COMMUNITY MAPPING

Purpose:  
This activity helps to build a common understanding of the boundaries and characteristics of the community or neighborhood, and how all participants fit into it. Together, participants create a map of their community that shows where various resources, activities and opportunities are located. Everyone's input is necessary in order to achieve an accurate description of the community.

Materials:
Flip chart paper, large markers, scissors, tape and tacks. You can also use dirt, sticks, stones, etc. and transcribe the map the community creates onto paper to preserve a copy (this is often best with illiterate participants who may not be comfortable with writing tools).   

Instructions:  
Part I:  How it is now
In small groups of three or four people, draw a map of your community that reflects your view of:

• Its boundaries
• Places where most of your activities occur
• Areas that are very important to you
• Areas where you like to be
• Areas where don't like to be

Part II:  How you'd like it to be
Next, imagine and talk about your ideal future community - your vision of what your community needs and wants, and draw it on the map.
You can include:

• Places or things that provide opportunities to take advantage of
• Places or things that you'd like to change or improve
• Places or things that may not exist now, but are really needed

You can use a special color or symbol to show those things you'd like to see in the future.

Part III: Sharing the maps
Each group will present their map. Then, participate in the following discussion:

• What are some of the opportunities for development presented in the maps?
• Were the expressed needs the same or different in the maps?
• What were the reasons for the places liked and disliked?
• What did we discover from this activity?
• How might we use the information?