Nina simon the art of relevance5/22/2023 ![]() Instead of lecturing families about the food pyramid, asset-based nutrition programs encourage families to share their own favorite recipes. Instead of penalizing young bullies, asset-based crime prevention programs help assertive children take on leadership roles. In asset-based programs, the institution focuses on cultivating and building on people’s strengths instead of filling needs or fixing weaknesses. Recent research in many fields, including education, public health, and public safety, shows that we can be more effective when we focus on assets as well as needs. It doesn’t invite participants to be active agents in their own experience. It implies that the institution has all the answers. It suggests that the people served are passive consumers. ![]() While addressing needs is important, this service model can sometimes be demeaning and disempowering. You’re socially isolated we give you a community center. The theory goes: you have needs we have programs to address them. ![]() Many organizations have a service model that is strictly needs-based. ![]() I’m using “needs” to mean things people want, desire, or feel necessary, and “assets” to mean things people are proud of, have in hand, or consider strengths. ![]() Instead of nitpicking over wants and needs, I find it much more productive to explore the differences between needs and assets. ![]()
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