From its inception in 1979, mentoring and guiding youth have been the cornerstones of Chautauqua Striders.  Thirty years have passed and the world has become a “smaller” place as people have become globally connected.  Greater stresses have been placed on families and there have been escalating demands for individual success in a more diverse and complex worldwide economy.  Community support for children and youth has never been more important. 

Chautauqua Striders recognizes the increased expectations placed on young people are not always met with additional guidance and encouragement.  In order to better meet these needs, a recent training was held for tutors based on the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets.  The Institute is, “an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization committed to helping create healthy communities for every young person.” It has pinpointed 40 positive experiences and qualities all of us can bring to the lives of children and young adults.  These assets cross eight broad areas of development and include the following:  support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, constructive use of time (external assets), commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity (internal assets).   Extensive research has been done to show consciously choosing to put asset development into practice does make a difference not only to individuals but over time, communities as well. 

Anyone can be an “asset builder,” that is to say someone who is willing to share his or her talents, time, and life experience with a younger person.  Chautauqua Striders tutors often become mentors to the students they teach.  They have a unique opportunity to make a difference in a young person’s life and future goals by being purposeful and caring adult role models.  While many of the assets seem to be “common sense,” it sometimes takes conscious effort and practice to remember to initiate them in the course of a busy day.  Tutors were reminded to learn about the individual students they tutor and identify their talents and strengths, to help them set goals and challenge them to reach for new heights, to share their own unique abilities and life stories, and to support and encourage students’ academic achievements and aspirations for the future.

One of the best ways to be an “asset builder” is to become a mentor to a child or young adult.  Mentoring can happen through a formal organization like Chautauqua Striders, a religious affiliation, or an educational institution. It can also happen by volunteering at school, coaching, encouraging youth participation in community service projects, or just engaging neighborhood children in a positive and constructive way.

This spring, in support of Developmental Assets in the community, Flora Sanchez, National Trainer for the Search Institute, will return again to Chautauqua County.  Sponsored by County Executive Greg Edwards, BOCES Superintendent Robert Guiffreda, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, the Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation, the Gebbie Foundation, the Judith Anderson Family Foundation, the Arnold Holmberg Foundation and the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County, this seminar is available for anyone who works with or cares about children. Ms. Sanchez’ workshop will be held at The Red House for Youth in Cassadaga New York, on May 7, from

9 am to 4 pm.  For questions about the 40 Developmental Assets, feel free to contact Chautauqua Striders at 488-2203 or log onto www.search-institute.org.  (More information on registration for the May training will be available shortly.)

Remember, you CAN make a difference in the life of a child!