Reimagining Us
Reimagining Us
Podcast Description
Reimagining Us is not just another conversation series—it’s a vital tool for healing divisions, designing our lives and communities for belonging, and empowering a movement of “builders.” Hosted by two distinguished leaders from the fields of psychology and equity-building, the show takes a nuanced look at the forces that fuel division and highlights actionable paths toward reconnection. As the nation navigates a post-election landscape rife with challenges, Reimagining Us offers a timely and necessary space for discovery, dialogue, and change.
Throughout America, our neighborhoods and local communities find themselves at an unprecedented moment. Pundits and political leaders roil us in toxically polarized, "us vs. them" narratives. In many places, our communities are marked by mistrust, fear of or inability to engage neighbors across differences, and loneliness & isolation.
What can make us resilient? The answer is easy but profound: Each other. Our communities thrive when they are places of belonging for all. It’s time to rebuild the “we” – a bigger sense of “we” than what we see around us today. And no moment could be more critical to do this than now: Regardless who emerges victorious in November, half the country will feel left behind, or worse, betrayed.
Local communities are the life force of democracy, but belonging doesn’t just happen by default. The way for folks to begin to imagine a feasible/fair future is to begin to experience themselves as mattering, as belonging in their communities, now – in their families, their neighborhoods, their grocery stores, their town halls, in all aspects of their daily lives. And we’re not talking about being “nice” or polite. We–all of us— need to design our lives and communities for belonging, to be intentional about how we show up, and how we create spaces for others to show up—both through our interactions and the structures and systems we put in place. And we need to start at home, in our communities.
HOSTS:
Nichole Argo is the Founder and Executive Director of TogetherUp Institute
Scott Hutcheson is the Executive Director of E Pluribus Unum
Produced by Next Chapter Podcasts
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes related to community building, social resilience, and the dynamics of belonging versus othering, with episodes addressing timely topics such as the Needham Resilience Network's collaboration efforts and the importance of civic infrastructure in revitalizing local relationships. Specific episodes dissect actionable strategies for engaging across differences, navigating toxic polarization, and understanding the role of storytelling in promoting inclusivity.
Reimagining Us is not just another conversation series—it’s a vital tool for healing divisions, designing our lives and communities for belonging, and empowering a movement of “builders.” Hosted by two distinguished leaders from the fields of psychology and equity-building, the show takes a nuanced look at the forces that fuel division and highlights actionable paths toward reconnection. As the nation navigates a post-election landscape rife with challenges, Reimagining Us offers a timely and necessary space for discovery, dialogue, and change.
Throughout America, our neighborhoods and local communities find themselves at an unprecedented moment. Pundits and political leaders roil us in toxically polarized, “us vs. them” narratives. In many places, our communities are marked by mistrust, fear of or inability to engage neighbors across differences, and loneliness & isolation.
What can make us resilient? The answer is easy but profound: Each other. Our communities thrive when they are places of belonging for all. It’s time to rebuild the “we” – a bigger sense of “we” than what we see around us today. And no moment could be more critical to do this than now: Regardless who emerges victorious in November, half the country will feel left behind, or worse, betrayed.
Local communities are the life force of democracy, but belonging doesn’t just happen by default. The way for folks to begin to imagine a feasible/fair future is to begin to experience themselves as mattering, as belonging in their communities, now – in their families, their neighborhoods, their grocery stores, their town halls, in all aspects of their daily lives. And we’re not talking about being “nice” or polite. We–all of us— need to design our lives and communities for belonging, to be intentional about how we show up, and how we create spaces for others to show up—both through our interactions and the structures and systems we put in place. And we need to start at home, in our communities.
HOSTS:
Nichole Argo is the Founder and Executive Director of TogetherUp Institute
Scott Hutcheson is the Executive Director of E Pluribus Unum
Produced by Next Chapter Podcasts
In this episode, Nichole and Scott explore how philanthropy is getting behind work to connect and collaborate across differences at the local level with Kristen Scott Kennedy of the Council on Foundations. They then highlight a scalable example of this work: The Needham Resilience Network (NRN) brings town officials, diverse residents, and key stakeholders together to build relationships, anchor in the concept of belonging, learn skills in communicating across differences, and co-create solutions to local problems.
This episode opens with Kristen Scott Kennedy discussing how philanthropy can play a critical role in place-based work to connect across differences by acting as norm-shapers, modeling collaborative strategies, and supporting nonprofits.
Then, Needham Resilience Network members Bala Venkat, John Schlittler, Rabbi Jay Perlman, Marcus Nelson, Dan Gutekanst, and Beth Pinals talk about how the NRN has influenced their lives and transformed their community. The NRN was founded in response to significant challenges faced by the Needham community in Massachusetts, including demographic shifts, increased hate incidents, and distrust between groups.
Actionable Takeaways:
For Individuals, Nonprofits, and Municipal Officials:
- Adopt the Long View: Recognize that meaningful cultural and social change will require ongoing commitment and care.
- Emphasize Collaboration Amongst Diverse Stakeholders for Greater Impact: Cultivate broad partnerships and coalitions across organizations, community leaders, and residents to co-create impactful events and initiatives. Involve both formal and informal leaders who represent different parts of the community, including marginalized groups.
- Invest in Relationships:Develop protocols and nurture relationships in stable times to prepare for future challenges.
- Encourage Diverse Voices: Actively invite underrepresented groups to participate in community dialogues and leadership.
- Elevate Belonging:Incorporate narratives and activities that foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
- Employ Evidence-Based Design, & Do No Harm: Prioritize evidence-based approaches to programming; design with an eye towards “Do No Harm”; and begin initiatives with a “listening tour” to understand community needs and build trust .
- Center on Skill-Building:Train participants in listening to understand vs. persuade and conflict transformation skills
- Leverage Local Data for Reflection & Relationship-Building:Incorporate local data to ground discussions in shared realities and enable storytelling around lived experiences.
- Foster Community Co-Governance:Create channels for community involvement in governance, focusing on shared values and co-creation.
- Utilize Networks During Crises: Maintain open communication channels with diverse groups to resolve conflicts with sensitivity.
- Engage Local Foundations: Identify and partner with local or regional foundations that are invested in the community.
For Philanthropic Organizations:
- Model Best Practices in Pluralism: Use your freedom to showcase innovative approaches to collaboration, influencing broader societal norms.
- Invest in Local Partners: Strengthen community-based nonprofits that are on the frontlines of building connection and resilience.
Resources:
- READ: “Coming Together, Not Apart: How Philanthropy Supports Connection in a Time of Dangerous Division,” and “Coming Together, Not Apart: Inside the Work of Turning Conflict Into Cooperation,” by the Council on Foundations
- WATCH: The Needham Resilience Network information video
- VISIT: The NRN website
- READ: “My Parting Prescription for America,” by former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Jan 7, 2025. Community as the formula for fulfillment.
HOSTS:
Nichole Argo is the Founder and Executive Director of TogetherUp Institute
Scott Hutcheson is the Executive Director of E Pluribus Unum
Produced by Next Chapter Podcasts
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.