Caring Neighborhoods are a Developmental Asset for All Ages

I’m committed to the Developmental Assets model; it’s simple.  Youth with a rich array of experiences, relationships and opportunities are more likely to thrive.  There are decades of data from millions of youth that support the model. http://www.search-institute.org/developmental-assets   But more than that, it’s just a good idea.  It’s a good idea for youth and for all community members.  If I think of Caring Neighborhoods (Asset #4 - Young person experiences caring neighbors) I realize that building relationships in the neighborhood keeps us all happier, safer and well-connected.  Our neighborhood thrives when we know each other’s habits, joys, sorrows, extended families.  Countless times our neighbors have stepped in to help each other in times of stress or sickness, and many times my kids have been encouraged, loved or re-directed (when they needed it) by caring neighbors who know them well enough to understand that it is their place to step in and speak up.  Sometimes it takes a neighborhood to raise a child. 

Part of the basis for these solid relationships is the time our neighbors spend together.  Our neighborhood association plans two parties a year – one in June and the other in October which have become the anchors of our community’s social life.  Neighbors build relationships that might not have been built, and for us it means other events follow – backpacking trips, Halloween events, trampoline nights and impromptu escapades to the park or out geocaching.  Adults know kids; kids know older folks.  Adults become role models, mentors, sounding boards.

For our neighborhood it starts with the block party.  I encourage you to do the same for yours.  It’s a lot easier than it sounds.  You’ll need some fliers, a handful of volunteers to bring tables and chairs, roll a couple of barbeques into the street, and a few things (like sidewalk chalk) to keep the littler kids occupied.  Starting this summer the City will have block party kits available to get you started and on your way to a new neighborhood tradition.  (Contact the Developmental Assets team for more information DevAssetsPaloAlto@gmail.com.)

Pitch in to build a Caring Neighborhood and you’ll be building relationships, supporting each other and helping youth thrive.