The application of a large group intervention method based on the asset-based approach: A repositioning of training in community development

This article describes a large group practice intervention based on the assets-based approach to community development (ABCD) (Kretzmann & McKnight, 1993). It also explains how postgraduate students were trained in this approach, how this approach was applied in different urban and rural communities and how the outcomes were evaluated on a preliminary basis. The differentiation between community processes and techniques that are future and capacity-oriented and those that are deficiency-based will receive special attention. ABCD was found to be energising in nature in that it mobilises people towards self-reliant community development.