Frientimacy: The 3 Requirements of All Healthy Friendships” by Shasta Nelson
TEDx Talk | 16 min video
A powerful and funny talk by our very own Chief Friendship Officer that breaks down what makes friendships meaningful and how to strengthen the ones you have.
Our unique program gives food-insecure families an opportunity to access unaffordable, better-for-you alternatives that drastically curb sugar, salt and fat intake. In communities where generational chronic health conditions are the norm, the Better Box is helping thousands take positive steps toward a more nutritious and sustainable lifestyle. Behind the scenes, our Direct-to-Need model leverages over 2,000 Wellfare volunteers and aligns procurement, warehousing, fulfillment, distribution and customer experience under one umbrella, making the program incredibly efficient, transparent and cost-effective. The Better Box is a dynamic and impactful first step in our long term aim to create true food security across the United States.
In one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas, affordable housing is increasingly out of reach for many working families. Habitat MCTX provides a pathway to homeownership through a model rooted in dignity, equity, and community partnership. Their approach reduces generational poverty, creates stability for families, and builds stronger neighborhoods from the ground up.
Why It Matters
In an era of rapid automation and shifting skill demands, evidence-based solutions are critical to ensure inclusive economic opportunity.
Alignment
The Institute’s data-centric approach complements The Change Lab’s focus on community-led solutions and systems change.
Role in Ecosystem
Acting as a knowledge hub, BGI translates big data into actionable insights for nonprofits, governments, and industry leaders.
Why It Matters
As threats to voting rights, transparency, and accountability grow, Democracy Forward ensures that everyone’s voice is heard through the courts and the halls of power.
The Climate Mental Health Network supports emotional well-being in the face of climate change by empowering communities with resources, conversations, and intergenerational healing tools.
Synopsis
This article explains how kids in some parts of the country have more chances to move up in life. It uses research from Harvard and shows how local traditions, history, and culture can affect success. Some areas support strong communities and good schools, while others may have fewer public services or opportunities.
Young people already want to work alongside adults to solve community issues—but often lack spaces with real power or connection reciprocal collaboration.
In the face of ongoing humanitarian crisis, Hope Revival offers life-saving psychological and social care in some of the world’s most underserved areas. Their integrated services build long-term resilience while addressing urgent trauma recovery needs. Their work fosters dignity, inclusion, and local capacity in areas affected by war, poverty, and instability.
At a time of division and violence, ICAN Peacework provides pathways for youth to develop leadership through nonviolence, emotional wellness, and community-centered justice. Their work builds resilience and healing through storytelling, conflict resolution, and restorative circles—equipping future generations with the tools to shape more compassionate, inclusive communities.
Emotional dysregulation affects how people respond to stress and communicate feelings, often leading to misunderstood behaviors and strained relationships. Understanding its root causes—such as trauma, neurodivergence, or chronic stress—opens the door to healing and resilience. This guide empowers caregivers, educators, and individuals with language and tools for support.
Books Unbanned is a bold initiative by Brooklyn Public Library to counter censorship and increase access to diverse books for young readers. This program allows teens and young adults ages 13–21 anywhere in the United States to get a free digital library card—giving them access to a wide array of e-books and audiobooks, including many titles being challenged or banned across the country.
Local ecosystems like coastal marshes, pine savannahs, and prairie meadows provide critical services—from flood resilience to climate mitigation. Houston Wilderness supports large‑scale planting, green infrastructure, and planning frameworks—empowering underserved communities and building climate‑smart infrastructure regionall
The State of the City address is a critical civic moment that outlines Houston’s direction, fosters transparency, and encourages collaboration across sectors. It's an opportunity for residents and organizations to hear directly from their mayor and align around the city’s goals. Events like this promote civic accountability and foster engagement in public life.
EarthShare Texas enables local environmental nonprofits with over 95% of donated funds going directly to mission-driven work. It has collectively helped conserve land, support environmental justice, and engage Texans in statewide action and awareness.
This event is part of the planning phase for redeveloping Irvinton Village under the <strong>HUD Choice Neighborhoods initiative</strong>. The planning team—led by the Houston Housing Authority, in partnership with the City of Houston, LISC Houston, Avenue CDC, LRK—wants to hear directly from community members about priorities for housing, neighborhood needs, and opportunity.</p>
No decisions have been made yet—your voice will help shape the direction of the plan.
Generational divisions are deepening just when collaboration is needed most. CoGenerate addresses this by building intergenerational bridges that spark innovation, expand belonging, and nurture mutual understanding—offering a replicable model of age-integrated social progress.
Grants offered through HAA provide essential funding that fuels Houston’s creative economy. These resources ensure equitable access to the arts and help preserve and uplift diverse cultural traditions. They also contribute to stronger community connections, economic development, and public access to meaningful cultural experiences.
By redirecting millions of pounds of surplus food away from landfills, Goodr reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves food accessibility, offering a triple‑win: lower costs, positive ESG impact, and hunger relief.
At a time when democracy is under threat, We Hold These Truths seeks to build bridges and affirm the principles that bind us together. The campaign fosters civic pride and unity by promoting shared values and encouraging civic responsibility through actionable public commitments.
At a time when democracy is under threat, We Hold These Truths seeks to build bridges and affirm the principles that bind us together. The campaign fosters civic pride and unity by promoting shared values and encouraging civic responsibility through actionable public commitments.
Time Banking shifts the narrative of value from money to meaning. By creating economies rooted in reciprocity and interdependence, TimeBanks foster deeper social ties and make visible the invisible work of caregiving, mentoring, and community support. It’s a powerful counterbalance to isolation and systemic inequity.
Why It Matters for Change Lab Audiences
Emotional & relational learning: Supports caregivers—parents, grandparents, teachers—in naming and navigating emotions with young children during transitional moments.
Applied civic culture: Rooted in emotions as play, this approach models inclusive, relationship-centered civic learning beginning in early childhood settings.
Intergenerational civic resilience: Equips adults with communication tools that foster belonging, empathy, and cross-generational understanding.
A powerful, practical guide for anyone working to build systems of equity, inclusion, and shared power. Created by the Othering & Belonging Institute (OBI) at UC Berkeley, this resource outlines how to move from “inclusion” to true belonging—grounded in structural change, Targeted Universalism, and bridging across difference.
In an age of misinformation, polarization, and rapid information overload, equipping people with tools for clear reasoning and respectful dialogue is essential. These toolkits help build the foundations for better civic understanding, inclusive dialogue, and more informed decision-making.
Personal and shared stories shape how we move—and how we belong. Bailey’s work rests at the intersection of identity, healing justice, and curiosity. By inviting readers to engage with ancestral scripts, this book cultivates empathy, continuity, and civic imagination.
Millions of Americans lack reliable healthcare access. Jordan’s philanthropy directly addresses gaps in community health by funding infrastructure and removing barriers like cost and transportation. His hometown model could inspire similar efforts nationwide
Real change requires real collaboration. This program helps participants move beyond vague partnerships toward structured, intentional, and inclusive collaboration practices. With a sliding scale model, it's also financially accessible for grassroots organizations and frontline leaders.