HCHY List: Youth Mini Poster
Shelby Andress
sandress at visi.com
Wed Dec 31 10:15:10 CST 2008
I'm with those who are voting for Spark at this point in time. In my
view, it is a powerful approach to asking the "how" of building assets.
And through studying Peter Benson's new Sparks book, I'm learning
practical ways to use the skill in my everyday life. It's amazing how
much I'm learning, day by day.
I'm so happy you're doing this project. Because I've read several
versions of the Sparks book and watched the concept unfold and reach
greater clarity, I'll make a few comments here for your consideration.
A comment about sparks
Your three examples of sparks are great! They make me smile because they
affirm such a range of passions. For the Sparks approach, I assume you
will give a definition that includes the key definitions from the book.
Noting your examples: Spark, for example, helps to give one a sense of
purpose. However, a person may have many gifts but not have a strong
Spark around all of them. I have interviewed many young people with
many gifts (for any one young person, ranging from music to sports to
drama to working with little kids to you name it), but they can identify
one or two that really are their sparks, the ones for which they have a
passion, the major one or two that help them want to make the world a
better place.
About leadership and spirituality
Both of these are worthy topics as well, and I appreciate your linking
youth to resources on those questions. I appreciate your thoughts about
leadership, Colleen. One might also frame your son's outstanding work
in athletics as his Spark.
One thought about spirituality. Your one question about "when you feel
most spiritual" assumes that one never feels spiritual in a mosque or
synagogue or church or temple. No doubt you will be asking other
questions that do include those young people who, like some of our youth
emcees at the HCHY conference, told me that "my religion is my biggest
spark." And for them that meant life in their congregation--one, for
example, who remembers every Sunday School teacher she ever had, and
describes her congregation as a place where "we really take care of each
other, and everybody is into everybody else's business." Clearly,
others felt that spiritual essence in meeting Nobel Peace Laureates, and
others in playing the piano by the hour, so I really opt for the broader
definitions and examples as you are suggesting, without excluding formal
religious affiliations.
You are doing a great work! I would buy these posters for all the
neighborhood youth who work with me in my gardens, as well as for my
grandsons, and children and grandchildren of friends. It's a great
"upper" for all generations. I thank you! Shelby Andress
Barbara Bridgwater wrote:
> My preference is #1. "Spark" is the updated version of "bloom where
> you're planted" and I believe it's essential that each young person
> perceive that their particular skills/interests/talents are vital,
> useful and appreciated in our world.
>
>
>
>
>
> Barbara Bridgwater
> Community Youth Champion
> Youth Count
> PO Box 566
> Floyds Knobs, IN 47119
> Tel 812-923-1160
> barbara at youthcount.com <mailto:barbara at youthcount.com>
> www.youthcount.com <http://www.youthcount.com>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> From: hchylist-bounces at lists.search-institute.org
> [mailto:hchylist-bounces at lists.search-institute.org] On Behalf Of
> Alison Dotson
> Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 6:28 PM
> To: barbara at youthcount.com
> Cc: Healthy Communities Healthy Youth
> Subject: HCHY List: Youth Mini Poster
>
>
>
> Greetings!
>
> We at Search Institute Press are developing a small poster for youth,
> one that they would like to hang in their locker at school or on a
> bulletin board at home.
>
> I'm looking for feedback on the content of the poster. We've come up
> with three possible themes, and I would love to know which poster you
> would be most likely to buy for the teens in your life. Will you read
> the following examples and vote on your favorite? Thanks!
>
> Theme #1: What Is Your Spark?
>
> Examples of "sparks" that would appear on the poster are:
> Building furniture
> Acting
> Taking care of stray dogs
>
> And questions the poster may pose are:
> How do you use your gifts (I propose you use spark here) to make a
> difference in the world?
> Who supports your sense of purpose? (Readers may not connect "sense
> of purpose" with "spark." I propose making it more unidimensional,
> and building the understanding of spark throughout each statement.
> For example, for the Sparks Cards for the Annual Conference, I think
> we asked, "Who supports your spark?" In my interviews with youth,
> they immediately "got" it, and you noticed the same witness during the
> Annual Conference afternoon assembly when youth identified their spark
> and also the person who supports their spark--is their "spark
> champion.".)
>
> Theme #2: Anyone Can Be a Leader
>
> Examples of questions the poster may pose are:
> How do I bring out leadership in other people?
> How can I inspire people to come together?
> How do I respond to bullying?
>
> Theme #3: Make a Difference
> Sections will include the environment, social justice and equality,
> and spiritual development.
>
> An example from each section:
> Lather, rinse, don't repeat. Shortening your time in the shower by
> only two minutes saves 10 gallons of water.
> Learn more: dnr.metrokc.gov/wtd/waterconservation/tips.htm
> <http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wtd/waterconservation/tips.htm>
>
> Speak up. If classmates or friends are telling offensive jokes, say
> so. Tell them that you appreciate good jokes, but what they're doing
> is perpetuating stereotypes.
> Learn more: tolerance.org/teens <http://tolerance.org/teens>
>
> Find your spirit. Spirituality is shaped both within and outside of
> religious traditions, beliefs, and practices. When do you feel
> spiritual? On nature hikes? While playing piano, or nurturing a child?
> Creating a piece of art?
> Learn more: spiritualdevelopmentcenter.org
> <http://spiritualdevelopmentcenter.org>
>
>
> Please let me know which one you like best, Theme #1, Theme #2, or
> Theme #3. We want this to be a poster that really speaks to teens, and
> your opinion is so valuable!
>
> Thanks,
>
> Alison
>
>
> --
> Alison Dotson
> Assistant Editor
> 612-399-0232
>
> DID YOU KNOW?
>
> There are lots of ways to stay connected with Search Institute:
>
> The Search Institute Flickr Page
> View photos from the 2008 Healthy Communities . Healthy Youth conference.
>
> The Search Institute YouTube Page
> Watch videos of Peter Benson and other speakers. Subscribe for updates!
>
> The Search Institute Facebook Page
> Network with leaders in positive youth development.
>
> The Healthy Communities . Healthy Youth Facebook Page
> Get to know other asset builders around the world.
>
> Just click to:
> http://www.search-institute.org/content/links
>
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> http://www.search-institute.org/content/enews-letter-archives
>
> We want to hear from you! Tell us your story.
> http://www.search-institute.org/what-kids-need/assets/assets-in-action
>
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--
I. Shelby Andress, Inc.
8020 Wynnwood Road
Minneapolis, MN 55427
Phone 763-513-5900
Fax 763-513-5994
sandress at visi.com
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