Asset based community development? A glass half full or a glass half empty?

Question – “can I help you”? Beautiful thing – shadow History of Development practice Defining people by problem – not by their strengths Community power to make change decreases – asset + agency Internalisation of the map – learn to become beneficiaries

Asset based approach to community development ‘using what you have to ensure what you have not’

What is an asset? • the practical skills, capacity and knowledge of local residents • the passions and interests of local residents that give them energy for change • the networks and connections – known as ‘social capital’ – in a community, including friendships and neighbourliness • the effectiveness of local community and voluntary Associations • the resources of public, private and third sector (NGO’s, Universities) organisations that are available to support a community • the physical and economic resources of a place that enhance well-being.

Asset based for CGF DS Project Select the stories where community groups have solved their own problems building on their assets Allow the champions to tell their story - human story emerge DS can reconnect community with their own assets Leadership could emerge, champions become an asset in their community Focus on what’s strong and not what’s wrong – affirming process Co-create knowledge – not doing things for people but with people …creating a knowledge democracy

Words of Lilla Watson “If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come here because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”