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

Asset Mapping Kretzmann and McKnight

Let’s Start with People Human Infrastructure People

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

Local Institutions Key to Economic Development  Education  Economic  Political/Governmental  Health

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 REGIONAL TEAM’S 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  Housing stock  Educational centers; health facilities  Roads & transportation systems

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

The Seven Community Capitals NaturalCulturalHumanSocialPoliticalFinancialBuilt A Vibrant Region

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 region. PoliticalAbility to influence & enforce rules and regulations. Access to influential people in govt. positions; level of citizen engagement. FinancialFinancial resources available for development efforts. BuiltThe infrastructure of the region – facilities, services, physical structures.

Linking Asset Mapping & Community Capitals 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