Over the next year, the Partnership is working with community members to make visible the primary building blocks for sustainable community development. Our work is grounded in the principles of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), which intentionally builds on the skills of local residents, the power of local associations, and the supportive functions of local institutions.
KEY PROJECT QUESTIONS: What are the assets in our community? What does the community care about?
OVERALL PROJECT GOAL: Create an action plan that prioritizes needs identified by the community, builds on community assets, and articulates a supporting role for the Partnership.
PRIMARY PROJECT COMPONENTS
(1) RESIDENT CONSULTANT TEAM
Our project is guided by a team of community connectors who are providing insight on conducting research activities, supporting event and program planning, and helping the Partnership reach key audiences in the community.
(2) NEIGHBORHOOD AMBASSDORS
Our primary means for reaching out to the community is thru “learning conversations,” one-on-one and group conversations initiated by our Neighborhood Ambassadors, well-respected residents in the community. These conversations are helping us uncover the talents, skills, and relationships of the people in our community.
(3) PARTNER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Business Outreach: led by partner organization Southwest CDC, our business outreach team is meeting with businesses in the community to learn about their economic contributions.
Community Chats: our partner organization CityLights Network is convening a series of discussions with community-based organizations to highlight the resources and expertise they bring to the community.
Story Circles: individual and group histories, traditions, memories, and norms are also assets for the community, and our partner First Person Arts is facilitating “story circles” to gather and curate them.