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How we will spend our time together?

Learning Objectives

Understand the distinction between deficit-based and asset-based framing
Recognize deficit-based framing
Learn to implement strategies that shift narrative to asset-based framing

Welcome

Icebreaker

Terminology and impact

Activity #1: Understanding the Power of Framing

Activity 2: Mission statements

Activity #3: Examining the Sector’s Language

Close-out

Agenda

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Conversation Norms

Be present

Lean into discomfort by allowing yourself to be challenged

Allow yourself to fumble with ideas, concepts, and behaviors

Remember that we are all learners in this work

Accept and expect �non-closure

Presume good intent, attend to impact

…?

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Ice Breaker

Please share one word that describes how you are entering this conversation.

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Terminology

Deficit-based framing

defining people by their problems

Asset-based framing

defining people by their aspirations and contributions before exploring their deficits.

Source: Trabian Shorters, Asset Framing: The Other Side of the Story, The Communication Network

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Why It Matters

Framing holds power. How we frame an issue influences how we design solutions.

When we use deficit-based framing we are less likely to identify the systemic problems that cause a societal issue, and more likely to assume that individual behaviors are to blame.

Leading with people’s aspiration and values redefine the conversation and can lead to better outcomes.

Asset-based language supports everyone’s understanding of the historical context that led to contemporary challenges.

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The Power of Framing

Too many people of color do not engage in outdoor activities

There are not enough outdoor programs that reach youth of color

There are limited transportation options that connect communities of color in the city to nature

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Activity #1: Understanding the Power of Framing

Discuss: How do the different headlines frame the problem? How does your understanding of the issue shift based on the headline?

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Activity #2: Mission Statements

Mission statement 1: The mission of Community Arts Inc is to help the vulnerable in the St. Louis area get access to the arts and adopt more healthy approaches to relationships with peers and their families. At the Community Arts Inc, we believe that everyone should live a healthy and productive life and we want to empower all St. Louisans, especially kids ages 8-18, to be healthy in their bodies and minds. We are particularly interested in supporting at-risk kids in high-crime neighborhoods, who, without our help, would not have the opportunity to access the arts and would not know how to engage in creativity.

Mission Statement 2: The mission of the Art to the Community is to dismantle the barriers that prevent communities of color in the St. Louis area from accessing the creative arts. At Art to the Community, we believe that access to art is a right, and that our ability to engage in creatively should not be determined by your zip code. Together, we are changing the policies that make art deserts possible, making access to the arts more affordable for families, and developing spaces so that communities can share their cultural heritage through creativity and craft.

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Activity #3: Examining the Sector’s Language

Common Descriptions of Activities

We open the door to the creativity
We provide access to the arts
We bring opportunities to communities to improve their lives through the arts

Common Descriptors of Communities and Individuals

Underserved communities
Individuals that lack access to the arts
Communities that suffer from poverty and violence

Below are some ways that organizations focused on engaging youth with the arts frame their activities and the communities that they serve.

Discuss: How could these phrases be changed to speak about the aspirations of communities and individuals in relationship to the outdoors?

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Close-Out: Takeaways and Commitments

Please share one word or phrase that describes what you are taking from this conversation.

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Close-out: takeaways and commitments

DEFICIT-BASED APPROACH	ASSET-BASED APPROACH
End-users of philanthropic dollars are defined by their weaknesses and problems with no active role in identifying solutions.	End-users of philanthropic dollars are defined by their aspirations, contributions, and have agency. They have an active role in providing solutions.
Framing philanthropists as the hero who will save powerless individuals.	Framing philanthropist as agents of change who are trying to get a to a solution in partnership with communities.
Challenges are framed as a result of individual behaviors. Individuals are implicit or explicitly blamed for their problems.	Systemic issues are elevated to explain contemporary problems.
Historical context is not elevated to explain a challenge or problem.	Challenges are framed in their historical context.

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Additional Resources

Asset Framing: The Other Side of the Story, Trabian Shorters

What Can We Do about the White Savior Complex? Amy Costello (podcast episode)

Radi-Aid: A campaign focused on raising awareness of deficit-based framing in international aid work