June 7, 2016, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m. IPA/GIFT 2016 Statewide Conference Ellen K. Annala, facilitator Asset Based Community Development (ABCD)

Time 2:00 Introduction Changing & Expanding Roles for Community Foundations From deficits to assets; from problem solving to empowerment 2:05 ExerciseHow would you respond? 2:20 ABCD Overview The Basics Case study Your concerns 2:50 ExerciseWhat would you do differently? 3:10 Summary CommentsGetting started 3:15 AdjournThank you! Agenda

10 min. Exercise: in dyads or triads… Your Board is concerned with the low voter turnout in your county compared to other Indiana counties and is concerned with overall apathy. Your board wants your foundation should lead an effort to increase civic engagement in the county? What are the first three actions you would take?

Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) is a way to find and mobilize what a community has. With ABCD…. local people are empowered to work together for the well being of their home place; relationships are built between groups and individual for action for a collective purpose and common good; power is built through relationships; principles and practices, communities are organized to bring people into committed relationship for collective action towards toward goals they identify and really care about; the basic goodness that is in each local community is surfaced; and, funders shift focus from needs, problems and deficiencies to resources, assets and empowerment. *Adapted from Mike Green & Henry Moore, ABCD Training Group ABCD -101 Assets…Relationships…Resident-centered

1.Discover what people care about enough to act through learning conversations. Learn individual motivation to act; the collective purpose for a wide circle of people to act on together; and, who is committed. 2.Find and engage local “connector leaders” (people with trust, influence, and a circle of relationship to call upon) to form a connector-leaders’ group. These local leaders use their influence and connections to engage a wider circle of community working together. ABCD….the how

How (cont.) 3.Discover and focus on local community assets. ABCD mapping gives a path to organize an organization, a community partnership, a neighborhood. 4. Grow the circle of local assets (cross sector: people, organizations and spaces) working for the common good. 5. Residents at the center as drivers – not outsiders. *Adapted from Mike Green & Henry Moore, ABCD Training Group

1. Participation and Inclusion : Everyone has gifts. 2. Relationships build Community : It takes an intentional effort to build & nourish relationships 3. Residents are at the Center of any action : It is essential to engage people who are in leadership in everyday life (associations, congregations, neighborhoods, local businesses) – not as “helpers” or “informants” for institutions…but at the center. 4. Leaders engage wider community : Strong local leaders invite a growing circle of people to act -- constituents of volunteer organizations, congregations, neighborhoods, etc. 5. People Care : Apathy is a sign of bad listening. 6. Motivation to Act : Your job is to listen for themes, concerns, dreams, talents that will motivate for action. Guiding Principles*

7. Listening Conversations : dialogue, small groups, forums, surveys, asset maps….to invite participation. Mapping not a substitute for listening and talking. 8. Ask, Ask, Ask : Offer an opportunity to act. “Join us. We need you.” 9. Questions not Answers : Invite communities to address questions and find their own answer. Institutions/foundations following to help. 10. “Inside out” organization is key to community engagement: Local residents control organization and set agenda. 11. Solutions require broader engagement : Institutions cannot solve problems without engaging the rest of the community. 12. Institutions as “servants” : Institutions support engaged community members. Lead by stepping back. * Adapted from Mike Green & Henry Moore, ABCD Training Group Guiding Principles (cont.)

Residents and their Associations -- A Powerful Ladder Residents in Control -- Goal Setting, Planning, Implementation Residents as Participants – governing body, advisory group, or as advocates Residents As Information Sources – focus groups, staff consults, surveys Residents As Recipients – residents receive services

Asset Mapping Your Community Local Economy Businesses, chamber, banks, corporations, credit unions, foundations, etc. Physical Spaces Parks, playgrounds, gathering places, bike paths, walking paths, zoos, housing, transit stops, etc. Individuals Gifts, Skills, Capacities, Knowledge, Traits of: Youth, artists, seniors, economically disadvantages, veterans, ex- offenders, activists, people with disabilities, etc. Institutions Schools, colleges & universities, social services, libraries, hospitals, museums, media, nonprofits, foundations, police, United Ways, etc. Associations Civic events & groups, religious, business orgs, environmental groups, service clubs, block clubs, etc.

Your Community’s AssetsHow will these assets be connected to your project? Associations Institutions Individuals Physical Spaces Local Economy Connecting Community Assets with your project

Existing Relationships Potential Relationships Your Foundation

Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (Indianapolis Weed and Seed – Near Westside (Indianapolis) Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Humbolt Area Foundation ABCD in Action…Examples…

What do you like about ABCD? How can it benefit your foundation? What are your concerns? What could be your biggest obstacles to using ABCD principles? What assets does your foundation bring to community organizing, community conversations, community action? Discussion

10 min. Exercise, back in dyads and triads…. What would you do differently?

Convening Shared leadership Building capacity and increasing involvement for leaders among people affected. Collaboration and partnership Comprehensive strategies – cross sectors Different questions: from problems to assets Learning Focus on Results In Summary…. Implications for Foundations

“The most important attribute that all community foundations share is their commitment to involving local people in decisions about how to change their communities for the better.” “The Growing Importance of Community Foundations” Eleanor W. Sacks

Thank you!