Pre-Conference Workshops

Pre-Conference Workshops

Morning Workshops

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.

 

Social networks, centrality, UCINET and social capital.

Facilitator:

Martin Everett

Description:

Social network analysis is an important tool for trying to measure different aspects of social capital. In this workshop we will explore how the software package UCINET can be exploited to help us fulfil this goal. This interactive workshop gives all participants an opportunity for hands-on experience analyzing network data using the UCINET/Netdraw software package. In the first part we will provide a beginner’s tutorial on the concepts, methods, and data analysis techniques from data entry through reporting results. Together, we will use sample datasets to focus on the interpretation and calculation of some of the most common measures of network analysis at the node, dyad, and whole-network level of analysis. We will also provide a hands-on tutorial for NetDraw, which creates network visualizations. We will then look in closer detail at centrality measures, explaining there assumptions and interpretation. In addition we will look at ego network measure in particular Burt’s theory of structural holes and related measures.

Intended Audience:

We assume little or no knowledge of network methods but it would be useful to have had exposure to the terminology. It would be beneficial if participants had UCINET on their laptops so they can gain hands on experience. Note UCINET is free and can be downloaded from

https://sites.google.com/site/ucinetsoftware/download [sites.google.com]

 

Note this only runs on a PC so Mac users will need an emulator such as parallels.

About the Facilitator:

Martin Everett is Professor of Social Network Analysis and co-director of the Mitchell Centre for Social Network Analysis at the University of Manchester  He holds a BSc in mathematics from Loughborough University, an MSc from Oxford University, and a DPhil jointly awarded by mathematics and sociology from Oxford, where he was supervised by Clyde Mitchell, a founding figure in social network analysis. With Stephen Borgatti, he co-authored UCINET, a widely-used software package for social network analysis, and edits the journal Network Science. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and consulted with government agencies and private companies.

Measures of Social Capital, Triadic Correlations in Graphs, Di-Graphs and Signed Graphs

Facilitators:
David Dekker with David Krackhardt

Description:

This workshop explores how advanced network theory can be applied to measure and understand social capital. Participants will learn about the role of triadic correlations, directed graphs (di-graphs), and signed graphs in capturing the structure and dynamics of social relationships. The session will discuss both conceptual and practical aspects of quantifying trust, reciprocity, and balance within social systems, connecting network patterns to broader theories of cooperation and influence.

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:

The workshop aims to introduce participants to analytical frameworks for examining complex social networks and their implications for social capital research.

By the end of the session, participants will:

  • Understand key measures used to assess social capital within network structures.

  • Recognize how triadic and signed relationships reveal deeper patterns of trust and conflict.

  • Be able to interpret directed and signed graph data to inform social network analysis.

  • Gain confidence in applying these frameworks to research on communities, organizations, or online networks.

Intended Audience:

This workshop is suitable for researchers, academics, and practitioners interested in social capital, sociology, data analytics, or network science. It is open to participants with basic familiarity with data analysis or network concepts, though prior technical experience is not required.

About the Facilitator:

Dr Dekker is a Reseach Fellow at Heriot-Watt University Dubai and an expert in social network theory, a science which merges mathematics and sociology. Originally from The Netherlands, he has a PhD from Erasmus University Rotterdam and, alongside his academic work, advises businesses on green investments.

Introduction to Researching Social Capital with Network Analysis

Facilitators:

Professor Dimitris Christopoulos

Description:

Details will be available soon.

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:

Details will be available soon.

Intended Audience:

Details will be available soon.

About the Facilitator:

Details will be available soon.

From Lyrics to Legacy: Building Social Capital Through Art & Creativity

Facilitators:

Matthew De Cae, ProActif

Description:

This workshop is a hands-on journey through the same 4-step process—Imagination, Experimentation, Resilience, Strategy—that led to the creation of “Whatever It Takes”, a song I wrote and perform in 110 global languages. Alongside ALDIC (Luxembourgish Association for Intercultural Dialogue), the song was rewarded a 12.000 Euro grant for the production of a video that is being entirely led by marginalised youth aged 12-26. The video is set to be released in December 2025 and is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration and, fittingly, social capital. It’s about unlocking the creative potential of individuals and teams to build social capital, and drive meaningful change.

The 4-step process includes:

1) Imagination: How to generate bold, inclusive ideas that resonate across boundaries
2) Experimentation: Techniques for rapid prototyping, appliance of efficient feedback, and creative risk-taking
3) Resilience: Building emotional and collaborative stamina to navigate complexity and overcome creative barriers
4) Strategy: Turning creative outputs into sustainable, scalable value, and impact

The workshop blends education and entertainment (i.e. edutainment) to create a dynamic, immersive, and interactive learning experience.

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:

1) Demystify the creative process by breaking it into four actionable stages: Imagination, Experimentation, Resilience, and Strategy.
2) Foster cross-cultural and cross-generational empathy through the lens of multilingual expression
3) Build social capital by encouraging participants to co-create, share, and reflect on ideas that transcend individual perspectives.
4) Translate artistic insight into practical frameworks applicable in education, business, and social innovation.

Intended Audience:

– Social innovators looking to mobilize communities
– Educators seeking new tools for engagement and inclusion
– Business leaders aiming to spark creativity, collaboraiton, and resilience in their teams
– Artists and creators wanting to scale their vision across cultures

About the Facilitator:

I hold a Master Degree in Arts & Social Sciences, having studied in 5 separate countries and lived in 8 more since then in the context of work. I’m also a certified NLP coach (neuro-linguistic programming).

Having spent 10 years in the hospitality industry, I currently hold a position as Head of Professional Re-integration at ProActif, an employment activation scheme for long-term job seekers.

I can converse in 15 languages and consider language learning to be the most viable portal for connection and mutual understanding.

I am 36 years of age and am also heavily involved in social initiatives, such as supporting Luxembourg’s Special Olympics soccer team as a trainer or holding regular workshops for refugees and young people trying to design a life in Luxembourg. Finally, I regularly host evening events and was most recently called up as master of ceremony for the official inauguration of the Hotel Alfa Marriott Luxembourg.

From Codes to Contribution: Using the Gioia Approach to Do Social Capital Research.

Facilitators:

Yusuf Hassan, Heriot Watt University

Description:

This two-hour, hands-on workshop introduces the Gioia methodology as a clear way to build grounded theory in studies of social capital. We start with a quick overview of how Gioia helps researchers move from raw interviews, field notes, and documents to first-order codes, second-order themes, and an aggregate dimension. I will then walk through a live example so participants can see coding decisions in real time. Most of the session is practical: small groups will code short transcript excerpts, compare labels, reconcile differences, and sketch a data structure that makes sense to multiple readers. We will discuss how to maintain an audit trail, demonstrate rigour without losing the story, and write the methods and findings sections so reviewers can follow the chain of evidence. The session is software-neutral, meaning that participants can use paper, Excel, or any CAQDAS software. The session will follow this simple running order: 15 minutes for framing and fitting to social capital research, 20 minutes for a live coding demo, 35 minutes for group coding practice, 20 minutes for building the data structure and figure, 15 minutes for discussing trustworthiness and audit trails, and finally, 15 minutes for writing up and a Q&A session. Participants are encouraged to bring a page or two of anonymous transcripts or notes to use during the activities.

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:

  • Distinguish first-order codes, second-order themes and aggregate dimensions in the Gioia approach
  • Practise open coding on a short social capital dataset and reconcile codes in a small group
  • Construct a clear data structure and accompanying figure that links data to theory
  • Develop a short audit trail that documents decisions and strengthens trustworthiness
  • Identify common pitfalls in Gioia studies and ways to avoid them in proposals and papers
  • Draft the core elements of a methods paragraph and a findings subsection using Gioia language
  • Map how insights about ties, trust, norms and resources travel from data to contribution in social capital research
  • Leave with a simple template (coding sheet and figure outline) to apply in your own project

Intended Audience:

This workshop is aimed at researchers who want a disciplined, transparent way to analyse qualitative data for work on social capital. It will be useful for doctoral students, early-career scholars and experienced academics across management, HRM, sociology, public policy, education, health and sports management. Practitioners who collect interviews or field notes and need to turn them into publishable insights are also welcome. No prior experience with specific software is required, though basic familiarity with interviews or qualitative texts will help. Participants who bring a short, anonymised excerpt from their own projects will be able to test the steps during the session.

About the Facilitator:

I am an interdisciplinary academic and Assistant Professor of Business Management and Programme Director of MSc International Business Management (with HRM & Finance) at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, with prior appointments across the UK, USA and India. I am a qualified social worker (CDA Dubai), a chartered member of the Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD UK) and a certified business management educator (CABS UK). Trained at IIM Indore and a fellow at the Stockholm School of Economics, my research lies at the intersection of talent management, leadership and sport, particularly in marginalised contexts such as para-sports and the gig economy. I integrate qualitative (Gioia method, narrative inquiry) and quantitative methods to explore contemporary organisational issues. My work has been published in ABS/ABDC peer-reviewed journals and is complemented by editorial roles at several international journals. I am a recipient of multiple international travel grants and scholarly awards, and I have presented at leading global conferences, including EGOS, EURAM, AOM and ANZAM. My teaching is rooted in experiential design, blending simulations, Netflix-themed cases and gamified modules to drive engagement. I am also an advocate for inclusive pedagogy and ethical leadership in business education.

From Social Capital to Sustainable Shores: Policy Strategies for Coastal Technology Uptake

Facilitators:

Marhaini Mohd Noor, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Description:

Through the deployment of cutting-edge technologies, researchers, government officials, and community leaders will work together to jointly examine feasible policy approaches that improve coastal sustainability. They will also examine how social networks and infrastructure affect the adoption of technology in coastal areas through evidence-based conversations and cooperative breakout sessions. Participate in hands-on exercises to design innovative policy tools and frameworks tailored to local contexts. Insights into the critical role of social capital in facilitating sustainable technology uptake. How infrastructure development can enable or hinder the implementation of sustainable solutions. Context-specific policy recommendations informed by multi-stakeholder input. Collaborative networks committed to advancing sustainable coastal development and strategic action plans and pilot initiatives to accelerate technology adoption in coastal communities.

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:

1. To explore and identify effective policy pathways that leverage social capital and infrastructure development to accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies in coastal areas.
2. To foster collaboration among policymakers, community leaders, researchers, and technology providers to promote coastal sustainability.

Intended Audience:

The intended audience will be researchers, government officials, technology experts and community leaders/representatives.

About the Facilitator:

Dr Marhaini expertise cluster bridges Maritime and Community Sciences within the broader domain of Social Sciences, with a focused emphasis on Policy Studies. It addresses critical, cross-cutting policy challenges in coastal and maritime regions through a multidisciplinary lens. Key areas include regional development, cybersecurity policy in maritime contexts, ocean governance, and the advancement of the blue economy. The scope also encompasses sustainability initiatives, coastal community development, and the role of community informatics and social capital in fostering resilient societies. Grounded in both theoretical and applied policy research, this area supports integrated approaches to governance, aligning local, regional, and global objectives for maritime communities. The work particularly contributes to policy innovation and evidence-based strategies that enhance economic, environmental, and social sustainability in coastal zones. By exploring underrepresented and emerging specialist topics, it informs decision-making at multiple levels, strengthening adaptive capacity and sustainable growth across coastal and marine sectors.

Academic Qualifications:
BA (Hons) in Economics and Business (Industrial Economic & Organisation), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), MALAYSIA
Master in Public Administration, Universiti Malaya (UM), MALAYSIA
PhD in Policy Studies, University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), AUSTRALIA

A Participatory Model for Building Social Capital in Real Time

Facilitators:

John Crowley, Aqus Community Foundation

Description:

Conferences often bring together brilliant minds yet can leave participants disconnected, with most conversations confined to coffee breaks or small circles. This two-hour interactive session is designed to transform the Social Capital 2026 experience itself into a living laboratory of connection. Using the Aqus Gathering format, developed over a decade of practice in California, participants will directly experience how structured conversation fosters trust, belonging, collaboration and, ultimately, Social Capital.

The session unfolds in three parts:

1. Social Connect: Participants rotate in groups of three, guided by playful prompts. Each person has 90 seconds to introduce themselves before moving to a new group. In just 40 minutes, attendees will break down barriers and build dozens of new connections, discovering the power of even a two-minute exchange.

2, Hosted Conversations: Subject Matter Experts convene small circles on topics of their choice. Attendees join discussions aligned with their interests, enabling focused, peer-to-peer dialogue. This creates depth beyond the keynote hall, and participants leave with both fresh insights and new collaborators.

3. Pass-the-Mic: To close, every participant has the opportunity to get 12 seconds and one sentence to share something important—a new idea, an opportunity, a challenge, or a personal insight. This high-energy finale ensures every voice is heard and the room leaves buzzing with possibilities.

This session actively creates social capital—modeling practices participants can carry back to their own communities and institutions.

This video gives a good idea of the session:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tavlFY9o6Ko

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:

The desired outcome of this workshop is a collective shift in mindset: participants leave feeling more connected and more willing to initiate conversation throughout the conference. Structured exchanges break down barriers quickly, showing how easy it is to form trust and spark collaboration. By starting the event this way, the conference transforms from a series of sessions into a living network where dialogue flows freely. The aim is for every attendee to carry forward a sense of freedom and expectation to approach others openly, ensuring that the brilliant ideas in the room meet, mix, and multiply.

Intended Audience:

The intended audience is all participants, attendees, and producers of the conference—anyone who wants to experience social capital being created in real time. This is where you meet the very person you came to the conference to find.

About the Facilitator:

John Crowley is an Irish-born community builder and founder of Aqus Café and the Aqus Community Foundation in Petaluma, California. He is also the co-founder of Cool Petaluma, a city-wide environmental action network. For over two decades he has designed and led innovative gatherings—from neighborhood resilience networks and civic conversations to large-scale cultural festivals—all aimed at strengthening trust, belonging, and collaboration. His work has made Petaluma a prime example of social capital in action.

Afternoon Workshops

Self Leadership – The Strategy No One Teaches You

Facilitator:

Neelu Kaur, Sattvic Living

Description:

We live in a world that rewards speed, productivity, and constant comparison-where everyone seems to have an opinion about what we SHOULD be doing. Between social media noise and AI-driven advice, it’s easy to lose sight of our own inner compass.

But here’s the truth: sustainable leadership doesn’t come from external validation-it comes from self-trust.
In this transformative 45-minute session, Neelu Kaur, organizational psychologist and best-selling author of Be Your Own Cheerleader guides high-achievers to step out of the information storm and return to their own grounded wisdom. You’ll learn to recognize when fear or over-achievement is leading the way, and how to re-center in the calm authority of your truest self.

You’ll explore:

  • How to identify when fear-not wisdom-is driving your choices.
  • Research-backed methods to strengthen internal trust and emotional authority.
  • How redefining your relationship with time unlocks creativity, clarity, and better decision-making.
  • Simple techniques to quiet external noise and amplify your authentic leadership voice.\

This isn’t just a mindset shift-it’s a leadership edge.

When you lead from self-trust, you make faster, wiser, and more aligned decisions that elevate your business, your team, and your impact.

Are you ready to move from outer approval to inner authority—and lead from the inside out?

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:

You’ll explore:

  • How to identify when fear-not wisdom-is driving your choices.
  • Research-backed methods to strengthen internal trust and emotional authority.
  • How redefining your relationship with time unlocks creativity, clarity, and better decision-making.
  • Simple techniques to quiet external noise and amplify your authentic leadership voice.

This isn’t just a mindset shift-it’s a leadership edge.

When you lead from self-trust, you make faster, wiser, and more aligned decisions that elevate your business, your team, and your impact.

Are you ready to move from outer approval to inner authority—and lead from the inside out?

Intended Audience:

Everyone

About the Facilitator:

Neelu is a force for self-advocacy, innovation, and inclusion, helping professionals thrive in corporate spaces. She is an author, speaker, organizational psychologist, and executive coach. With a background in business, social psychology, and NLP, she partners with Fortune 500 companies to inspire transformative leadership. A dedicated yoga teacher for over 15 years and an Ayurveda practitioner, Neelu also brings a powerful mind-body connection to her work. She is the author of ‘Be Your Own Cheerleader’ focusing on self-advocacy for Asian & South Asian Women. Neelu holds a BS from NYU’s Stern School of Business, an MA in Social & Organizational Psychology from Columbia University and is a certified NLP Master Practitioner and Coach from the NLP Center of New York.

Social Capital and Water Peacebuilding in the Middle East: Building Trust, Cooperation, and Shared Narratives

Facilitator:

Masume Eshtiaghi & Maliheh Musanejad

Description:

This participatory workshop explores how social capital can provide the relational foundation for water peace in the Middle East. Participants will examine how trust, cooperation, and shared cultural ties can support transboundary collaboration and institutional capacity for peace. Through facilitated discussion and group exercises, we will identify the key social and institutional codes that enable ‘blue peace’ and collective action across borders.

The session will use a social facilitation approach combined with group discussion. Active listening will be emphasised as participants surface key social capital codes underlying narratives of water conflict and cooperation. Participants will also engage in practical social networking exercises aimed at stimulating collective action at a transnational scale.

The workshop integrates both conceptual foundations and applied skill development. While it introduces theoretical insights from social and sociological sciences, its primary purpose is to translate these into practical competencies that support the empowerment of individuals and communities in linking social capital to blue peace in real-world contexts.

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:

After attending the workshop, participants will:

  • Understand how key conceptual elements of social capital can create enabling social and institutional contexts for water peacebuilding.
  • Recognise the role of institutional trust, networking, and shared identity in mitigating water-related conflicts.
  • Develop practical soft skills for capacity building and applying social capital variables within blue peace frameworks.
  • Gain experience in participatory methods for identifying and leveraging social capital to support transnational cooperation.

Intended Audience:

This workshop is designed for community leaders, water and peace professionals, activists, water planners, and others involved in regional cooperation, peacebuilding, or resource governance.

About the Facilitators:

Masume Eshtiaghi has a PhD in Sociology and is a social researcher in water and development issues from Iran. She has a background in scientific and administrative activities in the social field of water and peace in the Middle East. She is the head of the Women’s Committee of the Iranian Water Diplomacy Association and is also a member of the Environmental Sociology Group of the International Sociological Association. She works on social capital and institutional cooperation for water peace.

Maliheh Musanejad has a PhD in Cultural Policy from Kharazmi University and is a peace Researcher and Member of the Women’s Committee of the Iranian Water Diplomacy Association.

Social capital measurement 101: Key considerations for research, practice, and beyond

Facilitator:

Eunice Park, Department of Public Health, Montclair State University

Workshop Description:

Measuring social capital is a widely known challenge that we face. This beginner-friendly workshop will provide the essential steps, common missteps, and examples. This session will build on Tristan Claridge’s “Navigating social capital theory and literature,” moving from what it is to how it is measured.

This interactive session provides a practical roadmap for operationalizing social capital in research and practice. Participants will learn how theoretical choices shape measurement decisions and how to avoid the most common mistakes. Through guided examples, we will unpack survey items and indices to reveal how wording, scaling, and context affect interpretation. By the end of the session, we will collectively think of responsible use of reliable, equitable, and context-sensitive measures.

Whether your focus is academic, applied, or policy-driven, this workshop will give you an opportunity to test practical tools to measure social capital rigorously and meaningfully.

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:

Link theoretical frameworks of social capital to appropriate measurement strategies.
Identify the advantages and limitations of common survey items and indices.
(Apply an equity lens to ensure measures reflect diverse populations and contexts.)

Intended Audience:

Anyone who has an introductory understanding of social capital theory (or who have attended the companion “Navigating Social Capital Theory and Literature” workshop) and wants to measure social capital better.

All are welcome, including but not limited to researchers, community leaders, practitioners, students.

About the Facilitator:

Eunice Park, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Public Health at Montclair State University whose research centers on social capital and population health, across multiple communities and geographies. In grad school, she focused on neighborhood-level sense of community and social support and its association to mental health. At Montclair, the work expanded to include student belonging in higher education and its association to mental health. Her areas of interest include social capital, early adult-onset hearing loss, measurement, health justice, and systems thinking.

As the Chair of the International Social Capital Association’s Measurement Interest Group, she convenes scholars and practitioners to tackle persistent concerns in measurement and co-develop practical tools that are applicable across settings.

MRQAP: Inference in analyses with network data

Facilitator:

David Dekker

Workshop Description:

This workshop provides an in-depth introduction to the Multiple Regression Quadratic Assignment Procedure (MRQAP), a powerful statistical method widely used in social network analysis. Participants will explore how MRQAP helps test hypotheses and make valid inferences when dealing with relational data that violate traditional independence assumptions. The session will combine theoretical insights with practical demonstrations, guiding attendees through the process of applying MRQAP to real-world social network datasets. Ideal for researchers and practitioners, this workshop aims to enhance participants’ ability to conduct robust and interpretable analyses in studies involving social capital, collaboration, and networked systems.

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:

This workshop aims to introduce participants to the principles of network data analysis and the use of MRQAP for drawing valid inferences from relational datasets.

By the end of the session, participants will:

  • Understand the basic rationale and applications of MRQAP in social network research.

  • Gain familiarity with how network structures influence statistical inference.

  • Be better equipped to apply network-based analytical thinking in their own research or professional contexts.

Intended Audience:

This workshop is designed for researchers, academics, and practitioners interested in social network analysis, social capital, or data-driven approaches to understanding relationships and collaboration. It is suitable for participants with a basic understanding of quantitative research methods, though prior experience with network analysis is not required.

About the Facilitator:

Dr Dekker is a Reseach Fellow at Heriot-Watt University Dubai and an expert in social network theory, a science which merges mathematics and sociology. Originally from The Netherlands, he has a PhD from Erasmus University Rotterdam and, alongside his academic work, advises businesses on green investments.

Back to the Future: Strengthening Interdisciplinary Research in Social Capital

Facilitator:

Dr. Christopher Paul, North Carolina Central University

Workshop Description:

The Social Capital 2026 Conference provides the unique opportunity to reflect on the intellectual development of social capital as an interdisciplinary phenomenon. This workshop will survey and engage with the multidisciplinary perspectives on social capital of the participants. Social capital emerged from sociology and has since influenced research and practice in fields including economics, political science, psychology, public health, education, urban planning, and social network analysis. This interactive workshop surveys those disciplinary lenses and engages participants in collectively applying these lenses to research and application, drawing upon the insights and expertise of participants.

The workshop will start by mapping core constructs and frameworks of Social Capital (e.g. bonding, bridging, linking; norms, trust, reciprocity; networks) in relation to multiple disciplines. Participants then will work in intentionally interdisciplinary groups in three structured exercises. Groups will first examine social capital approaches in short provided cases (e.g., civic participation, disaster resilience, health equity, workforce mobility) to introduce different perspectives. Groups will then conduct a “Lens Swap” exercise to identify the uses, assumptions, measures, and validity threats in disciplinary study of social capital. Third, groups will help compose an “Interoperability Canvas” to specify shared variables, complementary methods (e.g. qualitative approaches, survey and administrative data, network analysis), and the relevant design choices for impactful research results. Participants will leave with practical frameworks for conducting and evaluating interdisciplinary social capital research.

Finally, the workshop will explore how AI tools (e.g. literature mapping, citation-network exploration, natural language queries, and LLM-assisted coding) can support each stage of interdisciplinary work on social capital. This session complements theory-focused and application-focused conference offerings by examining how disciplines mutually contribute to and benefit from social capital research.

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:

-Identify and define core social capital constructs across multiple disciplines.
-Apply disciplinary lenses in assessing social capital research to reveal assumptions, measures, and validity considerations.
-Design interdisciplinary research approaches using an “interoperability canvas” that integrates complementary methods and shared variables
-Explore AI-assisted interdisciplinary investigation of social capital

Intended Audience:

This workshop is designed for researchers, students, and research-engaged practitioners across disciplines who study or apply social capital concepts. Participants will benefit most if they have foundational knowledge of social capital in at least one disciplinary context.

Accessibility Considerations:

This workshop will be accessible and inclusive by:
-Providing materials in electronic and printed formats
-Structuring small-group activities to accommodate diverse participation styles (verbal, written, digital)
-Using visual frameworks and structured templates to support varied learning preferences
-Welcoming questions and clarifications throughout to ensure shared understanding

About the Facilitator:

Christopher J. Paul, Ph.D., is Associate Professor and Chair of Public Administration at North Carolina Central University and a nonprofit board leader. His teaching and applied research focus on social capital, environmental health, and civic engagement. He works across disciplines with policymakers and community organizations on strategic leadership, human-environment interactions, and education.

Untangling Complexity: Multimodal Analysis of Social Resilience

Facilitators:

Professor Dimitris Christopoulos

Description:

Details will be available soon.

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:

Details will be available soon.

Intended Audience:

Details will be available soon.

About the Facilitator:

Details will be available soon.

Building Employability Through Social Capital: Insights from the Talent Accelerate Program

Facilitator:

Tara Jacobsen, Groei Education

Workshop Description:

For many young people in regional and rural areas, the challenge of employability is not a lack of skill or ambition, but a lack of networks. Traditional career pathways rely heavily on social capital, the relationships, trust, and opportunities that connect people to meaningful work. Yet in low-density network contexts, like many parts of regional Australia, these connections are often missing.

The Australian Government Federally funded program, Talent Accelerate Program, piloted in partnership with regional businesses and schools in Australia, addressed this challenge by combining credentialing with work-integrated learning opportunities. The program showed that employability outcomes are strengthened when young people not only gain skills, but also learn how to intentionally develop, name, and leverage their social capital.

This workshop will share the framework, tools, and lessons from the Talent Accelerate Program. Participants will experience interactive activities used with young people to help them map, expand, and activate their networks. The session will also highlight findings from the program’s white paper, including how digital credentials, when linked to authentic work-based experiences, enhance visibility of both skills and social capital.

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Understand how social capital functions as a key enabler of employability for young people in regional contexts.

  • Analyse how linking credentialing to work-integrated learning supports both human and social capital development.

  • Apply simple tools to help learners identify, expand, and activate their social networks.

  • Reflect on how social capital focused approaches can strengthen equity and access in education and workforce pathways.

Intended Audience:

This workshop is designed for researchers, educators, policy-makers, and practitioners who are seeking practical, evidence-based strategies to integrate social capital into education and workforce initiatives. It is especially relevant for those working with youth, regional communities, or in contexts where network access is limited.

About the Facilitator:

Tara Jacobsen is the Co-Founder and Director of Groei Education and a PhD candidate at the University of Southern Queensland, where her research focuses on how social capital influences employability and entrepreneurial outcomes for youth in regional Australia. She has led national and state-funded programs, including the federally funded Talent Accelerate Program, which piloted innovative credentialing and work-integrated learning models to strengthen regional workforce pipelines. With over two decades of experience in vocational and higher education, Tara is a recognised leader in youth entrepreneurship, regional skills development, and industry–education partnerships. She has presented at national and international forums on innovation, employability, and future skills, and her work has been published in white papers and policy submissions. Her expertise bridges research and practice, designing scalable models that connect young people to industry networks and foster economic resilience through the deliberate development of social capital.

Research Design and Methods: What is Research, How do I Begin, and How do I Write a Literature Review?

Facilitator:

Dr. Beverly Sloan

Workshop Description:

In this workshop, I will discuss how to begin your research study and conclude with how to outline the literature review. If time permits, we will move on to other topics, such as research design or how to create a roadmap to gather the data needed to answer our research question and address the issue, problem, or concern that led to the need for a research study. I will begin the workshop by examining your knowledge of research methods and design, and discussing ways to fill gaps in your knowledge. Then, we will discuss how to begin your research study, including the importance of the style manual, defining research, and the relationship between the elements of research and how these elements give credibility to your study. As a group, I aim for us to develop a sample qualitative and quantitative research problem, purpose of our study, a researchable question, and outline our literature review.

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:

Learning Objective 1: Assess knowledge, understanding, and ability to apply research methods.
Learning Objective 2: Understand how the style manual guides the research process and the presentation of research documents.
Learning Objective 3: Define research.
Learning Objective 4: Comprehend the relationship among the elements of research for qualitative and quantitative research approaches.
Learning Objective 5: Apply understanding of research methods to develop a sample research problem, purpose, question, and literature review outline.

Intended Audience:

Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level research students, Journal Authors, and Practitioners

About the Facilitator:

I hold a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership, a Master of Education in Counseling and Development, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership. I have taught at the college level for many years. I am a seasoned career leader and manager with over 40 years of experience in building social capital and goodwill within organizations. I teach research design and methods twice monthly for the International Social Capital Association.

Using a scaffolding learning approach, I developed a six-part series of lessons to help researchers understand the research process from beginning to end. Those lessons are: What is Formal Research, How do I Begin, Literature Review, Research Design, Analysis and Conclusions, and Putting it all Together.

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

Facilitator:

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:

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.

About the 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

You can sign up for a workshop when you register for the conference. Or you can sign up just for a workshop. All workshops are held in person in Dubai.

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