SPARKS Finding your passion and a guide to asset

building

Pamela Sukut & Stephanie Bosello

“A SPARK is something that gives your life meaning and purpose. It’s an interest, a passion or a gift.” -Dr. Peter Benson

What is a SPARK? !   A Spark is a true passion: a skill, talent, or interest. It excites and gives

meaning to life.

!   Sparks motivate and inspire.

!   Time is irrelevant when you are consumed by your Spark

!   Sparks promote a positive lifestyle and may deter negative influences

!   A Spark unleashes energy and joy!

Why Do Sparks Matter?

!   “Sparks help give young people joy and energy, meaning, purpose and direction. Pursuing and developing sparks helps young people make positive choices about their activities and use of time, helps them fully reach their potential, and helps them contribute to their families, schools, and communities right now, as young people.” -SPARK Search Institute

SPARK Champions

!   Parents, teachers, coaches, mentors and friends can all help spread the SPARK

!   SPARK Champions provide a support system for those finding their SPARK

!   SPARK Champions “Fuel the Fire!”

What Kids Need?

!   Kids need to know their strengths. They need to know what excites them.

!   These SPARKS will help them focus and thrive

!   Kids need strong assets that are both a result of internal and external factors

Developmental Assets

!   There are 40 elements that make up Developmental Assets that may influence the choices that youngsters make. They result in creating adults who become compassionate, responsible, respectful, and successful in life

!   “Developmental Assets represent the relationships, opportunities, and personal qualities that young people need to avoid risks and to thrive.” – Sparks Search Institute

External Assets

!   Support

!   Empowerment

!   Boundaries/Expectations

!   Constructive Use of Time

Internal Assets

!   Commitment to Learning

!   Positive Values

!   Social Competencies

!   Positive Identity

Strong Asset Allies: Asset Building !   Parents and other caring adults

!   Educators

!   Youth-serving professionals and organizations

!   Faith community leaders

!   Community leaders

Online Community

!   Support can be found online as well. Here is a list of Online Youth Support Sites:

! It Gets Better project

! YES! For Schools

! The Power of HOPE : Youth Empowerment Through the Arts

! Kids (Teen) Help Phone

Resources

!   Corporal Dave Cusson

! SPARKS Search Institute

! Dr. Peter Benson TED Talk

! Sparkler Image