Asset-Based Community Development

What is Asset Based Community Development?
ABCD 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. There are a range of approaches and tools, such as asset mapping, that can put these beliefs into practice.

What is the California ABCD Institute?
The California Asset-Based Community Development Institute is a project of the Center for Collaborative Planning, Public Health Institute, in affiliation with the National ABCD Institute. California ABCD was founded in 1998 when more than 20 leaders in community building and health promotion efforts throughout California came together to address the growing statewide interest in Asset-Based Community Development. Faculty have been trained in ABCD principles and practices by John McKnight and John Kretzmann, Co-Founders and Directors of the National ABCD Institute, founded in 1995 to proliferate findings from two decades of research on capacity-building community development.

What does the California ABCD Institute offer?

• Workshops: Full or Half Day Workshops on ABCD Principles, Practices and Tools
• Presentations: At Workshops, Events and Conferences
• Technical Assistance and Consultation: Ongoing support and guidance for communities involved in ABCD work including practical applications and resources.
• California ABCD Faculty: The faculty of the California Asset-Based Community Development Institute represents statewide leadership from many sectors of community life including health, education, community activism and the faith community. With experience in both rural and urban settings, many faculty members have assumed leadership roles on the front lines, putting ABCD principles and practices to work locally in comprehensive community-based initiatives.

Click here for more information on ABCD workshops or ABCD consultation services.