How to use power mapping to address community needs

It can be challenging to figure out how to solve problems in our communities. Where do you begin? How can you truly understand what your neighbors or organization needs? How do you solve these daunting issues?

Our solution: power mapping

We developed the power mapping tool to help civic catalysts learn about their communities and gain clarity about the needs they want to address.

The power mapping tool is designed to help people dig deeper into the dynamics of their communities—identifying needs, understanding power structures, and finding opportunities to create change.

We incorporate power mapping into various programs, including the Youth Collaboratory and Citizen Redefined. This tool is a core part of the curriculum, empowering high school sophomores and juniors to launch Power Projects and young adults to address community needs effectively.

An example of power mapping

Last year, Citizen Redefined mentor Emma Cartwright developed a Civic Leader Institute to help college students integrate into their community and find their footing as dedicated, contributing members of society. When reflecting on her experience, she shared how students used power mapping to respond to issues on their college campus.

For example, one student leveraged the power-mapping experience with them in the classroom. They turned a statistics assignment into an opportunity to assess students' awareness of campus food resources. They brought the findings to the appropriate leaders at the college and used them to advocate for changes in accessibility and awareness.

Read more about how Emma helped grow young people’s civic identity through Citizen Redefined.

How to use power mapping

The power mapping tool is adaptable and can be used to strategize community initiatives or organizational projects. You can use it to identify and connect with key stakeholders, making it a practical resource for individual leaders and teams.

Begin by reflecting

Consider your geographical community or organization to drive community impact. Think about your community characteristics and community behaviors. What is your community like? How do things seem and feel?

Now, consider your community needs. What’s missing? What are people struggling with? What challenges do community members face individually or as a group?

Ready to dive deeper? Consider the following questions:

1. What are some of your big hopes for your community?
2. What are some of your big fears about or for your community?
3. When do you feel proud of your community?
4. When do you feel disappointed in your community?
5. What do you wish more people were talking about?
6. What is the best thing about your community?

Next, consider the laws of power

Reflect on the following questions:

1. What laws of power do you see at work in your community? Spend some time reflecting on your own power, active or untapped.
2. Which sources of power do you have access to (directly or through people you know, or know of)?
3. Which are more out of reach?
4. What other resources do you have (e.g. experience, time, skills, etc.)?
5. What are barriers or obstacles you face?

The power mapping tool encourages thoughtful reflection on community characteristics, behaviors, and needs, which aligns well with the interests of professionals and community leaders looking for ways to leverage their roles to make a meaningful impact.

Leave a comment to share how you plan to use power mapping to solve issues in your community ??