Definition of Terms

(as Used in This Manual)

There is more than one definition for many of the terms listed below. It is

important to understand how the terms are used in this manual in order

to present the material and to help participants clarify terms as needed.

Assets Approach (also strength based approach)

The asset based approach to development is a  positive thinking 

philosophy recognized and embraced by many communities and

groups around the world. Instead of beginning by focusing on

problems and deficiencies, the assets approach encourages the analysis

of strengths and resources within existing places in the community

where people are already active. These places are called activity

settings.

The six principles of the assets approach are:

1.

Participate in and cooperatively enhance community activity

settings.

2.

Examine existing community assets at the individual level and

then expand out to associations and institutions; encourage

linkages within and across categories.

3.

Design or enhance existing activity settings consistent with values,

beliefs, and rules of host culture.

4.

Engage in reciprocal relationships of assisting and being assisted;

turn spectators into participants; learn from leaders; turn over

leadership roles.

5.

Encourage joint activity; practice inclusion; practice collaboration.

6.

Engage in Quality Process; how it is done is as important as what

is done.

[Taken from: Wilson, O'Donnell, and Tharp, Building On Assets In

Community Development: A Guide To Working With Community

Groups. For more information about assets based development,

please consult Building Communities from the Inside Out: A Path

Toward Finding and Mobilizing a Community's Assets, by John

Kretzman and John McKnight (ICE no. CD051)]

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