What makes us different?

Our philosophy is clearly informed by a way of thinking about social change that is different, new, innovative and exciting. Much of today’s social and economic research and development focuses on the analysis of problems, deficiencies and needs. Our focus, on the other hand, is on solutions, growth and the potential of existing assets and skills. This is done through identifying, connecting and mobilising those assets so that people can respond to their own problems and address their own and their communities’ challenges. This approach has particular resonance during the current economic down turn as organisations face the challenge of operating with scant resources.

Nurture Development’s philosophy and approach is based on international models of best practice in the area of community development and in particular, an approach developed by Professor John McKnight and Jody Kretzmann of Northwestern University - Asset Based Community Development (ABCD). Central to the ABCD approach is the belief that sustainable community development is driven by the local community and that the best way to develop communities is from the inside out. Furthermore, the ABCD approach views the residents of an area as the community’s 'assets', all of whom have individual 'gifts' that they can bring to their community and its development.