In a conversation celebrating SCI's 20th anniversary, host David welcomes Roger Wong, the first AmeriCorps member with SCI. They discuss his journey with AmeriCorps, motivated by a desire for a meaningful career after dissatisfaction with his consulting job post-9/11.

Roger shares his transformative experience managing the Youth Leadership Council, emphasizing youth empowerment and community engagement. He reflects on nearly two decades of professional growth since SCI, noting how the experience built his confidence and skills, leading to roles in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and partnerships with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

He underscores the importance of adaptability, partnership-building, and understanding community needs, especially in light of significant crises like 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn More about SCI AmeriCorps at socialcapitalinc.org/americorps

In this episode of the Cultivating Connections podcast, Woburn Memorial High School rising senior Luke Sheldon discusses the inspiring work of Inclusive Eats, an organization dedicated to advocating for cultural relevancy in food aid programs. Luke shares how Inclusive Eats addresses the traditional shortcomings of food donations, which often consist of items that donors no longer want rather than foods that are culturally significant and nutritious for the recipients.

As a Brazilian American, Luke emphasizes the importance of providing food that resonates with people’s cultural backgrounds, fostering dignity and connection in diverse communities. The organization not only supplies culturally relevant food to over 20 food pantries but also conducts awareness campaigns, cooking classes, and community dinners to promote understanding and unity through shared culinary experiences.

Luke recounts the personal journey and collaborative efforts that led to the founding of Inclusive Eats, including his brother's realization about the lack of culturally relevant food in pantries. He also discusses how participation in the SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest helped Inclusive Eats develop a plan for a series of cooking classes.

Highlighting the impact of Inclusive Eats' cooking classes, he explains how these sessions serve as both educational and unifying experiences, bringing together people from different backgrounds to learn about and appreciate diverse culinary traditions. The success of the first Brazilian-themed class, which was covered by CBS News, exemplifies the powerful connections and sense of community that food can foster. Luke also shares his long-term goals for the organization to ensure its mission continues even after he graduates.

In this episode of the "SCI Cultivating Connections" podcast, SCI Development & Program Manager Leah Mulrenan interviews David Crowley, President & Founder of SCI Social Capital Inc.. David shares about the origins of SCI, which formed to foster intentional community building across diverse backgrounds. The aim was and continues to be bridging differences and creating a stronger, more connected community.

David and Leah discuss the continued importance of building social capital in light of the current challenges we face as a nation. David recaps recent work by Bowling Along author Robert Putnam, and a recent New York Times interview with Putnam. Leah and David discuss several issues that have been following similar trends to social capital, according to Putnam’s recent book The Upswing, co-authored with Shalyn Romney Garrett. These adjacent issues include economic inequality, extreme partisanship and the diminishing sense that we are in this together.

David recently wrote an article entitled, “5 Ways To Build Bridging Social Capital & Develop a Sense of Common Purpose”. During his discussion with Leah, David highlights the importance of developing young leaders committed to building inclusive communities and helping them develop the skills to do so. He also emphasizes the importance of building on various innovative community building initiatives to create a movement working for more connected, inclusive communities in order to strengthen our democracy for the long-term.