Asset mapping is a strategic process that synthesizes organizational resources to highlight strengths and address challenges, particularly for community organizations. The document outlines a four-step approach: brainstorming assets, refining the list, creating a visual map, and maintaining the asset map over time. It emphasizes the importance of this process for enhancing awareness, economic development, informed decision-making, and fostering collaboration within the community.

1. Asset Mapping for Community Organizations Jessica Solomon for Spark Creativity

2. What is “Asset Mapping”? An Asset Map represents relationships and opportunities and helps tell your organization’s history (and future!). Asset Mapping is the deliberate process of synthesizing organizational resources in order to build on what’s working and address challenges. 1. What is working in your organization? List at least 3 things. 2. What are some challenges? List 3 things.

3. Why is Asset Mapping important? The information generated can be used in a variety of ways, for example: Awareness and marketing — promotion of assets and services to stakeholders and potential stakeholders Economic development — information to leverage growth in expanding and development Planning and policy — inform municipal decision-making related to land use, social planning, community amenities and infrastructure Networks and collaboration — information to connect cultural groups Rank in order of importance to you and your organization.

4. Well … let’s get to it!!! Step 1 : Brainstorm Step 2 : Refine Step 3 : Create Step 4 : Maintain (you’ll do this step at home)

5. Step 1: Brainstorm Who are the people? Where are the places? What are the networks, groups, events and items/products…associated with your org? Tip: when you do this again invite stakeholders who have specific experience and knowledge of your org/ the need you are addressing. Here’s an example…

6. Step 2: Refine Get specific. Name names! (Is there something you want to find out more about? Make note of it.) Tip for later: Gather your team to review the outcomes of the brainstorm. The list will give your team a better sense of where and what to look for when creating a map.

7. Step 3: Create Time to create a visual representation of all the community assets you identified (WOO HOO!). Make it fun and motivating! This visual representation could take many forms. Here are a few popular options…

8. Step 4: Maintain Just like you update project plans and mission statements periodically review and update your Asset Map. ID ways you can use your assets in the next phase of your organizational development.

9. “ Critical Praxis = Action + Reflection" - Paulo Freire