Field visits are an integral part of the Use Your Talents (UYT) methodology, offering participants a hands-on opportunity to observe how communities apply their talents and resources to create positive change. These visits allow workshop participants to witness the UYT principles in action and understand how local groups use asset-based approaches to address their unique challenges. During the workshop, participants will visit local communities or projects, gaining insights into how collaboration and resourcefulness lead to meaningful impacts.
What to Expect: Guidelines for Effective Field Visits
To make the most of a field visit, it’s essential to approach it with curiosity, respect, and a clear focus. The guidelines below will help you engage effectively during the visit:
- Listen actively and ask questions to understand the community’s goals, challenges, and successes.
- Observe attentively—take note of people, activities, and dynamics that may provide insights into the group’s practices.
- Respect cultural norms and engage with humility, recognizing that you are a guest.
Field Question Visits: Applying Asset Mapping
A. Examining Real-World Examples
Use field visits to explore how different groups apply asset mapping to identify and leverage community resources. Key questions include:
- How do the community members identify their talents and assets?
- What resources do they draw upon, both internally and externally?
- In what ways do they collaborate across different family, group, and institutional levels?
B. Analyzing Success Stories
Focus on how community strengths have been harnessed to create successful initiatives. Look for examples of collaboration and networking, asking questions such as:
- What partnerships have contributed to these successes?
- How have local talents and resources been mobilized for long-term benefits?
Here is a possible interview guide to use during the field visits:
C. Field Group Discussion
After each field visit, groups will take time to reflect on their observations and insights by discussing the following questions:
- What did you observe and learn during the field visit?
- Which aspects of the visit captured your attention the most? (Take a few minutes to discuss and list the top three points that stood out to you.)
- In what ways could these observations relate to the Use Your Talents approach?
- What did you learn about integral mission through what you observed?
- Based on what you saw and learned, what insights or practices might be relevant or useful in your own context?
Field Visit Groups: Diverse Applications
A. Showcasing a Variety of Groups
Participants will observe different groups working across various sectors, each applying asset mapping in unique ways. This diversity demonstrates the versatility of asset-based approaches.
B. Inspiring Further Exploration
Through real-world examples, field visits encourage participants to see asset mapping as a tool that can inspire their communities, helping them visualize new possibilities for positive change.
Reflection Questions
After the field visit, group discussions help deepen learning and allow participants to process what they’ve seen. Suggested reflection questions include:
- What did you learn or observe during the field visit?
- What aspects caught your attention the most, and why?
- How could these insights relate to the UYT principles?
- What lessons could be applicable within your own context?
Alternatives to Field Visits
When physical visits aren’t possible, alternative methods can simulate the experience:
- Case Studies: Analyze case studies to gain a detailed view of UYT applications in real communities.
- Published Resources: Use materials like the UYT “Asia Book” and Tearfund reports for additional context and learning.
- Interviews: Conduct interviews with local leaders or facilitators to gather firsthand insights
- Film and Visual Media: Leverage movies, documentaries, and short films to convey the community’s story and challenges.
- Virtual Experiences: Engage with online platforms that provide virtual tours, offering an interactive experience.
- Group Discussion and Reflection: Facilitate group reflections to encourage critical thinking and shared insights.
Field visits, whether in person or through alternative methods, are powerful tools for understanding and applying UYT principles in meaningful ways.