We Are Stronger Together
By Alejandra Guzman
Click aqui para español- > La alianza hace la fuerza
Last Fall, I was honored take part in an intimate dinner and conversation organized by the Aspen Institute. This took place in the context of a movement called “Weave: The Social Fabric Project”.
The project was launched during the summer of 2018 under the premise that social isolation and political, racial and economic divisions are ripping America apart.
Aspen’s leaders believe that social fragmentation is a core challenge of our day. They also recognize that across the United States there are people building communities and healing divides. Therefore, they organized a listening tour, consisting of multiple events, across the country to document examples and understand the world view of participants and to celebrate their accomplishments.
The listening tour highlighted solutions in different communities across the country that are working well and are advancing towards collective impact. The New Orleans event brought together a group of 20 impressive community leaders who focus on different issues in our city. We enjoyed a conversation with artists, musicians, real estate developers, teenage activists, nonprofit founders, and many others.
All of them work to rebuild trust and overcome issues of isolation and loneliness for people in New Orleans, in their own way.
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It was inspiring to interact with people of different ages, political views, racial and religious beliefs, and professional and socioeconomic backgrounds working on issues that benefit our community from their diverse perspectives. I was proud to see New Orleans is home to so many leaders who view community as the fundamental unit in society and who find serving others meaningful. They act on a moral motivation and seek to do what is right regardless of their backgrounds.
One year after “Weave: The Social Fabric Project” launched, hundreds of participants from across the nation will gather in Washington DC on May 14th through the 16th. The event will bring together
hundreds of community builders, journalists, leaders of faith, nonprofits, government, and business to celebrate, engage and spread a lifestyle that is based in honoring community.
We can all be weavers of our community. To obtain more information on how to engage with “Weave: The Social Fabric Project,” visit AspenInstitute.org.
Until next time!
