Understanding and growing social capital
The glue that holds communities together
Creating community discussion about social capital makes a difference. When groups know what it is and why it matters, they can create it. And doing so strengthens the community.
Through activities and group discussion, this workshop helps groups move to action. Groups will understand:
- What social capital looks like in communities
- Three elements that matter to social capital
- How social capital creates community benefits
- How to build social capital in everyday ways
What is social capital?
Have you ever stopped to think about what holds your community together? "Community glue" isn't something you can rush out to the local hardware store and buy. You also won't find it online. But if you look closely, you might see it at the grocery store or at your church or even in the newspaper! This "community glue" is known as social capital. Strengthening the social capital of your community helps make people's lives richer.
Consult with us
Community economics • Leadership and civic engagement • Tourism
Extension educators work in communities with partners throughout Minnesota. Contact us for consultation, guidance and conversation about your community.
Social capital video and audio clips
Learn more about social capital and what it looks like in communities from four video and one audio clip. These clips instruct and demonstrate how the lives of community residents are enriched by a high level of social capital.
What's good for the community is good for business too
What you do for others comes back ten-fold
Networks help create a community where everyone can get involved
The glue that holds communities together
Jody Horntvedt, Extension educator, is interviewed on Lakeland Currents
Conversations change Campbell
A group of local champions in Campbell, Minnesota — a town of 158 people — started a conversation about how their town could do better and become a more appealing place to visit and live.
Listen to a podcast about Campbell
Cook County Social Capital Study
Extension conducted a study of social capital in Cook County, Minnesota in 2008, asking over 500 residents about the ties and networks that they know and trust in the county.
Listen to their conversation
Background information
In this community service radio program, community members and Extension staff discuss the findings of the survey, and implications for Cook County. Barbara Radke, University of Minnesota Extension educator, put together the Cook County Social Capital survey. She was joined on the program by volunteer committee member Judie Johnson, Cook County Extension Director Diane Booth and Commissioner Jim Johnson.
WTIP North Shore Community Radio is an independent public radio station located on the North Shore of Lake Superior. WTIP has conducted a Community Engagement Initiative for the last two years, reaching out to encourage the community to identify and solve issues. Inspired by the Initiative and its mission to improve the lives of those they serve, WTIP's on-air forum creates a safe space for community dialog.
The First Thursday Community Conversations Program addresses a variety of issues and topics that affect the lives of our listeners. In January, 2009, this program discussed the results of the Social Capital Assessment Survey, which took place in Cook County in December 2007.