Asset-Based Community Development

submitted by Emily Matuzek

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Description: Asset-based community development is an approach to school community development that advocates the use of skills and strengths that are already present within the school community, rather than obtaining help from outside institutions. The phrase "asset-based" refers to a positive, "capacity-driven" approach that encourages community members to make progress for themselves, as opposed to a traditional "needs-driven" approach that makes the community dependent on institutional help. There are three steps in the process of community development: to assess the resources of a school, to consult with the school community and, to determine how the students and staffs skills can be leveraged into achieving those goals. During this workshop facilitators will work with participants on the following: - Redefining the roles of students, staff, parents & community members to increase your capacity, create more sustainable work, and broaden your social capital; - Answering the question: With so many people working in school reform, why isn't greater change occurring; and - Creating actionable steps to introduce ABCD methodology to your school and community.*Participants are encouraged to attend with a colleague to maximize the impact of the sessions.*


Recommendations for how this resource may be used: in asseessment of needs, planning of change, and development of school community

Attributed credits or authors: Dan Condon and Michael Soguero