Calling All Connectors: Exploring the Skills and Habits That Build Community
What does it take to be a cultivator of connection at a time when we are experiencing increasing social isolation and division? How can we center authentic human connection in a time of rapid technological change?
We all have opportunities to bring people together, whether in our neighborhoods, workplaces, community organizations, or everyday interactions. But building meaningful connections doesn't always happen on its own. It takes intention, and there are skills and habits we can develop to become better at it.
Join us for an interactive, facilitated conversation exploring what it means to be a cultivator of connection. We'll share experiences, exchange practical ideas, and consider how we can help create communities where more people feel connected and a sense of belonging.
Who this is for
This session is for anyone who considers themselves a community builder, or who wants to become one. Whether you bring people together through your work, your community involvement, or simply because you enjoy connecting people, we'd love to have you join the conversation.
What to expect
Through group discussions and shared reflections, we'll explore:
Everyday connection: How can we intentionally build more meaningful human connection into our daily lives?
Connector skills: What skills and characteristics help people bring others together, build belonging, and bridge differences in their communities and workplaces?
Supporting each other: How can we stay connected, exchange ideas, and support one another in our efforts to build stronger communities?
I'll facilitate the conversation, drawing on more than 20 years of experience as Founder of Social Capital Inc. (SCI), a Boston-area nonprofit focused on strengthening social connection in local communities. SCI is currently working toward a goal of developing and supporting 1,000 Social Capital Cultivators™, people who bring others together across differences to increase social connection and work toward shared goals.
The heart of this session will be the experiences and ideas participants bring to the conversation. Together, we'll explore what makes an effective connector and what we can learn from one another.
Come ready to participate! Bring your experiences, questions, and examples of what's worked for you in bringing people together. Our goal is for everyone to leave with some fresh ideas, practical approaches to try, and perhaps a few new connections of their own.
A quick note: This is a free, interactive workshop with limited space. Please register only if you expect to attend, and update your RSVP if your plans change so someone else can participate.
Logistics: We will start with 30 minutes of informal connecting over coffee, followed by a facilitated discussion that will run until 12:30 p.m.
Registrants will have their names passed on to security. Bring a photo ID for checking in with security.
Resources for Cultivating Connection
Interested in exploring these ideas further? Here are a few resources to get you started:
Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation — The 2023 U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the importance of social connection for individual and community well-being.
Better Get Yourself Connected — My Harvard reunion talk and reflections on three practical ways to build more connection into our everyday lives.
SCI Connection Corner — Ideas, research, and practical approaches for strengthening social connection in our communities.
This event is part of Boston Human Week
Human Week (Nov 9–13) is a week of conversations across Boston about how we build a future that puts people first: AI, education, work, care, cities, and everything in between. Hosted by all kinds of humans, in all kinds of rooms.
Follow the Human Week calendar to see the full lineup and find us on Instagram.