The event sponsored by UCP/CLASS, Erie Community Inclusion Coalition (ECIC), Institute on Disabilities Temple University, Community Resources for Independence, Three Rivers Center for Independent Living, and Voices for Independence will be held on October 1, 2010 from 8:30am to 4:00pm at the First Niagara Bank at 801 State Street in Erie, PA. Click here to register for the event using Eventbrite.
Workshop Overview
This workshop is focused on the concept of social capital and community building. Many organizations have come to realize that one of the most important aspects to overall life success is social capital and relationships. Studies show convincingly that people who have important relationships in their lives are healthier, happier, safer, advance more quickly, and achieve more in life. We also know that vulnerable people, including elders, people with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged people have less social capital.
This day-long session is designed to examine the concept of social capital in greater depth and then to explore ways and means to helping people build more opportunities for relationships. The day is broken into 3 segments and you are invited to participate in all three, or to select the ones you feel meet your needs.
Al Condeluci
Keynote Speaker and Lead Facilitator
Al Condeluci has been an advocate and catalyst for building community capacities and understanding culture since 1970. Since 1973 he has worked as an attendant, caseworker, advocate, planner, program director and now, CEO of his organization, UCP/CLASS.
UCP/CLASS has created a family of corporations and is dedicated to its mission “working towards a community where each belongs.” Al speaks annually to national and international audiences reaching some 15,000 people each year.
His books, INTERDEPENDENCE (1991, 1995, CRC Press), BEYOND DIFFERENCE (1996, CRC Press), CULTURAL SHIFTING (2002, TRN Press), ADVOCACY FOR CHANGE: A MANUAL FOR ACTION (2004, ANCOR Foundation Press), THE ESSENCE OF INTERDEPENDENCE (2008 Lash Publishing) and TOGETHER IS BETTER (2008, Lash Publishing) have won praises and awards for their thoughtful approach to culture and community and are now used at many colleges, universities and in-service settings. Books will be available at the conference.
Agenda
8:30 - 9:00 Registration & Continental Breakfast
9:00 - 12:00 An Introduction to Social Capital and Community
The morning session will focus on the basics of social capital and how community works. Concepts will be defined and examined so that participants will have a clear understanding of what social capital is and how it manifests. In addition, we will define community and culture and explore how these frameworks inform relationships and set a stage for more life success. Finally, we will compare and contrast micro and macro change strategies.
12:00 - 1:00 Social Networking Luncheon
As social capital is a concept that helps all of us, we will have a social networking lunch opportunity for participants to get to know other attendees better. This will include the trading of business cards and chance for you to share more about your organization and what you do.
1:00 - 4:00 Strategies and Actions for Building Social Capital
The afternoon session will be an advanced focus on ways and means to more social capital. We will examine the 4 key steps to community building and in an interactive way, practice these strategies. This segment offers clear and distinct “take-a-way strategies that you can use in your agency or practice.This program is offered for 6 hours of social work continuing education through co-sponsorship of the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work, a Council on Social Work Education-accredited school and, therefore, a PA pre-approved provider of social continuing education. These credit hours satisfy requirements for LSW/LCSW, LPC and LMFT biennial license renewal. For information on social work continuing education call (412) 624-3711. Register for this event here! You will be redirected to Eventbrite to register for this workshop.
