Friday, February 13, 2009

Newsletter Fall 2008 - Exploring Social Capital

Social capital is a concept of natural resources. these resources refer to connections within and between social networks. They also refer to connections among indivdiuals. You have obtained these resources through the life experiences and opportunities you have had.

Social capital is not the money you have to invest in something or someone. At the core odf this concept exists the understanding there is value in social networks. These social networks can directly benefit both individuals and groups loeading to greater productivity.

Sometimes it is easier to support something with our financial capital than to give of our time, introduce people to who we know, open doors for others to walk through. We are not suggesting people stop their financial support, but to explore ways of sharing their social capital with others.

There was a day when barn raising was popular. The neighbors would gather together sharing material, food, skills and time to erect a barn for a neighbor, freind, family member. Today there is a great need for a similar investment in individuals and families in our neighborhoods and beyond. We need to invest in others so they can succeed and be productive.

We encourage you to thoughtfully consider the social capital you may have and how you can share that with others lacking your capital.

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