Social Capital
Social capital accounts a person’s connections to other people, information, and opportunities to give and receive support. It’s a novel and key success factor to the 2Gen approach as it builds on the strength and resilience of families and bolsters the aspirations parents have for themselves and their children. Social capital manifests as peer support; contact with family, friends, and neighbors; participation in community and faith-based organizations; school and workplace contacts; leadership and empowerment programs; use of case managers or career coaches; social networks, such as cohort models and learning communities; and mental health services.
Anne Mosle, executive director of Ascend, knows community dialogue plays a significant role in restoring trust. She believes we must reevaluate how we build social capital, the access to relationships and networks that unlock opportunities. Listening to people and honoring their lived experiences is our most valuable tool in the pursuit of prosperity and well-being for all families.