In this episode, Nichole and Scott begin with a startling figure from Amanda Ripley’s book, Unthinkable: 90 percent of counties in the U. S. were declared federal disaster zones over a 10 year period from 2011 to 2021. These disasters, which largely represented extreme weather, are here to stay – how can our local communities become resilient? International research says the most important factor is strong, pre-existing relationships across differences. So what state are our communities in today, and how can we strengthen them?
Nichole and Scott first welcome Dr. Seth Kaplan, author of Fragile Neighborhoods: Repairing American Society One Zip Code at a Time. Seth discusses how local relationships and institutions—once the backbone of communities—have eroded over the past 50 years. The resulting disconnection has left many neighborhoods without the trust, engagement, and collaboration needed to thrive, much less tackle modern challenges. To rebuild, Seth emphasizes how hyper-local efforts can collectively lead to broader societal change. He says, “Every journey starts with the first step—take it.”
In the second half of the episode, Nichole and Scott are joined by Dr. John Paul Lederach, a renowned peacebuilding expert. They ask a question that has come up more frequently in recent years: Is the country heading towards civil war, e.g., are our communities more susceptible to political violence? John Paul suggests that while the United States is not likely heading toward a traditional civil war, localized violence fueled by fear and survivalist mindsets could escalate. To counter this, John Paul emphasizes the need to address community divides through relationships.
Both Seth and John Paul believe we can turn the tide by starting small and local, focusing on rebuilding trust through interpersonal relationships and collaborative action. They emphasize the importance of intentionality, courage, and persistence, encouraging individuals to take incremental yet impactful steps toward creating resilient and inclusive communities. Whether it’s hosting a block party or engaging in sustained dialogue, the overarching goal is to create relational connections that can withstand challenges and foster unity amidst diversity.
CALL TO ACTION:
Individuals can:
Build Local Connections. Introduce yourself to your neighbors, or host community meals, block parties, or other informal gatherings.
Reach Across Divides. Take intentional steps to connect with people outside your immediate social or ideological circles. Begin by having conversations to understand their perspectives and experiences.
Collaborate with a few like-minded individuals to start neighborhood-focused activities, like book clubs or community improvement projects.
Work with local organizations, governments, or schools to promote spaces and activities that encourage social interaction and community bonding.
Commit to Sustained Dialogue. Engage in ongoing conversations even when they are challenging. Building trust and understanding is a long-term process that requires persistence and openness.
Municipalities and Community Foundations can:
Create initiatives that prioritize building relationships as a central goal.
Offer small grants to encourage small-scale, hyper-local collaboration, such as neighbors working together to improve streets or parks.
Scale these efforts neighborhood by neighborhood, strengthening bonds within and across communities to ensure sustainable progress.
Create and monitor metrics to assess neighborhood health, such as levels of trust, social mobility, and relational dynamics.
Create an “Office of social connection” or an “Office of neighborhood health” to enhance social connectivity and reduce inequality.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Pick up these books:
Fragile Neighborhoods: Repairing American Society One Zip Code at a Time by Seth Kaplan
Pocket Guide to Facing Down a Civil War by John Paul Lederach