New partnership supports positive youth development in Yukon

by ahnationtalk on October 4, 2019680 Views

In partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yukon, the Government of Yukon is delivering workshops on the territory’s new youth-focused 40 Developmental Assets Model in eight communities this October.

The two-hour workshops focus on 40 “assets,” which are factors deemed essential to young people’s success. The assets model was created by the Minneapolis-based Search Institute, while a “Yukonized” version incorporates wisdom and experiences of Yukon Elders and rural First Nations communities, such as the importance of spending time on the land.

The initiative is an opportunity for community members to connect around positive youth development. Participants will learn about shifting the focus from young people’s problems to promoting their strengths and how simple everyday actions can have an impact.

Workshops are for anyone interested in youth development, the future of young people and the well-being of their community. The workshop schedule can be found by visiting yukon.ca/40-assets

This initiative will offer valuable tools and resources for parents, teachers and all community members to support and improve the development of youth in Yukon. Our goal is to ensure Yukon youth live happy and healthy lives, and sharing the benefits of the 40 Developmental Assets Model supports that effort by promoting a tool to better assess the experience of youth and provide them with the best foundation possible. These skills and experiences provide youth with opportunities, build relationships and promote independence.

Premier Sandy Silver

We say it takes a village to raise our young people. At Lions Quest Canada we are equipping the “villagers” with research-based tools and resources to be effective. Every adult can make a difference by being deliberate and intentional in their actions by taking time to acknowledge and listen to youth, just saying hi or providing support and opportunities for young people to find their spark.

Lions Quest Canada Executive Director Joanne McQuiggan

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yukon we are starting to use the 40 Developmental Assets as a way to understand how our mentoring programs have a lasting impact for children and youth. Many of the assets are things that family members, elders, teachers, mentors, program leaders and coaches do intuitively for young people, but having every adult in the community understand that they are an asset builder empowers us all to strengthen the next generation.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yukon Executive Director Angela Krueger

Quick facts

The Youth Directorate, in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yukon, was approved for $308,000 of funding through the National Crime Prevention Strategy. This two-year project will deliver ‘asset’ training to youth service providers in Whitehorse and eight rural communities.
The Search Institute of Minnesota has found 40 factors that are essential to young people’s success. They call these 40 factors Developmental Assets, which are traits, values and experiences that all young people need to be healthy, successful and reach their full potential.
These building blocks, or Developmental Assets, are grounded in research on child and adolescent development, risk prevention and resiliency.

Contact

Stewart Burnett
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0480
stewart.burnett@gov.yk.ca

Sarah Swinimer
Communications, Youth Directorate
867-456-5523
sarah.swinimer@gov.yk.ca

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