Last week's column covered a few current events that expand recreational and sporting opportunities for Webster's youth. This week will look at an important, on-going project to build youth assets throughout our Webster community. This is a great opportunity for any group or individual to get involved in improving the well-being of our youth. Forty assets are identified and grouped into two major categories. External assets are the networks of support, opportunities and people that stimulate and nurture positive development in youth.
Internal assets are a young person's own commitments, values and competencies.
Next steps The report that resulted from the Webster survey provides insights about the young people in our community. The Webster community will be working to increase assets, with youth leaders playing an important role. Presentations have already been given to organizations throughout the community, to spread the word about the asset model and evaluate asset-building activities already in place. This also helps define where there are gaps and to prioritize opportunities for improvement. Coordination and collaboration among communities will stretch resources and assure consistency.