This second-best magic wand would bring more blacks and whites to church, but not to the same church, more Hispanics and Anglos to the soccer field, but not to the same soccer field. This dilemma faces any organization seeking to develop programs in a segregated society. Youth-serving organizations in Northern Ireland are well aware of the difficulties involved in building bridging social capital, even when funding for such programs is made available from philanthropic sources. A number of North American foundations have for some years insisted on the criterion of bridging in awarding grants to Northern Ireland organizations. These requirements often failed to achieve the end of advancing positive intergroup contact.
Individuals enjoy equal group status within the situation.
Common goals are held by members of the different groups. Intergroup cooperation is a value within the larger society. Authorites support the goal of intergroup cooperation. An interview with Terence Flanagan, principal of East Belfast's Lagan Integrated College, illustrates the importance of personal friendships in the creation of bridging social capital. A secondary school established in 1981, the Lagan school accepts students by equal quotas of Protestants and Catholics, and also seeks an even balance of boys and girls.