What is asset-based community development?

Asset based community development is a strength-based approach to community development. The goal of asset mapping is to document a community’s existing resources, incorporating these strengths into community development work. Asset Mapping is a tool that relies on a core belief of asset-based community development; namely, that good things exist in communities and that those things can be highlighted and encouraged — these are assets suited to advancing those communities. In Participatory Asset Mapping, community members specifically identify community assets. Asset Mapping is a means, not an end.

When starting the asset mapping process ask yourself, "What do you consider an “asset’?" and "What are some of your community assets?"

To learn the step by step process of asset mapping, click on the Asset Mapping link above.