2018 Humanitarian Award Winner
Please join us on November 7th as we celebrate “The Value of Community”
We are proud to be honoring Social Capital Inc. as our 2018 Humanitarian Award winning organization.
Featured in the photo from left to right are: Woburn Chamber of Commerce Board Member Susan Hartmere, SCI Board Member Jennifer Baker Jones, SCI Founder David Crowley, Woburn Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Heather Maguire, Woburn Chamber of Commerce Board Members Lejla Rovcanin and Tyler Gates
SCI’s mission is:
To strengthen communities by connecting diverse individuals and organizations through civic engagement initiatives. We envision a nation where individuals are strongly connected to their neighbors and play an active role in shaping the destiny of their communities. This increase in ‘social capital’ will result in communities that are safer, healthier and more vital.
Social Capital Inc. exemplifies our 2018 theme of “The Value of Community”
What is Social Capital Exactly?
The collective value of all ‘social networks’ [who people know] and the inclinations that arise from these networks to do things for each other [norms of reciprocity]. (www.bowlingalone.com)
Social capital is one of the most powerful predictors of outcomes for individuals and communities. Strong networks of trusting relationships and an inclination of citizens to participate provide a context in which other community priorities can be addressed effectively. The amount of social capital in a community is directly linked to educational outcomes, crime rates, and economic prosperity. For instance, Professor Robert Putnam shows through rigorous statistical analysis that, “The correlation between high social capital and positive child development is as close to perfect as social scientists ever find…Across the various Kids Count indicators, social capital is second only to poverty in the breadth and depth of its effects on children’s lives.” (Bowling Alone p.296-297).
How Does SCI Build Social Capital?
For 15 years, SCI has been increasing social capital and community engagement in Eastern Massachusetts communities. In the process, SCI has developed tools, program models, trainings and other resources to help communities boost their social capital and thus better tackle issues of concern. (They) are actively seeking organizations and communities that would like to partner with SCI and leverage (their) social capital building expertise to address pressing issues such as health & wellness, youth success and economic development.
Support the Silent Auction
All proceeds from this year’s Silent Auction will benefit Social Capital Inc. Please donate your goods or services and be sure to bid high on November 7th! Last year’s auction raised over $5300.00. You can help us keep that number growing!
Make your donation by emailing woburnauction2018@gmail.com