See: Concept: Asset Based Community Development
See Cormac Russell Research
Notes about Asset Based Community Development by Cormac Russell (via ChatGPT):
Cormac Russell’s book, “Asset Based Community Development,” is a comprehensive exploration of a transformative approach to community building and development. The book challenges traditional deficit-based approaches that focus on problems and needs within communities and instead highlights the inherent strengths and assets that exist within individuals and communities.
Russell introduces the concept of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), which emphasizes that every person possesses unique skills, knowledge, and abilities that can contribute to the well-being and growth of their community. The book argues that by identifying and mobilizing these assets, communities can become more resilient, self-reliant, and capable of addressing their own challenges.
Throughout the book, Russell provides numerous case studies and practical examples to illustrate how ABCD principles have been successfully applied in various contexts. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating strong social connections, fostering local leadership, and involving community members in decision-making processes.
Russell also explores the role of institutions and professionals in supporting community-driven development. He suggests that professionals should shift from being “experts” who prescribe solutions to becoming facilitators and connectors who help communities tap into their own assets and create sustainable solutions.
Furthermore, the book delves into the importance of storytelling, as narratives have the power to shape community identities and mobilize collective action. Russell encourages communities to tell their own stories, celebrating their achievements and building a positive narrative that inspires further action.
In summary, “Asset Based Community Development” provides a compelling framework for community builders, practitioners, and individuals interested in empowering communities from within. By focusing on strengths and assets rather than deficits and needs, this approach has the potential to create more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient communities.
[Author’s Note: The above text was AI-generated and may not be accurate. The overarching intent behind this blog post is to provide a starting point for discussions among aspiring community builders. Just as startup founders can benefit from startup oriented content (such as those provided by accelerators and incubators), community builders can benefit from community building oriented content. If you are an aspiring community builder, please contribute to the discussion by commenting on this post]
Comments
One response to “Asset Based Community Development by Cormac Russell”
Cormac Russell is one of the leading thinkers on community building in the world. The post correctly identifies that Russell challenges the deficit based view of communities. For instance, viewing the challenges that a community faces when it comes to issues (such as poverty), Russell claims that a more constructive approach would be to look at community through the lens of its potential.
This shift in thinking transforms people from passive consumers to active creators, or in other words: citizens. Another important aspect to take into consideration is that the ABCD model of community development has withstood the test of time, having lasted decades. This means that there is something about it which is Lindy. Other thinkers such as Peter Block have also been influenced by and endorse this framework.
Russell identifies five key concepts that underpin the ABCD approach:
(1) place-based
(2) citizen-led
(3) relationship oriented
(4) asset based
(5) inclusion focussed
Russell also correctly points out that the key role of institutions in a society is foster greater community participation from a bottom up localised approach rather than a top down approach, where the institutions dictate terms on the members of society.
Perhaps the best one-line summary of Russell’s book is “start by focussing not on what’s wrong, but on what’s strong”.