Asset Mapping
At times, it may be useful for you or a small group to begin identifying assets and strengths within a community. The tools in this section will provide useful questions to address when identifying the valuable resources within a given group, organization or community.
Identifying Assets and Strengths
Appreciative Inquiry: The Art of Asking Powerful Questions
Additional Resources
Kretzmann, J., & McKnight, J. (1993). Building communities from the inside out: A path toward finding and mobilizing a community’s assets. Chicago: ACTA Publications.
Beaulieu, L. (2002). Mapping the Assets of Your Community: A Key Component for Building Local Capacity. SRDC Series #227. Mississippi State, MS: Southern Rural Development Center.
Berkowitz, B., and Wadud, E. (2003). “Identifying Community Assets and Resources.” In Community Tool Box, chapter 3, section 8. Lawrence: Work Group on Health Promotion and Community Development, University of Kansas.
Community Change Education Project. (2000). Module 1: Asset-Based Community Development. Madison: University of Wisconsin-Extension.
Asset-Based Community Development Initiative. The website includes information and links to dozens of resources related to asset mapping.
International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) - Appreciative Inquiry - Website with information about applying appreciative inquiry in community development