Picture you are driving through the ‘rough’ side of town;
the ‘other side of the tracks.’ What do
you see? Who do you see? How do you feel? Now, with those initial observations in mind,
answer these questions, “What would need
to happen for this area to be different? What can you do about it?”
My entire life God has burdened my heart for the
impoverished and unloved people of this world. In the past this God-given
passion was fueled by problems, needs, fatalistic statistics and outward
appearances of neighborhoods. The course, Asset-Based Community Development
(ABCD), taught by Josh Bowling changed my life. My previous answers to the same
questions I asked you were drastically altered. My previous ways of thinking
about the “rough” side of town, community, and approaches to poverty
alleviation were shattered.
As an approach
to community-based development, it rests on the principle that the recognition
of strengths, gifts, talents and assets of individuals and communities is more
likely to inspire positive action for change than an exclusive focus on needs
and problems.[1]
Communities are usually labeled
according to socioeconomic status, ethnicity, crime-rate, etc. An ABCD
approach does not deny these harsh realities because in many cases they are
truthful; however, an ABCD approach looks past the negative, in search of the
good that exists in the people of communities. My mind and perspective are
constantly being transformed. When I look out across a neighborhood, I no longer
see merely poverty and despair; I see the beauty among the ashes.
A needs-based focus is exhausting.
Neighbors in a community are seen as needy clients whose problems can become paralyzing to both the
clients and the service workers. Progress is rarely sky-rocketing, but instead
slow and stagnant. It takes years to
produce noticeable results. Outside institutions and associations come into
‘hopeless’ neighborhoods with the intent to produce positive change through
programs and services. They come to problem-solve. Although I believe that
these institutions and associations can serve as a positive influence and
impact, I do not believe that they offer an end-all solution. I believe that
more is required for a systemic and sustainable difference to be made.
An asset-based perspective is hopeful.
The problems are recognized, but they are not the primary focus. Noticeable
results can be seen quickly. The ‘seeds’ bloom into ‘crops’ as neighbors are
connected to one another and assets are utilized. Neighbors are seen as people
or citizens instead of needy clients. Christians see every neighbor as an image
bearer of God; treating them with honor, love and respect. Development is
driven by the community, instead of outsiders.
I will demonstrate the needs-based
perspective vs. the ABCD perspective in regards to my neighborhood: Five
Points.
Needs-Based Perspective
·
* I see run-down businesses.
·
* I see shabby projects/low-income housing.
·
* I see dirty homeless people sitting in the park.
· *
I see immigrants pushing grocery carts full of junk.
·
* I see fatherless children running around.
·
* I feel uncomfortable because I am white and my neighbors are
not.
·
* I feel scared because it looks like a place where gangs may
congregate.
·
* In order to bring change, I will feed the homeless; tutor
the children; and get pepper-spray to protect myself when I am scared.
Asset-Based Perspective
·
* I see local businesses that are generating economy in the
neighborhood and that employ neighbors.
·
* I see low-income housing full of gifted and talented
individuals.
·
* I see homeless people reading, talking and playing games
with one another in the park.
·
* I see my Latino neighbor, Martin, carting scrap metal and
abandoned goods in order to recycle and make a profit at the sale on Saturday.
·
* I see resilient and loving single mothers playing in the
park with their kids.
·
* I feel excited at the opportunity to live in a neighborhood
with people who look different than me, so that I can experience various
cultures.
·
* I feel safe because I know my neighbors and I know that they
would protect me if I were in danger.
·
* In order to bring change, I will build community with my
neighbors; encourage and invest in the gifts and talents of my neighbors; and
help those who are un- or underemployed attain profitable and meaningful
employment.
In the weeks to come I will break down
the principles of ABCD.
Now, through the lens of ABCD, ask
yourself the same questions from above about the ‘rough’ side of town in your
community. Did any of your answers change?
May God strip away our old way of
thinking and replace it with a hopeful perspective.
[1]. Alison Mathie, “From Clients to Citizens: Asset-Based Community Development as a
Strategy for Community Driven Development”
http://www.stfx.ca/institutes/coady/text/about_publications_occasional_citizens.html.
