Social Smarts

Become Socially Smart

A socially inclusive society is defined as one where all people feel valued, their differences are respected, and their basic needs are met so they can live in dignity.
At school, work or the community it means treating everyone like a member of your tribe or village.
It does not mean that you have to love everyone, just respect them, even if they are different. Then learn how to get along with them.
When there is a dispute or conflict, the system should utilize collaborative, restorative, equitable processes not adversarial means where possible.
Social exclusion is the process of being shut out from the social, economic, political and cultural systems which contribute to the integration of a person into the community (Cappo 2002).
Social inclusion involves respecting each person but it is dependent upon promoting social resilience and individual responsibility.

Resilience is the social and emotional ability to deal with the ups and downs of life.
Most people confront stress, frustration, disappointment and loss at some stage in their life.
Children or adults with significant supportive relationships can survive most difficulties, including horrific trauma.
Resilience is dependent upon using effective social survival skills to build these supportive relationships.
Each person needs to know how to relate and connect to other members of their social tribes, eg family, school and work.
These skills are mandatory in making true friends, dealing with the challenges of maintaining relationships, especially with family members and difficult members of our various tribes, eg social group, work, sporting groups, religious groups, voluntary associations.