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'Bridging' Social Capital Seminar Series

Our increasingly diverse societies have re-emphasised concerns around fragmentation and the importance of social cohesion. Social cohesion depends partly on being able to achieve the right balance between diversity and unity and on valuing the differences between people as well as the common bonds. Social capital, in its various forms, is the glue that can hold together individuals and communities.

This seminar series is jointly organised by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and the Carnegie UK Trust Inquiry into the Future of Civil Society in the UK & Ireland. The aim of the series is to improve the understanding of the dynamics of social capital by exploring its operation in a number of different contexts.

Who should attend?

The seminars will provide an opportunity for practitioners, academics and policymakers to share insights into how ‘bridging’ social capital is generated and how it can enhance the effectiveness of civil society associations and organisations committed to change and contribute to a more inclusive and socially just society. Each seminar is free to attend.

Seminar themes:

Seminar 1: Building bridges (12 June 2008, NCVO)

Examining how civil society associations and organisations can successfully build bridges between different communities, and explore what lessons can be learnt from existing ‘bridging organisations’.

Seminar 2: Social capital and dimensions of equality (31 July 2008, Carnegie)

Looking at diversity within as well as between communities and how social capital enables voice in marginalised communities.

Seminar 3 : Diversity and social cohesion (29 September 2008, NCVO)

Exploring the link between diversity and social capital and the implications for policy and practice.

Seminar 4 : Intergenerational connections (October)

Examining how intergenerational practice can promote inclusiveness, collaboration and better understanding across generations.

Seminar 5 : Bridging the learning divide (November)

Looking at how schools and high education institutions promote, along with other partners, community cohesion and social inclusion.

Seminar 6 : A more civil society (December)

Exploring how civil society organisations can help bring people together when they have fundamentally opposing views and establish conflict resolution mechanisms.