Established by the Community Development Program at Northwestern University's Institute for Policy Research; affiliated with Center for Collaborative Planning . The Institute’s work is based upon the research of John P. Kretzmann and John L. McKnight.
Activities
The Institute is based on the belief that communities are built by focusing on the strengths and capacities of the citizens and associations that call the community “home” and that the assets of a community's institutions also can be identified and mobilized to build community. An adjunct faculty of 32 skilled leaders from foundations, community groups, United Ways, churches, universities, consulting groups, and health organizations in the United States and Canada offer consulting, workshops, trainings, and speeches for the many and diverse constituencies interested in ABCD ideas.
Relevant Project(s)
- Grossmont - East County Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative
- Sacramento County Children and Families Commission Visioning
- Community Building Discussion Board. Email list for practitioners across the country interested in sharing experiences and knowledge.
- Research and Publications. Focus on programs across the country, including community benefits of local associations, rural case studies, faith-based organizations and asset-based community building, capacity building, and ways to improve citizen-centered community organizing.
Relevant Methodologies
Utilizes community assessment tools such as ‘asset mapping,’ and ‘capacity inventories.’ Primary methods are academic research and publication of handbooks and guides.
Region
National
More Information
http://www.northwestern.edu/ipr/abcd/abcdbackground.html
School of Education and Social Policy
Walter Annenberg Hall, Room 148
Northwestern University
2120 Campus Drive
Evanston, IL 60208
847-491-8711 (phone)
874-467-4140 (fax)