We emphasize youth engagement within our community and connectedness to the people within it as a way to promote resiliency to the challenges youth will face over the course of their lives. In doing this, we seek to build upon the Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets for young adults. These assets, which are grounded in extensive research in youth development, represent the relationships, opportunities and personal qualities that young adults need to build in order to avoid risky behavior and thrive. Our effective prevention efforts are designed to be developmentally, culturally and gender appropriate for teens while keeping pace with how teens spend their time. Our two main goals are:

• Youth will be the central leaders in designing and implementing Youth Action Hudson's programs, using strategies that capitalize on their energy and leadership.
• Youth will assess and identify needs to be addressed in their community (risk factors) and will identify assets and supports that should be promoted or enhanced.