Episode 8 - "Bright Spots: The Needham Resilience Network”

Reimagining Us

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