1st Stage - Identify

This first stage you must now identify who the community is and what we are working with that we can build on. 

• We first define the community;

  • Who are we

  • Where are we located

  • What is common to all of us

  • What are we known for

  • Describe the area 

• We then list the community's assets;

  • Environment

  • Culture

  • History

  • Aesthetics

  • Social

  • Infrastructure

  • Human Resources

• As well as their...

  • Needs

  • Aspirations

Preparation

• The invitation to the community should be extended to as many groups (school, church, sport, women group, etc); a special effort to include the elderly and the youth should be made.

• For the method of running the meeting please see: The Participatory Group Process Methodology 

Introduction

• First set the ground rules for the meeting. Please see: Guiding Principles for Participatory Workshop  

• The Power Point Presentation below will assist you in introducing the exercise

Community is now asked to think of all their assets and needs in their community. 

Gathering the information

Some aspects to consider when recording community's assets:  

• Nature and environment:

• Distinctive wildlife habitat, on land or in the water; great birding sites.

• Notable trees and flowers. 

• Links between local nature and local culture—history, cuisine, event.

• Hiking and other outdoor activities, especially those that incorporate interpretation.

• Culture and traditions:

• Food and drink, including local agricultural products and methods; restaurants serving local dishes.

• Performing arts: music, dance, theater, including public and bar/restaurant performances.

• Arts and crafts, including nonfranchise local shopping.

• Festivals and distinctive ways of celebrating national holidays.

• Heritage

• Historic and archaeological sites.

• Living history venues.

• Historic districts and repurposed buildings.

• Distinctive architecture.

• Aesthetics--

• What areas have nice scenery, appropriate lighting, freedom from billboards?

• What areas are most pleasing to be in? Are there businesses deserving support there?

• Social

• What areas are important or have significance to the community.

• Community services; schools, churches, community center, hurricane shelters. 

• Areas significant to community livelihoods.

• Human collateral

• Persons with skills accountants, managers, engineers, teachers, doctors, proposal writers.

• Indigenous Technological Knowledge (ITK) on aspects of agriculture, fishing, diving, environment, culture, older persons who are storytellers. 

• The talented; music, sports,etc. 

Needs

Some aspects to consider when recording community's needs:

• Infrastructural needs,

• Social services,

• Livelihoods,

• Skills capacity building. 

Aspirations 

Some aspects to consider when recording community's aspirations: 

• Physical improvements to be made.

• Their vision as livelihoods go.

• Community growth and well-being.

• Their development of skills to become empowered.

Once the community have listed their assets, needs and aspirations below they are now ready to embark on the Community Asset Mapping Exercise. 

Identification Forms