1. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Overview: Some Spiritual Assets for Community Building

2. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas What Is Meant By “Spiritual”? Spiritual assets, such as compassion and forgiveness, are widely valued qualities found in every culture and community. “Spirituality” refers to the qualities that inspire us to do what is right and good – for ourselves and for others.

3. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas How Can Spiritual Assets Facilitate Community Building? We believe that certain personal qualities of the change agent or actor – what we call here spiritual assets – can lead to more effective community building and community life in general. Why might this be so? Appreciation (Gratitude) Tolerance and Acceptance

4. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas What Conditions Are Most Favorable for the Expression of Spiritual Assets? Some situations when spiritual expression may be especially desirable or needed might include: When a disaster or adverse community event has occurred When a clear injustice has been committed When prevailing attitudes in the community are pessimistic or cynical and such attitudes prevent or impede corrective action When spiritual leadership in the community appears weak or absent

5. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas How Spiritual Assets Can Be Used On an individual and family level Earlier we offered examples relating to appreciation, tolerance, acceptance, and compassion. A few others might be: Advocating for justice Practicing humility Sharing hospitality

6. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas How Spiritual Assets Can Be Used On an organizational and community level Vision statements Mission statements Value statements Planning documents or other written plans Organizational policies and procedures Programs for orienting new staff or training current staff Daily program operations Promotional materials Evaluation of organizational or community programs

7. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas How Spiritual Assets Can Be Used Expression in different community sectors and settings Including in government, education, health care, workplaces, human services, criminal justice, the arts, media, and religious other non-governmental organizations

8. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Some Examples of Spiritual Assets in Practice Hospitality Gratitude Being Charitable toward Others Justice Compassion

9. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Developing Spiritual Assets Awareness Encouragement Guidelines Models Reinforcement for spiritual practices Training

10. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Some Challenges and Issues in Applying Spiritual Assets Desire and readiness Conversion into action Strengthening spiritual habits Time and effort Spiritual fatigue Spiritual numbing Competition Ethical issues Special challenges for organization and communities: Establishing proper structures