You may or may not be familiar with the list of resiliency assets that was developed by the Search Institute. They are meant to act as a guide for the development of caring, healthy, and responsible individuals. These are posted around the school as part of Red Ribbon Week, and they are a useful reminder of all the different ingredients that contribute to a young person's sense of belonging.
We all rely on more than our families to achieve a sense of self. Our schools may not have used such inventories of specific activities when we were in school, but we all were impacted by relationships we found in extended families, sports, extra-curricular activities, church, school and more. These are the relationships that allow us to grow in areas in which our parents may be less equipped as guides. And it is the opportunity to find others who enjoy life on the same terms as we do that helps us grow in security and confidence.
Mentoring programs believe in the benefit of strong relationships outside of the family sphere - ones that are friendship based. Mentors are not teachers, tutors, or substitute parents. Mentors are friends who support, encourage, and simply enjoy
their mentee. Now that's an asset built for two!
