The community of Edina is committed to creating the future for youth. In the fall of 1998, an Edina Asset Building Steering Committee was established to start planning for how Edina as a community could build a healthier Edina for its youth. This planning centers on the asset development research conducted by the Minneapolis-based Search Institute.

We believe that a community and its members have a powerful influence on the development of young people. Together in partnership with the Search Institute, the community of Edina is identifying and building developmental assets that give kids what they need to succeed.

DEVELOPMENTAL ASSET CATEGORIES

The Search Institute has identified 40 developmental assets that help young people make wise decisions, choose positive paths, and grow up competent, caring, and responsible. The assets are grouped into eight categories.

EXTERNAL ASSETS

• Support
• Empowerment
• Boundaries and expectations
• Constructive use of time

INTERNAL ASSETS

• Commitment to learning
• Positive values
• Social competencies
• Positive identity

BELIEFS

We believe that:

1. Youth assets involve families, schools, congregations, neighborhoods and community organizations.
2. Individuals in a community should play a profound role in making a difference in the lives of youth.
3. Asset building is a way of life rather than a specific program with a title.

We are committed to:

1. Creating a partnership between city, education, health, business and religious communities.
2. Developing a journey that links meaningful support to Edina youth.

JOIN US

We invite you to join us in our mission.  To see what you can do to Connect With Kids please call Heather Haen Anderson, Executive Director of Connecting With Kids Edina at 952-688-8081 or send an email message to us at info@connectingwithkidsedina.org.

Healthy Kids, Healthy Community