person can grow and thrive, sharing experiences with a very diverse group of people with no boundaries of age. Our society is constantly segregating things by age and the faith community is one of few places where that segregation is not as prominent, and in many cases, non-existent. It is these types of relationships, opportunities, and experiences for youth that we should encourage.

Benson also noted the research and continuing goal of the Search Institute, “a world where all young people are valued and thrive.” He noted that, “lots of kids go through school unknown, undetected and unseen,” and keyed in on the importance of knowing the youth in our community and acknowledging their presence. Whether by a simple ‘hello’ or going one step further to knowing current activities, involvement in school, or the upcoming sporting events, acknowledging and including young people in the faith community is key.

While still the first step or beginning process for many congregations, the possibilities for this sector of the community are practically endless. While digesting the material and noting which areas may apply more than others, many leaders expressed an interest to continue the discussion they had started this morning and explore new possibilities with the Development Asset framework. As Benson commented before departing, “there is no better policy for long-term sustainability than healthy kids for a healthy future.”

Nicole Modeen
Sophomore University of South Carolina
Member of Glen Mar Methodist Church