photo by daju

Social capital is a hard term to describe, but when Mike Burton gave it a try, he came up with the "web of relationships that gives us a sense of connection, belonging, and community".

     How do people in your community interact?  Are they friendly, helpful, and how do they deal with strangers?  Do you volunteer for anything?  What do you do in your free time?

     These are the types of questions that 500 Lakes Area residents will be answering by telephone survey calls.  Answers will take about 12 minutes and are anonymous, confidential and will be measuring  our social connectedness.

     Robert Putnam, Harvard professor and author of "Bowling Alone" says Americans are becoming increasingly more isolated.  That means less clubs, dinner parties, blood donated and family sit down suppers. From my  own experience, I would say that is becoming increasingly the case.

     If you get a call, please do the survey if possible - the resulting data will be helpful to community organizations who serve our people here in the Brainerd Lakes area.