What is Social Wealth? Social Wealth is defined as the total value of the resources that you have to meet your social or emotional needs. Social Wealth is one part of Total Wealth. So, how does Social Wealth differ based on socioeconomic status? If we break down Social Wealth to the social connections and interactions you have with people, can that truly change the outcome of our socioeconomic status?

In my years working in special events one of the primary things I’ve noticed is different people come together for similar interests! Whether it be music, theatre or dance, special events break down the barriers that will usually keep us separate.

Take a trip with me while I view this as a “who you know versus what you know” scenario and let’s see how improving aspects of one’s social wealth could potentially make real impacts in your community.

 So, let’s call her Susan, Susan attended a concert at your event, and Ana attended the same concert. Susan is a doctor, and she comes from a long line of successful doctors. Ana just finished nursing school at the top of her class, and she comes from a long line of hard-working farmers.

Ana applied to many amazing hospitals but never got a position and ended up at a small clinic making a very low wage. Ana is not sure why she didn’t get one of the better positions, but she is proud of the job she did get and is working hard.

So, Susan and Ana both attend this concert showcasing a band they both love. They stand next to each other; they chat a bit, and they really connect about the music. After an hour or so, they decide to grab some food from the food trucks together. While eating, they start talking about their careers, and Ana mentions the hospitals she applied to but didn’t get the jobs. Susan works at one of those hospitals and asks ana to send her her resume. Later that week, Ana gets a call from the hospital for a second interview. Turns out, Susan recommended her after their time at the concert together…. Ana gets the job. Ana’s pay doubles. Ana moves to a better neighborhood. Ana’s kids go to a better school. Was Anna’s life positively impacted by meeting Susan? Were Anna’s kids’ lives impacted?

Special Events offer a rare ability to offer people from all walks of life the opportunity to find commonality with one another through shared interests. But for this to happen, it is your job to make sure that your events, and your programs are inclusive of all community members! It is one thing to invite everyone to your events, but it is another thing to make sure that everyone is included! Some small things you can start doing to make your events more inclusive include translating your materials and offering a diverse selection of programs that celebrate your entire community!