Resource Mapping with the Community
Uncovering assets in the community is a matter of asking what’s available in the community I wish to partner with. Using the landscape analysis as a foundation, LEAs can begin to partner authentically with communities towards impact. The landscape analysis can provide you with the data to decide which resources to pursue at the right time.
- Get visual: create a map!
- Instead of just producing a written report or slides, get visual and create an asset map.
- Asset mapping is a method used in community development. It helps to identify and document existing resources such as institutions, individuals and citizen associations in a community. [cite]
- This map is a visual representation of a community’s strengths and is an interactive way of showcasing a community’s resources such that others might draw on them.
- Some things to consider when mapping:
- Consider the geographic boundaries of the community
- Determine a system for organizing community assets: physical, economic, socio–cultural, educational…
How will you represent individuals and their skills on this map?
Sample Community Asset Map
Schools
Universities
Community Colleges
Hospitals
Libraries
Social Services Agencies
Non-Profits
Museums
Fire Departments
Foundations
Students
Parents
Activists
Professionals
Artists
People with Disabilities
Gardens
Parks
Playgrounds
Parking Lots
Bike Paths
Walking Trails
Preserves
Picnic Areas
Merchants
Chamber of Commerce
Business Associations
Banks/Credit Unions
Charitable Groups
Cultural Groups
Environmental Groups
Health Advocacy Groups
Fitness Groups
Hobby Groups
Service Clubs