City, RCMP Partner with Asset-Building Initiatives
March 15, 2005
Richmond City Council and the Richmond RCMP will collaborate their leadership with an innovative asset-based vision and strategy for Richmond to be the best place in North America to raise children and youth.
“Asset building” is the term used for helping children and youth experience more assets in their lives. Youth and adults in large cities and towns are seeing the power they have in making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of young people. Asset building is not a program; rather it is about building a culture that recognizes everyone as having a role to play in making a positive difference in the lives of our youth.
In February 2004, the City/RCMP Joint Leadership Team was established to review areas of common direction and concern with community safety. One significant area of opportunity is investing in children and youth initiatives through a community partnership approach. The RCMP and the City will partner to use the Minneapolis-based Search Institute’s™ “Five Action Strategies for Transforming Communities and Society,” used by over 500 cities, towns and rural areas across North America. The focus will be on engaging adults, mobilizing young people, activating seniors, invigorating programs, and influencing civic decisions. Many asset-based initiatives are underway, such as Richmond Children’s First, An Ounce of Prevention, Playground to Podium, and participation in the National Asset Building Conference.
Richmond Superintendent Ward Clapham is a strong advocate of asset building, and collaborating with the City will boost the results he has seen so far when adults become involved in a positive way. “The beauty of the asset-building movement is that all of us can be involved and make a difference,” says Clapham. “We have learned a lot about what makes some youth thrive and be pro-social, while others fall and become involved in illicit drug use, violence and other anti-social behaviour. We are excited about the positive effects of what asset building can do for the Richmond community.”
“Every member of Council values and is committed to investing in our youth, and this partnership approach is another step towards healthier youth, and a healthier community,” says Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “By combining leadership and innovation to engage the community, we have the power to enhance positive and lasting effects on the lives of our youth.”
