Healthy Communities/Healthy Youth April Asset of the Month  

#9 Service to Others

In a healthy community a young person serves in the community one hour or more per week.

48% of youth surveyed believe that they have this asset in their lives. 

Service to Others

Not only do young people who serve others tend to develop caring values, but service also often leads them to think about issues important to themselves and society. Researchers found that service projects usually provoke young people to think about:

·                                 Their own lives in comparison to the lives of people who are different from them.

·                                 Their relationship to people who are less fortunate than they are.

·                                 Political and moral questions.

·                                 Their role in bringing about change in society.

Please forward this information to co-workers, clients, families and other contacts.

UPCOMING
EVENTS

How to live the asset of the month:             Service to Others

Empowerment assets such as service to others help young people unleash their gifts and talents to contribute to their families, their schools, and their communities. Here are some steps to follow when asking someone to pitch in with a service project and/or volunteer:

·                                 Identify what needs to be done. People of all ages are more willing to help out when they know what's expected and the results that are hoped for.

·                                 Create a variety of tasks. Sometimes a specific task may not appeal to someone. Having a selection of tasks to choose from is more empowering. Be willing to join the youth in the task, or find another person who can help.

·                                 Help young people succeed. Young people will succeed if they know what is expected and are given the tools and helpful instructions to do what is expected.

·                                 Don't underestimate the power of asking. Studies have shown that the number one way young people get involved in volunteering is by having someone ask them.

·                                 Focus on building relationships in addition to accomplishing the task at hand. People working together to do something are more likely to stick with it if they get to know each other and feel like important people on the team.

·                                 Ask for feedback. Helpers often have good ideas on how to make the task more efficient or more creative. implement some of their ideas immediately.

·                                 Celebrate. Thank helpers for their contributions. Do something in honor of what has been done and those who have contributed.

Please respond with feedback, ideas for upcoming assets of the month etc., or if your organization would like to be listed as a resource to: ysports@sheboygancountyymca.org or erikfrc@excel.net. Also contact us if your organization would like a 40-asset presentation or training.

Next Month's Asset of the Month: Category: Boundaries and Expectations: #15 Positive Peer Influence.

If your organization has a potential asset building event or information you would like to share for the May "Asset of the Month" notice please respond by the 20th of April.

Upcoming Months: June #37 Personal Power; July #4 Caring Neighborhood

The Asset of the Month is a campaign effort under the Healthy Community/Healthy Youth Initiative:

Sponsored by: