Question

What are community assets and needs? How were these determined? What different forms of sets and needs are present?

Answer 1

A community asset or resource is anything that improves the quality of community life.
Asset mapping provides information about the strengths and resources of a community
and can help uncover solutions. Once community strengths and resources are
inventoried in a map, you can more easily think about how to build on
these assets to address community needs and improve health.

How to determine:-

•The area map should be specific enough that it clearly shows defined community boundaries.
• Enlarge the map if needed. Leave a border around the map with enough room to add a map legend and title.
• Purchase color dot stickers. Create icons for each asset that you have identified, by hand or on the computer. In your map you could include health services, parks and recreation facilities, businesses, clinics, schools, and transportation facilities.
• Create a legend that accompanies the color sticker dot.
• Sticker dots representing organizations or services might overlap on the area
map. In this case it is fine to approximate the location.
• Remember that the map should not only be visually appealing but also highlight
something. For example, show gaps in services, areas where services are needed, or where there exists a cluster of services in only one geographic area.


Assets include:-
• The capacities and abilities of community members.
• A physical structure or place. For example, a school, hospital, or church. Maybe a library, recreation center, or social club.
• A business that provides jobs and supports the local economy.
• Associations of citizens. For example, a parent teacher association.
• Local private, public, and nonprofit institutions or organizations.