New Public Relations Research Explores Skills and Expertise Required for Professional Growth in an Era of Tight Budgets Sep 17, 2009
Creation of social capital and the maintenance of an organization's 'operating license. The research is made possible by a grant to the Institute for Public Relations by The Coca-Cola Company. (PR Newswire)
Searching for a Better Wealth Measure Than GDP Sep 16, 2009
Included in the panel were Princeton University's Daniel Kahneman, one of the first psychologists to apply happiness studies to economics; the British economist Nicolas Stern, whose influential "Stern Report" advocated green technologies to stimulate economic growth; and Robert Putnam, the Harvard sociologist and best-selling author of Bowling Alone, which traces the decline of the U.S.'s "social capital" through the decline of 10-pin bowling leagues. These panel members and other psychologists... (Time.com)
Ghana: Respecting the Rights of 'Sodom and Gomorrah' [editorial] Sep 12, 2009
This will minimise destruction of the social and economic lives of the communities and retain community networks and the social capital on which they endure. " Has the government too soon changed its promise to upgrade slums? Besides, we respectfully remind the government of Ghana that according to Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), as it is interpreted in General Comment No 7 of 1997, for forced evictions or relocations to be considered as... (allAfrica.com)
Ghana: Groups Protest 'Sodom and Gomorrah' Evictions Sep 12, 2009
"We also wish to draw the attention of the government to its avowed commitment to slum upgrading as spelt out in page 85 of its 2008 Manifesto titled, A better Ghana. Investing in People, Jobs and the Economy. It states that: Slum existence is the result of rural-urban migration, limited supply of land and regulatory frameworks that fail to address the needs of the urban poor. The NDC, as a party with strong support in slums and in sprawling shanty towns, including the ?"Zongos," will adopt an... (allAfrica.com)
Read more... Sep 9, 2009
will use these funds to support its new strategic priorities transforming education, promoting economic vitality, and building social capital. This is a wonderful legacy from the Republican National Convention Host Committee. (PNN Online)
The war against imaginary enemies Sep 6, 2009
We must encourage inter-ethnic civic and social associations, for it is this social capital in our society that will put a brake on any possibility of ethnic contestation turning into ethnic violence. The fact that the residents association of a racially diverse Section 23 Shah Alam seems to be made up of only one race, one religion and one point of view on a contested issue demonstrates the challenge that faces us. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
The 'myth' surrounding the Bawku Conflict: Can it be broken? Sep 4, 2009
Apart from the fact that education suffers and that social capital of societies are ripped apart, overall economic activities and employment are reduced as people become reluctant to invest in various enterprises. It is striking to know that the major force behind the ostensibly incessant conflict and simmering tensions is poverty. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Business.view: Capital markets with a conscience Sep 2, 2009
As around 800 people gather in San Francisco this week at the , to map out the future of what they call social capital markets , they have the wind at their backs ... There was a surge of registrations in the days after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, as some people disgusted by the traditional capital markets, and others who had lost their jobs and sought a new outlet for their skills, decided that social capital markets were worth a look ... (A good overview of the main ideas in social... (The Economist)
Social-investing conference coming to S.F. Aug 29, 2009
About 800 people from more than 26 countries are expected to attend the Social Capital Markets Conference, which opens Tuesday at Fort Mason. "We represent a new kind of investing where you look at the social impact of the idea and add that to the traditional notions of risk and return," said conference organizer Kevin Jones, of Good Capital, a San Francisco firm involved in this trend. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Irans women not sold on female Cabinet picks Aug 28, 2009
"It would be a big mistake because she would lose all social capital with women's groups and ordinary people.". At least one member of parliament has raised doubts about whether Dastgerdi would be approved. (MSNBC -- International)
Allies in fight against poverty Aug 28, 2009
When the Crow Wing County Coalition to End Poverty started its social capital task force, the concept of starting this program, with partnerships between the three agencies and TCC acting as the fiscal agent using federal stimulus funds, emerged from there. "It's great for our area," said Rep. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Implementation of an active aging model in Mexico for prevention and control of chronic diseases in the elderly Aug 26, 2009
We propose that the implementation of the model active aging framework will permits the empowerment of older adults, which constitutes basic social capital for chronic disease prevention and control in old age. The complete article is available as a. (BioMed Central)
A National Conversation About Unconventional Ideas For Development Aug 18, 2009
In fact any Ghanaian with average intelligence knows our development afflictions: poor institutions; ill-developed economic and social infrastructure; poor human and social capital endowments; unsustainable fiscal and monetary policies; ineffective use of our capital resources; inadequate, ill-developed and sometimes perverse incentive structure for private investment and appropriate technology adoption; inadequate household savings and inaccessibility to credit; lack of diversity in production... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
This Anti-Dual Citizenship Clause: Scrap It Aug 16, 2009
Could they be thinking that dual citizenship holders are less patriotic than coup plotters, secession advocates, terrorist, spies, corrupt public officials who steal, pillage and lay billions of social capital to waste. Nearly all the traitors (army/police officers, civil servants, diplomats etc) who spied and worked for the CIA during Nkrumahs administration were all home grown and home based. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Smart Immigration Aug 15, 2009
Here he tackles immigration and Robert Putnam's vexed conclusions about its implications for social capital ... Putnam began by telling us about one result he encountered that was thoroughly upsetting to him the more ethnically diverse a community is, the less social capital it possesses ... The answer begins with the notion of social capital, which Putnam defines in simple terms social networks and the associated norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness. (The American Conservative)
Educating the next generation Aug 10, 2009
Getting a child admitted to a pre-nursery school causes parents such a headache that they are known to use up a good deal of their economic and social capital to achieve the feat. Why, every year during admission time, the Human Resource Development Minister is inundated with requests from MPs and other VIPs for securing school admissions. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Localism and Economic Liberalism: A prolix pontification and an open forum Aug 8, 2009
Alas, the enduring unholy marriage of capital and power, to which we have tacitly submitted, if not offered hearty obeisance, has so enervated our communities, so completely desiccated our intermediary institutions, that rebuilding the sort of social capital that restraining the vicious side of liberal economics requires is, notwithstanding climactic upheavals (C monnnnnnn, Peak Oil. simply impossible to expect to have happen except on a extremely local, piecemeal scale. (The American Conservative)
Scruffy dilemma Aug 7, 2009
A recent report into graduate unemployment suggests that an important reason for the relative exclusion of members of lower socio-economic groups from the professions is not their inability to reach the required educational standards but their lack of "social capital". Those outside the middle classes are less able to call upon contacts, or take advantage of networking opportunities. (BBC News -- UK)
Malaysia must be more innovative Aug 5, 2009
Ongkili said that besides offering better monetary rewards, it is also leveraging on social capital to woo these people to work for the country. Many of them have built lives overseas and it would be unfair to expect them to uproot themselves and come home, he said. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Technology)
Buying and Selling Artwork Online Aug 5, 2009
This not only does the obvious, which is improving the overall financial picture and exposure of individual artists and art organizations and collectives, but it also provides the world with far greater amounts of cultural and social capital. In addition, the Internet, at the heart of the phenomenon referred to as the democratization of information, is helping artists by allowing them to connect with one another to share information and best practices. (Suite101.com)
Teenagers 'scared to leave homes' Aug 4, 2009
" Another said that although he could go to a work placement during the day, he could not go to a nearby cinema at any time. "You cannot go to the pictures because there's schemies (rival gang members) about there so if you go down there you just end up fighting," he said. The restrictions were found to apply to non-gang members too. Dr Deuchar said one youth "talked about having to take long routes home from football training on a Friday night to avoid getting caught in the middle of the fights... (BBC News -- UK)
Grant helps financeHopewell Borough Jul 30, 2009
"The Hopewell Borough Playground Project is a wonderful example of people who came together seeking to cross boundaries, make connections, organize, and take action in ways that build social capital," explains Deborah Aubert Thomas, director of grants and programs at the Community Foundation ... Better Together grants celebrate social capital activities across Central New Jersey "" the building of trust and connections that people draw on to solve problems and take advantage of opportunities,... (NJ.com -- Times)
Top Canadian Cities for Young Professionals to Work and Live Revealed by Next Generation Consulting Jul 29, 2009
According to NGC, the seven indexes of a "Next City" are: Earning, Learning, Vitality, Around Town, After Hours, Cost of Lifestyle, and Social Capital. The rankings announced today are based on a city's total score in all seven indexes. (PR Newswire)
Why Overhead Isnt Evil in the Non-Profit World Jul 18, 2009
If we don't come up with a way to measure the total effectiveness of an investment in social capital, not-for-profits may not survive. NEWS TIPLINE. (FastCompany)
A better way out of debt Jul 18, 2009
Can social capital redeem our financial souls ... Social capital offers the solution we have been looking for ... What is social capital. (Yahoo News)
Water fun coming to North Suburban YMCA Jul 15, 2009
The event will also include allergen-free foods available through the Food Allergy Support Initiative created by Whole Foods Market, North Suburban YMCA and Social Capital Inc. For more details visit the initiative Web site at http://sciwoburn. org/content/food-allergy-support-initiative. (Woburn Advocate, MA)
GM closing Boxwood Road, last auto plant in Delaware Jul 13, 2009
"That's what you call 'social capital,' " Stapleford said. "Volunteers are a substantial contributor to the quality of life.". (USA Today -- Autos)
Cameron and American Conservatism Jul 12, 2009
(The obvious exception here being churches, but as Putnam pointed out inBowling Alone, if we take their vitality in the context of our broader civic decline, their growth is more indicative of the system s failure to provide other outlets than indicative of genuine growth of social capital. . (The American Conservative)
Rethinking Russia Jul 10, 2009
The report gives scores from 1 to "broad compliance with G8 norms," to the failing mark of 5, which means "total failure to comply with G8 norms." Ratings are given not just for economic performance, but also for "openness and freedom of speech, political governance, rule of law, social capital, economic weight in the world, inflation, economic stability and solvency, unemployment, trade volume, level of protectionism, energy market conditions, and discernible stance on key international... (CBS News)
Akwaaba, President Obama: But what will he say to Ghanaians? Jul 10, 2009
With so much fear and little trust among neighbors, how can the nation build the social capital to enhance economic relations and growth. 75 years ago, Franklin Roosevelt recognized the devastating effect of fear at the height of the depression when he told Americans that the only thing they had to fear was fear itself. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Social Factors Influence Neighborhood Asthma Rates Jul 7, 2009
They found that neighborhoods with low asthma prevalence had higher scores on the Community Vitality Index, which combines ratings for social capital, economic potential, and community amenities ... The strongest factor, which remained after the researchers adjusted for the racial makeup of the neighborhoods, was social capital, which measures the degree of civic engagement among residents along with other factors. (MEDLINEplus)
UK Only 74th, but Costa Rica Tops 'Happy Planet Index' Jul 4, 2009
For many in the West, the struggle to increase incomes has come at the expense of our social capital and mental health. The challenge for the West, the report says, is not to continue increasing our monetary incomes, but to ensure meaningful lives, and strong social ties. (PR Newswire)
Three reformists reject government Jul 2, 2009
"We must not lose our social capital this easily," Khatami told progressive Iranian newspaper Tahlile Rooz. "I know Moussavi as one of the faithful, original and valuable capitals of our revolution, and considered his return to the political scene as a great chance.". (CNN -- International)
Woburn Youth Council honored in ceremony Jun 30, 2009
The Social Capital Inc. (SCI) Woburn Youth Council made a presentation to fellow youth and judges last Saturday for the second annual Youth Civic Showcase and Awards ... This increase in social capital will result in communities that are safer, healthier and more vit. (Woburn Advocate, MA)
Quiet On Iran Jun 21, 2009
The U.S. has lost its moral social capital through hypocritical (foreign) policies; the current president is trying to return the U.S. its earlier stature in the world. And how soon they forget. (Slate)
Older citizens an asset, not a burden Jun 21, 2009
I believe that continued strategic use of volunteers, the social capital of our communities, can address many of our challenges. A good example is the neighborhood health advocate program in the West Hill neighborhood of Albany. (Albany Times Union)
Expansion of Lee County's Solid Waste Resource Recovery Facility Wins Sustainable Florida Best Practices Award for Partnership Jun 19, 2009
Founded in 1994, Sustainable Florida - Collins Center is committed to the interrelated issues of economic growth, environmental quality and social capital. It promotes sustainable practices and programs throughout Florida and its signature event is its annual awards program. (PR Newswire)
'Building social capital is what we're all about' Jun 18, 2009
Building social capital is what we're all about ... We need to get back to building social capital, building trust, J. Barry Griswell said at the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine s annual meeting ... Building (this) social capital is what we re really all about, he said of community foundations. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
All in a day's work: Company volunteers at Farrington Jun 17, 2009
Alkermes employees Wendy Vargas of Somerville, Elliot Ehrich of Lincoln, and Colleen Ellwanger of Lexington pitch in at the Farrington Education Center. By Justine Selsing/Correspondent. (Lincoln Journal, MA)
Asthma rates and where you live Jun 6, 2009
Published in the spring 2009 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the two-year study led by Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH, a researcher at Children's Memorial Hospital and associate professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, showed that neighborhoods with more community vitality, specifically economic potential, community amenities and social capital had lower asthma rates. The study focused on 287 Chicago neighborhoods, where nearly 50,000... (EurekAlert!)
South Africa: Zuma's Half-Million Jobs is Wishful Thinking Jun 6, 2009
What governments can do is to facilitate and stimulate job creation through sound fiscal and monetary policy, which would include removing bureaucracies associated with starting and registering businesses, ensuring the protection of property rights and building social capital by investing in sectors such as education and health. One does not need to look far over South Africa's borders to see the effects of the global recession. (allAfrica.com)
Patrick tells volunteers in Marlborough to pass it on Jun 5, 2009
Following the governor's speech, conference-goers attended workshops on leadership, innovation, volunteer management and social capital. Dorothy Stoneman, founder and president of YouthBuild USA, was the keynote speaker. (Marlborough Enterprise, MA)
Volunteers are critical to nonprofits' strategic and daily operations Jun 5, 2009
Volunteering empowers you and develops social capital within our community. Many volunteer jobs require independent action and initiative. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Kotoka International Airport - A welcoming place? Jun 3, 2009
Could we perhaps form alliances with partners firms and building social capital to gain a competitive advantage over other players. Is Kotoka International Airport welcoming to its customers. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
MPs wrap up 5-day debate on President's Address May 30, 2009
On economic and social capital, Mr Lim said: "We succeeded in the past because we did our very best to be cheaper than those who are better than us, and better than those who are cheaper than us. "(Today) the only hope of succeeding for Singapore - to be better than those who are better than us - is to do it the Singapore unlimited way. We have to count on the strength of all enterprises, whether big or small. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Time to take race crimes seriously May 30, 2009
Is there also a loss of social capital, with resentment at an influx of students seeking to use local qualifications to gain permanent residency for themselves and relatives, supporting with their fees a tertiary education system seemingly unwilling to accommodate all non-full-fee local applicants. To what extent are such concerns, if widespread among their parents, being manifested among youth gangs by attacks on students from overseas. (The Age, Australia -- Opinion)
Woodlands Neighborhood Blog May 28, 2009
May-13 - Al_Hawthorne It's interesting and encouraging (as an item of "social capital" to have a public Woodlands blog; a couple of years ago, I remember suggesting that a blog be incorporated into the Woodlands Homeowners Association web site. I understand that this Woodlands Neighborhood Blog can be accessed and read by anyone on the internet. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
On MPs' expenses, Iranian dissidents, Chrysler, Nordic countries, genetic information, the Supreme Court May 25, 2009
On almost all measures of social trust and social capital, the Nordic countries come out ahead ... Public investment in human capital creates a sense of equality in opportunity among large segments of the population, which in turn has a positive effect on social capital. (The Economist)
CDD-Ghana to launch Afrobarometer on eve of AU Day May 15, 2009
The latest survey focuses on democracy, governance, livelihoods, macro-economics and markets, social capital, conflict and crime, citizens' participation and national identity. According to Afrobarometer indicators, Round one survey was conducted from July 1999 through June 2001 in 12 countries; Round two, from May 2002 through October 2003 in 15 countries while Round three surveys were conducted in 18 countries from March 2005 through February 2006. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Canadian Walking Master Class Visits Hamilton, ON; Moncton, NB; Kelowna, BC; Metro Vancouver, BC; Whitehorse, YT May 12, 2009
A short trip on foot to school by 9 families participating in a 'walking school bus' can reduce greenhouse gases by 1,000 kg over one year () - Traffic - More people walking means less congestion on roads, reduced requirements for road infrastructure and maintenance, and more awareness of pedestrians by drivers thereby increasing pedestrian safety () - Community cohesion - More people walking encourages even more people to walk, increasing social interaction, lessening crime and vandalism due to... (Canada Newswire)
Decentralism May 12, 2009
Of course, it is not possible to isolate this drain of intellectual and social capital from the loss of economic capital (yet another reason why the dislocations of globalization are ruinous for local cultures and communities) from these regions of the country: poor states remain so because the most talented leave (indeed they are encouraged to leave and their ability to leave is celebrated), but these people leave because there are so few opportunities, and once-prosperous states begin to enter... (The American Conservative)
Letters for Monday, May 11, 2009 (843) May 12, 2009
interesting wrote on May 11, 2009 7:54 AM:" -------- andrew, andrew.....this is kauai -- corporations doing science are not allowed to add to local social capital ". getalife wrote on May 11, 2009 8:18 AM:" Re; PrisonersOh let me shed a tear for the jailbird and his family.Lady, you should be glad your jailbird son-in-law is on the mainland where he is unable to influence your family.Think of all the time saved over the years by not visiting the rotten creep.Having lousy food and medical in a... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Mother's sound advice May 9, 2009
His conclusion was that as our civic engagement erodes, we sacrifice the social capital on which the strength of our nation was built. His call to all Americans was to recognize the jeopardy to individuals and to a cohesive society as we give up more and more interactions and social activities. (Greenville Delta Democrat Times, MS)
Spark of life May 8, 2009
Unless we begin to value this natural capital in exactly the same way we value human or social capital, we will not begin to tackle the problem. Isn't it ironic that the UK has a treasury department that spends most of its time talking about over-leveraging in the financial system and credit bubbles, but cannot see the connection with a world that every year consumes resources that it takes the planet one year and four months to renew or replace. (BBC News -- Science)
COMMUNICATEGREEN: Piscataqua Sustainability Initiative May 3, 2009
We need the political will and social capital to address the tremendous economic and environmental shifts taking place in the world today. What is terrific about the PSI study circles is the scale at which they operate to address issues. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Culture Vs. Imperial Culture Apr 30, 2009
Not only does the capital of an empire lure the talented, ambitious and smart people from the provinces, enriching the metropole and depriving their home countries of the social capital that these places need far more than the capital city, but also the maintenance of the capital and/or central government often requires the plunder of the rest of the empire through extensive taxation. The capital is almost always characterized by an overabundance of place-seekers and men on the make, which is... (The American Conservative)
Things Worth Saving Apr 28, 2009
We bank new social capital with each bite. Things worth saving -- fruit gardens, vegetable gardens, backyard gardens, planter gardens, patio gardens, old gardeners. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Earth Day event coming Saturday at Woburn Mall Apr 28, 2009
Woburn Conservation Commission, Tierney Chiropractic of Reading, Woburn Council on Aging, Fuller Chiropractic of Woburn, Lia Sophia Jewelry, DanversBank, Sunlight Solar Energy, SCI (Social Capital Inc.), Woburn Public Library, Friends of Woburn Public Library, Mary Cummings Park, Marie Coady (book signing), Woburn Police (SRO), Progressive Asset Management, Woburn Engineering Dept., Woburn Cub Scouts, Citi Bank, Woburn Green Energy, McDonald s of Woburn Mall (free iced tea), TLC Recycles, Initou... (Woburn Advocate, MA)
Local volunteers to be honored Thursday Apr 28, 2009
Social Capital Inc. and the city of Woburn are recognizing volunteers who make Woburn a great place to live and work ... The event is coordinated by Social Capital Inc. and the city of Woburn, and funded by CHNA 15, and will include light refreshments, minglin, and a presentation to volunteers in Council Chambers. (Woburn Advocate, MA)
Raja Nazrin resolute in defending monarchy from ridicule Apr 19, 2009
The cultural elements that have been factors of unity till this day are priceless social capital that should be defended, he said. -- Bernama. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Government urged to increase funds to libraries Apr 17, 2009
Mrs Helena Asamoah-Hassan, University Librarian, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), who spoke on the topic: "21st Century Librarianship in Ghana-Using the Internet, Creating Partnership" said public libraries must build social capital by partnering and networking through internet blogs and spaces and with groups and societies which had similar aims. She said information professionals and librarians should also understand the role of technology and determine to accept... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
How social capital pays off when disaster strikes Apr 11, 2009
To the contrary, they have been reinvigorated by their newest marketing slogan: "social capital." It sort of appeals to the marketer in me because of the way it gently slides "capital" into the caring cause. The term - famously associated with Robert Putnam's Bowling Alone: America's Declining Social Capital - deals with social connections and their value for society ... It is easy to think of much, much worse social capital - skinheads form a tight social community. (Globe and Mail)
Call for action to help UK's poor Apr 8, 2009
"The UK needs a broad-based "people's bail-out" focusing on human and social capital as well as financial assets," the report says. This would include cutting taxes for people on low incomes and raising benefits so that everyone, in and out of work, has a basic income that is enough to live on. (BBC News -- UK)
G-20 maps road for chaos Apr 1, 2009
If the king uses tax to build social capital in education, health, infrastructure, called productive use, then such spending would enhance growth and productivity in the economy. If the king decides to overtax, that is overspend, he can do it by de-basing the currency, borrowing or falling into arrears. (Asia Times Online)
Conservatives in Britain try a new idea: defend the community from global corporations Mar 30, 2009
Robert Putnam, the Harvard political scientist whose writings on "social capital" caught the attention of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, said he has heard from Republican officials in Congress and city halls concerned about disappearing establishments - from bowling alleys to post offices - that once fostered community ties ... "There has always been a flavor of conservatism that is more focused on those forms of social capital . . . I don't think there's any way that Republicans in the future... (Boston Globe)
