Lecture on Asset Mapping

Introduction to Asset Mapping

• Definition: A method to identify and recognize the various assets and resources in local communities.
• Includes:
  • Gifts of people
  • Community groups and organizations
  • Physical structures
  • Businesses
  • Local culture

Understanding Assets

• Assets include resources, gifts, talents, skills, and knowledge within a community.
• Communities are rich in resources and assets, often overlooked.

How Asset Mapping Works

• Informal asset recognition happens in everyday interactions.
  • Examples: Someone who can fix cars, cook well, entertain, or share knowledge about local history.
• Asset mapping formalizes this recognition process.
• Moves asset recognition from mental to physical format.

Starting Asset Mapping

• Begin with a small group of friends or neighbors.
• Use the "gift of the head, heart, and hands" exercise:
  • Head: Knowledge and expertise.
  • Heart: Passions and cares.
  • Hands: Practical skills.
• Results in a map of the group's assets.

Linking and Activating Assets

• The power of asset mapping lies in connecting and activating these assets.
• Methods:
  • Individuals can express what they want to learn and connect with someone who can teach them.
  • Discover common interests to form groups (e.g., cooking groups, community gardens).
• Involvement in local activities enhances the mapping process.

Mapping Various Assets

• Include people involved in organizations providing community services.
• Local businesses and physical structures (parks, libraries, etc.) are considered assets.
• Cultural stories and history are also valuable assets to map.

Methods of Mapping

• Create either a simple inventory or a visual map.
• The format isn't crucial as long as the assets and resources are listed.

Activating Community Assets

• The goal is to create connections and activate these assets to benefit the community.