Before you can bring a community-led action to life, you need a solid understanding of what you have, and what you don’t. This means taking account of your community’s strengths: spaces, data, tools, networks, skills, and communication channels. It also means acknowledging gaps: which competencies are missing? Where do you need support? Getting clear on this early helps you avoid burnout and blind spots later. If certain skills are lacking, such as communication, visual storytelling, or facilitation, you might consider teaming up with creatives or tapping into other local collaborators.
Mapping your resources is not just a planning formality—it’s how you ensure your community-led action is realistic, strategic, and resilient. Without knowing what you’re working with, you can easily overpromise and underdeliver. Plus, understanding your team’s skills and gaps helps you reach out to the right people, build stronger networks, and create more sustainable outcomes. Later in the process, this clarity will help you identify potential partners—like cultural organisations, local governments, or NEB members—and make your case when asking for support.
The tools shown below will guide you through a clear, structured resource-mapping process. These frameworks will help you visualise what you have, what you need, and who can help. The goal: build a dynamic, interconnected system that reflects your community’s unique strengths and potential. Don’t just think in terms of physical stuff—include skills, relationships, and local know-how. For help connecting with artists and creatives, check the next section on Working with Creatives.
