Asset Mapping for Communities
Asset mapping is a strengths-based approach to community development that focuses on identifying existing resources within a community including institutions, individuals, associations, and networks. An asset map is a tool for documenting and displaying these resources as a geographical map or in other formats ranging from simple lists to concept maps digitally or in print.
The asset map assignment bridges both semesters of Advanced Community Practice (SWO 5375 & 5378). During these courses, individual students lead a team of community members to identify and map resources pertaining to a specific issue of relevance to the community and their internship agency. The students and their teams write and present their mapping project report at the end of the second semester.
The goal is for students to develop and implement the asset mapping project in a way that equips team members and other stakeholders to sustain the project after the student leaves and to apply the assets framework and tools to other endeavors.
Garland School of Social Work Baylor University
