Seven Basic Human Needs

1. Seven Basic Human Needs • A sense of safety and structure • A sense of belonging/group membership • A sense of self worth and contributing • A sense of independence and control over ones life • A sense of closeness /relationships • A sense of competence/mastery • A sense of self awareness

2. Problems with Current Prevention Programming • Focus is on fixing young people • Strategies are narrowly focused and are time limited • Assume that positive youth development does not take place • Problem prevention is not preparation for the future • Problem focused programming only serves a small fraction of students • Skill building is not provided until students demonstrate they lack skill.

3. A Shift In Thinking • The analysis points to the need for a basic conceptual shift-- • from thinking that youth problems are the principal barrier to positive youth development • to • thinking that supporting youth development is the most effective strategy for the prevention of youth problems.

4. Youth Development Model • Assumes that positive development is occurring and should be supported • All students receive support services • Services are pro-active rather that reactive • Focus is on building skills and competencies • Focuses on “fully prepared” adolescents VS “problem free”adolescents • Services are designed to meet seven basic human needs

5. Health and Physical Competence • 1. Good current health status plus evidence of appropriate knowledge, attitudes, • 2. Behaviors that will ensure future health (e.g. exercise, good diet/nutrition, effective contraceptive practices)

6. Personal/Social Competence: • 1.Intrapersonal skills-(ability to understand personal emotions, have self discipline) • 2. Interpersonal skills-( ability to work with others, develop friendships through communication, cooperation, empathizing, negotiating) • 3. Coping/system skills-(ability to adapt, be flexible, assume responsibility) • 4. Judgment skills-(ability to plan, evaluate, make decisions, solve problems)

7. Cognitive/Creative Competence • 1. Broad base knowledge • 2. Ability to appreciate and participate in areas of creative expression • 3. Good oral and written language skills • 4. Problem solving and analytical skills • 5. Ability to learn/interest in learning and achieving

8. Vocational Competence • 1.Broad understanding of vocational options and of steps needed to act on choices • 2. Adequate preparation for chosen career • 3. Understanding the value and function of work

9. Citizenship (ethics and participation) • 1. An understanding history and values of one’s nation and community. • 2. The desire to be involved in efforts that contribute to the nation and community