ASSET BASED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

About the ABCD Institute Est. 1995, Northwestern University, Illinois -Presence on every continent throughout the world.

Tell us a story….. ‘Can you tell us a story about a time when you and your neighbours came together to make things better?’

Community is about identifying and contributing our assets

ABCD recognises our primary asset as being the capacity of individual to give of their gifts and talents…sometimes these are referred to as the: gifts of the hands which relates to things you can make; gifts of the heart which speaks to the things you are passionate about; gifts of the head pointing to the which you apply brain power or creativity to solve, resolve or create. A iron clad principle of ABCD is that everyone has gifts, without exception.

What are our communities Assets? the skills of local residents the power of local associations the resources of public, private and non- profit institutions the physical and economic resources of local places. The stories of our lives and of evolving community.

The glass is half full

Asset-based Community Development Methodology Discovering Strengths Organizing & Mapping Linking and Mobilizing Community Driven Initiatives Sustaining the Process

Doing work the old way Partners Governments Donors Citizens wait for us to find a solution

A new policy anyone? Present PolicyWhy not also have a model that… Focus on DeficienciesFocus on Assets Problem ResponseOpportunity Identification Charity OrientationInvestment Orientation Grants to AgenciesGrants, Loans, Investments, Leverage More ServicesFewer Services High Emphasis on AgenciesEmphasis on Associations Focus on IndividualsFocus on communities/neighbourhoods MaintenanceDevelopment See People as ClientsSee People as Citizens and Co-producers ‘Fix People’Develop Potential Programmes are the AnswerPeople are the Answer

Processes with ownership Partners Governments Donors Citizens driving the process

The move is from services to clients to supports for citizens Inclusion

‘You can’t know what you need, till you know what you have…’

Understanding motivation to act In every community there is work to be done. In every heart there is the power to do it. People will support what they help to create.

3 enablers Dreams Concerns Gift giving opportunities ‘There is no greater power than a community that has discovered what it cares about.’ Margaret Wheatley

Community Building Matters

The main protagonists: Leader – someone that can bring people together to work on an issue Gift Giver – a person that is willing to contribute their asset to work on an issue. Invisible Person – a person that has not yet been “discovered” or been convinced to use their assets to help achieve their dreams or address their concerns in the neighborhood.

The unsung hero! Connector – an individual that is good at discovering what people care about and where their assets can be used. –Gift centered –Well connected –Trusted –Believe they are welcome

Our conversations What do you care about enough to act upon? What gifts, skills and knowledge can you bring to address what you care about? What would it take for you to work with others who share your concern? Do you know anybody outside the room whose assets you can tap into?

Asset Mapping IndividualsInstitutionsPhysical Space Gardens Parks Playgrounds Parking Lots Walking Paths Forests/Forest Preserves Picnic Areas Campsites Fishing Spots Stories Local Economy Associations My Commun ity Our Community