This book is a guide to "asset-based community development." Authors John Kretzmann and John McKnight summarize lessons learned by studying successful community-building initiatives in hundreds of neighborhoods across the United States. The book outlines in simple, "neighborhood-friendly" terms how communities can rediscover and "map" their local assets; how they can combine and mobilize these strengths to build stronger, more self-reliant communities; and how "outsiders" in government or the philanthropic sector can contribute effectively to the process of asset-based development. 'Mobilizing Community Assets', a six-session video training program based on the book, is available.