Before communities tackle a problem, they've got to make their resources visible.
The Sympara asset-mapping tool helps congregations and their neighbors identify resources and act together on the knowledge of plenty. Developed in 2020, the digital tool raises awareness of community strengths and facilitates connections to solve social problems.
"We created the tool when we realized that religious leaders were not fully aware of the resources they possess or the assets available in the wider community," said Daniel Pryfogle, Sympara cofounder and CEO. "With greater awareness of assets, communities can better organize to address social challenges, such as food and housing insecurity."
Campbell University, based in Buies Creek, N.C., helped Sympara test and improve the tool in several experiments over the past two years. Sociology students are now working with community leaders in Harnett County to identify what helps them move from mapping assets to taking action.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies provided two grants to Sympara to build out the tool. ABHMS details the impact of the tool in a recent story.
Sign up for the free tool at sympara.app.