Asset Mapping Plan for PLAY Victoria

Mapping processes, tools and products can be effectual ways of identifying the strengths, values and assets of a community. Mapping connects us to real places and people and therefore to real possibilities for action and change. Maps tell us where we are and where to go and have inherent power. The question is, who makes the maps? Community-based mapping provides a means for the lives and realities of people living in a given place – in their homes, daycares and schools, neighborhoods and municipalities to be involved in making or influencing planning decisions that affect their lives. Community based mapping is a world-renowned methodology to engage ordinary people in spatial and participatory learning and planning. The Victoria UEY Project is using this methodology to engage local citizens in planning to benefit the lives of young children and their caregivers while influencing relevant planning decisions.

Each local UEY project has two overall objectives: (1) to carry out community-based research and enable community members to use the research-generated information to improve decisionmaking on children's issues, and (2) to gather, interpret and share meaningful information and resources that can positively affect the early years in local communities.

The Greater Victoria UEY Project describes their mission as follows: To create an informed community of people ready to respond to the needs of young children 6 and under, in BC's Capital Region.

Goal & Time Frame: The goal of this planning exercise is to create a work plan for the mapping component of the UEY project initiative from March 2007 to March 2008. These mapping activities and products are meant to fit into the larger work plan of the UEY Project, which will end on 31 August 2008.