We The Community
We The Community
Podcast Description
Welcome to ’We the Community’, the podcast that dives deep into the pressing human and social issues shaping our world today. If you’re passionate about civic engagement, societal challenges, and changemaking, this show is for you. Each week, we bring you thought-provoking interviews with experts who are tackling real-world problems—from nonprofit leaders to community organizers, government workers, and individuals with lived experiences. These are the boots-on-the-ground changemakers who know firsthand what it takes to create meaningful change.
Whether you’re a civically engaged individual, someone who wants to make a difference, or simply curious about how we can build stronger, more inclusive communities, ’We the Community’ has something for you. Expect to leave each episode feeling informed, inspired, and ready to take action—whether that’s volunteering, advocating, or simply understanding how you can contribute to societal change.
Our guests share invaluable insights, offering tangible ways to get involved in civic action and bridge the gaps in our communities. From tackling poverty and inequality to exploring the intersection of government and nonprofit work, we cover a range of issues that affect us all.
What You Can Expect:
- In-depth interviews with experts working in human and social services
- Real-world stories from those on the front lines of societal change
- Tangible ways you can get involved in civic engagement and changemaking
- Insights on how to address systemic issues and build stronger communities
If you’re ready to take action and make a difference, this is the show for you. Follow ’We the Community’, subscribe, and join us as we explore how we can come together to address the challenges facing our society. Stay connected and find us on social media @wethecommunitypod.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on social justice, civic engagement, and community-driven solutions, covering topics such as mental health advocacy, local leadership, and the importance of community networks. Episodes share insights from individuals who tackle poverty, inequality, and the intersection of nonprofit and government work, with specific discussions on authenticity in leadership and building relationships across divides.
Welcome to ’We the Community’, the podcast that dives deep into the pressing human and social issues shaping our world today. If you’re passionate about civic engagement, societal challenges, and changemaking, this show is for you. Each week, we bring you thought-provoking interviews with experts who are tackling real-world problems—from nonprofit leaders to community organizers, government workers, and individuals with lived experiences. These are the boots-on-the-ground changemakers who know firsthand what it takes to create meaningful change.
Whether you’re a civically engaged individual, someone who wants to make a difference, or simply curious about how we can build stronger, more inclusive communities, ’We the Community’ has something for you. Expect to leave each episode feeling informed, inspired, and ready to take action—whether that’s volunteering, advocating, or simply understanding how you can contribute to societal change.
Our guests share invaluable insights, offering tangible ways to get involved in civic action and bridge the gaps in our communities. From tackling poverty and inequality to exploring the intersection of government and nonprofit work, we cover a range of issues that affect us all.
What You Can Expect:
– In-depth interviews with experts working in human and social services
– Real-world stories from those on the front lines of societal change
– Tangible ways you can get involved in civic engagement and changemaking
– Insights on how to address systemic issues and build stronger communities
If you’re ready to take action and make a difference, this is the show for you. Follow ’We the Community’, subscribe, and join us as we explore how we can come together to address the challenges facing our society. Stay connected and find us on social media @wethecommunitypod.
Keywords:
change work, community engagement, authenticity, leadership, listening, political conversations, core values, humanity, social justice, personal identity
Takeaways
- Change work requires authenticity and vulnerability.
- Listening is crucial for effective change making.
- Building relationships is key to working across party lines.
- Core values should never be compromised for progress.
- Personal stories can bridge gaps in understanding.
- Navigating tension requires empathy and patience.
- The future of leadership lies in shared humanity.
- Progress can be incremental and still meaningful.
- Community engagement is essential for lasting change.
- Leadership is about serving others, not seeking power.
Summary:
In this conversation, Amanda Zahorak and Jen Guzman explore the intricacies of change work, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, listening, and building relationships across political divides. They discuss personal identity, core values, and the role of humanity in leadership, while also sharing insights on navigating tension in conversations and the significance of community engagement. The dialogue culminates in a message of hope for the future, highlighting the power of collective action and understanding in creating meaningful change.
Links:
Bestola Collective
PODER
RISE Chicago
Titles:
- Bridging Divides: The Art of Change Making
- Authenticity in Leadership: A Personal Journey
Sound Bites
- “Your power is in your humanity.”
- “Don’t be your own villain.”
- “Change work is an act of love.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jen Guzman and Her Background
08:56 Embracing Intersectionality: The Mexiju Experience
13:25 The Power of Authenticity in Leadership
17:22 The Essence of Change Making
21:13 Listening and Understanding in Leadership
24:32 Working Across Party Lines and Building Bridges
29:31 The Challenge of Change
31:27 Building Relationships for Progress
33:42 Listening to Your Body
37:29 Core Values and Boundaries
40:33 Defining Progress
44:00 The Importance of Bipartisanship
47:17 Leadership Standards and Accountability
49:48 Dealing with Opposition and Self-Care
56:17 Navigating Life’s Messy Paths
57:33 Understanding Different Perspectives
01:00:02 Bouncing Back from Power Loss
01:02:42 The Importance of Resilience
01:05:08 Building Relationships Across Sectors
01:07:40 Embracing Diverse Opinions
01:08:44 Inquiry as a Tool for Change
01:09:25 Lessons from Leadership
01:11:14 Using Voice for Good
01:12:09 Legacy of Humanity and Love
01:13:31 Finding Hope in Humanity
01:14:31 Engaging with Community Initiatives
01:15:52 Introduction to We The Community Podcast
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.