Heard about Asset Based Community Development (ABCD)?
Here’s the truth: it’s probably not new to you.
ABCD is about building on people’s strengths, local relationships, community skills and existing resources rather than focusing solely on needs and problems.
Community infrastructure organisations across Hampshire have been supporting this way of working for years through volunteering, community engagement, partnership building and local leadership.
You may have heard a lot recently about Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) and strengths-based approaches.
Let’s dispel a myth.
ABCD isn’t a new programme, a new service, or a completely different way of working.
At its heart, it’s about recognising and building on the strengths, skills, relationships, knowledge and resources that already exist within our communities.
And that’s exactly what the Community Infrastructure Partnership member agencies have been doing for years.
Through supporting volunteers, strengthening community groups, connecting organisations, enabling local action, developing partnerships and helping residents turn ideas into reality, we have always focused on what’s strong in our communities, not just what’s wrong.
The truth is that many charities, community groups, faith organisations, resident associations and volunteers are already delivering asset-based approaches every day, whether they call it ABCD or not.
ABCD simply gives a name to an approach that communities have long understood:
- People have skills, talents and strengths
- Communities already have valuable assets and resources
- Relationships and connections matter
- Local people are best placed to help shape local solutions
- Sustainable change happens when communities are empowered
So, if you’re bringing people together, supporting volunteers, sharing skills, creating local opportunities or helping communities take action, there’s a good chance you’re already doing asset-based community development.
Let’s recognise, celebrate and build on the incredible strengths that already exist across our communities.
The Community Infrastructure Partnership
Building stronger communities by unlocking the strengths that are already there.