Building Communities from the Inside Out: A Path Toward Finding and Mobilizing A Community’s Assets

Building Communities from the Inside Out: A Path Toward Finding and Mobilizing A Community’s Assets

John P. Kretzmann
John L. McKnight

Source: WeLib

Asset-Based Community Development prioritizes the identification and mobilization of existing local resources to foster neighborhood regeneration. This approach moves away from a deficiency-oriented model, which focuses on needs and problems, to a capacity-focused framework that leverages the strengths of individuals, associations, and institutions. By recognizing that even the most devastated communities possess valuable assets, this methodology provides a practical path for residents to take charge of their own development and reduce dependence on outside experts.

Releasing Individual Capacities involves the systematic discovery of the unique gifts, skills, and talents held by every resident in a community. Central to this process is the use of a capacity inventory, a tool designed to map the abilities of all people, including those frequently marginalized such as youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities. By shifting the perception of these individuals from passive service recipients to active contributors, communities can harness a vast and often surprising array of human resources for local problem-solving and growth.

Releasing the Power of Local Associations and Organizations focuses on the vital role played by voluntary groups, which form the primary vehicle for collective action in any neighborhood. These associations, ranging from cultural groups to local block clubs, represent a powerful source of community-building potential that is often underestimated. Particular attention is given to religious institutions and cultural organizations, which possess significant moral authority, space, and networks that can be activated to address social issues and support local development efforts.

Capturing Local Institutions for Community Building describes how formal entities such as schools, parks, libraries, police stations, and hospitals can be transformed into productive community partners. These institutions hold substantial concentrations of resources—including facilities, purchasing power, and specialized expertise—that can be redirected to support the social and economic health of the surrounding neighborhood. By establishing “win-win” partnerships, community leaders and institutional administrators can create lasting relationships that increase the effectiveness of both parties and build a stronger web of local connectedness.

Rebuilding the Community Economy highlights strategies for capturing and circulating economic resources within the local neighborhood. This includes redirecting the hiring and purchasing power of local institutions toward residents and vendors, as well as establishing alternative credit institutions like community development credit unions to provide accessible capital. Additionally, the reclamation of physical assets, such as turning vacant land and abandoned buildings into productive community spaces, serves as a foundation for generating new sources of local income and wealth.

Mobilizing an Entire Community provides a comprehensive framework for integrating individual, associational, and institutional assets into a unified development strategy. This process involves five sequential steps: mapping assets, building relationships, mobilizing for economic development, convening for a collective vision, and leveraging external resources. Finally, providing support for asset-based development through policies and guidelines ensures that external entities like governments and foundations act as servants to local initiatives, making useful investments without dominating or replacing the work of citizens and their associations.

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