What’s the Difference Between Community Engagement and Power Shifting and Why It Matters?
Engagement brings community voice into decisions. Power shifting changes who decides.
Engagement brings community voice into decisions. Power shifting changes who decides.
Polarization and disconnection are real—but “sense of community” doesn’t have to be a vague ideal. See how Community Science measures belonging, influence, and connection—and turns the results into practical strategies that help partners target resources, bridge divides, and track progress over time.
Public life feels exhausting in an era of polarization and isolation. This piece argues that “community” isn’t sentimental—it’s a practical, evidence-based strategy for strengthening well-being and civic resilience. Drawing on research about belonging, influence, and shared connection, it shows how diverse people can work together on common needs—even in unlikely places.
What does it take for organizations to stay in equity work when it becomes uncomfortable? Drawing on insights from What Your Comfort Costs Us by M. Gabriela Alcalde, this reflection explores how structure, repair, and shared leadership shape organizational culture—and why collective accountability is essential for sustainable change.
Civil society is under pressure — trust is declining, advocacy is weakening, and communities are increasingly fragmented. This blog explores how the social sector can rebuild collective power through trust, movement-building, coordinated action, and deep community engagement.