Why do some kids grow up with ease while others struggle? Why do some kids get involved in dangerous activities, while others spend their time contributing to society? Why do some youth “beat the odds” in difficult situations, while others get trapped? Many factors influence why some young people have successes in life and why others have a harder time. Economic circumstances, genetics, trauma, and many other factors play a role. But these factors, which seem difficult, if not impossible, to change, aren’t all that matter for the healthy development of today’s youth.

The Search Institute, an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide leadership, knowledge, and resources to promote healthy children, youth, and communities has identified 40 concrete, positive experiences and qualities that have a tremendous influence on young people’s lives. This valuable information is referred to as the 40 Developmental Assets. They are essential benchmarks of healthy development that people from all walks of life can help to nurture. Research shows that application of the 40 developmental assets assist young people in making wise decisions, choosing positive paths, and growing up competent, caring, and responsible.

For over 90 years, Girl Scouts has been impacting girl’s lives through its informal education program and has become known as a trailblazer in creating high quality “out-of-school-time” opportunities. Once again, Girl Scouts is proving to be a leader in

the asset-based movement that holds a prominent place in the minds of educators, practitioners, and youth-committed policymakers. A recent report from the GSUSA Girl Scout Research Institute has produced a research review entitled, Paths to Positive Development. This exciting publication documents how the Girl Scout program reinforces the framework of the 40 developmental assets through the four Girl Scout Program Goals. In addition to other information in the review, this asset-based connection is revealed in an easy-to-view chart, The Girl Scout Program: Building Assets in Girls.

Paths to Positive Development also examines several other serious elements specifically relating to the healthy development of girls, such as the importance of girl-only programs, the characteristics of the “girl-plus” paths, and the positive influence of the girl-adult partnership. In addition, the publication explains what recent research is now revealing about new developmental trends for youth and what things are being done that bring about a renewed public commitment to youth.

Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council is pleased to be a part of a larger initiative that will create an asset rich community for girls. Efforts to make this happen began with the 600 volunteers and staff that attended the GSSJC Membership Development Conference 2004. The conference program included a morning general assembly with a 40 Assets video from the Search Institute. The video was followed by community and youth advocate, James Neville who facilitated several group exercises, assisting volunteers and staff in understanding the vital role they play in the positive development of today’s girls between the ages of 5 and 17. Two sessions of a special workshop, “Embracing the 40 Assets” were offered by Barbara Verner of Alief ISD and a 40 Assets keynote address at the conference luncheon was presented by Katherine Kimball-Baker, Director of Publishing for Search Institute. Linda Davich, publications representative from the Search Institute also staffed a booth, introducing 40 Assets materials and publications.
Other efforts GSSJC will implement this membership year to embrace the 40 developmental assets include:

• Providing additional asset awareness training for staff
• Assisting volunteers in becoming “asset builders” via Council sponsored programs such as the Cookie Sale and girl recruitment efforts
• Featuring several assets each month on the Council Information Network (CIN)
• Honoring a three-year partnership commitment with the Texas Partners in Education organization
• Sponsoring an Asset Building Training of Trainers course

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