Social Organization Framework

1. Social Organization Framework BC Coalition of People with Disabilities

2. Social Organization Framework • C-MIST focuses on the individual’s needs • SOF focuses on social networks – relationships among individuals, families and their community • It is a capacity-building and social action approach

4. Networks provide essential supports • Everyday • In crisis situations

5. Informal Networks • Family • Friends • Neighbours • Co-workers

6. Formal Networks • Community groups • Faith-based organizations • Schools • Service providers • Agencies The primary role of formal networks is to enhance/support/enable informal networks

7. Characteristics of Informal Networks • Mutual exchanges • Reciprocal responsibility

8. Bridging informal and formal networks • Informal networks bring the power of interpersonal relationships and the ability to influence others in their networks to act • Formal networks contribute specialized expertise and support resilience through programs and services

9. Isolated Populations Many factors can contribute to an individual being isolated and socially excluded from network participation: • Socio-economic • Disability/ability • Race • Gender

10. When disaster Strikes The nature and strength of the social networks in the community is critical

11. Without networks, individuals have to wait for help Emergency Response Agencies Firefighters Ambulance 3-7 days on your own Military Police Individual/Family Red Cross Salvation Army St. John Ambulance Hospitals Emergency Social Services

12. Strong networks allow people to help each other Emergency Response Agencies Formal Social Networks Firefighters Ambulance Schools Informal Social Networks Cultural Groups Military Functional Limitations Family Police Individual Co-workers Red Cross Friends C-MIST / Functional Needs Framework Faith Groups Disability Groups Neighbours Social groups Salvation Army Volunteer Centres Community Organizations St. John Ambulance Hospitals Emergency Social Services

13. Action = Change • It is through networks that action takes place and how change comes about

14. Mobilizing Communities • Means activating networks to work together around a common cause

15. Social Capital • Information and the exchange of information • Reciprocity between community members • Trust that comes from successful exchanges/interactions

16. The power of social capital • Information that is provided by and reinforced by a community group or network that an individual knows has a greater potential to be accepted and utilized

17. Exchange and interaction

18. Community Capacity • Two key elements: • The way people demonstrate a sense of shared responsibility for the general welfare of the community and its members • The way they collectively create ways to address community needs and confront challenges that threaten the safety and well-being of community members

19. Characteristics of Community Capacity • The development of knowledge, skills and resources to produce a desired change • The ability to mobilize people and resources • It is anchored in taking action

20. Resilience • A community’s ability to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster, including the ability to quickly restore essential services and move toward a full recovery

21. A resilient community is… • One that maintains, regains or establishes favourable community results over time despite adversity

22. Building resilience is… • About establishing and sustaining community capacity

23. Summarizing Social Organization Framework • Social Networks • Social Capital • Community Capacity