BetterTogether/Kalamazoo emerged from a dialogue about civic engagement or “social capital.” This concept, which evaluates the levels of commitment, shared responsibility and trust within a community, has critical implications for the civic and social well being of our nation. Research has shown that the relationships people have with one another are vitally important to the quality of life in any community. Communities with higher levels of social capital are likely to have higher educational achievement, better performing governmental institutions, faster economic growth and less crime and violence. The people living in these communities also are likely to be happier, healthier and to have longer life expectancies.
