HCI is dedicated to building the network of businesses, organizations and individuals to support the positive development of our youth. This effort is guided by the 40 Developmental Assets, which have tremendous value for kids, especially when the concern is focused on increasing thriving behaviors and decreasing destructive behaviors.

Schools are back in session and the work has begun for students to learn more math, fine tune writing skills, explore the sciences, discover another language, and perhaps take a chance on a subject that is totally new. All courses utilize some kind of support materials, or tools, to assist the students. These are essential to the process and ultimately have a major part in the successful outcomes. In order to build the life skills kids need to succeed, it is helpful to have some tools as well. These are the 40 Developmental Assets, the basis of HCI and the “tool kit” for our community. For kids, this “tool kit” helps them make good decisions, take less risks, help others, and so much more.

This year, the Rose Tree Media School District has incorporated The 40 Developmental Assets into the Student Planners at Springton Lake Middle School and Penncrest High School. On the first day of each week of the year you will find one of the 40 Assets with an action you can take to build that particular Asset. Remember, the research shows that the more assets kids possess, the more thriving behaviors they will have and less risky behaviors. Here they are below…

The 40 Assets and Applications-
At the end of this list, HCI has a Challenge for YOU!

• Asset #1 Family Support -
"Never give up on me." Share a meal together

• Asset #2 Positive Family Communication -
"Try to understand me." Stop and Listen!

• Asset #3 Other Adult Relationships –
Another resource and more love and support.

• Asset #4 Caring Neighborhood –
Be helpful and kind, that is what you will receive

• Asset #5 Caring School Climate –
Acknowledge everyone by saying “Hi” and smile

• Asset #6 Parental Involvement in Schooling –
Don’t underestimate the power of asking

• Asset #7 Community Values Youth –
“Give me a voice” Welcome suggestions!

• Asset #8 Youth as Resources –
“Take me seriously;” Follow-through; keep commitments

• Asset #9 Service to Others –
“Help me change things for the better.” Give!

• Asset #10 Safety –
Share and acknowledge fears and concerns, find solutions

• Asset #11 Family Boundaries –
Abide by clear rules; tell and know whereabouts

• Asset #12 School Boundaries –
The Latin word for discipline means “to teach.”

• Asset #13 Neighborhood boundaries –
Show adults you like that they look out for you

• Asset #14 Adult Role Models –
Be a good one; show others how you want them to act.

• Asset #15 Positive Peer Influence –
Challenge me to succeed; comfort me if I don’t

• Asset #16 High Expectations –
Expect the best, don’t expect perfection

• Asset #17 Creative Activities –
Explore your talents; connect with different people

• Asset #18 Youth Programs –
Figure out what captures your interest. Keep trying.

• Asset #19 Religious Community –
A wonderful place to build relationships and support

• Asset #20 Time at home –
Create a tradition with your family and keep it!

• Asset #21 Achievement Motivation -
Discover the joy of learning in all that you do

• Asset #22 School Engagement –
A commitment to learning is contagious. Be curious

• Asset #23 Homework –
Practice makes progress, apply what you have learned.

• Asset #24 Bonding to School –
Follow your passions and build a community spirit

• Asset #25 Reading for Pleasure –
Be open to a variety of learning experiences

• Asset #26 Caring –
Place a high value on helping other people. Be empathetic!

• Asset #27 Equality and Social Justice –
Positive change in the world begins with you

• Asset #28 Integrity –
Your actions reveal your true values. Walk your talk

• Asset #29 Honesty –
The ability to admit your mistake and learn than to lie and hurt

• Asset #30 Responsibility –
Take ownership and pride in what you think, say and do

• Asset #31 Restraint –
Have the strength to resist dangerous temptations

• Asset #32 Planning and Decision Making –
Set Goals and choose your priorities well

• Asset #33 Interpersonal Competence –
View things from the other person’s perspective

• Asset #34 Cultural Competence –
Model acceptance, respect, flexibility, patience

• Asset #35 Resistance Skills –
Slow your thinking and reaction; think consequences

• Asset #36 Peaceful Conflict Resolution –
You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist

• Asset #37 Personal Power –
Dwell on what you do right, ask questions, give feedback

• Asset #38 Self-Esteem –
Believe in yourself and then you will achieve

• Asset #39 Sense of Purpose –
Discover your special talents, strengths, and abilities

• Asset #40 Positive View of Personal Future –
80% of success is a positive attitude

HCI’s Challenge to Families

HCI wants to hear from you!! After reading through this action list of the 40 Assets, e-mail HCI and tell us how you have applied them in your life and family and what were the results?
Send your e-mails to mgrieco@riddlehospital.org.

With your permission, HCI will feature your story in upcoming articles and on our website. There will be a drawing for a FREE Family Dinner that HCI will award from all the entries.
Win-Win for everyone!

If you wish to support HCI by volunteering your time and talents, or making a financial contribution, please call Dana Riker, 610-566-8272.
HCI is on the web at www.hci-rtm.org