What is Asset Mapping?

Asset Mapping is a tool that relies on a core belief of asset-based community development; namely, that good things exist in communities and that those things can be highlighted and encouraged — these are assets suited to advancing those communities. Asset Mapping is a means, not an end.

Asset Mapping is simply put a way that we can use the resources around us. Below is a chart that demonstrates many of those resources though it is certainly not limited to just the ones listed. Your community may have other sources that you never even thought of!

Community Assets Map
LOCAL INSTITUTIONS & RESOURCES
Local / Schools
Businesses / Service / Neighborhood
Clubs / COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS / House
Hospitals / Churches / Local
GIFTS OF INDIVIDUAL / Council
Young People / Artists
Community / Community / Sporting
Stories / Organizations / Senior Citizens / All Residents / Teams
Government / Local
Agencies / Facilities

Resourcing-When you are exploring this avenue it is helpful to have certain things in mind:

  1. What are our dreams? You should have a clear concise plan on what it is you want to accomplish so that when you are asking for these helps you know what it is you are asking for. How do we know what they are? We know because we have PRAYED. We pray and then pray some more asking for guidance and direction. We need to see what God’s plan is for us.

Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (NIV)

  1. Where can we go to make our dreams come true? There are several avenues on which you can travel. There are resources around us that we might not even consider. If you open your heart and your mind to them, God will reveal them to you. 1 Corinthians 2:10 But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit.
  2. How big should our dreams be? Sometimes our dreams are not big enough for God! Remember this is a God who lit the stars and hung the moon in 6 days! Don’t limit God. Open your hearts and minds for bigger than what you even expected! It can happen! Romans 15:22-24 references: Dream big and make plans for how God might use you.

REMEMBER THESE KEY THINGS: *IT IS NOT THE SIZE OF YOUR CHURCH RATHER THE SIZE OF YOUR HEART! *DON’T LIMIT GOD. *OPERATE FROM A PLACE OF ABUNDANCE RATHER THAN SCARCITY! *ALWAYS PRAY WITHOUT CEASING AND GIVE HIM ALL THE GLORY FOR THE MIRACULOUS THINGS THAT HE DOES! *HE WEAVES A TAPESTRY OF ALL OF US WORKING TOGETHER FOR HIS GLORY. *USE THE RESOURCES THAT HE PROVIDES! GOD BLESS YOU ALL AS YOU WORK TO FURTHER HIS KINGDOM!