Resilience. A Paradigm Shift From At Risk: to At Potential. presented by

The only real voyage of discovery exists, not in seeing new landscapes, but in having new eyes Marcel Proust 3/18/16 2015 Meritcore and Blanchard Institute. All rights reserved. Do not duplicate 000000 2

Traditional Model The deficient paradigm concentrates on what is lacking in individuals - if focused on, assumption is that they will get stronger and more capable.

The Deficit Model Tends To Lead To: Labeling and therefore, limiting of options Obscuring the recognition of a person s unique capabilities and strengths Focusing on the can ts as opposed to the cans. Ignoring potential resulting from adversity Prescribed programming as opposed to individualized Looking for patterns broken homes, poverty etc.

Why Shift to a New Paradigm The stance we take in relation to others reflects choice. We can position ourselves in ways that invite respect, curiosity, and connection. We can also position ourselves in ways that invite judgment, disconnection and disapproval. The stance we take has profound effects on relationship and is shaped by our values and conceptual assumptions. Madsen 1999

Deficit Orientation (-)» Demoralizes individuals and erodes their confidence» Reduces motivation and aspirations to achieve» Focuses on past failures and sets up negative expectations (failure expectancy)» Notice is only what is missing, what the individual does not have» Focusing on problems and the undesirable traits - what could go wrong Thriving Orientation (+)» Empowers Individuals, increases their beliefs in themselves, and gives them hope» Embraces the best approach to help individuals persist and to become motivated» Emphasizes the present and the future and sets up positive expectations for achievement (success expectancy)» Notices what individuals do right and searches other strengths» Focuses on possibilities, what processes led to success and emphasizes building upon past success for future success 2016 Meritcore and Blanchard Institute. All rights reserved. Do not duplicate 010116 11

When we build on our strengths and daily successes instead of focusing on our failures we simply learn more. Tom Rath Success is achieved by developing our strengths, not by eliminating our weaknesses. - Marliyn vos Savant.

The Four Dimensions of Transformational Change Connect Inspire Build Empower Valued Safe Feeling Thought Optimistic Motivated Learning Applying Behaviour Conviction Belief Perspective Leader Characteristics 2016 Meritcore and Blanchard Institute. All rights reserved. Do not duplicate 010116 13

Understanding Change» Youth can change - they can have the resources to alter their life circumstances and resolve problems.» Youth change when their ready - change always occurs within a system of perceptions and relationships.» We are more likely to help youth change - when we focus on what is strong in them and not what is wrong with them. Self knowledge is at the core of learning.» Change does not occur - based on special powers from educators or professional. 3/18/16 2015 Meritcore and Blanchard Institute. All rights reserved. Do not duplicate 000000 14

Understanding Change (cont.)» We are more likely to help youth change - when our conversations focus on their preferences, hopes, and intentions.» Change happens - when a youth uses their inherent strengths and resources.» Change happens - when youth are supported by relationships that take your innate goodness and potential as a given.» Change happens - when you create a plan that is participatory and inspires the hope necessary for action. 3/18/16 2015 Meritcore and Blanchard Institute. All rights reserved. Do not duplicate 000000 15

Role of Resilience? Often described as: an ability to spring back and adapt to lifeʼs challenges. Rather: an active process of self-righting and personal growth - an attitude of hope and optimism based upon a growth mindset that applies to both challenging and constructive times.

Being resilient does not mean that a person doesn t experience difficulty or distress. Emotional pain and sadness are common in our journey of life. Also, resilience is not a trait that people either have or do not have. It is part of our natural self-righting capacity - involves behaviours, thoughts and actions that can be learned and developed by anyone.!27

Resiliency Framework and Model

Role and Impact of Resilience Developmental strengths categories

Influence of Resilience Low Resilience At a greater risk for:» mental health concerns» Academically/professionally challenged» oppositional behaviour» risk taking attitude and behaviour (e.g. drug use)» poor performance» fixed mindset» limited social skills and connectedness High Resilience Enhanced probability for:» positive mental health» Academic/professional success» positive character traits» growth mindset» optimistic and hopeful» positive connectedness and citizenship» positive inner values» positive self and other awareness

I Am (Internal characteristics/strengths) Transacting + Transacting I Have (External strengths/relationships and connections) + I Learn (Real and meaningful learning across a wide range of desirable outcomes) = I Can (Core Competencies, resiliency, capacity for success) Adapted from Edith Grothberg, International Resilience Research Project (IRR)

Resilience & Core Character Competencies Framework

Core Character Competencies Traits Positive Social Skills - Knows how to develop and maintain a strong network of supportive, healthy, relationships. Positive Coping Skills - An ability to successfully cope with stress and navigate life experiences that are unclear and/or uncertain. Positive Adaptability - Has good problem solving skills and knows that making mistakes is part of life and a way to learn. Positive Determination - Does not give up easily and tries hard when things get challenging. Positive Group Membership - The ability to understand and take action according to prevailing social expectations and/or one s commitments.

Core Character Traits (cont.) Core Character Competencies Traits (cont.) Positive Values and Principles - Knows that there are basic values of right Positive Values and Principles - Knows that there are basic values of right and wrong and uses them in their decisions making and coping behaviour. and wrong and uses them in their decisions making and coping behaviour. Positive Self-Belief - Has a positive view of oneself and the future with a clear Positive Self-Belief - Has a positive view of oneself and the future with a clear understanding of what their strengths are as well as how to use them in understanding of what their strengths are as well as how to use them in purposeful ways. purposeful ways. Positive Emotional Awareness - Knows how to accurately identify, understand, Positive Emotional Awareness - Knows how to accurately identify, understand, and express emotions in constructive ways. and express emotions in constructive ways. Positive Spark - Has a sense of enjoyment in particular activities and reflects Positive Spark - Has a sense of enjoyment in particular activities and reflects as passion when engaged in them - creates a smile from inside. as passion when engaged in them - creates a smile from inside. Positive Value Awareness - Is engaged in a curious exploration of their Positive Value Awareness - Is engaged in a curious exploration of their spiritual sense of self and its implications for one s purpose and meaning in life. spiritual sense of self and its implications for one s purpose and meaning in life.

A Strengths-Based Perspective (Building from the Inside Out) Skills Knowledge Transformational Relationships Resilience and Core Character Traits 3/18/16 2015 Meritcore and Blanchard Institute. All rights reserved. Do not duplicate 000000 26

my values, my BELIEFS

HIGH RESILIENCE LOW Youth s Process Striving Surviving The Thriving Mindset Journey exploring responding achieving adopting INSPIRE CONNECT Thriving EMPOWER BUILD Parent s Process 2016 Meritcore and Blanchard Institute. All rights reserved. Do not duplicate 010116 HIGH CHALLENGES LOW

Mindset of a Resilient Youth Feel valued and appreciated Have learned to set realistic goals and expectations for themselves Rely on productive coping strategies that are growthfostering rather than self-defeating View obstacles as challenges to confront not avoid Are aware of their weaknesses and vulnerabilities, but build on their strengths - take smart risks Strong self-esteem and sense of competence Have effective interpersonal skills, can seek out support and know how they learn best Know what they can and cannot control in their 3/18/16 lives 2015 Meritcore and Blanchard Institute. All rights reserved. Do not duplicate 000000 30!X

Journey of the strengthsbased Influencer (parent) 31

Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible. -Saint Francis of Assisi