In this episode, we explore the importance of strong neighborhood and community relationships to the health of nations, and we discuss the fact that many neighborhoods in the U.S. don’t have strong local ties and need structural and systemic help. My guest is Seth Kaplan – Author of Fragile Neighborhoods Repairing American Society One Zip …
Author Archives: Gina Baleria
Riaz Patel on Connecting Across Difference by Recognizing Our Shared Humanity
In this episode, we talk with Riaz Patel, executive producer and director focusing on reality shows that depict people connecting and having positive transformations. Riaz created what he calls the EPIC system – with EPIC standing for Equalization, Personalization, Information Gathering, and Collaboration – which is very in line with Civity’s approach to helping people …
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How Seeing Humanity Helps Us Address Homelessness More Effectively, with Eric Tars
In this episode, we explore how “othering” has led to increased marginalization and vilification of people who are un-housed – and how civity can help counter this trend by helping people who are housed see the humanity of those without housing. My guest is Eric Tars, Legal Director of National Homelessness Law Center, who reminds …
Bridging Divides & Cultivating Solidarity to Counter Strategic Racism, with Ian Haney López
In this episode, we explore how engaging across our racial and class divides and cultivating solidarity can help bring us together to care for and nurture our democracy. My guest is Ian Haney López, professor at UC Berkeley School of Law, and author of several books, including Dog Whistle Politics: How Coded Racial Appeals Have …
Strengthening Democracy by Increasing Social Trust & Cultivating Connections Across Difference, with Robb Willer
In this episode, we explore a massive new study on improving the health of democracy. The Strengthening Democracy Challenge invited more than 30,000 people to engage with 25 interventions. The goal was to find ways to reduce things like partisan animosity, partisan violence, and anti-democratic attitudes, and increase social trust and a willingness to engage …
Transformative DEI Work Is All About Relationships, with Dr. Jacqueline Font-Guzmán
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Jacqueline Font-Guzmán, vice president for diversity, equity, & inclusion at Eastern Mennonite University; and strategic vision director for the Center of Justice & Peace Building at EMU. Civity has been privileged to support EMU on its Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) journey with workshops for the President and her …
Learning to Listen in Different Ways, with Graham Bodie
In this episode, we welcome Graham Bodie, professor of integrated marketing communication at the University of Mississippi, and chief listening officer with the Listen First Project. As with Civity, the Listen First Project supports the creation of bridging relationships – focusing its efforts on elevating the impact, visibility, and voice of organizations doing bridging work. …
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Participate this Month in America Talks & National Week of Conversation
We at Civity have been heartened to see more and more people and organizations engage in bridging work in recent years. Many have come to this work in the wake of increasing political polarization, while others have found their way to bridging in hopes of combating inequities based on race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, immigration status, …
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David Eisner, Bridging Across Difference in Polarized Times
In this episode, we speak with David Eisner, CEO of the nonprofit bridging organization Convergence, about 1) the increasing role of bridging organizations in cultivating relationships across difference, and 2) working to preserve and nurture healthy civic spaces. Convergence convenes people and groups with divergent views to build trust, identify solutions, and form alliances for …
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Josh Schachter, Creating Connections with Community Share
In this episode, we talk with Josh Schachter, founder & director of Community Share, a nonprofit that connects community resources, artists, organizations, and people to teachers, students, and schools. The goal is to share wisdom and knowledge across these connections… and create real-world learning experiences for young people. To find out more … or get …
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