Time is the most valuable resource we can give our children--Take time this month to guide young people toward a life based on positive values.

March marks the sixth month of the statewide public awareness campaign Great Kids-Its Just a Matter of Time!" sponsored by Kentucky Child Now! Time. Its a precious commodity to adults and the most valuable resource we can give our children. Throughout the month of March, Kentuckians are encouraged to take time to guide young people toward a life based on positive values.

Kentucky Child Now! Announces 6th Asset of the Month in Statewide Public Awareness Campaign

For Immediate Release, 3/1/03

Frankfort, KY-March marks the sixth month of the statewide public awareness campaign Great Kids-Its Just a Matter of Time!" sponsored by Kentucky Child Now! The campaign is designed to inspire and empower Kentuckians to build assets within their spheres of influence. And, as a result, young people will have the support, resources, and opportunities they need to be healthy and successful.

Time. Its a precious commodity to adults and the most valuable resource we can give our children. By taking the time to connect with them, you can contribute to something that really matters-youth success. Simple actions really do make a difference, and every one of us has the power to create positive assets, in our daily lives. We just have to take the time!

Throughout the month of March, Kentuckians are encouraged to focus their attention on positive values. Young people need to develop strong values that guide their choices," said Carol Blethen, executive director of Kentucky Child Now! Positive values gives children and youth the internal compasses they need to guide them. You help to share their values when you model positive values, give kids opportunities to think and talk about their values, and support and guide them as they put their values into practice."

National research has identified 40 assets, or proven things that are essential to every young persons success. Research proves that positive adult influences make a huge difference and provide a strong foundation for children as they grow up. Not only do assets help keep youth away from the problems that concern us-drug use, violence, and school dropout-but they also make kids more likely to do positive things, like getting good grades, maintaining their health, and doing volunteer work.

The eight categories of assets are: support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, constructive use of time, commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity. All young people in Kentucky need more of these assets. A recent study shows that they average only 19 assets, far short of the 31 considered ideal.

Every one of us has the power to build assets in our daily lives. We just have to take the time! This month, take the time to guide young people toward a life based on positive values. Following are five specific ways that you can make a difference in the life of a child:
·   Interact in caring, responsible ways with people of all ages. Encourage youth to do the same.
·   Talk to children about specific examples of people acting on their values.
·   Write letters to the editor with youth advocating for or against pending legislation.
·   Have children write thank-you notes whenever they receive gifts.
·   Read books together and discuss the characters values.

An activity designed to inspire young people to act on the positive values assets is available online at www.kychildnow.org. To learn more about assets and ways in which you can have a positive impact on Kentuckys youth, visit the Kentucky Child Now! Web site at www.kychildnow.org.

Story Opportunities:
Assets in Action (real-life examples)
Parent: Edward & Nanette Burns a family from Jefferson County
Educator: Grover Canty, a superintendent from Ohio County
(available on the KCN web site at: http://www.kychildnow.org/assets/great_kids.html)

Kentucky Child Now! a non-profit organization established in 1998, is working at the state level to improve the health and ensure the success of Kentucky's children through public awareness/education, mobilization and capacity building.