By Lori EhdeSchools, social services and other government agencies offer countless programs aimed at helping young people.But, according to the Search Institute of Minneapolis, young people need affirmation from a wide range of adults in their communities to have more of the 40 assets recommended for healthy development.That was one of the key messages that came across at a community meeting Monday night, when results of the December 2002 survey of Rock County youth were released."The most important thing is that our schools and agencies are not the fixers for our kids," said Randy Ehlers, Rock County Family Services director"Everyone needs to take responsibility for our kids — not just our own kids, but for all kids. We need to look beyond ourselves."‘What’s Up With Our Kids?’Ehlers organized Monday’s meeting in the Blue Mound Meeting and Banquet Center that drew more than 60 people, most of them representing various family agencies, schools and government bodiesEntitled "What’s Up With Our Kids?" the point was to reveal survey results and discuss ways to support healthy youth development.More than 800 sixth- through 12th-graders in Hills-Beaver Creek and Luverne schools were asked to share their thoughts, attitudes and experiences in the areas of both positive and negative aspects of their lives.Specifically, they were asked about drugs, alcohol, tobacco use, sexual activity, school climate, parents, friends, neighborhoods, safety, security, expectations, encouragement, love, support, perceived value, adult role models and setting limits.The reason their responses are important in these categories is that the Institute has found a direct correlation between assets, or things going well for students in their lives, and risky behavior.In other words, the more assets young people have, the less likely it is they’ll be involved with drugs, violence and sex. The reverse is also true: students with fewer assets reported engaging in more risky behaviors.Rock County’s youth report similar concerns as those nationwideAccording to the survey, the average Rock County young person is getting about half of the 40 recommended assets. Nine percent reported they’re getting 31 or more of the 40 recommended assets. Thirty-one percent are getting 21 to 30 of the 40 assets, 44 percent are getting 11 to 20 assets and 15 percent are getting less than 10 assets.Some highlights to note from the survey are that 75 percent (relatively high number) of students reported that their best friends model positive behavior.Also, 81 percent receive consistent influence of a religious institution.On the negative side, a relatively low percent of Rock County youth (20 percent) reported feeling that adults value them in the community, and only 26 percent felt young people are given useful roles in the community. Overall, Rock County’s figures are similar to the results of a 1999-2000 survey of 225,000 students in public and private schools nationwide.What can YOU do?Shelby Andress, a consultant with the Search Institute, presented the results of the survey of Rock County’s youth.She said it’s not important to compare Rock County’s figures to those of the national survey. "What matters," she said, "is a comparison of what you want for your community."She suggested everyone start treating all young people with courtesy and respect. She called it "intentional asset building.""When you’re standing in line at the hardware, talk to the young person in front of you or with the girl at the cash register," she said."You don’t have to ask anyone for approval to do something positive in your own life."In one community, she said a resident made it his mission to get the 40 assets posted on every refrigerator in every home to serve as constant reminders."The fact that you’re here tonight is part of your legacy," Andress told everyone at the meeting. "I’m thrilled that you’re here. Rock County is fortunate to have all of you."Funding for the survey and Andres’ presentation was provided by Thrivent Financial Services.This is the second time the Search Institute has surveyed Rock County’s youth. The first time was in 1996.
