Citizenship and Asset Building Through Athletics - Question 3

Which of the assets and citizenship characteristics could be reasonably developed or facilitated through special programs or strategies?

A good athletic program can also be used as a vehicle to develop another twenty-one of the assets and the remaining three citizenship qualities. However, developing these assets and qualities requires being intentional. The coach, other adults, and young people involved in these activities must make a conscious choice to develop a particular quality, and then select specific strategies that can be used to promote the quality. Workshops for coaches, student leader training, and parent pre-season meetings are effective tools. Athletic directors and coaches can also establish and enforce effective rules and policies, use teachable moments to convey important information, be appropriate role models, and encourage parents and student leaders to promote these assets and characteristics.

The assets and characteristics that can be developed are:

Assets:

• Parent(s) are actively involved in helping young person succeed in school.


• Young person perceives that adults in the community value youth.


• Young people are given useful roles in the community.


• Young person serves in the community one hour or more per week.


• Family has clear rules and consequences, and monitors the young person's whereabouts.


• Young person's best friends model responsible behavior.


• Both parent(s) and teachers encourage the young person to do well.


• Young person places high value on helping other people.


• Young person place high value on promoting equality and reducing hunger and poverty.


• Young person acts on convictions and stands up for his or her beliefs.


• Young person "tells the truth even when it is not easy."


• Young person accepts and takes personal responsibility.


• Young person believes it is important not to be sexually active or to use alcohol or other drugs.


• Young person has empathy, sensitivity, and friendship skills.


• Young person has knowledge of and comfort with people of different cultural/racial/ethnic backgrounds


• Young person can resist negative peer pressure and dangerous situations.


• Young person seeks to resolve conflict nonviolently.


• Young person feels he or she has control over "things that happen to me."


• Young person reports having high level of self-esteem.


• Young person reports that "my life has a purpose."


• Young person is optimistic about his or her personal future.

Citizenship Characteristics:

• Positive values: Worthwhile traits or characteristics that help an individual or a group achieve goals and demonstrate a high degree of ethical behavior toward others.

Healthy lifestyles: A collection of daily practices that encourage optimum performance in academics, school activities, work, and play. Community Service: Taking part voluntarily in activities that improve a community's social or physical environment.