Asset Based Community Development

Asset Based Community Development

Overview of Module

Introduce asset-based community development (ABCD

)

Discuss the four areas that are part of the ABCD process.

Link the ABCD process to the seven community capitals

Identify regional assets & barriers

Do we even know what we have?

Do we know what to do with what we have?

Asset Mapping

Kretzmann

and McKnight

Let’s Start with PeopleHuman Infrastructure

Assets of People

The Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD ) Approach: Uncovers hidden talents and skills of people in your region.Identifies people in key positions with access to important resources.Taps the skills/talents of citizens who can help

Tools to Uncover Hidden Assets of Individuals

Capacity Inventory of Individuals

Community Participation and Leadership Inventory

Summary of “People” Tools

Specific ToolWhat It DoesWhy It’s ImportantCapacity Inventory of IndividualsZeroes in on the skills people have developedFinds people with the skills needed to get projects and programs implementedCommunity Participation and Leadership InventoryFinds emerging leaders and uncovers the leadership potential in the region.Expands leadership and broadens the number of people working on regional goals.

People

The Next Asset Mapping Area

Voluntary

Associations

Voluntary Associations

Rely on regular or occasional volunteersHave few, if any, paid staffHave autonomy from the stateAre self-governed by a board of unpaid individuals (usually)Tend to be not-for-profit organizationsProvide a benefit or service to non-members

Voluntary Associations

Source

: BusinessDictionary.com

The Third Arena of Assets

Local Institutions

Formal organizations that:Provide programs, facilities and services to meet needs of residents.Carrying out functions vital to long-term community sustainability.Influence the vitality of the region by their presence and strength

Source: Etzen and Baca-Zinn, 2001; Sparknotes.com, 2006

Local Formal Institutions

Local Institutions Key toEconomic Development

Education

Economic

Political/Governmental

Health

Uncovering Assets of VoluntaryAssociations & Local Formal Institutions

Challenge: How to identify the relevant assets and resources of voluntary groups and community institutions?Solution: Inventory of Voluntary Associations and Local Formal Institutions

Information Collected

Mission or purposePhysical locationNumber of members and/or employeesCurrent & planned activities or programsPartnering organizations

Current resources:

Buildings

Equipment

Expertise

Grants, donations

External resources

UNCOVERING YOUR REGIONAL TEAM’S ORGANIZATIONAL ASSETS

The Fourth Area of Assets

Physical

Resources

Physical ResourcesNatural & Human-Made

Water and land-related amenities

Vacant and underutilized buildings

Historical & cultural sites; museums

Recreational facilities; parks

Housing stock

Educational centers; health facilities

Roads & transportation systems

The Community capitals framework

Sources: Flora & Flora (2008); Jacobs (2007)

The Seven Community Capitals

A Vibrant Region

Defining the Capitals

Capitals

Definition

Natural

Q

uality & quantity of natural & environmental resources.

Cultural

Values,

norms, beliefs & traditions; includes historic material goods

Human

Education

& skills of residents; learning opportunities, programs to build local leadership.

Social

Connections

among people & organizations; links inside & outside of region.

Political

Ability

to influence & enforce rules and regulations. Access to influential people in govt. positions; level of citizen engagement.

Financial

Financial resources available for development efforts.

Built

The infrastructure

of the region – facilities, services, physical structures.

Linking Asset Mapping & CommunityCapitals A Comprehensive Approach to Discovering the Assets to Support Regional Goals

The Asset Mapping Arenas

The Community Capitals

Exploring Possible Barriers:The Other Dimension to Consider

Are there forces at play that might impede your efforts to achieve your regional goals?

Factors within the region?

Factors outside the region?

How can we identify these possible barriers?

Adding Barriers to the Template

Adding a column to identify barriers

Keep in Mind . . .

As you identify key voluntary associations and formal institutions

Interview leaders & members of the organizations

Collect pertinent information using the “Inventory to Voluntary Associations and Local Institutions”

Link the activities/interests of these groups with your regional goals and activities

Difference between Asset Mapping and ABCD

Definition of Asset Mapping

"

Asset Mapping

" is derived from an "asset-based" approach to community development, and refers to a range of approaches that work from the principle that a community can be built only by focusing on the strengths and capacities of the citizens and associations that call a neighborhood, community or county "home".

Asset Based CD model

The Asset Based CD model says – we are citizens (someone that contributes to the community)

We can all make a contribution

Community can take pride in itself

Local relationships are important and improved

We are the answer

We are equal with others – we work together

ABCD

“Asset based community development is a powerful approach focused on discovering and

mobilising

the resources that are already present in a community.  It provides a way for citizens to find and

mobilise

what they have in order to build a stronger community” (Green, Moore, & O’Brien, 2006)

Case Study

Exploring the difference between the impacts of asset mapping and ABCD

The Wine Industry in Southern Italy and Tourism in Appalachia