Journal

Becoming Us

Becoming Us is a gathering place: a connection hub for stories, ideas, and practices that bring our shared humanity into focus. Here, we highlight great examples of Bonding, Bridging, Building, and Belonging happening across the country, along with what happens when these bright spots become an intrinsic part of our society.

Reflections on Human Connection

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New McKinsey Report Spotlights Executive Director Jenn Hoos Rothberg on the Three Essential Skills of a Successful Philanthropy CEO

Executive Director Jenn Hoos Rothberg is featured in McKinsey's "Conviction and Connection" report, examining essential skills for effective philanthropy leadership.

Taking the Long View: Ten Years at a Time

Real change requires patience, perseverance, collaboration, and an unwavering belief that the long view is worth it.

21 Things That Informed Our Work in 2025

Here are the 21 items that inspired us this year.
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Welcome to Our New Website: A Digital Home for Connection and Collaboration

Explore our new site to understand our strategies, find stories of belonging, and discover resources for building connection everywhere.
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Nurturing a Culture of Kindness

A child's simple act of noticing kindness reminds us that acknowledging the good in others creates ripples of connection.
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Beyond the Divide: How Some Colleges are Cultivating a Culture of Pluralism

Across the country, our grantee partners are helping college students, faculty, and administrators build trust and engage across differences.

New McKinsey Report Spotlights Executive Director Jenn Hoos Rothberg on the Three Essential Skills of a Successful Philanthropy CEO

Executive Director Jenn Hoos Rothberg is featured in McKinsey's "Conviction and Connection" report, examining essential skills for effective philanthropy leadership.

Taking the Long View: Ten Years at a Time

Real change requires patience, perseverance, collaboration, and an unwavering belief that the long view is worth it.

21 Things That Informed Our Work in 2025

Here are the 21 items that inspired us this year.
People walking at the farmers' market.

A Framework to Strengthen Community Connection

Fostering community connection requires civic, cultural, and policy changes. What specific actions can philanthropy take to achieve this?

Using Questions as a Doorway to Reducing Divisions

Dialogue isn't a cure-all for polarization, but asking genuine questions opens doors to understanding and bridging our differences.
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What 11 Service Year Alums Can Teach Us About America

The Service Year Alums Awards recognize outstanding alumni for their contributions during their service years and beyond.
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Through the Prism Interviews

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By asking human beings the same five questions, we remind ourselves that everyone has a powerful story that deserves to be heard.
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Research & Practices

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No Greater Mission. No Greater Means.

Research examines how national service and bridgebuilding can increase trust and collaboration across polarized divides in our communities.
The Belonging Barometer: The State of Belonging in America

The Belonging Barometer: The State of Belonging in America

The Belonging Barometer provides a first-of-its-kind measure of belonging that is readily deployable in efforts to strengthen social cohesion.

Is “Six Seven” Really Brain Rot?

The viral 6-7 phenomenon is more than just noise. This trend reveals a deep desire for connection among young people.

Social Connection in America 2025 Survey Report

Social Connection in America 2025 Survey ReportA 25-year national survey reveals the state of social connection across America, identifying opportunities..

Greater Good Resources for Thriving Over the Holidays

Greater Good Science Center offers science-backed practices to help you thrive during holidays through kindness and connection.

New McKinsey Report Spotlights Executive Director Jenn Hoos Rothberg on the Three Essential Skills of a Successful Philanthropy CEO

Executive Director Jenn Hoos Rothberg is featured in McKinsey's "Conviction and Connection" report, examining essential skills for effective

Taking the Long View: Ten Years at a Time

Real change requires patience, perseverance, collaboration, and an unwavering belief that the long view is worth it.

21 Things That Informed Our Work in 2025

Here are the 21 items that inspired us this year.

New McKinsey Report Spotlights Executive Director Jenn Hoos Rothberg on the Three Essential Skills of a Successful Philanthropy CEO

Executive Director Jenn Hoos Rothberg is featured in McKinsey's "Conviction and Connection" report, examining essential skills for effective philanthropy leadership.