SCI Dorchester is a new initiative to build social capital and civic engagement in Dorchester, focusing on the Fields Corner and Codman Square neighborhoods. SCI has developed a successful model for building social capital in Woburn, and in now expanding its work throughout the Greater Boston area. SCI Dorchester is coordinated through a partnership between Social Capital Inc. (SCI) and DotWell, a Health Services Partnership of Codman Square Health Center and Dorchester House Multi-Service Center, with major funding from the Boston Globe Foundation and the Miller Foundation. This collaboration guarantees high-quality clinical and community services across both sites, addressing health disparities, meeting the complex needs of a changing Dorchester community, and building social capital in and across neighborhoods.

What is "Social Capital?" Simply put, the concept that "relationships matter" is what social capital is all about. The more we are connected to our neighbors and civically active, the better off we are, as individuals and as a community. The term social capital encompasses a broad range of ways we participate with others in our community. including knowing our neighbors, volunteering, joining community groups, and participating in our democracy. For more background the on concept of social capital and its importance click here.

How does SCI Dorchester build social capital? Social capital is alive and prevalent in Dorchester, Massachusetts. It exists along the Washington Street corridor in Codman Square to the heavily congested Dorchester Avenue in Fields Corner. One can discover community enthusiasts building social capital and increasing civic engagement on the doorsteps of beautiful, historic Victorian homes or on the bulletin boards of Dorchester organizations, at neighborhood and civic associations meetings, health centers, and youth groups. Even with these committed and dedicated individuals, only a disproportionate number of Dorchester utilize programs and services; participate in civic matters and volunteering their time. If social capital exists in Dorchester, why are there so many resources and opportunities, yet very few participants and supporters? This is the very question SCI Dorchester plans to address. SCI Dorchester will unite individuals and groups interested in working together to increase Dorchester's social capital, by addressing the following priorities areas:

• Engaging Youth: The SCI Dorchester Youth Council will teach active citizenship to young people in light of the disturbing trend toward young adults opting out of politics and civic life.

• Developing Leaders: Expanding the base of community leaders to assume key roles in civic life.

• Building Bridges: Building bridges among people and groups in our increasingly diverse community.

• Connecting Citizens to information: Connecting residents to the information they need to participate. Major programs include the SCI Dorchester e-BLAST and the Dorchester Neighborhood Guide.

In recent months, SCI Dorchester has been working with interested individuals and groups to determine how we can best build social capital in Dorchester. We have been turning the ideas generated into a strategic plan and are now beginning to implement those plans. To learn how to get involved with SCI Dorchester click here.