A positive approach
to a problem is more likely to yield positive results.
The asset approach is based on the belief
that communities have skills, networks, resources and energy
that can be used to tackle local problems and improve the
community’s quality of life. In turn, it strengthens
the effectiveness of people and organizations working to find
solutions to problems within the community.
The
Asset-Based Community Development Institute, established
in 1995 at Northwestern University, focuses on developing
community assets rather than concentrating on its deficits.
There are five steps in developing community
assets.
- Mapping the capacities and assets of individuals, citizens’
associations and local institutions.
- Building relationships among local assets for mutually
beneficial problem-solving.
- Mobilizing the community’s assets for economic
development and information sharing.
- Convening a broadly representative group to build a
community vision and plan.
- Leveraging activities, investments and resources outside
the community to support asset-based, locally-defined
development.
Asset building is an emerging field. For
extensive resources on asset building, click here.
|
