Asset-based approaches and community developmentVOX Training – Wednesday 27th

March 2013

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the session participants will:

• Have a fuller understanding of asset-based approaches in community development

• Have explored methods and practical approaches to map community assets/ assess community strengths

• Have explored and discussed approaches and methods to build community assets

Definitions of Community

• “the people living in one particular area or people who are considered as a unit because of their interests, background or nationality” Cambridge Dictionary

• “people who communicate and interact with one another, on the basis of common residence in an area, or a shared interest, to fulfil their needs” SCDC

• Community of geography: any community connected by common residence in a physical neighbourhood or larger area

• Community of interest: any community connected by common understandings, identity or interest

Achieving Better Community Development

Liveable Sustainable Equitable

A shared wealth

A caring community

A safe community

A creative community

A citizens’ community

QUALITY OF COMMUNITY LIFE DIMENSIONS

STRENGTHENED COMMUNITY

Fairness and Equality

Community organisation

Participation & Influence

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT DIMENSIONS

Personal Empowerment

A Healthy Community

As easy as ABCD!

Asset-based community development

“Building on the skills of local residents, the power of local associations, and the supportive functions of local institutions, asset-based community development draws upon existing community strengths to build stronger, more sustainable communities for the future.”

Website of the Asset-Based Community Development Institute

Practical Examples

• Asset-based approaches in South Lanarkshireo Hillhouse and Fairhill – neighbourhood approach

• Asset-based approaches in healtho Health Issues in the Community

o Community health initiatives – Mearns Healthy Living Network, Pilmeny Development Project, Golden Times - Merkinch

1. What makes us a strong community?

2. What do we do as a community to make people feel better?

3. What makes this a good community to be part of?

4. What factors help us to cope in times of stress?

5. What makes us healthy in mind, body and spirit, as a community?

Asset Mapping – defining assets

Building communities from the inside out