Reimagining Us Podcast Por Nichole Argo arte de portada

Reimagining Us

Reimagining Us

De: Nichole Argo
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 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 PodcastsTogetherUp, Next Chapter Podcasts Ciencias Sociales Desarrollo Personal Éxito Personal
Episodios
  • Episode 8 - "Bright Spots: The Needham Resilience Network”

    Episode 8 - "Bright Spots: The Needham Resilience Network”
    Jan 30 2025
    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
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    53 m
  • Episode 7 - "Transforming Our Communities"

    Episode 7 - "Transforming Our Communities"
    Jan 22 2025
    In this episode, Nichole and Scott talk about how individual and group efforts to revitalize connection in communities are necessary---but may not be sufficient for sustained change. Once we have the mindset and skills of pluralism, we need spaces and institutions that enable us to practice them. We need local governments and community stakeholders to invest in policies that foster “civic infrastructure.” Special guests Sam Pressler and Layla Zaidane help us explore the role of policy and institutions in fostering this kind of connection. In order to thrive, Sam Pressler argues that local governments and community leaders should refocus on building civic life, prioritizing relationships and belonging as part of their policies and initiatives. Sam introduces the Connective Tissue Framework, which identifies over 150 policy opportunities to strengthen community connections, and highlights examples of this work, like Boston's Office of Civic Organizing (which fosters neighborhood interactions through block party grants and cleanup events) and citizen-government partnerships to create welcoming materials for newcomers, or “Old Home Weeks” to bring former residents back for community-building activities. Layla Zaidane, the President and CEO of Future Caucus, describes how organizations focused on relationship building can promote collaboration across differences, just as Future Caucus does with young elected officials, regardless of political affiliation—by leveraging a shared, third identity (for Future Caucus, generation). While receiving training in leadership, communication, negotiation and bridge-building, young lawmakers build personal relationships, allowing them to see beyond polarization and find common ground across the aisle. Layla emphasizes the importance of “institutionalizing relationships across differences” in order to ensure continued contact and support. Actionable Steps For Communities: Create Inclusive Spaces: Develop public parks, libraries, and community centers as hubs for connection. Design accessible spaces that encourage diverse groups to gather and interact. Promote Civic Engagement: Organize town-wide events like block parties, festivals, or cultural celebrations. Start initiatives like "Neighborhood Watch" or "Adopt-a-Street" programs to foster collaboration. Develop Welcome Initiatives: Create welcome kits for newcomers with resources about local services and groups and host orientation meet-and-greets to integrate new residents. Support Bridging Activities: Provide micro-grants for projects that bring different groups together, such as intergenerational programs or cross-cultural events. Encourage shared-use facilities for meetings, classes, or celebrations. Use a Connection Lens in Policy: Embed policies that strengthen social capital into housing, education, and transportation planning. Incentivize participatory design in public projects to ensure residents feel a sense of ownership. 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
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    48 m
  • Episode 6 - "Be The Change - Part II - Tool Chest"

    Episode 6 - "Be The Change - Part II - Tool Chest"
    Jan 14 2025
    Imagine that four experts on bridging divides came together to advise you on how to handle your next challenging conversation…Voila! Meet the “Be The Change” tool chest! On this episode of Reimagining Us, hosts Nichole Argo and Scott Hutcheson ask questions such as: What strategies can I use to build my curiosity muscle? How do I prepare for a conversation across differences? Do I need to bridge with everyone? How do you engage with someone who isn’t interested in being curious? What do you do in a conversation where you think, “This person is crazy!” What do you do when someone says something offensive, or harmful? What’s a good dialogue strategy for sharing my position? John Sarrouf, Melissa Weintraub, Monica Guzman, and Scott Shigeoka share actionable tools and strategies for fostering curiosity, connection and understanding that can help listeners engage effectively in conversations across differences. Use this tool chest as a foundation that you can return to again and again as you connect across differences! Actionable Takeaways: Prepare for Conversations Challenge Your Echo Chambers: Write down whose perspectives you’re not exposed to, or haven’t considered. Plan to engage with at least one new source of information or person this week. Reflect on Your Motivation. Approach each conversation as an opportunity to learn, understand others, and uncover the complexity of an issue. Question “single story” narratives that depict individuals or groups as “just one thing.” Name and Check Your Assumptions. Write down your assumptions (e.g., “They think I’m lazy”) and test them by seeking direct feedback when appropriate. Consider Your Bridging Boundaries. We don’t have to bridge with everyone – it’s okay to opt out if engagement feels too costly. That said, reflect on whether your "red lines" stem from a lack of understanding or genuine need for emotional safety. Practice Mental Preparation: Rehearse your approach before your next challenging conversation. Visualize questions, reactions, and ways to stay curious. During Engagement Move Divisive Conversations Off Social Media to encourage richer dialogue. Consider calling or meeting in person. Use “Splitting”: Start conversations by clarifying what you don’t mean to address potential misunderstandings and ease the other person’s concerns. Then focus on explaining your position in a way that opens space for understanding rather than entrenching divides. Recognize When You’re Feeling Triggered as this often shifts your motives from understanding to self-defense or domination. Take proactive steps—pause, reframe, or share your feelings calmly. Approach Offensive or Harmful Remarks with honesty about your feelings. Avoid shaming or dominating; instead, seek to understand the deeper values behind others’ perspectives. After Engagement Question Your Priors on Success and Failure. Success is not about changing minds but about fostering understanding and maintaining or repairing relationships. Conversations that allow for moments of discovery, even if minor, are inherently successful. Trust Curiosity and Be Patient. Curiosity and openness can build understanding over time. Resources Read I NEVER THOUGHT OF IT THAT WAY: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Monica Guzman Read SEEK: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World, by Scott Shigeoka Visit Essential Partners at www.whatisessential.org Visit Resetting the Table at www.resettingthetable.org For more information or to share your stories and feedback, email info@togetherup.org, or comment on YouTube and Social Media @togetherupinstitute 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
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    53 m
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