Asset Mapping – Part I Identifying the Resources in Your Community Bo Beaulieu Purdue University 2013 Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) Conference, Washington, DC – August 21, 2013

What This Session Is All About 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 community assets & barriers

Four Arenas for Uncovering Assets People Local Formal Institutions Voluntary Associations Physical Resources Source: Kretzmann & McKnight (1993)

Let’s Start with People People

Assets of People The Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD ) Approach:  Uncovers hidden talents and skills of people in your community.  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 Important Capacity Inventory of Individuals Zeroes in on the skills people have developed Finds people with the skills needed to get projects and programs implemented Community Participation and Leadership Inventory Finds emerging leaders and uncovers the leadership potential in the community Expands leadership and broadens the number of people working on local goals & projects. People

The Next Asset Mapping Area Voluntary Associations

Voluntary Associations Rely on regular or occasional volunteers Have few, if any, paid staff Have autonomy from the state Are self-governed by a board of unpaid individuals (usually) Tend to be not-for-profit organizations Provide a benefit or service to non- members Voluntary Associations Source: BusinessDictionary.com

The Third Arena of Assets Local Formal Institutions

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 a community by their presence and strength Source: Etzen and Baca-Zinn, 2001; Sparknotes.com, 2006 Local Formal Institutions

Uncovering Assets of Voluntary Associations & 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 purpose Physical location Number of members and/or employees Current & planned activities or programs Partnering organizations Current resources: Buildings Equipment Expertise Grants, donations External resources

UNCOVERING YOUR ORGANIZATIONAL ASSETS

The Fourth Area of Assets Physical Resources

Physical Resources Natural & Human-Made  Water and land-related amenities  Vacant and underutilized buildings  Historical & cultural sites; museums  Recreational facilities; parks  Educational centers; health-related structures  Roads & transportation systems

THE COMMUNITY CAPITALS FRAMEWORK Sources: Flora & Flora (2008); Jacobs (2007)

The Seven Community Capitals NaturalCulturalHumanSocialPoliticalFinancialBuilt A Vibrant Community

Defining the Capitals CapitalsDefinition NaturalQuality & quantity of natural & environmental resources. CulturalValues, norms, beliefs & traditions; includes historic material goods HumanEducation & skills of residents; learning opportunities, programs to build local leadership. SocialConnections among people & organizations; links inside & outside of the community. PoliticalAbility to influence & enforce rules and regulations. Access to influential people in government positions; level of citizen engagement. FinancialFinancial resources available for development efforts. BuiltThe infrastructure of the community – facilities, services, physical structures.

Linking Asset Mapping & Community Capitals A Comprehensive Approach to Discovering the Assets to Support Community 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 community goals?  Factors within the community?  Factors outside the community? How can we identify these possible barriers?

Adding Barriers to the Template Adding a column to identify barriers

Let’s Try the Template Select a potential goal Develop a list of assets across the seven capitals related to the potential goal Identify existing or potential barriers across the seven capitals related to the potential goal

Possible Goals Recruit and engage a diverse mix of volunteers to support our local or regional cultural arts organization. Expand local support and investment in the cultural arts. Develop innovative strategies for supporting the inclusion of people with disabilities in local cultural events

Final Reflections What are the insights you’ve gained from this session? Anything still confusing? Other issues to clarify or discuss?

For More Information... Bo Beaulieu, PhD Director, Purdue Center for Regional Development Mann Hall, Suite 266 Purdue University