What’s Strong, Not What’s Wrong: The Magic of Asset-Based Community Development
Community development sounds like a big, complicated process, doesn’t it? But at its core, it’s really about people coming together to create something amazing for the common good. One of the best ways to do this is through a method called Asset-Based Community Development, ABCD for short.
If you’re not familiar with ABCD, don’t worry—we’re about to dive in! Think of it as a treasure hunt, but instead of gold coins, we’re searching for the gifts, strengths, and assets within a community. Let’s break it down and explore how ABCD works, why it’s awesome, and how it can transform your neighborhood.
What’s ABCD All About?
The heart of ABCD lies in its name: Asset-Based Community Development. It highlights what’s “STRONG in our community, not what’s WRONG.” Instead of zeroing in on problems, according to the Tamarack Institute, ABCD starts with people’s skills, talents, and resources—aka their assets. Here’s the cool part: when we focus on these assets, we’re not just solving problems—we’re building opportunities. Whether it’s a group of neighbors planting a community garden or local artists hosting workshops, these collective assets can snowball into bigger, positive changes.
So, instead of asking, “What’s broken?” try asking, “What’s already working?” That small shift can lead to some pretty incredible results.
A Bottom-Up Approach (a.k.a. People Power!)
At the heart of ABCD is the idea that the best solutions come from the people who live in the community. It’s a bottom-up approach, meaning it’s all about the people, for the people, and with the people.
Want to try this in your own work? Ask yourself these key questions:
Who gets to participate?
Who benefits from the outcomes?
Who’s leading the charge?
Who’s sharing their voice?
When you put people first, you create a sense of ownership and collaboration that no top-down initiative can match. People become co-producers of their own initiatives, plus, it’s just more fun when everyone gets to play a part!
Circle Practice: Bringing People Together
Imagine sitting in a circle with your neighbors, sharing stories, ideas, and maybe even a few snacks. Sounds nice, right? That’s circle practice, and it’s a game-changer for community connection. Inspired by many global Indigenous ways of knowing, circles create a space where everyone’s voice matters. It’s not about one person taking charge—it’s about everyone having their moment to shine. This practice is especially great for lifting up quieter voices and balancing out those who might take up a little too much airtime. Whether you’re celebrating, brainstorming, or just catching up, circle practice can help foster trust and build stronger relationships.
Equity: More Than a Buzzword
Equity isn’t just about fairness—it’s a pillar of successful community development. It means recognizing that not everyone starts from the same place and working to remove barriers that prevent full participation.
Here are some key questions to reflect on when engaging in community work with an equity lens:
How does your position as a practitioner or leader enable or reduce barriers for others?
Who are you building relationships with—and who are you not?
Are you willing to be uncomfortable, flexible, and open to learning from the community itself?
Equity means stepping back when necessary, making room for underrepresented voices, and ensuring that community efforts truly reflect the needs and experiences of the people they aim to support.
Decolonization: Unlearning and Relearning
Ta7talíya Michelle Nahanee makes us understand that decolonization is about more than just acknowledging history—it’s about actively undoing colonial impacts. This includes examining our own assumptions, beliefs, and ways of working. She shares more about her decolonization work through an initiative known as Indigenous Inclusion.
In community development, decolonization asks us to:
Recognize the histories of the land and the people who have been here long before us.
Challenge the structures that prioritize top-down, Western approaches over traditional and local knowledge.
Shift power and decision-making to those who have historically been excluded.
By centering Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and leadership, we create more inclusive, community-led solutions that honor the resilience and wisdom of those who have long been stewards of their communities.
Interested in digging deeper into the ABCD practice? Sign up for our monthly Growing our ABCD practice here