Social Networks
Social networks are formed by the various types of human interactions people make every day. These connections shape lives and help direct futures. Casey believes there is a very critical link between strong, positive social networks and the ability to achieve successful, tangible change for and with disadvantaged families.
In Making Connections neighborhoods, for example, families are often disconnected from each other and from opportunities for change. In many cases, the connections they have are more destructive than constructive. Institutional racism, classism, bureaucratic red-tape, and employee burnout are just a few of the challenges vulnerable families face in dealing with institutions and bureaucracies. By helping families in tough neighborhoods build upon the benefits of their naturally occurring social networks, recognize the power of additional social networks connections to other stakeholders in their neighborhood environments, and helping them to develop tools to harness that power, Casey works to support low-income community residents in their realization that they are the primary change agents in their own lives. Social networks can help to strengthen community change efforts through:
- Growth - Existing members of a network see the benefits of belonging and new members see the value of joining.
- Resilience - The network is fluid enough to withstand stresses and threats. For example, losing a leader does not jeopardize the network.
- Reach - As networks grow, they connect people to strangers and unforeseen opportunities, the true way that lasting change occurs.
Promoting positive social networks may be one of the key ingredients to creating authentic, sustainable change in struggling neighborhoods. It is within these networks that hidden opportunities for positive transformation arise.
Learn More