Asset Checklist

What are assets?

Assets are the positive building blocks that young people need to grow up to be healthy, principled and caring adults. The more assets young people have, the more likely they are to engage in positive behaviors, such as volunteering or doing well in school. In addition, they are less likely to be engaged in at-risk behaviors. The eight categories of assets are support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, constructive use of time, commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies and positive identity.

An Asset Checklist - Many people find it helpful to use a simple checklist to reflect on the assets young people experience. This checklist simplifies the asset list to help prompt conversation in families, organizations and communities.

DISCLAIMER: This checklist is not intended nor appropriate as a scientific or accurate measurement of developmental assets.

This self-test was obtained from the "What is Healthy Communities...Healthy Youth?" brochure published by the Lutheran Brotherhood.

1	I receive high levels of love and support from family members.	____
2	I can go to my parent(s) or guardian(s) for advice and support and have frequent, in-depth conversations with them.	____
3	I know some non-parent adults I can go to for advice and support.	____
4	My neighbors encourage and support me.	____
5	My school provides a caring, encouraging environment.	____
6	My parent(s) or guardian(s) help me succeed in school.	____
7	I feel valued by adults in my community.	____
8	I am given useful roles in my community.	____
9	I serve the community one hour or more each week.	____
10	I feel save at home, at school and in the neighborhood.	____
11	My family sets standards for appropriate conduct and monitors my whereabouts.	____
12	My school has clear rules and consequences for behavior.	____
13	Neighbors take responsibility for monitoring my behavior.	____
14	Parent(s)/guardian(s) and teachers encourage me to do well.	____
15	My best friends model responsible behavior.	____
16	My parent(s)/guardian(s) and teachers encourage me to do well.	____
17	I spend three hours or more each week in lessons or practice in music, theater or other arts	____
18	I spend three hours or more each week in school or community sports, clubs or organizations.	____
19	I spend one hour or more each week in religious services or participating in spiritual activities	____
20	I go out with friends "with nothing special to do" two or fewer nights each week	____
21	I want to do well in school.	____
22	I am actively engaged in learning.	____
23	I do an hour or more of homework each school day.	____
24	I care about my school.	____
25	I read for pleasure three or more hours each week.	____
26	I believe it is really important to help other people.	____
27	I want to help promote equality and reduce world poverty and hunger.	____
28	I can stand up for what I believe.	____
29	I can tell the truth even when it's not easy.	____
30	I can accept and take personal responsibility.	____
31	I believe it is important not be be sexually active or to use alcohol or other drugs.	____
32	I am good at planning ahead and making decisions.	____
33	I am good at making and keeping friends.	____
34	I know and am comfortable with people of different cultural, racial and/or ethnic backgrounds.	____
35	I can resist negative peer pressure and dangerous situations.	____
36	I try to resolve conflict nonviolently.	____
37	I believe I have control over many things that happen to me.	____
38	I feel good about myself.	____
39	I believe my life has a purpose.	____
40	I am optimistic about my future.	____