I went into researching American Welfare expecting a history project. I thought I would spend most of my time on how we got here, how “welfare” became a weapon, and why our systems so often feel stuck. What I didn’t expect was that some of the most forward-looking guidance would…
Why justice requires both compassion and structural change—and how we can build it together. Each year on this day, we return to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words not only to honor his legacy, but to reflect on our own work—the work of building communities where everyone can flourish. King…
The upcoming book, "American Welfare: Reclaiming the Dream for All of U.S.," urges a reimagining of welfare systems to foster community well-being and belonging.
Frederick Douglass emphasized the necessary connection between struggle and progress, urging us to confront societal structures that limit opportunity. His insights encourage a commitment to inclusivity, challenging narratives, and designing systems for collective thriving as we enter 2026.
Belonging is intentionally created through design and policy choices, not just a hopeful feeling. It's essential for community building, requiring intentional systems to foster inclusion and support, as emphasized in john a. powell's work.
Jane Addams emphasized that democracy is demonstrated through daily interactions, affecting how society treats individuals. Her insights on human services remind us that democracy thrives in community support and shared responsibility, a theme central to my forthcoming book.
When you write about systems, you quickly realize you’re also writing about the stories beneath them. Every policy, every rule, every routine we inherit began as an idea about how people behave and what we believe they deserve. To understand where those ideas came from—and what it will take to…
This message expresses gratitude to human services professionals for their work in transforming systems to support people. Their efforts foster connections, translate policy into practice, and strengthen community foundations, promoting trust, belonging, and democracy amid challenges faced by families and organizations.
The post emphasizes the importance of often unnoticed systems like human services in public life. It advocates for collaborative design with affected communities to enhance democratic health and well-being.
Language shapes our perceptions and systems regarding welfare. Originally linked to well-being, its meaning has degraded, affecting public communication and design. The way we frame welfare influences outcomes, impacting people's lives positively or negatively as we seek clarity amid uncertainty.