Building Social Trust Across Difference
In a time when our country feels increasingly divided—whether due to toxic polarization, us vs. them dynamics, or a growing sense of crisis—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But while the challenges are real, there is also cause for hope. A new partnership between Civity, the Association of Leadership Programs (ALP), and the National Leadership Network (NLN) aims to transform that hope into action by empowering leaders to bridge divides and foster social trust across differences.
This initiative is designed to equip local leaders with the tools and support they need to build connections in communities where division runs deep. These leaders often possess significant influence within their communities, but even the most established leaders face the challenge of uniting people who are separated by distrust and fear of difference. The goal of this partnership is to help these leaders create the relational infrastructure necessary for communities to come together, collaborate, and move forward.
At the heart of this effort is a commitment to fostering a relationship-building mindset. The partnership provides training that encourages leaders to engage with others—especially those they may view as "other"—in meaningful ways. The training is designed to create spaces where everyone feels that they matter, particularly those who have been marginalized or silenced.
A Bold Vision for Change
This ambitious initiative aims to contribute to a national social ecosystem that supports resilient, connected communities. Through Civity’s proven approach, leaders will embed relationship- and trust-building strategies into their communities. Over the next three years, this initiative plans to bring Civity training to 30 communities across the country, empowering local leaders to bridge divides and foster understanding.
How It Will Work
The partnership officially launched in August 2024 at the ALP National Conference, and the first wave of Community Leadership Programs are now being identified. Local Civity workshops will begin in early 2025, followed by one-on-one and small-group coaching sessions to help participants apply their learning in their own communities.
This initiative is your chance to be part of a national movement that is actively working to rebuild trust and foster stronger, more connected communities. By participating, you'll gain firsthand experience with the tools and strategies that Civity has used to successfully bridge divides, and you'll leave equipped to make a lasting impact in your own leadership efforts.
About the Partnering Organizations
- The Association of Leadership Programs (ALP) is a national network of over 300 leadership programs, dedicated to fostering innovation and inspiring change across communities. ALP connects leadership professionals and offers resources that strengthen the effectiveness of community leadership programs nationwide.
- The National Leadership Network (NLN) is a collaborative network that connects over a million alumni from community leadership programs. These leaders, representing business, government, and nonprofits, are already making an impact and are eager to enhance their ability to foster local trust and engagement.
- Civity is a national nonprofit that envisions a society where everyone belongs and everyone matters. Through training and coaching, Civity helps community members build relationships across differences. Recognized for its effectiveness in increasing social trust, Civity’s approach is rooted in practical tools and strategies that create lasting impact.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this groundbreaking initiative and bring meaningful change to your community.
Two information sessions will be held to learn more and start building the future of trust and connection through leadership. Both sessions will cover the same information.
We hope to see you at the session most convenient for your schedule.
Session 1 | Register Here
Thursday, November 21
3:00 - 4:30 PM ET | 12:00 - 1:30 PM PT
Session 2 | Register Here
Tuesday, December 10
12:00 - 1:30 PM ET | 9:00 - 10:30 AM PT
Session 1 | Register Here
Thursday, November 21
3:00 - 4:30 PM ET | 12:00 - 1:30 PM PT
Session 2 | Register Here
Tuesday, December 10
12:00 - 1:30 PM ET | 9:00 - 10:30 AM PT