social capital noun. the value of our social networks & relationships

SCI's Strategic Plan

The Nationwide Problem

Across the nation, there is a lack of social connection, which has significant consequences for community health and individual well-being.

Lacking social connection can increase the risk for premature death as much as up to 15 cigarettes a day.

As we are increasingly isolated & divided, it is clear that changing the direction of our civic life needs to start at the local level. 

In 2022, only 39% of adults in the U.S. said that they felt very connected to others.

Building relationships of trust across differences will be a critical source of resilience. For over two decades SCI programs have cultivated connections, and now our mission is more important than ever.

“A culture of connection is vital to creating the changes needed in society”

~ Former U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy

SCI Impact & Expertise

SCI has always met evolving community needs through innovative programs and local partnerships. Our foundational knowledge in community building is made stronger by ongoing impact, affirming SCI’s capability to achieve our goals:

Developing Leaders

SCI Youth Pitch Contest

SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest has provided 275 young people with adult mentors & funding for community impact projects since 2021. Participating youth teams develop their project ideas through in-depth coaching with local professionals, before pitching their project to a live panel of judges at the culminating Pitch Event with an opportunity to receive $1,000-$2,000 in grant funding! The Youth Grant Pitch Contest empowers young leaders to develop, pitch, and implement community projects that address pressing issues affecting their peers and community members.

Leaders for an Equitable Tomorrow (LET)

SCI’s paid internship program through Leaders for an Equitable Tomorrow (LET) empowers local high schoolers to address peer mental health through resources, community events and workshops. Since 2023, LET events have engaged over 200 youth.

Juneteenth Woburn

Juneteenth Woburn

Link to the Juneteenth Woburn Event Gallery

SCI leads the Juneteenth Woburn organizing stakeholder committee since the inaugural celebration in 2021, with 400+ attendees each year.

Partners

Coordinating local partners in Woburn Unites since 2016, SCI collaborates towards inclusive community & support of vulnerable peoples.

Volunteers

Engaging 150-200 volunteers through Senior Leaf Raking serves ~20 homes annually since 2015, engaging local youth and families.

Community & Connections

SCI has been connecting 320 Haitian & Central American migrants with community resources & civic engagement since 2022.

SCI delivers training & capacity building services to 10+ local nonprofits annually through tailored community workshops & SCI AmeriCorps.

Our Plan of Action

Developing community leaders who bring people and organizations together has been core to SCI’s work since our founding in 2002. Building on our experience and impact, SCI is launching a 3-year strategic plan to create and scale initiatives that increase social connection by developing local leaders. Leveraging over 20 years of community-building and leadership development experience, SCI will develop 1,000 Social Capital Cultivators™ by 2028 who will build bridges, nurturing the long-term health of our communities in Greater Boston. We will cultivate a culture of connection, while also sharing a model & resources for communities across the country to follow.

1,000 Social Capital Cultivators™

What Will They Be Doing?

1,000 Social Capital Cultivators™ that will bridge individual & institutional connections across differences through intentional and inclusive community-building initiatives, such as:

  • Community Arts Projects
  • Cultural Culinary Events
  • Intergenerational Programs
  • Neighborhood Initiatives
  • Volunteer Engagement

Authentic connections lead to better social, economic, and health outcomes for all. Social Capital Cultivators™ are emerging leaders who will bring people together across differences and address community needs.

Testimonial: “Having guidance from places like SCI, and giving us a platform, helps us show the community, and the world, what we can do.”

SCI's Roadmap

Launch the SCI Network

Through a combination of in-person events and online networking, we will formalize our SCI Network™ of local leaders who build relationships, share resources & collaborate across communities, while providing mentorship and growth opportunities for Social Capital Cultivators™. You can join the SCI Network now- click here!

Expand SCI Programs

We will expand and deepen innovative programs that develop Social Capital Cultivators™, address emerging community needs, and increase social connection.

Amplify SCI Knowledge​

We will provide accessible workshops, resources and technical assistance that build capacity of individuals & community organizations to lead initiatives that increase social connection and help residents thrive in their local communities.

Invest in Connections: How you can help

No single organization can address our nation’s epidemic of social disconnection, but we know that the solution starts in our local communities… That’s where you come in! The next three years will be crucial to ensuring the success and sustainability of our long-term vision of building stronger, more connected, and inclusive communities, where all have an equal opportunity to thrive.

You can help launch our strategic plan by joining our network of dedicated supporters: 

1. Become a Visionary with a $50,000+ investment. 2. Join the Founders’ Circle with an investment of $10,000+. 3. Support as a member of our Catalyst Circle with an annual gift of $1,000+.

Other ways you can help us reach our goals include:

  • Join the SCI Network and help us grow with a monthly gift!
  • Volunteer or Partner with us!
  • Talk with us about other opportunities!

We welcome investments at all levels and are thankful for all who join in our mission to cultivate connections. With your help, we can reach our initial goal of $250,000 to launch our growth plan to support our strategic impact goals.

Immediate Impacts of your Investment

With the community’s contributions, we will be able to support our goals:

Long Term Impacts

We are deploying leading data tools from the American Immigration Council and Search Institute to measure changes in key social connection indicators for Cultivators™ and individuals they impact in their communities. Examples of these outcomes include:

1. Sense of Community Belonging. 2. Personal Network Diversity. 3. Support to develop social capital.

Our core metrics will enable us to set benchmarks for long-term success while evaluating our progress, and your investment! Along with these benchmarks, SCI is focusing on training 1,000 Social Capital Cultivators™ to help maintain our success long-term:

Join Us!

Give to SCI!
Join the SCI Network!
Talk to Us!