Based on research from the renowned Search Institute, this groundbreaking critique of American culture offers practical strategies for uniting and mobilizing communities around a shared vision of healthy development.

Peter L. Benson introduces forty developmental assets-building blocks of healthy development. These assets--such as family support, intergenerational relationships, clear and consistent boundaries and expectations, participation in constructive activities, and community focus on values--are essential for all youth, regardless of background. Yet too few young people have these support structures in their lives. To increase assets among all kids, the author provides a compelling vision for a healthy community and specific recommAndations for individual, family and community action.