Community capacity building is enhanced by the strong bonds and networks that connect its people, so that they are able to mobilize around issues and take constructive action together. Social capital is a community asset evidenced through citizens’ expression of civic responsibility, generosity and trust. People who engage in...

A community thrives if there are opportunities for leadership at all levels and involving the rich diversity of individual voices, ideas, input and decision making. Leadership Niagara brings together individuals recognized as emerging and aspiring leaders, and gives them the opportunity to explore, strengthen and apply enhanced leadership skills in...

Having a religious affiliation is believed to be of benefit to the individual, but also supports building social networks, civic engagement and voluntarism in a region. Philanthropy in the form of volunteering time or donating money is encouraged by all major religions. In the 2008 General Social Survey (GSS) by...

Participation:  Being socially connected with families, friends and with community contacts through social institutions, clubs and organizations fosters social interaction, increases a sense of belonging and inclusion, provides emotional support and builds possible networks for positive action. Involvement in social activities:  In 2003, 61% of Canadians reported that they were...

It takes trust in one another to build a safe community where everyone feels comfortable to engage with others and to turn to neighbours and officials when help is needed. Trust is also required to participate in shared community activities and to share resources and ideas. In 2003, nearly 6...

In 2010, 70.6% of those over 12 years of age rated their sense of belonging to their local community as very strong or somewhat strong. Research shows a high correlation of sense of community-belonging with physical and mental health. Niagara rating of sense of belonging was higher than Ontario at...

Civic participation builds the capacity of a community and a nation through input into the decision-making process that shapes policies, activities and laws. One way to exercise civic participation is through engaging in political activities, leadership and voting. Voter participation in Ontario for the 2008 Federal Election was 61.4% in...

In 2007, almost 23 million Canadians – 84% of the population aged 15 and over made a financial donation to charitable or other not-for-profit organizations in the previous 12 month period (2004 – 85%).  Donors increased by 2.9% in part due to increase in population 15 and older. Canadians donated...

Volunteering: The act of volunteering enriches the volunteer and contributes much to the community, the local economy and the not-for-profit sector; it helps to build the overall social capital assets of a region. Niagara has a rich array of human and cultural services that actively engage volunteers, as directors on...