There are a number of ways for you to learn more about the asset building approach and the ways that YMCAs are integrating the approach in their work. Here are some suggestions:

1. Familiarize yourself with the work of Search Institute and the developmental asset model. You’ll find an overview of the framework and lots of helpful information in the Developmental Assets section of this website.
2. Explore the rich history of the work that YMCAs have been doing with asset development by reviewing Our History, Our Future.
3. Find out what YMCAs throughout Canada and the United States are doing today, as they integrate the asset development framework into their efforts to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. You can search the database using key words like childcare, aquatics, board, mentor, collaboration, and any other areas of YMCA culture that you hope to impact by using the developmental assets approach.
4. Share with other YMCAs your successes as you move forward in this work. Enter examples of the work you’re doing into the database, so others can learn from you.
5. Participate in the discussion forum on the Café section of this website. Don’t be afraid to post a question or two for others to respond to.
6. Register to be part of the Assets Listserv. As a member of the listserv you’ll receive information and updates regularly about the work of the Abundant Assets Alliance. You can also ask other participating YMCA staff and volunteers specific questions as to how they are doing the work, “We’re developing a partnership with the elementary school in our neighborhood to help build assets in their students. Can anyone share with me successes you’ve had in developing mentorship programs between YMCA members and neighborhood youth?”
7. Send a team from your YMCA to one of the scheduled Asset Building the YMCA Way trainings. You can download the registration and see training dates in the Home section of this website.
8. Build your assets library. You’ll find many helpful resources in the YMCA Program Store Catalog and on Search’s website.