The article "The Rural School Community Center" by L. J. Hanifan discusses the development and utilization of social capital in rural communities, particularly in a 33-square-mile school district in West Virginia. The author emphasizes that social capital refers to the goodwill, fellowship, mutual sympathy, and social intercourse among individuals and families within a community, centered around the school. He argues that building social capital is essential for community improvement, similar to how capital accumulation is necessary for business success. Key points include: 1. **Community Survey**: Teachers conducted surveys to understand the community's resources, crop yields, and school attendance issues. 2. **Community Center Meetings**: These meetings, featuring entertainment and discussions, helped build social capital and foster community engagement. 3. **Agricultural Fair and School Exhibit**: A large gathering that brought the community together, showcasing agricultural and educational achievements. 4. **Community History**: Students researched and presented local history, enhancing pride and community identity. 5. **School Attendance**: Efforts to increase school attendance through teacher home visits and community discussions. 6. **Evening Classes**: Free evening classes for adults to improve literacy and practical skills. 7. **Lecture Course**: Free lectures on practical topics like agriculture, roads, and sanitation. 8. **National Patriotism**: Programs promoting national pride and flag displays. 9. **School Libraries**: Fundraising for school libraries to enhance educational resources. 10. **School Athletics**: Organizing baseball teams to foster community spirit and encourage school attendance. 11. **Good Roads**: Community discussions and voting on bonds to improve road conditions. The article concludes that the most significant achievement was not what the supervisors and teachers did for the community, but what they helped the community do for itself, emphasizing the importance of community-driven initiatives in building social capital.The article "The Rural School Community Center" by L. J. Hanifan discusses the development and utilization of social capital in rural communities, particularly in a 33-square-mile school district in West Virginia. The author emphasizes that social capital refers to the goodwill, fellowship, mutual sympathy, and social intercourse among individuals and families within a community, centered around the school. He argues that building social capital is essential for community improvement, similar to how capital accumulation is necessary for business success. Key points include: 1. **Community Survey**: Teachers conducted surveys to understand the community's resources, crop yields, and school attendance issues. 2. **Community Center Meetings**: These meetings, featuring entertainment and discussions, helped build social capital and foster community engagement. 3. **Agricultural Fair and School Exhibit**: A large gathering that brought the community together, showcasing agricultural and educational achievements. 4. **Community History**: Students researched and presented local history, enhancing pride and community identity. 5. **School Attendance**: Efforts to increase school attendance through teacher home visits and community discussions. 6. **Evening Classes**: Free evening classes for adults to improve literacy and practical skills. 7. **Lecture Course**: Free lectures on practical topics like agriculture, roads, and sanitation. 8. **National Patriotism**: Programs promoting national pride and flag displays. 9. **School Libraries**: Fundraising for school libraries to enhance educational resources. 10. **School Athletics**: Organizing baseball teams to foster community spirit and encourage school attendance. 11. **Good Roads**: Community discussions and voting on bonds to improve road conditions. The article concludes that the most significant achievement was not what the supervisors and teachers did for the community, but what they helped the community do for itself, emphasizing the importance of community-driven initiatives in building social capital.