"American Welfare," publishing soon, explores the widening gap between national narratives and personal experiences. It argues for viewing well-being as vital infrastructure, advocating for redesigned support systems to foster accessibility, connection, and community resilience.
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…
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.
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.
Voting shapes our future by defining whose voices matter. While access to the American Dream has been limited, changing narratives can foster inclusivity and shared opportunity, challenging outdated perceptions of deservingness in society.
Frances Perkins, the first female U.S. Cabinet member and Secretary of Labor, played a pivotal role in establishing modern social welfare during the New Deal. Her advocacy for workers' rights led to landmark legislation, including the Social Security Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act. Despite facing gender-based opposition, her…
Recently, a long-time colleague and I were talking about the launch of this blog and my interest in helping leaders drive systems change. She asked me: “What is systems change, anyway? Many of us use that term freely, but do we really know what we’re asking for, let alone what…