When I first heard the term asset map I was confused. What does it mean? What do they mean by assets? There's no need to be confused.
An asset map is simply a way to identify and recognise the assets, resources, gifts, talents, skills and knowledge in our local communities. It includes the gifts of people, community groups, organisations and people. physical structures, businesses and the culture of the area. Every community is rich in resources and assets, but sometimes we don't realise the wealth we have around us. So how does asset mapping really work?
Every time we get together with friends, family and neighbours, we are already mapping the gifts other people have. There might be someone who can help fix a problem with your car or lawnmower. Another person who knows about paving or gardening.
Someone who has a great recipe and is willing to share it. A cook who always brings something fantastic to eat. Another person might be a musician and can entertain. There will be people with different cultural backgrounds and someone who knows a lot about things. history of the area.
So many resources, so many assets. Usually we map these things in our minds. With asset mapping we formalize this process and move it to a physical format.
The beauty of asset mapping is that it isn't hard. An easy place to start is with a small group of friends and neighbors. A good exercise to help with this is the gift of the head, heart and hands. First ask people to list the things they know a lot about. That's the head.
Then the things they are passionate about or care a lot about, the heart. And finally the things they can do, the hands. Once you have this list, you have started a map of the assets of the group.
It isn't hard. Without linking these assets together and putting them into action, all you'll have is a list or a directory. The real power of the map is when these assets and resources are put into action. You can do this in many ways.
People could list the things they would like to learn. They can then be linked to someone who could show them or teach them. Others might find a common interest such as cooking or gardening or conservation.
They could create a cooking group or put together a book of recipes. We'll start here. community garden, conservation group or park clean-up group. Already the assets are becoming linked and mobilised for action. You can also map other things.
You will find people in the group are involved in other local activities. Some might belong to a local neighbourhood watch group or a service club or a church. These are all assets and can be mapped.
You will be surprised at how many community groups have links in your community. There will be people involved with organisations providing a service to the community. This could be a disability organisation or funded service provider, or police, local council or other service.
These all add value to your community and can be mapped. There'll be local businesses people use. The local supermarket, bank, butcher, fruit shop, takeaway, coffee shop.
There are so many in our communities. These can all be mapped. Then there are the physical structures, the parks, gardens, libraries, community centres, walking tracks. They're all resources. and assets to be mapped.
Don't forget the local cultures and stories. These are all part of the community of where we have come from and who we are. Recording these adds to our understanding of our community.
You can map in many ways. You could keep a simple inventory or a visual map. It doesn't matter what the format is.
All that matters is that you've now listed the assets and resources of your community. Your challenge is then to make the connections between these amazing assets and activate them to work for the community. community.