Asset-Based Community Development
Asset-based community development (ABCD) refers to an approach developed through the work of John McKnight and Jody Kretzmann, together they founded the ABCD Institute.
ABCD focuses on what already exists within individuals and communities; the strengths or ‘assets’ that they can use to grow community life - and to live the life of their own choosing. It recognises that there can be many barriers to this, one of which being the deficit-model approach. This focuses on individuals having ‘needs’ and identifies what is lacking or what they don’t have, rather than what they can - and do - contribute to society.
ABCD refers to ‘assets’ as being the skills, talents, gifts, resources and strengths that individuals, organisations or associations all contribute to our communities. ‘Associations’ are formal or informal groups of citizens working together to achieve a common goal.
We worked alongside the women, supporting them to identify and share their assets – firstly with each other and us within the project, and latterly with others in Clydebank and Glasgow. This strengthened their ‘association’ and created opportunities for them to engage with others through the 5-core principles of ABCD:
Asset-based; Moments of Freedom welcomes the contribution of others, celebrating their individual skills and passions.
Place-based; small spaces, local to us and our families are the spaces in which we find our lives unfolding – school-gates, community centres, playparks and gardens.
Relational; We recognise the power, strength and energy our relationships bring when striving for social change. The women feel a collective strength in their association and ‘togetherness’.
Working inclusively; The women work to create an environment where everyone is welcomed, seamlessly weaving between the invisible boundaries. Creating opportunities for people who may be on the periphery of community to find a place within.
Citizen-led; there are many aspects of community life, and the development of it, that can only and uniquely be made by those living within it. The project works alongside the women and provides the space for them to reflect and ultimately set the direction.