10 Ways (and Counting!) to Build Social Capital

As we work on our Social Capitalist Curriculum, we're thinking a lot about practical ways to teach people how to build social capital.  I've begun "tweeting" these ideas and now that we're up to 10, wanted to pull together into a blog post.  I'll update every time we've got another batch of 10 or so, and would welcome your contributions to the list.  You can add those by commenting here (approval needed) or by tweeting them with the hashtag #socialcaptips.  The idea of such a list isn't unique, in fact, the Saguaro Seminar has a great list of "150 Things You Can Do to Build Social Capital".  We seek to add to the practical social capital building tips by creating one based on our experience and sharing it here and via Twitter.

1: Fix a meal for new parents in your neighborhood.

2: Share your swimming pool with neighbors.

3: Recommend local businesses that provide good service to your friends and family.

4: Look after a neighbor's home when they are away on vacation.

5: Support local schools.

6: Introduce people in your network to each other, esp those that travel in different circles.

7: Commenting on a neighbor's yard, garden or flowers is a great conversation starter!

8: Share extra produce from your garden with neighbors, or a local soup kitchen.

9: Plant an edible hedge (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries), invite neighbors passing. from http://twitter.com/danceswithworms

10: Send thank you notes. Build more, do it the old-fashioned way, paper & pen via snail mail.