Map Assets

Mapping

Asset mapping: Who, what, how

Who: Forms/inventories

The asset mapping committee should create a form to standardize data collection. Sample forms/inventories provided below. There is a form for each of the asset categories: individuals, associations/chapters/special interest groups, agencies/organizations/institutions, and physical asset. Additionally, a completed sample form for an institution is included. These samples may be adjusted to meet local needs.

The forms provided allow you to collect a lot of detail about community assets. However, it may be helpful to have a “quick look” table for each category, like the examples below for citizen review, when the time arises.

  1. Individuals: citizens, local residents, special interest groups such as youth, college students, seniors, artists, etc.

    2. Example:

    Name Address Phone E-mail Why an asset?
    John Smith Can be reached at New Beginnings Shelter, 34 Main St., Anywhere City, IL New Beginnings, 555-555-2345 smith@email.com Homeless man in our city who has worked with New Beginnings Shelter to monitor neighborhood streets during daytime hours when most residents are away.

    Caution should be used when listing an individual as an asset; personal contact data should be protected.

  2. Associations/Chapters/Special Interest Groups: faith-based groups, neighborhood associations, and local civic groups.

    3. Example:

    Name Contact Address Phone E-mail Why an asset?
    Neighborhood Crime Watch Leader Sue Harvey 1200 Oak Lane, Anywhere City, IL 555-555-1234 Harvey@ eyahoo.com Neighborhood Crime Watch has been around for ten years. The group wants to train volunteers to start more chapters around the city.
  3. Agencies/Organizations/Institutions: nonprofits, schools, hospitals, community colleges, higher learning institutions, libraries, government agencies, small businesses, business associations, local branches of corporations, etc.

    4. Example:

    Name Contact Address Phone E-mail Why an asset?
    Local University Lou Markinson 5000 University Road, Anywhere City, IL 555-555-5555

    Samuels@

    localuniversity.edu    		 Leads a team of 100 campus security officers, who can offer professional training on “being safety aware.”
  4. Physical: buildings, parks, vacant lots, green spaces, etc.

Example:

Name Contact Address Phone E-mail Why an asset?
Vacant lot Unknown 1200 block of Simmons Lane, Anywhere City, IL     Residents nearby want to start a community garden. This could be a good kickoff project for service around improved public safety.

What: Primary, secondary, potential

All assets are primary, secondary, or potential.

  • Primary Resource Building Blocks - The most accessible resources are those that are located in the city and controlled by citizens.
    • For example, John Smith, individual asset; Neighborhood Crime Watch, association asset; and vacant lot, physical asset, are all primary resources.
  • Secondary Resource Building Blocks - The next most accessible resources are those that are located in the city but are controlled by individuals and/or organizations outside the city.
    • For example, Local University’s campus security is secondary because the board of trustees that controls the university’s decisions is composed of many people from outside the city.
  • Potential Resource Building Blocks - The least accessible resources are those that are both located and controlled outside the city.
    • An example of a potential resource might be a business from outside the city that is interested in contributing money or volunteer time to improve public safety.

How: Finalizing the Forms/Inventories

Analyze the sample template forms/inventories for what you might want to add or delete. Some questions to consider as you look over the forms are below.

  • Individuals inventory
    • Possible items to include:
      • specific skills information to capitalize on “skills-based”* volunteering
      • community interaction information
      • business interests and experiences
      • additional personal information
  • Associations/Local Clubs/Special Interest Groups
    • Possible questions to include:
      • What skills do your members bring to the table?
      • Who are you trying to reach? Who do you aim to serve?
      • How do you reach them?
      • How much time can you commit to this?
      • What are you unwilling to do?
  • Agency/Organization/Institution
    • Possible questions to include:
      • How do you reach your market? Those you serve?
      • How do you use your market as an asset?
      • What is your existing mechanism for community interaction and outreach?
      • Have you considered “skills-based” volunteering as a way for your staff to get involved in service?
      • Have you considered using cause marketing, cause branding, or socially aligned business initiatives?
      • Who are your partners, and what are their assets?

For all forms, make sure the contact information of your subcommittee’s data collector is included somewhere on the forms.


Generate Your Starting List of Assets

How will you determine your list of assets to map? Subcommittees should start by brainstorming a list of assets and then dividing that list for collecting inventories. The asset mapping worksheet template may help you organize your list of assets to be mapped. It can be found here.

How: Effective Methods for Inventory

Direct Contact (in person or by phone)

  • Interviews and surveys - Interviews and surveys help a partnership understand the perspectives (or variety of perspectives), experiences, aspirations, strengths, and values of individuals and the community. These methods can reveal what community members want, how they view resources, and what issues are involved in gaining access to resources or programs. Interviews can also reveal disparities between what people want and what agencies think they need. Additional information on surveys can be found in the section on assessing needs.
  • Focus groups - Focus groups are structured, moderated discussions that bring together small groups of people (usually six to twelve) in neutral settings to talk about specific issues. Discussion is a powerful means of learning from community members about their perceptions, experiences, values, and beliefs. It is also a good way to encourage community involvement. Additional information on conducting focus groups can be found in the section on assessing needs.
  • Community forums/meetings - Community forums/meetings seek information directly from community members, but forums use large public meetings instead of small-group settings. Although community forums are noisier and harder to moderate than focus groups, they offer an excellent opportunity for community members to raise concerns and become involved in developing strategies.

Secondary sources - You don’t have to have direct contact with an asset to include it in the inventory or on the map.

  • Research – Look at online and print directories, websites, blogs, newsletters, newspapers, and/or directories that identify individuals, associations, or institutions that are relevant to your project. Record those too.
  • Recommendations – These would primarily come from stakeholders, other asset mapping committee members, or from the inventories of other assets.