2004)
Join John O’Brien as he explores the powerful idea of social capital and how it shapes communities, especially for people with developmental disabilities. John shares stories and insights about the importance of building relationships and connections—not just within familiar groups but across diverse networks. He explains how strong bonds, or “bonding social capital,” act like superglue, holding similar people together, while “bridging social capital” works like WD-40, helping different groups connect and open doors to new opportunities.
Through real-life examples, including community projects and housing initiatives, John shows how patience and persistence in building these connections can lead to meaningful change. He encourages us to think beyond efficiency and embrace the sometimes slow, but rewarding, process of growing social capital—much like planting asparagus, where the best results take time.
This talk is a friendly invitation to rethink how we support inclusion, emphasizing that everyone has gifts to offer and that our communities grow stronger when we build bridges, not walls. Whether you’re a family member, service provider, or community leader, you’ll find practical ideas to help people take their place and make a positive difference.Watch and learn how relationships truly are the heart of thriving communities!