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Getting Started with Helping Young People Find Their Spark

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What is a Spark?What is a Spark?

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Sparks IllustratedSparks Illustrated

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Sparks IllustratedSparks Illustrated

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Search Institute’s ResearchSearch Institute’s Research

Gallup Poll of 2,000 12 to 17-year-olds and 2,000 of their parents

Online Poll conducted by Louis Harris polling firm with 1,000 11 to 17-year-olds

Interviews with 405 teens, ages 15-17

Continued assessment in individual communities

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Three Types of SparksThree Types of Sparks

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Sparks Most CitedSparks Most Cited Athletics Creative arts Nature, ecology, the environment Learning a subject matter like science or history Helping, serving, volunteering Leading Spirituality or religion Reading Committed to living in a specific way (with joy,

passion, caring, etc.) Animal welfare

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Results from Sparks ResearchResults from Sparks Research

More likely to:Have a sense of purposeBe socially competent & physically healthyVolunteer to help othersHave higher grades & better attendance

Less likely to:Experience depression Engage in acts of violence toward others

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How many teenagers have sparks?How many teenagers have sparks?

31% do not

69% have a Spark

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The Challenge for Caring AdultsThe Challenge for Caring Adults

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The Seven Essential QuestionsThe Seven Essential Questions1. What is your spark?

2. When and where do you show your spark?

3. Who knows your spark?

4. Who helps support your spark?

5. What gets in your way?

6. How can I help?

7. How can you use your spark to make our world better?

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Spark Champions Can …Spark Champions Can …

Affirm the spark Encourage its expression Model the spark Provide opportunities to express it Run interference and help eliminate obstacles Teach or mentor Show up (at recitals, games, performances, play, reading, contests)

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Talking with a Child About SparksTalking with a Child About Sparks Watch for signs of sparks -

“You really seem to enjoy…”

Share your own sparks -

“When I was your age, I was passionate about…”

Ask open-ended questions, and then listen –

“What do you think your spark is?”

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Sparks in ActionSparks in Action

My mentee’s spark is singing. She is 15 and her only career goal right now is to become a famous singer… However, she can’t carry a tune at all!