Forum Activity for @john-hamerlinck

When the Internet generation thinks ABCD is a dinosaur?

ABCD - Getting Started/Challenges

A few years ago we did a series of trainings on using 1-on-1 conversations as an organizing strategy. These were groups that were 50% college students, and 50% (mostly older) folks from the local community. A unexpected number of the students mentioned afterwards that they never really talked about important things with people they didn't know, so they really enjoyed doing that. Many of them did say that they had constructive, meaningful conversations with people they did not personally know online. They said that the anonymity of the online conversations gave them the courage to be honest about their values and concerns. Maybe many younger people are looking for some guarantee of safe space.

The mandatory question might come out of their experience as students. It's a culture where critical things are perceived as "assignments" as opposed to electives.

When the Internet generation thinks ABCD is a dinosaur?

ABCD - Getting Started/Challenges

I don't think a community has to be thought of as one big project. Each smaller group endeavor has its own appropriate technologies. Some people may want to use GPS and phone apps to create community. For others, index cards in a recipe box is an appropriate technology.

Figure out how the work being done by folks doing web 2.0 or social media-driven activities can complement the work being done via other types of mapping and leveraging assets. Identify how information about all of these activities is shared. ABCD doesn't have to be standardized to be effective.

Working in the Gap: What does it mean to you?

Working in the Gap

The fact that the gappers you describe are being employed by the institution is a little concerning - even if they are paying someone "from the community" to fill that role. Employees will usually do what is best for their institution, and not necessarily what is best for the community. That's how many institutions stay in business. The gapper may be sort of a powerless ombudsman. Give the gapper some autonomy and protection for speaking truth to power, and you have something real.

Working in the Gap: What does it mean to you?

Working in the Gap

I think the most effective "gappers" are usually not identified as such by an institution. The best ones I know are de facto gappers. They know lots of people. They have high degrees of emotional intelligence (but would never call it that themselves). They are opinion leaders - folks whose ability to listen and empathize has created trust across different groups or types of individuals.

People Do Not Need Programs

Open Discussions

I couldn't agree more. Relationships trump programs every time. Programs exist to justify their own existence.

Cloud based asset mapping software

Tips, Tools, Strategies, and Technology

You can make your own client-side Google maps mashups. Programmableweb.com has a pretty good overview of what is involved at http://www.programmableweb.com/howto. A blog called Google Maps Mania, might give you ideas on what is possible in the world of making your own maps from Google's API. http://googlemapsmania.blogspot.com/

For example, look at a site called safe2pee.org http://safe2pee.org/new/. It was created by some folks in the transgender community, and offers a community-driven resource to allow people to locate safe bathrooms within their communities. (Gender neutral and single stall bathrooms can benefit others as well: parents with children, those with access or mobility needs and those who desire extra privacy are a few who may benefit).

If you want to compile information using regular SMS text messaging (even the non-tech-savvy can usually text),you might want to look at Rapid SMS https://www.rapidsms.org. Its text message framework manages data collection using basic mobile phones, uploading data to the Internet as soon as it is received. End users dont need to install any software on their phone. It is free, but requires a little technical knowledge to set up.

Crowdmap.com is another site that may do what you want. They may be in some transition now, but you might want to look at it https://crowdmap.com/welcome.

Cloud based asset mapping software

Tips, Tools, Strategies, and Technology

Sure. You can email me at john@mncampuscompact.org

Cloud based asset mapping software

Tips, Tools, Strategies, and Technology

I have bothIT and ABCD geekiness. There are loads of free technologies out there that can upload real-time data into web-served spreadsheets, maps, etc. I would, however, caution folks intent on creating primarily static data bases of assets. The most important thing you can map is relationships. All other 'big project' asset mapping examples I have seen are focused WAY too heavily on institutional assets and on individual asset maps that ignore the informal associations between, and connected to, the group of people passionate enough to stick with local action. If you are intent on making something about the software, I could probably post some innovative mobile tools here in the future.

Call for case studies - ABCD & higher ed community engagement

ABCD and Institutions (Universities, Hospitals, Government, Libraries, NGOs, etc.)

Here you gohttp://www.lulu.com/shop/john-hamerlinck-and-julie-plaut/asset-based-community-engagement-in-higher-education/paperback/product-21585813.html

Call for case studies - ABCD & higher ed community engagement

ABCD and Institutions (Universities, Hospitals, Government, Libraries, NGOs, etc.)

Hi everyone,

We are compiling case studies for a book focused on campus-community partnerships that have effectively employed the principles of asset-based community development (ABCD). These projects will have in some way increased social capital, while building on the skills, strengths, and vision of local residents, associations, and institutions. For more information go to http://4u43.com/vb1

updated by @john-hamerlinck: 10/25/16 01:27:32PM