Social Capital and Community SOCIAL CAPITAL-group level- “Features of social organizations such as networks, norms, and trust, that facilitate coordination and cooperation for mutual benefit. NEGATIVE SOCIAL CAPITAL-someone or some group that is not open or not in the best interest of the community. “If people feel safe, happy, and secure they will work together to organize and interact to build a stronger community.”

Loss of Social Capital Americans are self centered Less engaged in community activities Attributed to more TV watching

“Solidale” Solidale Located in the bottom land of the Platt River and about 5 Miles off of I-80 approx 4,200 people Community Center Science Center Farm Museum Co-Op Ethanol Plant Telecommunications Firm Software Company Library Industrial Park Aurora, Nebraska Located south of the Platte River & about 3 miles off of I-80 Pop. 4,256 Bremer Community Center Edgerton Explorit Center Stuhr Museum Co-Op Ethanol Plant Hamilton Communications Software Company Library Industrial Park

“Solidale” Ethanol Plant Every level of government involved Support from various groups Profit to Farmers No opposition

Types of Social Capital BONDING SOCIAL CAPITAL-connections among individuals and groups with similar backgrounds BRIDGING SOCIAL CAPITAL-connects diverse groups within the community and to groups outside the community. Horizontal dimension-learn from each other Vertical dimension-linked to outside resources and organizations Flexible-people should be able to come and go Permeable boundaries-the community grows LINKING SOCIAL CAPITAL-promote involvement, inclusion, and empowerment

ESI and Absence of Social Capital If Bonding and Bridging are High then there is effective community action ESI (Entrepreneurial Social Infrastructure) Give and Receive Overall good place to live If Bonding and Bridging are Low then there is extreme individualism and disorganization If communities lack social capital than the capacity for change is low

Influence and Conflict of Social Capital Bonding is low and Bridging is high then power is concentrated Bonding is high and Bridging is low then conflict within the community

Entrepreneurial Social Infrastructure ESI-measurable form of community action Collective effort Willingness to consider and accept alternatives

ESI-Factors LEGITIMATION OF ALTERNATIVES-Many perspectives are taken into account and respect is maintained “Communities were controversy is openly aired and accessible and factual information drives out rumors, are best able to process information from a variety of sources and make choices that have the potential to enhance community well-being.” WIDESPREAD RESOURCE MOBILIZATION-resources in the community must be fully accessible INCLUSIVENESS AND DIVERSITY NETWORKS A. Depersonalization of Politics-Controversy does not turn into name calling B. Development of Extra Community Linkages-seek resources and information from outside communities C. Diverse Community Leadership-people rotate through leadership positions within the community D. Approaches to Involving Excluded Groups-encouraging the excluded groups of people to form their own organization

Social Capital Benefits Safety and Security Leadership and Vision Mutual Relationships and Trust Adapting to Change