1. An Introduction to Social Capital CS C The Center for Social Capital www.centerforsocialcapital.org

2. Intro to Social Capital Robert Putnam defines Social Capital as “the social networks and the norms of trustworthiness and reciprocity that arise from them.” CS C

3. Intro to Social Capital Social Capital Focuses on: Who knows Whom (Social Networks) The Character of these Networks The Strength of our Ties Levels of Trust Levels of Reciprocity CS C Knack, S. (2001); Sander & Lowney, (2006)

4. Intro to Social Capital Social Networks Matter: Thick Trust: where trust extends only to known friends & associates Thin Trust: where trust extends to include total strangers CS C Knack, S. (2001); Sander & Lowney, (2006)

5. Intro to Social Capital Trust Growing Elements: Repeated exposure & shared spaces Honesty in Communications Follow-Through on Commitments Consistency in Behavior CS C Knack, S. (2001); Sander & Lowney, (2006); Griffin-Hammis Associates

6. Intro to Social Capital Types of Social Capital: Public-Regard: we are tied to formal groups (City Council; PTA; People First; Kiwanis) Private Regard: we are tied to informal groups (Church; Softball team; Neighborhood Watch) Formal vs. Informal (Bylaws & Committees vs. Social/Interest/Hobby relationships) CS C Sander & Lowney; Griffin-Hammis Associates

7. Intro to Social Capital Types of Social Capital: Bridging: Social ties that attempt to cut across differences including Race, Gender, Disability, Class, Religion… Bonding: Links people together like themselves (special interest groups, neighborhood associations, hobby clubs…) CS C Sander & Lowney; Griffin-Hammis Associates

8. Intro to Social Capital Intensity of Social Capital: Strong: Someone with whom you might share intimate or serious issues Weak: More episodic and casual Example: You share stronger ties with your doctor and weaker ties with volunteers cooking at the pancake breakfast CS C Sander & Lowney; Griffin-Hammis Associates

9. Intro to Social Capital CS C Sander & Lowney; Griffin-Hammis Associates Bridging & Bonding Public & Private Regard Formal & Informal Thick & Thin Trust Strong & Weak Ties

10. Intro to Social Capital Intensity of Social Capital: Stronger ties are useful for creating social support and sustained efforts; Weaker ties are more useful for networking and job searches CS C Wuthnow, 1998; Sander & Lowney; Griffin- Hammis Associates

11. Intro to Social Capital Goal of Social Capital: Raising Social Capital to improve one’s standing in a community (e.g. using bridging capital to increase awareness of disability access issues in a community) Targeted at Specific Problem-Solving (e.g. using bonding capital to connect a job seeker with someone with similar career goals) CS C Sander & Lowney; Griffin-Hammis Associates

12. Intro to Social Capital Getting Others Interested & Involved : Appeal to people’s motivations (shared personal & professional interests and self- interest, hobbies, affiliation needs) Avoid yet another meeting or committee approach Appeal to their civic pride Make the task appear reasonable CS C Griffin-Hammis Associates; McKnight

13. Intro to Social Capital Getting Others Interested & Involved : Very Small Group or One-to-One Start-up conversations and recruitment Set a clear outcome Satisfy people’s motivators CS C Griffin-Hammis Associates; McKnight

14. Intro to Social Capital Disability Issues: Employment Health Improvement Home Ownership Isolation Asset Accumulation Transportation…. CS C Griffin-Hammis Associates; McKnight

15. Intro to Social Capital Systemic & Organizational Issues: Changing Outdated policy and practice Turnover Funding Disconnected Personnel…. CS C Griffin-Hammis Associates; McKnight

16. Intro to Social Capital Project Ideas: Establish a Microloan Fund Establish Car Pools Peer-Mentored After School & Summer Jobs/Businesses Address Stereotyping by local media Address local restaurant Barriers Connect People to Specific Social Activities as Individuals…. CS C Griffin-Hammis Associates; McKnight