Tag Archives: Community development

A video introducing asset-based community development (ABCD)

Posted on 15 October 2018 by Graeme Stuart

This is a brief introduction to ABCD—asset-based community development (or asset-based community-led development)—produced by The Calabash Trust in South Africa. I like how it discusses the idea that the health of our minds and hearts affect our material well-being. Too much … Continue reading →

Posted in Strengths-based approaches & ABCD, Working with communities | Tagged ABCD, Asset based community development, Community development, For students, Video | 4 Comments

Resources for churches on asset-based community development (ABCD)

Posted on 20 September 2018 by Graeme Stuart

A while ago somebody asked me about resources on strengths-based approaches to community development for churches. Here are some suggestions, mainly related to asset-based community-driven development (ABCD). Articles about ABCD and churches or faith communities. Barrett, A. (2013). Asset-based community … Continue reading →

Posted in Strengths-based approaches & ABCD, Working with communities | Tagged ABCD, Asset based community development, Community development, Community work, For students, Reading | 2 Comments

Reflections on community development vs community work

Posted on 12 February 2018 by Graeme Stuart

I’ve recently been thinking about the difference between community development and community work, and the importance of being clear about which is appropriate for a given context. These are fairly initial thoughts so I’d welcome any feedback or comments. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Working with communities | Tagged Community development, Community work, For students | 7 Comments

Updated my introduction to asset-based community development

Posted on 7 November 2017 by Graeme Stuart

I’ve just completed a major update of my post What is asset-based community development (ABCD)?, in preparation for a major revision to a course I’ve been teaching for a while. I’ve expanded on the importance of it being a community-driven … Continue reading →

Posted in Strengths-based approaches & ABCD, Working with communities | Tagged ABCD, Community development, Working with communities | 2 Comments

An example of asset-based community development

Posted on 2 August 2017 by Graeme Stuart

Asset-based community-driven development (ABCD) is built on four foundations (Kretzmann, 2010; Kretzmann & McKnight, 1993; Mathie & Cunningham, 2003): It focuses on community assets and strengths rather than problems and needs It identifies and mobilises individual and community assets, skills … Continue reading →

Posted in Strengths-based approaches & ABCD, Working with communities | Tagged ABCD, Asset based community development, Community development, Community work, For students, Strengths-based approach, Strengths-based practice, Video | 2 Comments

The relationship between community engagement and community development

Posted on 12 July 2017 by Graeme Stuart

Community engagement is at the heart of community development. In her useful discussion of community development, Jessica Smart (2017) discusses the difference between community-based work “which involves the community”, and community development, “which is led by the community” (para. 5, … Continue reading →

Posted in Working with communities | Tagged ABCD, Asset based community development, Community development, Community engagement, For students | 4 Comments

Updates to the reading list on ABCD

Posted on 3 March 2017 by Graeme Stuart

I’ve just updated the reading list on ABCD (over 100 resources). I’ve added nine articles or other resources. Most of them are fairly old (still worth looking at) but some of them are quire recent. Please let me know of any … Continue reading →

Posted in Good articles/links, Strengths-based approaches & ABCD, Working with communities | Tagged ABCD, Asset based community development, Community development | 2 Comments

Connecting Communities Conference

Posted on 25 August 2016 by Graeme Stuart

I’m looking forward to speaking next month at the Connecting Communities Conference organised by the Local Community Services Association (LCSA). The title of my talk is “Community development in a world of evidence-based practice” and this is what I’ve said … Continue reading →

Posted in Working with communities | Tagged Community development, Connecting Communities Conference, Evidence-based practice, LCSA, Working with communities | Leave a comment

Navigating dilemmas of community development: Practitioner reflections on working with Aboriginal communities

Posted on 12 July 2016 by Graeme Stuart

Abstract Intrinsically, community development involves navigating dilemmas. These dilemmas have intensified as neoliberal “arts of government” become more widespread and a “results agenda” more entrenched. Recent studies explore how community development practitioners manage the ambiguities of this current context. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Working with communities | Tagged Aboriginal Communities, Community development, Community work, For students, My publications, Working with communities | 1 Comment

A reading list on ABCD (over 150 resources)

Posted on 11 April 2016 by Graeme Stuart

[Updated 9 November 2019 to add new resources. Click here for a list of the new ones.] The following are readings I’ve collected about asset-based community development (ABCD) and other asset-based approaches to working with communities. (If you want you … Continue reading →