ABCD: Tools for Diversity and Democracy

The faithful in all religious traditions are called to social responsibility. Yet the complexity of fostering a healthy and just society, especially by involving those who are often marginalized and pushed to the edge, is a major challenge in today’s interdependent world. A focus on assets—i.e., “the glass that is half full”—offers a creative way forward in contrast to conventional “problem-oriented” strategies. Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) involves practical ways for initiating place-based care and action by focusing on personal skills, interests, and resources that are often unrecognized or overlooked and, therefore, underutilized as a means of addressing major societal concerns. This session provides an introduction to ABCD by having participants experience some basic methodological tools. These include ways to build relationships among people, especially in diverse environments, as a starting point for collective action.