Social capital is named as a key ingredient in many programs to help people improve their lives, including finding work, improving health, and enhancing social integration. It is also seen as the way to make communities better. But the term is used to mean many different things and the way that social capital makes things better is rarely explained. This guide is one of a series designed to explain social capital in practical terms and show how it can be used to help people find jobs. It is designed for staff at organizations involved in finding employment. It uses examples to explain how social capital works and how staff can use it effectively. This Guide is an excellent resource to help professionals fully utilize their connections to create employment opportunities with those whom they serve. Michael Bullis, Executive Director, The IMAGE Center of Maryland