How do you use asset-based community development?

1 Identify assets

The first step is to identify the existing assets in your community, both tangible and intangible. Tangible assets include physical resources, such as buildings, land, equipment, and money. Intangible assets include human resources, such as skills, talents, knowledge, and relationships. You can use various methods to map and inventory these assets, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation, or participatory appraisal.

2 Connect assets

The second step is to connect the assets in your community, both internally and externally. Internally, you can facilitate networking, collaboration, and mutual support among the asset holders, such as individuals, groups, organizations, and institutions. Externally, you can link the assets in your community with other sources of support, such as government agencies, NGOs, foundations, or businesses. You can use various methods to build and strengthen these connections, such as events, workshops, newsletters, or online platforms.

3 Leverage assets

The third step is to leverage the assets in your community, both strategically and creatively. Strategically, you can use the assets to address the issues and opportunities that matter most to your community, such as health, education, environment, or economic development. Creatively, you can use the assets to generate new ideas, solutions, and innovations that enhance your community's well-being and resilience. You can use various methods to activate and mobilize these assets, such as action planning, project management, or social entrepreneurship.

4 Celebrate assets

The fourth step is to celebrate the assets in your community, both publicly and privately. Publicly, you can showcase and acknowledge the achievements, contributions, and impacts of the asset holders and their initiatives, such as through media, awards, or festivals. Privately, you can appreciate and affirm the strengths, values, and aspirations of the asset holders and their partners, such as through feedback, recognition, or mentoring. You can use various methods to express and share these celebrations, such as stories, testimonials, or art.

5 Evaluate assets

The fifth step is to evaluate the assets in your community, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitatively, you can measure and analyze the outcomes, outputs, and inputs of the asset-based initiatives, such as through indicators, data, or statistics. Qualitatively, you can assess and understand the processes, experiences, and learnings of the asset-based initiatives, such as through narratives, reflections, or case studies. You can use various methods to collect and communicate these evaluations, such as reports, presentations, or dialogues.

6 Sustain assets

The sixth and final step is to sustain the assets in your community, both financially and relationally. Financially, you can secure and diversify the resources and revenues that support the asset-based initiatives, such as through grants, donations, or social enterprises. Relationally, you can maintain and deepen the relationships and trust that enable the asset-based initiatives, such as through communication, participation, or governance. You can use various methods to ensure and enhance these sustainability, such as budgeting, fundraising, or capacity building.

7 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?