Video Tutorial Linked Above

What Is a Community Asset Map?

A Community Asset Map is a living, visual map of local resources and strengths that support recovery and wellbeing.

Instead of focusing on what’s missing, asset mapping helps chapters:

• Identify existing supports
• Strengthen relationships
• Coordinate outreach and collaboration
• Build recovery-ready communities

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before creating your map, gather:

• A list of local assets (people, organizations, spaces, etc.)
• Contact names or general contact info (when available)
• Your Google account (required to use Google My Maps)

Step-by-Step: Creating a Community Asset Map in Google My Maps

Step 1: Open Google My Maps

1. Go to Google My Maps
2. Click Create a New Map
3. Make sure you are logged into the Google account you want associated with the map

Step 2: Name Your Map

1. Click “Untitled map”
2. Title your map using this format:
   YPR [City/Region] – Community Asset Map
3. Add a short description explaining the purpose of the map

Step 3: Set Up Your Asset Categories (Layers)

Use layers to organize assets by category.

Suggested layers:

• People
• Associations
• Institutions
• Physical & Environmental
• Culture
• Social
• Economic
• Knowledge
• Technology

Each layer helps keep the map organized and easy to read.

Step 4: Add Assets to the Map

For each asset:

1. Use the search bar or click Add Marker
2. Place the pin at the correct location
3. Add:
   • Asset name
   • Brief description
   • How it supports recovery
   • Contact info (if available)
4. Choose an icon or color that matches the asset type

Step 5: Customize Icons and Colors

• Use consistent icons or colors for each asset category
• Keep visuals simple and readable
• Avoid overloading the map with too many styles

This makes your map easier to scan and share.

Step 6: Share Your Map

1. Click Share
2. Set permissions to:
   • Anyone with the link can view
3. Copy the shareable link

You can share this link with:

• Participants
• Community partners
• Program Managers
• Chapter landing pages

Keeping Your Map Updated

Your Community Asset Map is a living tool. Plan to:

• Add new assets as relationships develop
• Update contact info regularly
• Review your map quarterly
• Remove assets that are no longer relevant

A guide to identifying strengths already present in your community

Community Asset Mapping helps us identify the people, relationships, spaces, and resources that already support recovery and wellbeing. Instead of focusing on what’s missing, we start with what already exists — and build from there.

Below is a breakdown of the nine core community asset categories, what each one means, and examples to help you recognize them in your own community.

1. People

People and Lived Experience

What this means:
Individuals who bring lived experience, skills, leadership, and informal influence. People are the most important community asset.

Examples:

• People in recovery
• Peer leaders and facilitators
• Elders and mentors
• Volunteers
• Advocates and community champions
• Trusted community members others turn to for support

Ask yourself:
Who do people trust? Who shows up consistently? Who has lived experience that others learn from?

2. Institutions

Organizations and Systems

What this means:
Formal organizations, agencies, and systems that provide services, structure, or resources.

Examples:

• Nonprofits and community-based organizations
• Schools and libraries
• Health clinics and hospitals
• Local government agencies
• Treatment and MAT providers
• Elected officials
• Public safety agencies- Police and fire departments 

Important note:
Institutions are assets when they are accessible, accountable, and collaborative.

3. Associations

Groups and Networks

What this means:
Informal or semi-formal groups where people connect, support one another, and build belonging.

Examples:

• Recovery groups
• Faith groups
• Mutual aid groups
• Sports teams
• Interest- and purpose-based groups that aren’t identity-first
• Cultural or identity-based groups
• Neighborhood associations
• Civic/service clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, Elks, VFW, Lions)

Ask yourself:
Where do people already gather? What groups help people feel connected and less alone?

4. Culture

Identity, Language, and Traditions

Culture reflects the shared values, identities, histories, traditions, and ways of understanding the world that shape how people connect, seek support, and build trust in a community.

Unlike some other asset categories, culture is not always a standalone resource you can map to a specific organization or outreachable contact. Often, culture functions as a context-setting asset — influencing how people engage, who is trusted, and what feels welcoming or safe.

In some cases, culture does show up as a mappable resource (such as cultural centers, identity-based spaces, or community events). In other cases, culture acts more like a guiding lens that informs how you approach outreach, collaboration, and program design.

Examples:

• Cultural centers or identity-based community spaces
• Language access and storytelling traditions
• Shared history or community narratives
• Art, music, food, and rituals
• Norms around help-seeking, recovery, and mutual support

Key idea:
Culture is not always an asset you reach out to — it is often an asset you design around and honor in how you engage your community.

Ask yourself:
What values, identities, or lived experiences shape how people connect here?
How does culture influence trust, participation, and belonging in this community?

5. Social

Relationships and Trust

What this means:
The strength of relationships and informal support networks — the “glue” that connects everything else.

Examples:

• People who check in on one another
• Trusted connectors who help make introductions
• Informal peer support
• Safe spaces for honest conversations
• Relationships that help people follow through on referrals

Why this matters:
Strong social assets turn resources into real access and support.

6. Knowledge

Skills, Education, and Peer Wisdom

What this means:
Practical knowledge, skills, and shared learning that help people navigate recovery and life.

Examples:

• Education advisor 
• Peer educators or facilitators 
• Financial consultants
• Legal advocates
• Trainers, mentors, coaches 
• Community educators
• “How-to” knowledge passed through experience

Key idea:
Knowledge lives in people and relationships — not just institutions.

7. Economic

Businesses, Funding, and Opportunity

What this means:
Local economic resources and opportunities that support stability and growth.

Examples:

• Small businesses
• Employers and job opportunities
• Workforce development programs
• Grant funding or donations
• Social enterprises

Ask yourself:
Where are opportunities for employment, sponsorship, or shared value?

8. Technology

Digital Access and Tools

What this means:
Digital tools and access points that help people connect, learn, and engage.

Examples:

• Internet access
• Smartphones and apps
• Telehealth tools
• Online learning platforms
• Digital communication tools

Ask yourself:
How do people access information and stay connected digitally?

9. Physical & Environmental

Places and Spaces

What this means:
Physical locations where people gather, feel safe, and access resources.

Examples:

• Community centers
• Parks and recreation spaces
• Libraries
• Faith-based spaces
• Meeting rooms
• Neighborhood gathering spots

Ask yourself:
Where do people naturally feel comfortable meeting or spending time?

Key Elements

1. Lead with why them

Show you didn’t copy-paste.

• Reference something specific they do
  
• Name what caught your attention

“I saw you host weekly community dinners…

2. Use plain language

If you wouldn’t say it out loud, don’t write it.

• Short sentences
  
• No buzzwords, no jargon
  
• Fewer commas, more periods

🚫 “leverage, synergize, stakeholders, alignment”
✅ “connect, support, work together”

3. Make the ask small and clear

Don’t jump straight to “high-impact.” Take the time to establish a relationship and develop trust and rapport. 

• One simple next step
  
• Easy to say yes to

“Would you be open to a short call?”
“Could I stop by one of your events?”

4. Signal flexibility, not pressure

Collaboration is an invitation, not a pitch.

• Acknowledge capacity
  
• Leave room for timing

“If now isn’t the right time, I’d love to stay connected.”

5. Close like a human

Warm ≠ unprofessional.

• Use your name
  
• End with appreciation

“Thank you for the work you’re doing in the community —
Jessica”

6. One-Line Rule 

Say it outloud!

If it sounds like a grant application, rewrite it.

Outreach Templates for Collaboration 

1. Low-Lift Partnerships

Flyers • Resource Directory • Cross-Post Events

Email Template

Subject: Connecting to Support Our Community

Hi [Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I’m the chapter lead for Young People in Recovery (YPR) in [your city]. We support individuals navigating or seeking recovery through peer connection, groups, and community resources.

I came across your work with [specific program/event], and it felt really aligned with what we’re doing locally.

We support people navigating or exploring recovery by helping them find connection, community, and practical resources — and we’re always looking for simple ways to make those resources more visible.

I was wondering if you’d be open to something very low-lift, like swapping flyers, cross-posting an event, or adding each other to resource lists. Nothing formal — just a small way to help more people know what’s available.

If that sounds useful, I’d be happy to connect by email or jump on a short call. 

Warmly,
[Your Name]
[Chapter + Contact Info]

Phone Script

Hey [Name/Org], my name is [Your Name] with Young People in Recovery.
We host recovery-focused groups and community support, and we’re mapping local resources to better connect people with help. 

I’m reaching out to see if we can exchange flyers or cross-share community events — just something simple to make sure people know what’s available.

Does that sound like something we could do together?

(If yes → get email + next step.)
“Great — what’s the best email for me to send our resources to?”

In-Person Approach

Use at tabling, walk-ins, and community events.

Know your audience. Is this a resource fair where a potential participant will be? Are they wearing a name badge indicating they are a potential collaborator? 

Default to assuming they are a potential participant. 

Opening line:

“Hi! I’m [Name], the chapter lead for Young People in Recovery- [City]. We provide peer recovery support for people in recovery, seeking recovery, or just looking for a substance-free community. 

We offer peer-led meetings, social events, and connections to local resources. No pressure, no labels, and all pathways are welcome.

If it’s helpful, I can tell you a little about what we offer — or you’re welcome to just take this flyer and check it out later.

Do you live in [city] or nearby?”

If you know they are with an organization (name tag, the event type, or you went to their table) 

“Hi, I’m [Name], the chapter lead for Young People in Recovery [City]. I’m curious about your work with [Organization]. 

If You’re at Their Table / Booth

“Hi! I’m [Name] with Young People in Recovery. I stopped because I saw you work with [specific population or service], and that overlaps a lot with who we support. Can you tell me more about your organization?”

Goal:
Leave a flyer, ask for theirs, and exchange contact information. 

Quick ask:
“Could we swap flyers or event posts so we can get more people connected to resources? No pressure — even small visibility makes a big difference.”

Collect: contact card, email, and upcoming events.

2. Medium-Lift Partnerships

Co-Host Events • Referrals • Shared Workshops

Email Template

Subject: Collaboration Opportunity — Let’s Support Our Community Together

Hi [Name],

I’m [Your Name], Chapter Lead for Young People in Recovery [City] . We provide peer-led recovery support and pro-social events in the community. We’re looking to collaborate with organizations that care about wellness, prevention, harm reduction, and recovery.

I think our missions align well, and I’d love to explore something like:

• Co-hosting an event or workshop
  
• Sharing referrals
  
• Hosting a meeting or outreach activity in your space
  

Would you be open to a short conversation to see if collaboration makes sense?

Here are two times that work for me:

• [Time Option 1]
  
• [Time Option 2]
  

Thank you, and excited to connect,
[Your Name]

Phone Script

“Hi [Name], this is [Your Name], Chapter Lead for Young People in Recovery-[City]. I’m reaching out because we’ve been building connections with organizations supporting wellness in the community, and I believe we might be able to collaborate in a meaningful way.”

Examples to offer:
“Some organizations partner with us by co-hosting workshops, sharing referrals, or offering space for meetings or events. Is that something you’d be open to exploring?”

If yes:
“Great — can we set up a 15-20 min call? What day works for you?”

In-Person Conversation

Approach:
“Your work aligns beautifully with what we do at Young People in Recovery.”

Connection pitch:
“We’d love to collaborate — even something like co-hosting an event or referring participants between programs. We believe shared efforts reach more people.”

Goal:
Book a meeting, not finalize a partnership on the spot.
“Can we schedule a 20-minute chat to brainstorm ideas together?”

3. High-Impact Partnerships

MOUs • Recurring Meetings • Shared Programming

Email Template

Subject: Exploring a Strategic Partnership with YPR

Hi [Name],

I’m reaching out from Young People in Recovery, and I’d love to explore a structured partnership with [Organization]. We have been expanding collaboration efforts and would like to discuss a more formal relationship such as recurring shared events, space usage, referral pathways, or even an MOU if appropriate.

Our goals align with strengthening community-based recovery supports, and I believe we could create something impactful together.

If this interests you, I’d love to schedule a meeting to talk through possibilities and design something mutually beneficial.

Are you available [Option 1] or [Option 2]?

Looking forward to exploring this together,
[Your Name]

Phone Script

“Hi [Name], I’m [Your Name] with Young People in Recovery-[City]. We’ve admired the work you’re doing, and I think a deeper partnership could serve the community well.”

Establish value:
“We’re exploring formal collaborations — shared programming, recurring meetings, formal referral pathways, or an MOU — where our services can strengthen each other’s reach.”

Ask:
“Is this something you’d be open to a strategic meeting about?”

If yes → schedule immediately.

In-Person Conversation Guide

Tone: confident, visionary, partnership-minded

Script:
“We’re building long-term partnerships that help the recovery community thrive, and I’d love to explore a deeper collaboration with your organization.”

Share specific mutually beneficial ideas:

• Ongoing workshop series
  
• Peer services in their space
  
• Referral agreement
  
• Data-sharing for impact evaluation
  
• Joint funding/grant alignment
  
  

Closing line:
“Could we schedule a sit-down conversation to explore collaborating?”

• Introduction to Mental Health:
• • Understanding mental health, mental illness, and substance use disorders.
• Common Mental Health Disorders:
  
  • Overview of common mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, and substance use disorders.
• Crisis Management:
  • How to handle crises such as panic attacks, suicidal behaviors, non-suicidal self-injury, and acute psychosis.
• Communication Skills:
  • Effective communication techniques for supporting individuals in distress.
• Professional Resources:
  • Information on available resources and how to connect individuals with professional help.

• Enhanced Staff Competency:
• • Staff will be better equipped to handle mental health crises and provide effective support.
• Improved Workplace Environment:
  • Creating a more supportive and understanding workplace culture.
• Better Outcomes for Individuals:
  • Early intervention and support can lead to better outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health issues.
• Strengthened Community Relationships:
  • Demonstrating our commitment to mental health can enhance our relationships with the communities we serve