Mapping East Tampa’s Social Capital
Social Work students in Professor Robin Ersing’s Multi-Methods of Social Work class gathered data on East Tampa’s social capital, mapping groups in areas such as volunteer/civic, social/recreational, cultural/artistic groups, religious/spiritual, politcal, and mutual support groups.
Description:
Social Work students, Chris George, Sandrell Leggett, Ellie MacLauren, and Erika Pyner, joined with fellow classmates to gather data on East Tampa’s social capital as part of Professor Robin Ersing’s Multi-Methods of Social Work class. Social capital was defined as a positive interaction and networking with others at the neighborhood level, promoting citizen involvement in improving the community.
Students conducted a “hard target search” of social capital indicators in the community by going through local newspapers, phone books, and other data sources. They also worked with Ms. Evangeline Best of East Tampa Neighborhood Organization Works (ETNOW). As an East Tampa native and community activist, Ms. Best took the students on a bus tour of East Tampa in order to help them understand the community through her eyes. Students also conducted interviews with 19 community stakeholders to find out about social networking in the area.
Students found 54 volunteer and civic groups that focus on the general well being of the community including Middleton High School’s PTA, ET NOW, and the One Stop Capital Center. There were 29 social and recreational groups such as the Audrey Spotford Center, the Belmont Heights Little League, Boy’s and Girl’s Club and the YMCA. They located 52 mutual support groups that promote self-help, mutual aid and/or personal support. Examples include the Parent Resource group held at the Kimball Full Service School, the Ex-offender Outreach group, and the AIDS Coalition.
There are 17 cultural and artistic groups in East Tampa, like WMNF Community Radio, which provide the opportunity for diverse creative expression. On the political end, 12 groups were discovered that encourage participation in government and advocacy, or directly influence public policy. The students also found 97 indicators of religious and spiritual groups in East Tampa, such as neighborhood churches like the First Baptist Church of College Hill and Metropolitan Ministries.
Contact Person: Robin Ersing
Funding for Academic Year: 2004-05