Given the latest news about
the pending repeal of the Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, now more than ever
it is important to understand what social capital is, how to develop it and how
to access it.
What is Social Capital: Your social networks have value and importance. By
being an active participant in your community, condition specific organization,
family, work and other networks, you have an opportunity to give to those in
need and in turn, have community you can reach out to when you need help.
Why Invest: By
“paying it forward”-volunteering to help others- you help yourself in multiple
ways including improvement in self-confidences, self-worth and general
wellbeing. People who volunteer and actively engage in social networking live
longer and experience higher levels of satisfaction than those who don’t.
Given proposed governmental
cuts in funding, while you may qualify for any number of services such as
rides, homemaker, respite care etc., the organization(s) that run these
programs may not have the money to offer them. Having a network of people you
can rely on can make the difference in not only your ability to live
independently but also keeping a loved one at home.
Keep in mind that even if you
live in a community where there is a high degree of social capital, unless you
are an active participant and have good connections within your community, you
will be less likely to reap the emotional and practical benefits
How to Invest/Increase Your Capital: There are many ways you can go about doing this:
• Participate in your
condition specific organization, such as a group for people with arthritis,
Parkinson’s Disease, caregiver support etc. You can do this on-line or in
person. Within this format there are many ways to help and be involved from
being a buddy, to making fundraising and support calls, providing rides,
helping someone to navigate the health care system etc.
• Join a local church or
civic group (e.g. Rotary, Lions Club)
• Support local merchants
• Volunteer for organizations
and groups in your community
• Plan a vacation with
friends or family
• Join/start a book club,
hiking group, craft
• For more ideas check
out 52 Ways to Increase Social Capital
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