In reading “Bowling Alone”, by Robert Putnam….I really want to go out and join Kiwanis, or Rotary….or perhaps just attend the Optimists a bit more regularly.

What is it about society that causes such a breakdown? Such a decline in meeting together? Why are we losing such great amounts of “social capital”?

Don’t worry if I’ve lost you….I’m new to this world too. Social capital is talked about as being those things which contribute socially to the “lubrication” of our society. The things that we do, or that we involve ourselves in…that connect us. That help us know each other. That help us share life together.

Putnam has some great information, and some very scary realizations that show that even as there are a growing number of organizations, there is a declining number of members. There is also a growing amount of “organizations” that don’t really add much “social capital” even though they have such good motivations.

Organizations that add to social capital would be those that meet regularly, where people interact with people on a regular basis. They rub shoulders. They share life.

Organizations that don’t quite add much, even with good intentions, can be those with a specific base, that send out letters, raise funds, and one can be a member simply by filling out a membership form, and paying annual dues.

Our goal is to increase the amount of the former type of organizations, or at least involve ourselves more in them. It is an important way to involve yourself in making your community a better place to live with/among. Do your part…..and I’ll try to do mine. We’ll lubricate this society, and things will run just a little more smoothly.

PS. Attending a church is a great way to contribute to your communities level of social capital. 🙂 Go God.