Moving from Community Problems to Community Capacities and Strengths

Needs and deficit mapping leads to...

· "services" as solutions.

· residents as consumers of services.

· managing the "system".

· internalization of negative self-images.

· disempowered residents.

· resources directed to service providers.

· cycle of dependency.

 Capacity inventory & asset mapping leads to...

ü capacity-oriented programs/policies.

ü local residents and institutions as assets of choice.

ü local connections strengthened.

ü community members investing themselves.

ü development from the inside out.

ü empowered residents.

ü new sources of capital & local control.

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn more about Asset Based Community Development at www.nwu.edu/IPR/abcd.html

 

Mental Mapping

A map is an interpretation of what someone thinks is important. Different maps of the same city might focus on tourist sites or bicycle paths, sacred places or transportation routes. Someone understanding a community brings with them a "mental map". It may focus on crime and abandoned buildings or engaged citizen groups and local resources. How we see things influences how we act.

What is your mental map? What are the most important things you include in thinking about your community or city? What places, people, connections, are especially important?

Use the space below to create a personal "map". What is important to understand about your community? What connects people and places and ideas? Try doing this activity with other people from your community and create a group map. What do you learn about differences in mental maps?

A Community Map of _______________