Sparks
What are Sparks?
Sparks are passions, skills, strengths that are discoverable in all youths
Every Teenager has a spark – something inside that is good, beautiful and useful to the world
Some youth may not be able to describe their spark, but all youth are able to understand the concept
Can be a talent, skill or interest
Originate from inside the person, rather than imposed form the outside
Are a source of motivation
Make the world a better place
SPARK CHAMPIONS – Sparks are not enough. Research shows that a spark can shine brightly or dimly depending on whether they have spark champions – adults who support and encourage them to discover and pursue their spark.
Unfortunately, only 37% of youth who have a spark say their parents know of and support their spark
100% of all teenagers understand and want to have a spark
62% of teenagers can name their spark, while 38% cannot
54% of youth have sparks in the creative arts
29% of youth have sparks in reading or learning
25% of youth have sparks in athletics
10% of youth have sparks in volunteering
“A spark can be developed by finding one thing you love to do. You begin to put your all into that thing and allow it to motivate you to do bigger and better things”
“My violin is the spark that fires me up. I love music. It brings so much joy to my life”
TYPES OF SPARKS – SAMPLES
Animals Caring for pets, protecting endangered species
Arts Visual Arts Painting, drawing, pottery, photography Performing Arts Dance, acting
Building Construction, model cars, drawing, architecture
Children Babysitting, reading to kids, coaching
Community service, volunteering, serving others cleaning your aunt’s house, beautifying your community
Computers Programming, software, hardware, repair
Entrepreneurship Creating a business, developing a product, marketing to customers
Languages English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Tongan, Vietnamese,
sign language
Leadership Student government, organizing a club, peer education
Learning a subject History, science, math, English
Living in a specific way With joy, passion or caring
Mechanics and engineering Electronics, mechanics- bike, car, motorcycle, plane, ship
Music Choir, band, orchestra, instrument, singing
Nature or the environment Taking walks in nature, bird-watching
Reading Novels, graphic novels/comic books, poetry, magazines
Relationships Making friends, helping or supporting friends and family, conflict resolution
Solving social problems Racism, poverty, at-risk kids, pollution
Spirituality or religion Meditation, reading spiritual writing, singing in church/temple/mosque
Sports Soccer, baseball, running, dancing, football, swimming, lifting weights
Writing Poetry, fiction, journaling, essays, short stories