Last updated on Jan 24, 2024
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Define your community
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Use participatory methods
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Categorize the assets
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Map the assets
5
Validate the assets
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Here’s what else to consider
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Community assets are the strengths, resources, and capacities that exist within a community and can be mobilized for positive change. Identifying and leveraging community assets is a key strategy for non-profit organizations that aim to empower and engage local people in asset-based community development (ABCD). ABCD is an approach that focuses on the existing assets of a community rather than its needs or problems. In this article, you will learn some of the most effective ways to identify community assets and how to use them for your non-profit goals.
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1 Define your community
Before you start looking for assets, you need to define your community. A community can be a geographic area, a group of people with shared interests, identities, or values, or a network of relationships. You can use different criteria to define your community, such as demographics, culture, history, issues, or goals. The way you define your community will influence the type and scope of assets you will find.
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- Michael Carolissen CEO at The Fathers Heart Community Development
Our community is a diverse group of people struggling together to provide the next generation with better.In our journey, race has been a non-factor as everyone understands that united more is accomplished and if we let something as simple as a pigment difference affect our plans, then we are all doomed. We have learned to grow in each others cultures, to challenge these things that we feel is divisive and become stronger.
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See AlsoWhat are Assets and Liabilities?What Are Real Assets vs. Other Asset Types?How To Create Your Asset ListIncome, pensions, spending and wealth - Household assets, debts and wealthLove
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2 Use participatory methods
The best way to identify community assets is to involve the community members themselves. Participatory methods are techniques that enable community members to share their knowledge, perspectives, and experiences, and to contribute to the asset identification process. Some examples of participatory methods are interviews, focus groups, surveys, mapping, storytelling, or ranking. Participatory methods can help you discover hidden or overlooked assets, build trust and rapport with the community, and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among the participants.
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- Michael Carolissen CEO at The Fathers Heart Community Development
The approach to unearthing gems in the community was a simple one, we went into the homes of those who were respected. We became a part of the community and understood the challenges and also the ingenious approach to overcoming said challenges.The approach was not to go in with the answers, it was to see first and then act later, this has been a shift to what the community has experienced from others.We grow together and succeed together.
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3 Categorize the assets
Once you have collected the information from the community, you need to categorize the assets into different types. This will help you organize and analyze the data, and identify the gaps and opportunities for collaboration. There are different ways to categorize community assets, but one common framework is to use the following four types: individual, organizational, physical, and cultural. Individual assets are the skills, talents, and passions of the people in the community. Organizational assets are the groups, associations, and institutions that provide services, resources, or support to the community. Physical assets are the natural, built, or financial resources that are available or accessible in the community. Cultural assets are the values, beliefs, traditions, and practices that shape the identity and cohesion of the community.
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- Michael Carolissen CEO at The Fathers Heart Community Development
Our approach is holistic and as such we have defined our Success Criteria. Each category covers a specific area of need to ensure success: nutrition, education, employment, safety, housing... etc.
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4 Map the assets
Another effective way to identify community assets is to map them visually. Mapping is a process of creating a graphic representation of the assets and their relationships in the community. You can use different tools and formats to create a map, such as paper, digital, or interactive. Mapping can help you see the patterns, connections, and gaps among the assets, and to communicate and share the results with the community and other stakeholders.
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- Michael Carolissen CEO at The Fathers Heart Community Development
Our App, has a location option that allows us to know where our community members, leaders and beneficiaries are.It also maps their routes to and from our office, for earmarking hotspots for crime to ensure they are safe in their daily travels.
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5 Validate the assets
The final step in identifying community assets is to validate them. Validation is a process of verifying and confirming the accuracy, relevance, and usefulness of the assets for your non-profit goals. You can use different methods to validate the assets, such as feedback sessions, reviews, or evaluations. Validation can help you ensure that the assets are reliable, current, and aligned with the needs and aspirations of the community.
Identifying community assets is a crucial skill for non-profit managers who want to adopt an asset-based approach to community development. By using these effective ways, you can discover the strengths and resources of your community, and use them to create positive and sustainable change.
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- Michael Carolissen CEO at The Fathers Heart Community Development
Our Quarterly meetings that cover the needs, solutions and victories with our community ensures that we are up to date with all crucial information.Our App has an option to review the current experiences and tips on how to improve on areas where we fall short.
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6 Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
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