International Conference: Social Capital in Chile
by Linda Smith, CEO, CHOICE Humanitarian
Scholars discuss Social Capital
In September I attended a conference held in Santiago, Chile where I was invited to make a presentation on how CHOICE Humanitarian is using the concept of "social capital" in practical application. The conference, held September 24-26, 2001 was co-sponsored by the United Nations Commission on Economic Development in Latin American and the Caribbean and Michigan State University. Attendees at the conference included policy makers from Latin American and Caribbean governments, scholars and experts on social capital, and representatives from international organizations such as CHOICE.
Each discipline has a different definition
The purpose of the conference was to bring together organizations working to solve the problem of poverty in Latin America. CHOICE was representative of organizations who are actively working on a day-to-day basis with the problems of poverty. The CHOICE delegation included myself, Mark Bailey and Willy Mendoza. The objective of the meeting was to agree on a definition of social capital from economic, social, anthropological, political and practical standpoints. Each discipline has a different definition, yet each agrees it is an important factor in the reduction of poverty.
CHOICE knows about building trust
Social capital was explained as the creation of greater trust among people. CHOICE already knows about building trust. We bring villagers together to solve their own problems and know that trust will build. We bring expedition participants together to share a village experience and know that trust will evolve.
Making friends is where "Social Capital" begins.
Villagers develop their own solutions
Social capital was described as the creation of networks. CHOICE already knows the value of leaving villages with networks in place. CHOICE Director of Field Operations, Chris Johnson explains, "CHOICE assists village organizations in building a network of resources outside their traditional boundaries. This process of gaining 'social capital' allows them access to the tools, resources and knowledge to develop their own solutions to their own needs."
Social capital was described as the creation of bonds or friendships that give socio-emotional support. CHOICE already knows that the bonds developed among villagers and expedition participants have a positive impact on the lives of everyone involved.
CHOICE brings reality
Many conference attendees, including representatives from the World Bank, USAID, Michigan State, elected officials and others, told me how impressed they are with our understanding and application of "social capital". CHOICE brings reality to the theory. CHOICE is implementing the concept on a day-to day basis to help give villagers greater control of their own destinies. The conference was an excellent opportunity to increase social capital for CHOICE by sharing our message and our work with an international audience. Events such as these give CHOICE greater public awareness and contacts that aid in a greater capacity to further our work around the world.
NOTE: This article appeared in the fall 2001 edition of Footsteps, the CHOICE Humanitarian official newsletter.
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