Category Archive » Social Capital
Agenda: Not only do Americans need to be more connected to their government, they must be more connected with each other. The guiding principle of this site is that social connectedness breeds not only better policy and a more informed electorate, but a stronger nation. In Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam uses statistical data to prove that “the sharp, steady declines in club meetings, visits with friends, committee service, church attendance, philanthropic generosity, card games, and electoral turnout have hit virtually all sectors of American society over the last several decades and in roughly equal measure.” This finding is significant because Putnam concludes by showing that in communities with higher levels of social capital, schools perform better, children are better off, violent crime is rarer, public health is better, and mortality rates are lower.
America’s “Greatest Generation” was not called such simply for its galore on the battlefield. Their courage on the homefront was almost as remarkable. Today, war and national tragedies seem to be the only events that can spark true showings of national patriotism. We ought to be more patriotic when things are going well. Patriotism is not just pride in our flag or our nation’s history. It is a love of country that stems from a love of one’s community. There should be no surprise in the fact that neighorhoods with higher levels of social capital are better neighborhoods. As we look to tackle all of the issues being discussed on this website, we should remember that whether it be the war, taxes, health care, or the environment, we are far more likely to come to a concensus when we consider the person being affected by these issues a friend, a neighbor, or a loved one. Patriotism isn’t about wearing a button on your lapel or waving a flag from your front yard. Patriotism is about putting love for one’s country before love for oneself. We are the caretakers of our communities just as we are the caretakers of our government. It is time we took better care of both, and better care of each other. (Click here to read the full agenda)
In just twelve days, United Ways all across the country will host a “Day of Action.” It’s a simple idea but a powerful one, and they explain it best themselves,
June 21 is the longest day of the year. More daylight hours than any other. More time for volunteers to bring sun into someone’s life. More time to help elected officials see the light. More light to shine on United Way’s solutions to community issues. June 21 is a perfect day for United Ways across the country to let their actions speak louder than words. To show, by example, what it means to LIVE UNITED.
Each local United Way is hosting its own day of volunteering, each with a unique agenda. The Aloha United Way is refurbishing affordable homes, the United Way Capital Area in Austin, TX is hosting block parties and a LIVE UNITED film festival, the United Way of Nashville is having a book drive, and the United Way of the Midlands is providing free blood pressure screenings.
As the political season grows more and more partisan, it’s refreshing to see such a visible organization as the United Way attempt to put the emphasis back on volunteering and engagement. It’s a goal and an event that I, personally, will be proud to support.
And, as a postscript, if you haven’t gotten a chance to see United Way of America’s new ad campaign, take a look:
Underneath everything we are, underneath everything we do, we are all people: connected, interdependent, united. And when we reach out a hand to one, we can influence the condition of all. That’s what it means to Live United. [Music: We Belong]
Nothing better exemplifies the fact that a lot of people have a lot of different ideas to make the country better than this video from the New York City improv troup Improv Everywhere:
According to their website, Improv Everywhere “causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places.” Thanks to You Ain’t No Picasso for the heads up.
