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