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Connecting to Community



One of the best things you can offer any child is a strong connection to his or her community. Search Institute research indicates that kids need to have relationships with caring adults outside of their families, including neighbors, their friends’ parents, program leaders, and other community members in order to grow up well.

Facts:
  • Only about one-third of teenagers feel that there are people in their neighborhood who care about them.1
  • Research has found that when kids serve others, their Developmental Assets (the things they need to grow up to be caring, successful adults) are built.

    • While every community is different, there are always opportunities for your child to get involved.

    Learn More:
  • FAQ's about Connecting to Community
  • Connecting to Community through Volunteering
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    1. Developmental Assets: A Profile of Your Youth (Minneapolis, MN: Search Institute, 2005), 2003 weighted aggregate dataset, unpublished report.