World Grid Project

A comprehensive initiative to map and promote the development of a globally interconnected electric grid powered entirely by renewable energy, building on Buckminster Fuller's vision of universal carbon-free electricity access.

A Transformed World

The Charter for Compassion envisions a world where all life flourishes with compassion. Founded by scholar Karen Armstrong after receiving the TED Prize in 2008, the Charter was unveiled on November 12, 2009, with support from thousands of contributors worldwide.

The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions—the Golden Rule that calls us to treat others as we wish to be treated. The Charter translates this ancient wisdom into a living, breathing movement for our times.

Every child, in every neighborhood, excels in a world-class public school and thrives in the Houston of tomorrow.

An education backbone organization partnering with Houston-area school districts to accelerate progress by increasing the number of children succeeding in high-quality learning environments.

The Social Trust Map is an interactive, scrollytelling experience that visualizes Weave's Social Trust Index for every neighborhood in the United States. This powerful tool helps communities understand where connection is taking root and where support is needed most.

By blending indicators of how people show up for each other (behaviors), how they feel and express care (intentions), and where connection happens (social spaces), the map provides an early signal for civic health that can guide community-building efforts.

Examine how coordinated disaster response efforts can inform the design of long-term, community-led systems for resilience and development.

When disaster strikes, communities often respond with extraordinary care and coordination. But what if we carried that clarity and cooperation into everyday systems? In this session, we’ll explore how disaster response can evolve into a more permanent infrastructure of resilience—led by those closest to the work. Drawing from the story of the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance and other local efforts, we’ll explore what it looks like to shift from emergency response to proactive, community-led design. Participants will reflect on how shared experience can become shared capacity.

Explore evidence-based strategies and community-driven practices that support student success across Houston’s diverse learning environments

Our expectations shape our systems. This session invites leaders to begin with a bold premise: every student has the potential to thrive. Drawing on local and national research, we’ll explore strategies that have made a significant impact on student success. Together, we’ll reflect on what it means to design learning environments rooted in possibility, care, and community wellbeing.

Parking Information

The session will be held at 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. Parking is available in the attached garage, with the entrance located on Fannin Street. Parking will be complimentary for all exits after 6:00 pm. We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.

"The clearest message that we get from this 75-year study is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period."

— Dr. Robert Waldinger, Harvard Study of Adult Development

The Campaign

Meet Coleman F. Sweeney—a man who's made it his life's mission to be absolutely terrible. He gives cigarettes to kids, steals laundry, and is cruel to animals, children, and people with disabilities.

But when Coleman dies unexpectedly at a diner, the waitress discovers something shocking on his driver's license: he's an organ donor. This one selfless decision transforms everything, giving deserving people a second chance at life.

We're building a culture of respect and belonging for all. Since 2021, we've invested $33 million in people and groups bringing pluralism to life across America.

Pluralism is a promise and a practice—a choice about who we want to become.

We're building a democracy where everyone has a voice and everyone can participate. Since 2014, we've invested over $500 million to protect democracy and create lasting change.

Democracy needs protection. Together, we can defend it.

A national initiative transforming public spaces to build stronger, more connected communities across America.

Parks, libraries, trails, and main streets become places where people of all backgrounds gather, trust grows, and neighborhoods thrive.

peakers: Míriam Juan-Torres González (Head of Research, Democracy & Belonging Forum) and Stefánia Kapronczay (Hungarian human rights defender; 20 years field experience, 12 years civil society leadership)

How do authoritarian movements weaponize gendered anxieties to divide society and justify extreme measures? This session shares a six-strategy framework from the (En)Gendering Authoritarianism report (Othering & Belonging Institute + Over Zero), with examples from Europe and North America and a special focus on Hungary.

A 30-minute audience Q&A will follow the presentation.

More than 180 foundations and philanthropy networks condemn political violence and affirm core freedoms — speech and the freedom to give. The statement calls for leadership that unites rather than divides and commits to safeguarding peaceful civic life for people of all backgrounds.

Step beyond workforce gaps to explore how networks, trust, and local systems expand access to opportunity.

Workforce development isn’t just about placement—it’s about belonging, access, and navigating a shifting economy. In this session, we’ll explore how opportunity emerges when systems are designed to reflect the realities of the people they serve. Rather than focus on short-term fixes, we’ll hear from regional leaders who are weaving together education, business, and community to build more adaptive and connected opportunity ecosystems. Participants will consider how relationships, not just programs, create durable pathways to economic mobility.

Parking Information

The session will be held at 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. Parking is available in the attached garage, with the entrance located on Fannin Street. Parking will be complimentary for all exits after 6:00 pm. We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.