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Social Capital and Volunteers*
The region experiences serious problems, particularly in social areas.
In recent surveys, citizens have indicated that their main priorities
are related to topics such as unemployment, poverty, access to
education, access to health, and safety. Governments are trying to
design policies in these areas, with innovative proposals.
Mobilization of social capital in the countries could greatly
support these policies. Efficient and well-managed social policies,
together with a mobilized civil society that participates in the
policies, would be a powerful combination to meet some of the current
challenges.
Among the main dimensions of social capital are social responsibility of private business, labor unions and organizations based on volunteer participation. In many developed countries, the network of volunteer organizations produces more than 5% of the Gross National Product in goods and services, principally social. In Latin America and the Caribbean, important experiences have been carried out in these fields that have great potential, but they have not been adequately promoted or supported. In addition, sufficient agreements have not been developed between government and civil society.
These groups must join forces in order to create the best opportunities for volunteer work in the region through public policies that stimulate them, a favorable legal framework, institutional support, adequate announcement and full value of their work.?
We would like to hear from you:
Among the main dimensions of social capital are social responsibility of private business, labor unions and organizations based on volunteer participation. In many developed countries, the network of volunteer organizations produces more than 5% of the Gross National Product in goods and services, principally social. In Latin America and the Caribbean, important experiences have been carried out in these fields that have great potential, but they have not been adequately promoted or supported. In addition, sufficient agreements have not been developed between government and civil society.
These groups must join forces in order to create the best opportunities for volunteer work in the region through public policies that stimulate them, a favorable legal framework, institutional support, adequate announcement and full value of their work.?
Bernardo Kliksberg
Guest Editor
Coordinator of the
Inter-American Initiative of
Social Capital, Ethics and Development
Inter-American Development Bank
Guest Editor
Coordinator of the
Inter-American Initiative of
Social Capital, Ethics and Development
Inter-American Development Bank
*The
ideas, thoughts, and opinions expressed are not necessarily of the OAS nor
of its member states. The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the
authors.
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