---
title: Search Institute Blog | Kent Pekel
description: Discover research-based insights, tools, and strategies to empower youth and strengthen communities on the Search Institute blog. Explore expert articles on developmental relationships, asset-building, and more.
---

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[Why Relationships Matter and How to Get Started](https://searchinstitute.org/relationships-matter-get-started)

 Understand the foundations of developmental relationships and the power you have to strengthen those relationships for all young people to learn and grow.

[Resources Tailored to Your Role](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Resource%20Audience)

 Tools to support everyone who works with young people — educators, youth program workers, schools and youth program leaders, and community members

[Resources Related to the Setting Where Relationships Take Place](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Setting)

 Young people thrive when they experience a broader web of relationships, build strong relationships in a class or program, at home, and across your organization.

[Resources on Key Topics](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Topics)

 Relationships are key across several disciplines including family systems, social and emotional development, social capital, and community development.

[Resources in Your Favorite Format](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?resourceTypes=Activity,Book,Guide,Journal%20Article,Measure%20/%20Assessment%20/%20Evaluation,Relational%20Practice,Report%20/%20Brief,Tool%20/%20Playbook,Video)

 Explore tools, frameworks, activities, guides, measures, and other research-based resources to build strong relationships with all young people.

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# Search Institute Blog

[Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Research](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/research) [Developmental Assets](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-assets) [Social Emotional Learning (SEL)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/social-emotional-learning-sel) [Provide Support](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/provide-support) [Youth Programs](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-programs) [Family Engagement](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/family-engagement) [Youth Thriving](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-thriving) [Diversity](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/diversity) [Education / School](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/education-school) [Equity and Inclusion (DEI)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/equity-and-inclusion-dei) [SI Spotlight](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/si-spotlight) [Share Power](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/share-power) [Social Capital](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/social-capital) [Solutions](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/solutions) [Expand Possibilities](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/expand-possibilities) [Student Voice](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/student-voice) [Challenge Growth](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/challenge-growth) [Summer Scholars](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/summer-scholars) [Thriving](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/thriving) [Youth Voice](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-voice) [Express Care](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/express-care) [Sparks](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/sparks) [Data Insights](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/data-insights) [Faith](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/faith) [Field Partner Spotlight](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/field-partner-spotlight) [LGBTQ+](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/lgbtq) [Workshops](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/workshops) [Relationship Ready Schools](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/relationship-ready-schools) [Conversation Starters](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/conversation-starters) [Sports](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/sports) [504 Plan](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/504-plan) [Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-dei) [Individualized Education Plan](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/individualized-education-plan) [Learning Differences](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/learning-differences) [Special Education](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/special-education)

Topics  Developmental Relationships  Research  Developmental Assets  Social Emotional Learning (SEL)  Provide Support  Youth Programs  Family Engagement  Youth Thriving  Diversity  Education / School  Equity and Inclusion (DEI)  SI Spotlight  Share Power  Social Capital  Solutions  Expand Possibilities  Student Voice  Challenge Growth  Summer Scholars  Thriving  Youth Voice  Express Care  Sparks  Data Insights  Faith  Field Partner Spotlight  LGBTQ+  Workshops  Relationship Ready Schools  Conversation Starters  Sports  504 Plan  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)  Individualized Education Plan  Learning Differences  Special Education

[![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Joe-bidens-moment-blog-2.png)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/joe-biden-americas-youth)

 4 MIN READ

 December 13 2020

 4 Min Read

### [Joe Biden’s Moment and America’s Youth](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/joe-biden-americas-youth)

 By Kent Pekel, Ed.D., President and ...

[Read More](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/joe-biden-americas-youth) 

[Kent Pekel December 13 2020](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/kent-pekel)

[![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/SEL-research-2.png)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/sel-into-everything)

[Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Social Emotional Learning (SEL)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/social-emotional-learning-sel) [Equity and Inclusion (DEI)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/equity-and-inclusion-dei) [Diversity](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/diversity)

 3 MIN READ

 August 31 2020

[Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Social Emotional Learning (SEL)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/social-emotional-learning-sel) [Equity and Inclusion (DEI)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/equity-and-inclusion-dei) [Diversity](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/diversity)

 3 Min Read

### [How Can You Integrate SEL Into Everything You Do?](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/sel-into-everything)

 By Kent Pekel, Ed.D.

[Read More](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/sel-into-everything) 

[Kent Pekel August 31 2020](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/kent-pekel)

[![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/walking-our-talk-on-equity-2.png)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/walking-our-talk-on-equity)

[Equity and Inclusion (DEI)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/equity-and-inclusion-dei) [Diversity](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/diversity)

 3 MIN READ

 June 30 2020

[Equity and Inclusion (DEI)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/equity-and-inclusion-dei) [Diversity](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/diversity)

 3 Min Read

### [Walking Our Talk on Equity](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/walking-our-talk-on-equity)

 By Kent Pekel, Ed.D., President and ...

[Read More](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/walking-our-talk-on-equity) 

[Kent Pekel June 30 2020](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/kent-pekel)

[![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/MSP-protests-3-2.png)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/racism-msp)

[Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Research](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/research) [Equity and Inclusion (DEI)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/equity-and-inclusion-dei) [Diversity](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/diversity)

 2 MIN READ

 May 31 2020

[Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Research](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/research) [Equity and Inclusion (DEI)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/equity-and-inclusion-dei) [Diversity](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/diversity)

 2 Min Read

### [What Our Statement on Minneapolis Should Have Said](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/racism-msp)

 By Kent Pekel, President & CEO, ...

[Read More](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/racism-msp) 

[Kent Pekel May 31 2020](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/kent-pekel)

[Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships)

 2 MIN READ

 September 10 2018

[Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships)

 2 Min Read

### [What’s Missing in This Year’s Campaign Debates About Education](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/campaigns-are-missing-the-most-important-factor-in-education)

 As a political junkie who works with ...

[Read More](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/campaigns-are-missing-the-most-important-factor-in-education) 

[Kent Pekel September 10 2018](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/kent-pekel)

 3 MIN READ

 April 04 2016

 3 Min Read

### [Solving America’s Crisis of Academic Motivation](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/solving-americas-crisis-academic-motivation)

 By: Kent Pekel, Ed.D., President and CEO

[Read More](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/solving-americas-crisis-academic-motivation) 

[Kent Pekel April 04 2016](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/kent-pekel)

<https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/kent-pekel/page/1#prev> [1](https://blog.searchinstitute.org) [2](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/kent-pekel/page/2) <https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/kent-pekel/page/2>

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