An Open Invitation from Peter Benson

Dr. Peter Benson, president of Search Institute, has recorded the above video and written the following open letter to caring adults around the world. Read, watch, and pass on to others!

“Search Institute is proud to be a leader in awakening our nation and its people to the needs of young people—and in providing actionable, concrete, and research-based ideas for promoting the success of our country’s kids. The Developmental Assets have galvanized communities all across the country to develop the citizen and parent engagement crucial for children’s school and life success. While our work thrives, we know that there are kindred spirits all across our nation and world—often working in isolation—who are also helping to grow vibrant and healthy young people. There are movements, ideas, and leaders equally dedicated to promoting positive development, but lacking in connection to other champions of positive youth development. Helping all kids thrive is a big and complex task, requiring forms of cooperation, mutual support, and new thinking.

It is time to bring together all of the movements, big ideas, leaders, and advocates—both adult and youth—into a big tent to dream together, learn from each other, and recharge our shared passion for ensuring that all kids are on a pathway to success. I am thrilled to invite each and every one of you to the first annual Big Tent Conference, hosted by Search Institute, in Houston, Texas from November 18 to 20, 2010. It will be the largest, boldest, and most powerful gathering of youth champions ever held; we’re expecting 1000 youth and 3000 adults to be in attendance. If you are an asset champion, you have to be there. If you are a champion for community, for social and emotional health, for character and values, for healthy schools and families and neighborhoods, you have to be there. Please join us in Houston, and be a part of making history with us.”