Facilitate data collection.
Implement evaluation activities.
Increase credibility of analysis and interpretation of evaluation information.
Ensure evaluation results are used.
Asset Mapping
Community Asset Mapping refers to the process of creating an inventory of the skills, talents and resources that exist within a community or neighborhood. Identification of assets and skills, possessed by residents, businesses, organizations and institutions, can support neighborhoods in reaching their optimum potential.
Understanding Community Assets
A community asset or resource is anything that improves the quality of a community. Community assets can include:
Expertise and skills of individuals in the community
Citizen groups
Natural and built environments
Physical spaces in the community (schools, churches, libraries, recreation centers)
Local businesses and services
Local institutions and organizations (private, public, nonprofit)
Why Use an Asset Map?
The process of asset mapping illuminates connections between people and places; it can foster a greater sense of community pride and ownership; it can build capacity for turning common ideas into positive actions. The knowledge, skills and resource information amassed through mapping can inform organizing and facilitating activities on topics that reflect the pulse of community-thinking.
There are many reasons that you may decide to do an Asset Map of your community or neighborhood. You may want to develop:
A Community Map to paint a broad picture of community assets
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