Asset mapping is a core tool in the Use Your Talents (UYT) approach for identifying the strengths, talents, and resources within a community. It is about shifting the focus from what is lacking to what is already present. By recognizing these assets, we can mobilize them to serve God’s purpose and foster community growth.
Guidelines: Step-by-Step Instructions for Effective Asset Mapping
1. Recognize Your Assets God has blessed every community with various assets. The first step in asset mapping is to identify these gifts. These assets can be divided into five categories:
- Physical assets: Buildings, land, equipment, or other tangible resources.
- Individual assets: Skills, talents, or abilities possessed by individuals in the community.
- Associations: Local clubs, organizations, and informal networks.
- Institutions: Schools, churches, businesses, and other community organizations.
- Economic assets: Financial resources, employment opportunities, or economic activities.
Encourage community members to participate by listing their individual assets as well as those of the community.
2. Connect the Dots Once you have a list of assets, the next step is to connect them. Consider how these assets can be used together to accomplish God’s will. By combining resources, talents, and opportunities, new possibilities for action and growth emerge.
- Form small groups and cluster the identified assets.
- Brainstorm actions that utilize two or more assets in meaningful ways.
- Discuss how these connections can lead to tangible outcomes for the community.
3. Take Action Asset mapping is not just an exercise but a tool for real action. Based on the connections made between assets, develop specific projects or initiatives that the community can undertake. This is where the community moves from identifying resources to actively using them to serve God and others.
4. Follow-Up Asset mapping should be an ongoing process. After the initial mapping and action steps, it is important to periodically revisit and update the map as new assets and opportunities emerge within the community.
Asset mapping is an empowering and faith-filled process that helps communities recognize the abundance that God has already placed in their midst. By identifying and mobilizing these assets, we can fulfill God’s purpose in ways that are meaningful and sustainable.
For a detailed presentation on asset mapping, download the Asset Mapping PPT from Medan 2022.
You can also download the Asset Mapping Workshop by Luther Snow, upon which this is based, here: