The buffet table at Marysville Middle School's Culture Fair, held February 2, was filled with tastes from around the world. Greek tzatiki, served on pita triangles, sat next to Italian lasagna and oriental cashew chicken. For dessert, families sampled Russian honey cake, Filipino candy and all-American cherry cobbler.

Students prepared displays highlighting global cultures and entertainment was provided by a diverse group of musicians, from native rapper Komplex Kai to a Mexican mariachi-style band. The event was sponsored and funded by Marysville Kids Matter.

In addition to providing an opportunity for families and students to celebrate their heritage and find out about other cultures, Marysville Kids Matter (MKM) volunteers shared information about Developmental Assets, a movement aimed at encouraging adults to find small but powerful ways to help strengthen the youth of our community.

MKM is a community effort supported by the Marysville Community Coalition and United Way of Snohomish County to bring long-term, sustainable change to the Marysville community. Instead of focusing on reducing risks and problems through traditional intervention programs, supporters of Developmental Assets believe a community-wide commitment to youth will promote the healthy development of all children.

The value of promoting Developmental Assets was recognized by the City of Marysville at its City Council meeting on February 8, as members voted to approve a resolution "that the City Council supports the Marysville Kids Matter Initiative and the 40 Developmental Assets as the cornerstones in community efforts to reach out to our youth in positive ways."

To find out more about Developmental Assets or Marysville Kids Matter, visit www.uwsc.org/2_1_4.php or contact Community Impact Manager Lynn Lewis at (425) 374-5509.