Asset Based Community Development

The Foundation of ABCDEach Community is built of emptiness

and fullness (the glass half full).  The first step should be to look at

assets. 

Talents and skills of the people

Community groups and networks (the voluntary sector)

Government and non-government agencies

Lower Buckeye JailCultural Arts Coalition

Physical assets like land, property, buildings, equipment

History: stories, heritage, local identity and values

Economic assets such as the productive work of individuals, consumer spending, and local businesses

ABCD vs TraditionalFocus on Assets Vs Needs

ABCD vs DeficitBuild on opportunities  vs Responding to a problem

ABCD vs DeficitInvestment Charity

ABCD vs DeficitEmphasis on association  Vs Emphasis on agencies

ABCD vs DeficitFocus on community vs Emphasis on the

individual

ABCD vs DeficitGoal is empowerment Vs Goal is service

ABCD vs DeficitPeople are the answer Vs Programs are the

answer

ABCD vs DeficitPeople are citizens vs People are clients

ABCD vs DeficitPeople are contributors (full)

People are recipients (empty)

There are 3 steps for sustainability over time:1.  Map assets2.  Connect the assets 3.  Connect the assets with a hopeful vision for

the future.

The actual measure of good community health would be fewer services not more.