Mapping Your Community’s Assets

A community health nurse cannot possibly carry out all aspects of the nursing plan. It is important to consider partnering with associations, clubs, local institutions, churches, businesses, etc. Their assets (talent, spaces, equipment, monies, ideas, etc.) are valuable in carrying out the nursing plan. The list below can be used to depict a community’s strengths. Refer to the “Sample Community Asset Map” in the document by Northwestern University: Asset-Based Community Development Institute: School of Education and Social Policy which is posted under the Final Project book in Moodle: “Discovering Community Power: A Guide to Mobilizing Local Assets and Your Organization’s Capacity.” The link below will provide you with the tool for list your community assets. Refer to the guide listed above for more examples of community organizations that may be considered helpful. Course Project Part II Discussing your plan with your primary partner. Your paper, in APA format, will serve as a guide in discussing your plan with your potential community partner(s). Do not use bullets, avoid third person, and use first person only when the sentence would be confusing as to who is speaking. Example: "Included in my plan would be..." The better statement would be "The plan includes...” This part of the project will be the script you will use to discuss your goal for the community with your partner(s). You must make an attempt to contact your partner and secure confirmation of the communication. Example: If the communication is via email, print the response from your partner and submit to your academic coach via email. There is no grade attached to the communication part of the project. A. Briefly, why are you contacting this person? (Identify yourself and your purpose) B. A synopsis of your community assessment. C. Discuss your priority health risk/hazard. D. Describe the plan for resolving the community’s health risk/hazard priority (detail goals and activities). · Which of your listed assets do you think would best meet the needs of the nursing plan for the community? Why? · Which of your potential partners do you think would be best suited to the nursing plan for the community? Why? · Does your potential partner own the needed assets? If not, what other potential partners could be contacted? (It is not necessary that all assets come from one potential partner i.e., space from one, paper for fliers from another, etc.). However, it does mean that the community health nurse may have to contact other potential partners to fill-in the gaps. E. State your thoughts of where this partner fits into the plan. Present this part in a positive light and with honesty; you want their help. F. Elicit their thoughts and suggestions.