Key questions:
- What are existing community assets and strengths?
- What are existing community gaps?
Identify community assets and gaps
A community asset refers to any resource available to individuals or the community that can be used to improve quality of life. For implementation of this guide, you can also consider an asset anything that will help you carry out any actions to achieve your goals. Developing an awareness of these aspects will also support a more strategic approach as the community moves closer to defining goals and taking action. An example of an asset could be a strong network of block clubs in the community that maintain a good communication network for residents. Assets can take many forms but consider the following categories:
People – relationships, networks, technical experts, skilled, decision-makers, artists, activists
Cultural – community gathering spaces, places of worship, arts and music venues, racially and ethnically relevant spaces in the community
Physical – green space, public parks, housing, nature, small and/or locally-owned businesses,
Institutional – schools, museums and/or cultural institutions, universities, nonprofit organizations, libraries
A gap refers to a needed improvement or something that will make it more challenging to accomplish your goals. There are always challenges and areas of improvement, so it is important to set up your team for success by identifying these and planning with them in mind. An example might be that the community wants to make a city-level change but does not have strong relationships with staff in particular departments who can engage with those interests.
As discussions continue, keep an open mind as to what might be considered a strength and a gap. There may be differing points of view, and these are good opportunities for building common understanding amongst your group. For example, maybe your group is small — this could seem like a gap because there are less people to support the work, but on the other hand, it may allow for better coordination and closer relationships. What is most important is to come to agreement since what you identify will inform your goals.
Below are some additional aspects to consider if you have difficulty coming up with strengths and gaps. These do not have to be only related to trees or tree canopy. Feel free to think broadly about the assets and challenges that exist in the community:
- What is the existing depth of knowledge about local urban forestry efforts?
- Do community stakeholders have experiential and/or technical knowledge that can be leveraged for projects?
- Are there existing relationships to relevant local organizations or municipal staff?
- What skills, information or tools does the community need to be successful?
- What skills, information or tools does the community already have to be successful?
- Are there other groups or organizations whose help you can enlist?
- What does your team or organization do really well?