Asset Corner #63

SHOW KIDS YOU CARE: MAKE YOURSELF AVAILABLE March’s Asset Category: Social Competencies Learning social skills is a lot like learning to play the piano in that you need to learn some basic competencies and you need someone to teach you those skills. You need time to practice, guidance as you gain experience, and feedback along the way. Social competencies are the skills and life perspectives young people need to develop into healthy, competent adults. These skills are important daily, but they’re even more crucial when young people encounter the tough times in life.


Social Competency Assets Include:
            #32 Planning & Decision Making – Young person knows how to plan ahead & make choices. (29%*)
            #33 Interpersonal Competence – Young person has empathy, sensitivity & friendship skills. (45%*)
            #34 Cultural Competence – Young person has knowledge of & comfort with people of different cultural/racial/ethnic backgrounds. (43%*)
            #35 Resistance Skills – Young person can resist negative peer pressure & dangerous situations. (41%*)
            #36 Peaceful Conflict Resolution – Young person seeks to resolve conflict nonviolently. (40%*)
             (* The percent of youth who experience or have this asset in their lives.  Data based on an aggregate Search Institute sample of 148,189 students surveyed in 2003. The sample included students in 202 cities in 27 states.)

This column’s focus will be on…..Asset #36 – Peaceful Conflict Resolution

Working it Out
Whether it’s a spat between sisters over who should take out the trash or an argument between nations over natural resources, disagreements are a part of being human. But no matter how small or large, every dispute can be resolved peacefully if both sides are willing to listen and compromise. Encourage young people to talk it out—and truly listen to one another. Speaking and listening respectfully are key.

Here are the facts
Research shows that young people who resolve conflicts peacefully do better in school, have higher self-esteem, and are less likely to use alcohol and other substances. About 40 percent of young people, ages 11–18, say they seek to resolve conflicts nonviolently, according to Search Institute surveys. It’s normal for anyone to feel mad every now and then, but learning to keep cool helps people express anger more effectively.

Tips for building this asset
When you notice two young people arguing, ask them to stop and take a deep breath. Once they’re calmer, ask them to think about why they are mad before they start talking. Being calm helps to focus on the problem at hand and not on attacking the other person. Suggest they talk about problems before the problems get too big. This can help keep everyone from blowing things out of proportion.

Also try this
In your home and family:
Talk with your child about a conflict you had as a young person. Discuss how you handled the situation then and how you might approach it now.
In your neighborhood and community: Model peaceful conflict resolution in your own life. Remember, when you argue in public, whether it’s in a grocery store or on a bus, there’s a good chance young people are listening. What do you want them to hear?
In your school or youth program: When a conflict arises between two young people in your school or program, help them through the following steps: Have each person 1. State what he or she wants without blaming others; 2. Listen and try to understand each other; 3. Stay focused on the conflict at hand—don’t bring up other conflicts; 4. Emphasize creative problem-solving and new solutions; and 5. Negotiate a win-win result.

ASSET RELATED NEWS
The Collab’s Mobile Food Pantry is scheduled this month for Thursday, March 12th. This plus a host of other programs/services are always in need of help. If you’re interested in volunteering, give the Collab a call at 440.887.4873.
Our MyCom folks will be working again this year w/Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) to find summer employment for our area's youth. Interested teenagers, ages 14 - 18 can register at youthopportunities.org. Local businesses are also encouraged to support the program by registering at the aforementioned web site. For additional detail call Kathy Hall, our MyCom Project Coordinator at 440.842.7043.
Recently recognized by Parma City Council, the young ladies of St Charles Girl Scout Troop 70443 have been working together for a number of years developing projects focused on the church and our community. Their current, well organized and researched initiative embraces good planning, promotion and encourages collaboration to work towards a goal of collecting socks for the homeless. From now until Easter collection bins for preferably new, or clean gently used socks will be available at City Hall & a number of businesses around the area. Monetary donations which will be used to purchase new socks are, of course, accepted. If you have any questions on how you can get involved or would like to make a donation call Jennifer Bisesi at 440.263.6523 or email at gs.70443@gamil.com.

SHARE YOUR ASSET BUILDING IDEAS AND/OR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENTAL ASSET CONCEPT BY VISITING THE “ASSET CORNER” FACEBOOK PAGE. I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.

Visit www.parmacityschools.org/character, www.search-institute.org/assets for more information about the 40 Developmental Assets and ideas for helping young people build them. Or go here  http://www.parentfurther.com/  for great asset-based parenting tips, tricks, activities and ideas.


Gene Lovasy

Community Volunteer/Activist

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Volume 7, Issue 3, Posted 11:36 PM, 03.01.2015