Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) is a different and powerful approach to developing communities and the people in them.  It focuses on the assets within communities, rather than what’s missing as a basis for development.

These assets can include:

• The skills of local residents
• The power of local community groups and associations
• The resources of organisations and institutions
• Buildings for community use
• Outdoor spaces
• The local history and culture of a neighbourhood

Asset Based Community Development looks to support what organisations already do and build capacity through working to strengths, engaging volunteers, sharing resources and working in partnerships.  It’s also about celebrating achievements and supporting individuals to become self reliant and self supporting rather than dependent on services.

Asset Based Community Development is an exciting and dynamic tool that will help any organisation to strengthen:

• its own organisation – by enhancing connection with the community’s assets
• the community – by investing in the community’s assets
• current and future community-based projects, activities and proposals

An asset approach starts by asking questions and reflecting on what is already present:

• What make us strong?
• What factors make us more able to cope in times of stress?
• What makes this a good place to be?
• What does the community do to improve?

The ABCD approach was developed in the early 90’s in Chicago, USA by John McKnight and John Kretzman of the University of Illinois.