Community Mapping is a tool to uncover the community´s history, strengths, dreams, (hidden) beauty, challenges and talents. The idea is to gather a large group of diverse citizens and together make a Community Map; mapping the assets within the community. On the basis of these resources we’ll start a dreaming process and ask people which things could make their community look better, feel better and work better. In summary it consists of the following three steps: 1) mapping the community on different levels, 2) imagining a better future, and 3) planning action together to bring that future to life.

 

The process of community mapping is used in different forms in community work. It has its roots in the Asset Based Community Development method or ABCD method (http://www.abcdinstitute.org) as developed by Kretzmann and McKnight of the Northwestern University. The method we use is adapted by the Seriti institute from South Africa. The method of appreciative gaze is used within community mapping to focus on the possibilities and opportunities and not only highlight the challenges of an area.