From Assets to Action: Unlocking Community Potential through Asset Mapping

Changemakers

Virtual Connection and Workshop Sessions

Coaching and Peer-Learning Calls

Key Learning Objectives:

Explore Community Collaboration: Understand the importance of a whole-community approach and learn how to build an effective connector team.

Understand the Power of Asset Mapping: Discover why mapping local talents, associations, and resources is critical to creating community change. Learn to identify hidden gifts, uncover opportunities, and connect people in meaningful ways.

Create a Mapping Strategy: Develop and refine a tailored plan to map your community’s assets and associations, ensuring long-term success.

Foster Meaningful Connections: Learn strategies to link individuals, groups, and associations to strengthen relationships and encourage collaboration.

Integrate and Reflect: Weave together the insights and connections you’ve discovered into a cohesive community plan with actionable next steps.

learn more

The From Assets to Action program is a transformative six-month journey designed to empower community builders with the tools and strategies needed to uncover and activate local assets. Through a blend of interactive workshops, hands-on asset mapping, and peer learning, participants will explore the power of community gifts, associations, and resources to create sustainable change.

Each session builds on the previous one, from identifying connectors and mapping talents to weaving together a comprehensive plan that aligns with the seven essential community functions. With a focus on collaboration, connection, and capacity building, this program equips you to lead meaningful neighborhood transformation and foster a culture of resilience, creativity, and shared purpose.

key agenda items

Building a Whole-Community Approach:

Explore strategies for fostering collaboration and creating a connector team.

Understanding Assets and Functions:

Identify personal gifts, skills, and passions within the group.

Developing a Mapping Plan:

Design a tailored asset mapping strategy for your neighborhood.

Connecting Assets:

Develop strategies for linking individuals, groups, and associations.

Weaving it Together:

Integrate insights into a cohesive, actionable plan.

Coaching and Reflection:

Receive coaching to ensure sustainability and growth in your community work.

who should apply?

We are looking to work with a cohort of 20-30 people who attended the ABCD 101 foundational workshop in 2023/24 and/or are ready to implement ABCD within their communities/cities/towns. Criteria for participating:

Must have the foundations of ABCD

Just starting out and working in small scale neighbourhoods

Want to develop a plan/strategy that centres community

Be able to host local sessions in person (preferably)

Commit to six sessions that are two hours each

Willing to experiment and help us learn about the process

April 8, Session 1: Introduction to Building a Whole Community Approach

Explore a whole-community approach to leadership and begin building a strong connector team.

May 13, Session 2: Mapping Assets

Identify and appreciate local gifts, talents, and associations to uncover community strengths. Gain insight into the nature and scope of local associations to inform your mapping strategy.

June 10, Session 3: Action- Developing your Mapping Plan

Gain insight into the nature and scope of local associations to inform your mapping strategy. Learn the fundamentals of community engagement and design a scalable, actionable mapping plan.

September 9, Session 4: Making Connections

Activate your mapped assets by fostering meaningful connections and collaboration.

October 14, Session 5: Weaving it All Together

Synthesize your learning into a cohesive, sustainable community action plan.

November 11, Session 6: Wrap-Up

Receive tailored coaching to support implementation and long-term success.

Yas Hassen

Yas is an Associate Director at Tamarack Institute’s Learning Centre. They are dedicated to community development and engagement, prioritizing ethical co-creation and collaboration. With an MA in Adult Education and Community Development, their focus lies in effecting tangible systems change by innovatingly bridging gaps across various fronts including Black liberation, Indigenous sovereignty, anti-racism, belonging, anti-poverty, and climate justice, all in pursuit of just futures.

Heather Keam

Heather Keam is an accomplished leader in community development with over 22 years of experience. As Consulting Director for Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) at the Tamarack Institute, she works with governments and organizations to develop strategies that prioritize community-driven approaches and foster belonging.

A Steward of the ABCD Institute, Heather has played a key role in advancing ABCD principles across Canada, collaborating with thought leaders like John McKnight. Her expertise spans capacity building, strategic facilitation, and publishing on topics such as social capital, engagement, and belonging.

With a strong foundation in public health and credentials in Knowledge Mobilization, Health Studies, Nutritional Science, and Health Promotion, Heather brings a comprehensive perspective to fostering connected and thriving communities.

logistics & pricing:

Registration will be limited to a maximum of 100 learners to ensure a dynamic learning experience. Successful applicants will be sent access to all cohort materials and Zoom meeting details in advance. For those of you who have to navigate different time zones, Tamarack will record the speaker and workshop sessions so that you and your team can learn virtually. The fee is inclusive of the 7-session series and coaching calls.

Single Registration

$1,500

Group Registration (3+)

$1,400

The Paul Born Be A Light Scholarship Fund

We want everyone to learn how to improve their community! To ensure this, Tamarack supports low-income learners through the Paul Born Be a Light Fund.

Please fill out this form if you would like to apply for a scholarship. You can also learn how you can donate to the Paul Born Be A Light Fund and get a charitable receipt. Reach out to Stephanie if you have any questions or concerns.

From Assets to Action: Unlocking community potential through Asset Mapping

explore the Power of Asset Mapping: From Discovery to Action

key learning objectives: