Pre-Conference Workshops

Workshops

On Thursday, March 26, 2026, the conference will host up to 30 half-day workshops, running in both morning and afternoon sessions, before the opening keynote presentation by Professor Robert Putnam in the evening.

These workshops will span a wide range of topics connected to social capital, offering space for hands-on practice, in-depth research exploration, applied analysis, and more. They provide an opportunity for participants to engage closely with experts, develop practical skills, and exchange insights in a more interactive format than the main conference sessions.

Workshop Signup will be available with the conference registration

Registration will open in October 2025. Even before registration opens, you can register your Expression of Interest to receive timely updates, registration reminders, and program news directly from the organisers.

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Workshop topics

The details of the workshops are being confirmed and will be added here. Please come back to check out the new workshop opportunities.

Click to expand and see the workshop details.

Navigating social capital theory and literature

Facilitator:
Tristan Claridge, Heriot-Watt University and the Institute for Social Capital

Description:
This workshop provides a roadmap for understanding the concept of social capital with practical tools to help organize and understand the different conceptual and theoretical approaches. It is designed to rapidly introduce the concept and its use in research, helping avoid weeks or even months of reading. It will help you quickly navigate the different meanings and conceptual approaches, directing you to the best approach for your research or interest and giving you reference lists and readings.

Social capital is a complex concept with many different meanings and conceptual approaches that can be difficult and complicated to understand and apply. The literature on the topic is incredibly broad and diverse, presenting an ongoing challenge for anyone interested in using the concept in research or practice. The concept has numerous theoretical foundations, making reading the literature challenging, even for experienced scholars. Most people reading the literature report feeling confused and uncertain, and everyone can benefit from a deeper understanding of the theories of social capital.

Over the last 20 years of working on the concept of social capital, Tristan Claridge, the facilitator of this workshop, has developed numerous typologies for understanding the concept. His work has sought to identify the differences and similarities of different approaches to social capital, and he has constantly asked difficult questions to explore the deeper meanings and theoretical foundations.

There are no “silver bullets” and no quick simple solutions that are appropriate for every discipline and every application. But this workshop guides and directs you. Ultimately, the goal of this workshop is to help you understand the concept better, apply it more effectively, and save you time in doing so. You will come away with a deeper understanding of the concept of social capital and how to apply it in research or practice.

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Define social capital and explain its relevance across a range of research and practical contexts.
  • Recognize the diversity of conceptual and theoretical approaches to social capital, including key distinctions and debates.
  • Navigate the literature efficiently using typologies and frameworks that organize and differentiate major schools of thought.
  • Identify which theoretical approach to social capital best aligns with their research goals or practical application.
  • Critically evaluate different definitions and uses of social capital in academic and grey literature.
  • Apply social capital theory with greater clarity and confidence in their own research, policy, or practice.
  • Access curated resources and reading lists to deepen their understanding beyond the workshop.
  • Avoid common pitfalls and misunderstandings that arise when working with social capital.

Intended Audience:
This workshop is designed for:

  • Researchers and postgraduate students across disciplines (e.g., sociology, economics, political science, public health, education, development studies) who are using or considering using the concept of social capital.
  • Practitioners and professionals working in community development, social policy, international development, public health, disaster management, education, and related fields where social capital is relevant.
  • Policy analysts and decision-makers seeking a clearer understanding of how social capital can inform evidence-based policies and programs.
    Consultants and evaluators who encounter social capital in impact assessments or stakeholder analyses.
  • Anyone new to the concept of social capital who wants a structured and time-efficient introduction grounded in deep expertise and a critical approach.

No prior expertise in social capital theory is required, but a basic familiarity with social science concepts will be helpful.

About the Facilitator:
Tristan Claridge is a Visiting Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt University and the Director of the Institute for Social Capital. He is an independent researcher, consultant, and trainer working to advance the concept of social capital. His work utilizes the concept of social capital in various applications, including economic development, community development, organizational and project performance, poverty alleviation, and others. Over the last twenty years, he has worked to improve the theories of social capital and assist others to improve their understanding and use of the concept in research, practice, and policy. He has developed an approach to the application of social capital that is logically consistent, theoretically grounded, and easy to understand and apply to research and practical applications. He draws on lessons from economics, sociology, political science, psychology, urban planning, and any other discipline that contributes understanding to the concept. Driven by his belief in the power of discourse and collaboration, Tristan continues to work towards advancing social capital theory and practice globally. Tristan is the current President of the International Social Capital Association and chair of the Social Capital Paradigm Interest Group.

Building Futures Through Social Capital: The Community Connected Learning Framework

Facilitator:
Edward DeJesus and Dr. Cera Doering, Social Capital Builders

Description:

In today’s education and workforce systems, success is often framed as a matter of technical skill, knowledge acquisition, or test performance. Yet for countless learners, especially those from underserved backgrounds, the missing ingredient is not competence but connection. Opportunities to enter, navigate, and advance in careers rarely come from qualifications alone; they are unlocked by the relationships that provide access to information, influence, and resources. This workshop introduces the Community Connected Learning (CCL) Framework, developed by Social Capital Builders, as a transformative approach that makes social capital a central pillar of learning.

At the heart of CCL is a simple but powerful shift: from “what you teach” to “how you teach.” Rather than viewing the instructor as the sole gatekeeper of knowledge, CCL equips participants with the skills and confidence to recognize, cultivate, and sustain relationships with “change makers,” the individuals, organizations, and institutions who can open doors to real opportunity. By embedding social capital literacy into learning experiences, CCL turns classrooms and training programs into environments where learners build the networks that drive economic mobility and long-term well-being.

The workshop will combine conceptual grounding with hands-on practice. Participants will explore the foundations of social capital literacy, examining how networks and connections shape hiring and advancement. You will practice using simple social network analysis tools to identify hidden assets and overlooked pathways in their own communities. Through structured activities, participants will experience CCL from both learner and facilitator perspectives, discovering how small shifts in approach, such as asking for advice rather than a job, or sharing milestones with mentors, can transform relationships into engines of career success.

A case study of “Jose,” a young man who aspired to a career in HVAC but felt he “didn’t know anyone,” illustrates this transformation. Through CCL, Jose mapped his social network and discovered an indirect but powerful link to a former Job Corps instructor. By reframing his approach and engaging this connection with humility and persistence, Jose opened the door to a career pathway he once thought unreachable. Stories like Jose’s highlight the power of CCL to help learners see opportunity in their existing networks, legitimize the role of social capital, and reframe education as a process of connection-building.

Why attend?
This workshop offers both fresh insights and practical tools. For researchers and academics, it provides a bridge between social capital theory and applied practice. For practitioners, community leaders, and educators, it offers strategies to integrate social capital building into everyday teaching and workforce development. By participating, attendees will gain not only a clearer understanding of how social capital drives opportunity but also concrete methods to apply this knowledge in their own contexts.

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the principles of Community Connected Learning (CCL) as a strength-based, connection-oriented approach to education and workforce development.
  • Examine how connecting learners to change makers—individuals, organizations, and institutions with access and influence—drives economic mobility and social well-being.
  • Apply a simple social network analysis tool to identify hidden community assets and map potential pathways for career advancement.
  • Experience an CCL activity as both a learner and facilitator, gaining insight into how it legitimizes social capital and reveals overlooked connections.

Intended Audience:
This workshop is designed for researchers, academics, community leaders, and practitioners seeking culturally grounded, equity-based approaches to bridging educational theory, social capital theory, and real-world change. Participants will learn how Community Connected Learning (CCL) equips learners to identify and connect with change makers: individuals, organizations, and institutions who drive economic mobility and social well-being. Through CCL activities,, attendees will gain practical tools to uncover hidden assets, legitimize social capital, and design strategies that transform education and workforce programs into engines of opportunity.

About the Facilitators:

Edward DeJesus, MS is a pioneering leader in social capital literacy, with over 40 years of experience advancing workforce, education, and justice initiatives. He holds a Master’s in Urban Policy Analysis from the New School for Social Research and a B.A. in Political Science from Fordham University. Edward is the President of Social Capital Builders, Inc. and co-founder of the Academy for Transformational Change, where he has designed nationally recognized programs that help adults, youth, and returning citizens leverage relationships for economic mobility and community safety. He is the author of three books—Making It, Workforce and Summer Job Success, and Connecting the Disconnected—and numerous articles and curricula used nationwide. A W.K. Kellogg Foundation National Fellow and Rutgers University Fellow, Edward has been recognized for shaping national policies and training thousands of practitioners. Through his work, he continues to bridge research and practice, equipping underserved communities with the power of social capital to transform lives.

Dr. Cera Doering is an accomplished education leader with over 20 years of experience as a teacher, instructional specialist, principal, and human resources director. She holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Equity Centered Leadership and Innovative Change from Marymount University, where her research and practice focused on transforming educational systems through sustainable leadership and innovation. In addition, she earned a Master’s degree in Conflict Management from the University of Baltimore and advanced certification in school administration from Towson University. Dr. Doering’s expertise spans instructional excellence, talent development, and system-wide school improvement, making her a trusted voice in advancing equity, educator support, and student success.