The column in the Spring 2026 Policy & Practice reflects on insights gained from writing American Welfare, emphasizing the essential role of human services in democracy and urging leaders to reshape systems as intentional design choices.
Human Services
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What We Build Together: Two Weeks Until American Welfare
Two weeks from today, American Welfare: Reclaiming the Dream for All of U.S. will be out in the world. As the publication date approaches, I keep returning to a simple truth that runs through every chapter of this book: systems do not change on their own. People change them. And…
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The Voices Shaping a New Story of Well-Being
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…
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Gratitude for the Builders of Belonging
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.
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The Quiet Architecture of Democracy
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.
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The Infrastructure We Need Now
Human services are vital infrastructure amid today's challenges like climate impacts and economic pressures. Budget cuts weaken systems crucial for community resilience. The author advocates for reclaiming "welfare" as well-being to enhance support and trust.
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Human Services: A Backbone of Democracy
The strength of a thriving democracy is reflected in the health and well-being of all its people. Human services, provided by government agencies and community organizations, enhance our well-being by assisting us in navigating life’s inevitable ups and downs. Although the term “human services” is unfamiliar to many, it is…