What’s this About Using Our Assets?
At its core, a deeply connected community--a community in which every member is valued and challenged to contribute--is a strong and healthy community. On Thursday, we’re going to check out some of our connections, and our city's assets.
Connection is one thing in theory, but a collection of powerful forces could stand in the way. Many members of any community are moved to its edges by a series of disconnecting labels—too old, too young, too poor, mentally or physically disabled, mentally ill. Not only do these labels serve to separate those labeled from the center of community life, but systems of service professing to “help” tend instead to further isolate them.
Asset-based community development begins with the assumption
that successful community building involves rediscovering and
mobilizing resources already present in any community:
At its core, a deeply connected community--a community in which every member is valued and challenged to contribute--is a strong and healthy community. On Thursday, we’re going to check out some of our connections, and our city's assets.
Connection is one thing in theory, but a collection of powerful forces could stand in the way. Many members of any community are moved to its edges by a series of disconnecting labels—too old, too young, too poor, mentally or physically disabled, mentally ill. Not only do these labels serve to separate those labeled from the center of community life, but systems of service professing to “help” tend instead to further isolate them.
Asset-based community development begins with the assumption
that successful community building involves rediscovering and
mobilizing resources already present in any community:
o The skills and resources of its individuals,
o The power of voluntary associations, achieved through
building relationships
o The assets present in the array of local institutions, the
physical infrastructure of the community and the local
economy.
Another way of saying this is: successful community development is
asset-based, internally-focused, and relationship-driven.
7 Stories!
Read the overview now and ONE story and save six for after our Community Learning Day. Choose the one that appeals to you.
Download “Hidden Treasures” (92 pages) here (or cut and paste the link into your browser):
http://www.sesp.northwestern.edu/images/hiddentreasures.pdf
Source: ABCD Institute at http://www.sesp.northwestern.edu/abcd/
While reading, consider your CAP organization, and the stories that might evolve from your involvement.
Which questions have not been asked? What important information in these stories could change the momentum of your project? What lessons are you learning?
On Thursday, I will be referring to the “Asset Based Community Development Model” (John McKnight et al). And, we'll take about the COURAGE it takes to build those connections.
On Thursday, I will be referring to the “Asset Based Community Development Model” (John McKnight et al). And, we'll take about the COURAGE it takes to build those connections.
Happy reading,
Maggie
Maggie
PS Remember that we have to stick together on Thursday from 8:45 am to 5:15 pm!
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