WG-Plein 269, 1054 SE
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Phone: ++31 20 3308340
Fax: ++31 20 4221320
E-Mail: antares@antaresfoundation.org
WG-Plein 269, 1054 SE
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Phone: ++31 20 3308340
Fax: ++31 20 4221320
E-Mail: antares@antaresfoundation.org
‘Care and Cohesion’
a conference on
Social Capital and Support in Humanitarian Aid
Since 2001, Antares in cooperation with CDC has organized a yearly working conference addressing stress in humanitarian aid workers. The meetings served as a catalyst for developing the recently published Antares ‘Guidelines for Good Practice’, and for starting off a comprehensive scientific study into factors associated with individual mental health and organizational outcomes in relief work.
This year’s conference aims to give participants a firmer grip on processes which impact individual and group functioning in aid work. We will therefore take a broader perspective, and consider all players in the humanitarian theatre - examining the relationship between aid agencies, their staff and the populations they are targeting
We will discuss mechanisms that support synergy between the agendas of such actors. What is the relationship between staff well-being, feeling valued and productivity? What supports cooperation and collaboration between individuals, organizations and populations? What gives people a sense of belonging and shared responsibility? What promotes security and trust? Are the answers to these questions influenced by the unique context of humanitarian work?
The notion of ‘social capital’ provides useful insight into processes of organizational development as well as the workings of civil society. Social capital refers to the active connections among people, networks and relationships. A good stock of social capital binds the members of human networks through trust, mutual understanding and shared behaviours. It is the glue that holds groups together and makes cooperative action possible.
The 2006 Antares/CDC conference will consider the contribution provided by analysis of social capital to the work of humanitarian agencies. After an initial exploration of the concept, we will discuss the role and relevance of trust and the sharing of knowledge, goals and values for the well-being and constructive cooperation amongst individuals and groups. Presentations will cover the nature and value of social capital in communities, aid organizations and operational teams
The conference will provide participants deeper insight in what makes groups or communities work and feel well.
