UK based organisation RSA have resources available which explores how to support communities to make change for themselves.
There is growing evidence to suggest charities are starting to look at examples of how organisations are beginning to work with individual strengths and community networks to support communities to make change for themselves, as opposed to concentrating on fixing problems.
Having an Asset-based approach – studying and recognising the potential of individuals, associations and institutions that form the community, and to build upon and strengthen that potential which can then be used more effectively to address a suitable need or obstacle in community (or society) - is, on the face of it, different to an approach that focuses on merely identifying and servicing needs.
One benefit can be because it can deliver a better answer or makes better use of the resources for a particular need to provide better support or community relief.
The
Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) believes in a world where everyone is able to take part and create a better future, and its
Meeting as Equals report on creating asset-based charities, together with an unique interview with
Alex Fox, Chief Executive of
Shared Lives Plus, offers charities guidance and direction on how they can become asset-based.
To
read the report, or to
watch the interview, visit the RSA
website.