Asset-Based Framing
Asset-based framing is an approach to communication that emphasizes the strengths, resources, and potential of individuals and communities. One of the most powerful teachers that has opened my mind to this work is Trabian Shorter and I’d encourage you to dive into his work if this short post spurs your thinking. Rather than focusing on problems and deficiencies, this approach seeks to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and development. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of asset-based framing and share tips on how to shift your perspective to create positive change.
What is Asset-Based Framing?
Asset-based framing is rooted in the belief that everyone has inherent value, and that this value can be leveraged to build strong, resilient communities. This approach acknowledges that challenges and struggles exist, but it does not define individuals or communities by these struggles. Instead, asset-based framing recognizes the unique skills, talents, and resources that individuals and communities possess and aims to build on these assets.
Benefits of Asset-Based Framing
The benefits of asset-based framing are numerous. By focusing on strengths and resources, this approach can foster a sense of empowerment, ownership and agency. Individuals and communities that adopt an asset-based perspective are more likely to feel capable of addressing challenges and achieving their goals. Additionally, asset-based framing can facilitate collaboration and help you feel in community within your space and place. For donors, asset-based framing can help diffuse traditional ‘power dynamics’ between donors and grantees and open up new conversations around solutions to social problems that you may not have considered.
Tips for Shifting Your Perspective
Shifting your perspective to an asset-based frame of mind will take time and effort, but the payoff is powerful. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Lose conformist language and adopt a new lexicon: Communities that donors hope to impact are often identified as “marginalized communities” or “underprivileged youth” or “at-risk” communities. At best, no one thinks of themselves in those terms so you have an audience problem. At worst, that language reinforces feelings of low self-esteem and perpetuates a belief that it’s hard to break out of a particular cycle or stage.
Do the hard work: Think hard about how you position communities and purge deficit-based frames and terms. One way to do this is to literally write down all the terms you use that present communities in the context of deficits. Another way to do this, particular for institutional donors is to learn from others.
Practice active listening: Listen carefully to the stories and experiences of individuals and communities with an ear to look for the strengths and resources that emerge in these stories. Ask direct questions about joy and thriving rather than pain and suffering.
Build on strengths: Focus on individual and community strengths after your listening tour. Ask the communities you hope to impact for ideas and ways that these strengths can be leveraged to address challenges and achieve goals.
Operate from a humble mindset: Recognize that you may know less about the assets and strengths of these communities; constantly check your biases and sit in a space where you are know you have much to discover and perhaps little to give beyond your financial contribution.
Conclusion
Asset-based framing is, I would argue, a critical tool for creating systemic change in communities. By focusing on strengths, resources, and potential, this approach can empower individuals and communities to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Shifting your perspective towards an asset-based approach may take time, but with practice and patience, it can become a natural way of thinking and communicating. Start by actively listening, reframing challenges, building on strengths, and celebrating successes. Ultimately, asset-based framing will create stronger, more resilient communities for us all.
