Asset Based Community Development for Churches - 2
From a webinar by Church Urban Fund
Part 1 of this article is here.
Al Barrett, parish priest in Hodge Hill in East Birmingham, has a background in developing radical theology in urban margins. His co-authored book, “Being Interrupted: Reimagining the Church’s Mission from the Outside In”, reflects his expertise in this area. He has collaborated with the Church Urban Fund (CUF) over the years, contributing to their work in community development.
In a webinar hosted by CUF, Al gave some background to Hodge Hill for context. It is home to approximately 19,500 people and according to the Church Urban Fund Index of Deprivation, it is one of the most deprived parishes in the country.
"However, this is just one way to tell the story. We need to go beyond income and wealth and encompass various forms of poverty - resources, relationships, and identity. Media and political discourse frequently label neighbourhoods like Hodge Hill with terms such as “workshy” and “broken ghettos.” These labels are not just words; they shape how residents perceive themselves and their communities. Over time, people internalize these negative labels, leading to a communal sense of identity poverty. This, in turn, affects individual self-worth, well-being, and mental health. To truly address poverty, we must work not only with individuals but also with the stories and narratives of our neighbourhoods. By challenging negative labels and fostering a positive communal identity, we can help residents reclaim their sense of self-worth and community pride."
Al then went on to describe his experience of using the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model and consider what it means to build growth from your community’s assets, rather than focus on solving problems. He has found that engaging communities through ABCD empowers churches to discover local treasures and strengthen relationships. Here is a summary of the webinar (Part 2):
Let’s explore how the Being Interrupted economy, rooted in Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), works in practice:
One of the crucial aspects of ABCD is the mindset of knowing what to look for in our neighbourhoods. When we are open to discovering particular kinds of assets or gifts, we are more likely to find them. This approach shifts our focus from what is lacking to what is already present and valuable in our communities.
ABCD involves identifying and naming different types of assets or gifts that we might find in our neighbourhoods. Here are some key categories:
a) Passions, Knowledge, Skills, and Gifts of Neighbours. Our neighbours possess a wide range of gifts that are often unrelated to their financial status. They may have extensive life experience, unique skills, and deep knowledge about various subjects. Their passions and interests drive them, often differing from our own agendas but equally valuable. At the heart of this approach is engaging with our neighbours with an openness to discover what they care about, what they know, and what they can do. This involves:
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Listening: Taking the time to understand the passions and interests of our neighbours.
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Connecting: Building relationships based on mutual respect and shared interests.
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Empowering: Encouraging neighbours to share their gifts and contribute to the community.
b) Associations. Associations refer to the ways in which neighbours come together, both formally and informally. These can include clubs, groups, and informal gatherings like dog walkers in the park or parents at the school gate. Such interactions are crucial for weaving the web of community in our neighbourhoods. Recognizing and valuing these interactions helps strengthen the social fabric of our neighbourhoods.
c) Institutions. Institutions, including churches, schools, and other organizations, are significant assets to the community. However, their value depends on whether they see themselves as treasure chests to be opened or fortresses to be defended. The accessibility and openness of these institutions can vary, impacting how they contribute to the neighbourhood. Schools, churches, and other organizations should strive to be accessible and welcoming, offering their resources to support community initiatives.
Let’s strive to celebrate the gifts within our communities and allow ourselves to be transformed by the treasures we discover. Neighbourhoods are filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. By adopting an ABCD approach, we can uncover and celebrate the abundance in our communities:
a) Green and grey spaces. Urban neighbourhoods often have small green corners, corridors, and triangles where wildlife thrives. These spaces provide residents with places to breathe, rest, and enjoy their surroundings. They are vital for the well-being of the community, offering a natural escape from the urban hustle. Even the more concreted areas can be turned into valuable community resources. These spaces can become places of encounter, where neighbours meet and interact. By reimagining these areas, we can create vibrant community hubs that foster connections and support.
b) Local economies and sharing. When we talk about local economies, it’s not just about the exchange of money. While financial transactions, such as paying for babysitting or lawn mowing, are important, the exchange of skills, time, and resources is equally critical. Imagine a street where neighbours share a single lawnmower instead of each household owning one. This not only saves money but also fosters a sense of community and sharing. The economy of sharing extends beyond material goods. It includes the stories of people’s lives and the history of the community. These narratives are gifts to be unlocked, discovered, and shared, enriching the community’s collective identity.
c) Traditions. Every community has its traditions, whether they are centuries-old practices like well dressing or newer customs like an annual Christmas pantomime. These traditions are foundational cornerstones that bring people together and strengthen community bonds.
d) Connectors. Connectors are individuals who naturally bring people together. They are passionate about the well-being of the community, well-connected, and trusted. These are the people you naturally cross the road to talk to, rather than avoid. Connectors excel at making connections, identifying people’s gifts and needs, and bringing them together to form new friendships and mutually beneficial relationships. They are motivated to build community, listen more than they talk, and make people feel welcome. They have a unique ability to spot gifts and skills in others and believe in people in a profoundly inclusive way.
e) Bumping spaces. Bumping spaces are places where people naturally meet and interact. These can be outdoor spaces like parks and school gates or indoor spaces like shops, hairdressers, libraries, and post offices. These spaces are crucial for fostering community connections. By identifying and nurturing these bumping spaces, we can create more opportunities for neighbours to connect, share, and build relationships. These interactions are the building blocks of a strong, vibrant community. Sometimes, it’s necessary to create bumping spaces where none existed before. This can be done both indoors and outdoors. For example, setting up a 'shop front youth and community centre' or organizing a pop-up event with a gazebo and tables in a green space can invite neighbours to come together, eat, talk, and play.
f) Encouraging interaction. In many neighbourhoods, parents and carers often wait for their children at the school playground but don’t necessarily interact with each other. A simple yet effective way to encourage these interactions is by setting up a table and offering refreshments like squash, tea, coffee, and biscuits. This small addition can significantly enhance the social dynamics, prompting people to start conversations and connect with one another.
g) Seizing opportunities. Look for precipitating moments that can shift the community dynamics. For example, when a community centre is demolished, it can prompt the community to find new ways to connect. Implement practices and processes that support community building. This can include mapping neighbourhoods, hanging out in bumping spaces, and having conversations with neighbours.
h) Celebrating unsung heroes. One effective way to shift the identity poverty narrative is by celebrating the contributions of our neighbours. In our community, we host an event called “Hodge Hill Unsung Heroes,” where we invite people to nominate neighbours who have made a difference. This event not only celebrates these individuals but also connects people through their stories, fostering a sense of community pride and recognition.
i) The power of storytelling. Our local theatre group, which emerged from the first Unsung Heroes event, has become a vital space for storytelling. Here, stories of passion, tears, and joy are enacted, including the story of Jesus’s passion. This blending of gospel stories with neighbourhood tales helps us see signs of resurrection and hope in our community, alongside the challenges we face.
j) Embracing unexpected gifts. Reflecting on the story of Jesus’s temptations in the wilderness, we see that after resisting the temptations of power, Jesus is ministered to by angels. This narrative invites us to consider who the “angels” in our communities might be - those from whom we receive unexpected gifts. By being open to these gifts, we can enrich our community life in surprising ways.
Shifting the narrative in our neighbourhoods from one of lack to one of abundance requires a change in imagination and intentional action. By celebrating community contributions, embracing unexpected gifts, and creating spaces for connection, we can tell a new story about our neighbourhoods - one that reflects the abundance and potential within. Let’s embrace this perspective and work together to uncover the treasures in our communities.
Watch the 51 min talk here:
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From a webinar by Church Urban Fund, 26/11/2024