Social Organization Framework BC Coalition of People with Disabilities

Social Organization Framework C-MIST focuses on the individual’s needs SOF focuses on social networks – relationships among individuals, families and their community It is a capacity-building and social action approach

Networks provide essential supports Everyday In crisis situations

Informal Networks Family Friends Neighbours Co-workers

Formal Networks Community groups Faith-based organizations Schools Service providers Agencies The primary role of formal networks is to enhance/support/enable informal networks

Characteristics of Informal Networks Mutual exchanges Reciprocal responsibility

Bridging informal and formal networks Informal networks bring the power of interpersonal relationships and the ability to influence others in their networks to act Formal networks contribute specialized expertise and support resilience through programs and services

Isolated Populations Many factors can contribute to an individual being isolated and socially excluded from network participation:  Socio-economic  Disability/ability  Race  Gender

When disaster Strikes The nature and strength of the social networks in the community is critical

Individual/ Family St. John Ambulance Firefighters Emergency Social Services Police Ambulance Military Salvation Army Red Cross Hospitals Without networks, individuals have to wait for help 3-7 days on your own

Individual St. John Ambulance Family Neighbours Social groups Co-workers Faith Groups Community Organizations Schools Volunteer Centres Cultural Groups Disability Groups Firefighters Emergency Social Services Police Ambulance Military Salvation Army Red Cross Hospitals Strong networks allow people to help each other Friends

Action = Change It is through networks that action takes place and how change comes about

Mobilizing Communities Means activating networks to work together around a common cause

Social Capital Information and the exchange of information Reciprocity between community members Trust that comes from successful exchanges/interactions

The power of social capital Information that is provided by and reinforced by a community group or network that an individual knows has a greater potential to be accepted and utilized

Exchange and interaction

Community Capacity Two key elements:  The way people demonstrate a sense of shared responsibility for the general welfare of the community and its members  The way they collectively create ways to address community needs and confront challenges that threaten the safety and well- being of community members

Characteristics of Community Capacity The development of knowledge, skills and resources to produce a desired change The ability to mobilize people and resources It is anchored in taking action

Resilience A community’s ability to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster, including the ability to quickly restore essential services and move toward a full recovery

A resilient community is… One that maintains, regains or establishes favourable community results over time despite adversity

Building resilience is… About establishing and sustaining community capacity

Summarizing Social Organization Framework Social Networks Social Capital Community Capacity