According to the Attitudes and Behavior survey, only 19% of youth in our region read for pleasure. The Search Institute has identified reading “just for fun” as a protective asset in youth, helping them to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Reading also promotes greater vocabulary knowledge and encourages youth to put themselves into the shoes of others, helping them understand different points of view.

Reading stories with your children can also be a great way to promote family communication and show your children that you care. This article provides ideas on how to inspire a love of reading in youth. Read this creative article to discover new ideas such as having your child read to a pet or stuffed animal. The article also mentions ways to “bring stories to life” by acting out scenes from a child’s favorite book together. Instilling a love for reading in your child will not only help them to live a more compassionate life but will also become an activity that the two of you can pursue together.

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About Us The Essex County Asset Builder (ECAB) Network creates regional connections and supports for individuals, families and organizations from Amesbury, Georgetown, Newbury, Rowley, Salisbury and Newburyport, in using a positive youth development approach to help youth thrive. Positive Youth Development Being a part of the ECAB Network brings local and regional opportunities.  Locally, communities have access to trainings, data, and best practices, and receive guidance on implementation and outreach strategies that build positive youth development possibilities.  Communities also get the benefit of regionalizing efforts, where networking, combining resources, current policies, and a shared vision strengthen the towns and cities as well as the region. History Recently, the communities of Amesbury, Georgetown, Newbury, Rowley, Salisbury and Newburyport came together to form the Essex County Asset Builder Network.  Funded by a three year grant, the goal of this Network is to create a common language of asset- based youth development (creating protective factors). It has been shown that youth who have more assets are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.  This grant will use the 40 Developmental Assets framework to build these protective factors and reduce risk behaviors by focusing on both the youth and the environment that shapes them. The community partnership will enhance the great work already being done to support youth and families, as well as expand community supports, opportunities, and resources. Additionally, the grant will collect and disseminate regional data, coordinate shared resources and bring educational opportunities for various sectors of the community. Goal To spread the philosophy and practice of the positive youth development approach through implementation of 40 Developmental Asset framework within communities across the region. We will accomplish this goal by: Mission To use a positive youth development approach to build networks within each community and across the region that help decrease risk behaviors in youth and produce a healthier community. Vision A network of communities that welcome, value and empower youth through meaningful opportunities and collaborative efforts to support and strengthen youth assets and increase healthy decision making.