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How to Be an Asset-Builder


~ Every Day ~

  • Be aware of how powerful a role model you are
    (children do what you do, not what you say)
  • Listen carefully to what children have to say
  • Keep your promises to young people
  • Be generous in your gratitude for the little things they do
  • Be clear about your expectations – don’t expect perfection
  • Remember mistakes are part of living and growing

~ In the Community ~

  • Make contact with children/teens whom you don’t know in your neighborhood
  • Stop at all lemonade stands
  • Call kids by name
  • Smile at teenagers in the mall without expecting it returned
  • Chaperone a dance
  • Initiate intergenerational activities
  • Ask youth for their opinions; include youth voice in decisions
  • Invite young people to be on your board, committee, etc.


~ Celebrate Youth ~

  • Include youth in annual community awards
  • Attend performances, events of children/teens
  • Compliment them freely
  • Become their advocate
  • Ask them about their experiences as a young person
  • Initiate a conversation about values
  • Avoid comparing young people with each other