Sparking Social Capital utilizing new Digital Tools and old Community Organizing methods

Facilitator/s:

Eric Leslie, Union Capital

Workshop Description:

How can we build social capital by utilizing new digital tools combined with traditional organizing methods that create opportunities for individual prosperity and community power? For the past decade Union Capital (unioncapital.org) has been piloting and building a new digital tool that rewards community and civic engagement in two cities in the United States (Boston and Springfield, Massachusetts). Join us to learn more about Union Capital’s disruptive model that sparks community and civic engagement by utilizing 20th Century community organizing practices merged with 21st Century mobile technology, which has resulted in sustainable measurable impact in under-resourced communities.

The workshop will engage in a Consultancy Protocol (https://www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/2020/10/consultancy_structure_1.pdf) to question the efficacy of combining community networking with digital tools and rewards. The Protocol will ask participants to consider and discuss these questions and more: What are the benefits of this new type of engagement method, and what are the challenges? How can we measure sustainable and meaningful impact through this type of model, and what are the limitations? How might these models and tools be replicable and utilized in other communities around the world? The session will conclude with new ideas and next steps for connecting our emerging model in one corner of the world with research and practitioners across the globe that could benefit from our learnings and vice versa.

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:

– Analyze a new model that uses technology to foster community engagement
– Learn about the components of the UC Model (App Rewards, Network Nights, Leadership training) that can be used and implemented anywhere
– Debate the efficacy of digital tools and incentives to spark real-world participation
– Foster connections across regions with like-minded people eager to implement practices that build social capital

Intended Audience:

This workshop is designed for anyone interested in learning about innovative models for building social capital. It is most specifically applicable to practitioners around the world who might want to utilize components of the Union Capital model in their methods. Data analysis will be shared and debated, so it will also be valuable to have researchers and students join the discussion as well.

Accessibility Considerations:

As a former educator and middle school principal I believe strongly in interactive and inclusive learning experiences. This presentation will utilize video storytelling, guided note handouts, and a shortened version of a Consultancy Protocol that is designed to be inclusive of multiple learning styles, as well as solicit audience participation and collaboration. Participants will be invited to analyze and question the information presented and engage with each other in potential improvements, impacts, and opportunities.

About the Facilitator/s:

Eric Leslie is the founder and lead organizer of Union Capital (unioncapital.org). Eric began his career as a community organizer in Baltimore and New York City with the Industrial Areas Foundation. Eric later joined Teach For America and taught middle school in North Philadelphia, serving as principal of KIPP Philadelphia Charter School from 2008-2012. Eric returned home to attend the mid-career Masters in Public Administration program at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in 2013 and founded Union Capital in Boston the following year. Founded in 2014, Union Capital’s mission is to transform social capital into opportunity by rewarding community engagement. UC’s innovative approach combines technology and relationship building to strengthen neighborhood networks, build social capital, and create new pathways of opportunity for individuals and community. He lives back in his hometown of Cambridge, Massachusetts with his wife and two daughters.