WP3: Measurement of local social capital and unused resources

The main objective of the ‘Measurement of Local Social Capital and Unused Resources’ Work Package (WP) is the mapping of the current situation of active social capital in the area of the project’s implementation, so as to, provide useful input and resources in relation to the implementation of NEETs Meeting Points and as well serve as a reference point for future research. Main activities and outputs which will be implemented include:

1. The establishment of a Methodology for the measurement and selection of local social capital (number, membership and type of civil society and NGOs, volunteers, associations etc),

2. The formation of a Social Capital Measurement Guide,

3. The establishment of a Registry for Unused Resources and Equipment (unused spaces, equipment and buildings belonging to public organizations/foundations/institutions) and

4. The Registration of social enterprises and social economy organizations. Project partners will agree in the applied methodology, which will be used including the setting of indicators and social capital measurement methods, research protocol and design, selection of geographical area and research tools. The measurement methods include a) the establishment of on-site survey using a questionnaire, b) desk based research of secondary sources (academic papers/studies/articles), c) on-site visits and d) telephone interviews/inquiry. All information that will be collected about Local social Capital and Unused Resources and Equipment will be concentrated by each partner in an electronic database and centrally all data will be consolidated into one database. In order for the NEETs Meeting Points to become sustainable managed and implemented they should be first seen and conceptualized by the active local social capital of each partner area. The planned activities and produced outputs of the project are contributing primarily to the development of Innovative approaches on lowering youthunemployment, since the measurement of local social capital will provide a tool for planning and implementation of social economy initiatives.