WEAVE, a social fabric project
Spreading connection and belonging to rebuild America’s social fabric
Who They Are
Founded by New York Times columnist David Brooks in 2018, WEAVE: The Social Fabric Project is an initiative of the Aspen Institute working to address America’s crisis of broken trust and social fragmentation. Born out of a national listening tour and guided by a deeply relational ethos, WEAVE exists to support people who prioritize connection, community, and belonging in their daily lives.
From neighborhood leaders and faith organizers to barbers, coaches, and volunteers, WEAVE uplifts these “weavers”—people who stitch their communities together through acts of trust and care. WEAVE supports them through storytelling, skill-building, funding, and connection, helping foster a culture that values relationships as much as results.
What They Do
Connect Weavers
WEAVE hosts virtual and in-person gatherings, trainings, and an online community space where weavers learn from and support one another.Lift Up Weavers
The project provides microgrants, public speaking opportunities, and national recognition to amplify the impact of weavers working at the neighborhood level.Inspire Relational Living
Through publications like The Relationalist Manifesto, the weekly Weave Newsletter, and the Speakers Bureau, WEAVE models a shift away from individualism toward a more connected way of life.
Why They Matter
WEAVE is not just a program—it’s a cultural invitation. Their work is reshaping the narrative of what leadership looks like by focusing on relational trust rather than formal titles. In a time of polarization and isolation, WEAVE helps communities rediscover what it means to live in relationship with one another—transforming small acts of connection into large-scale social renewal.
Connection to The Change Lab
The Change Lab and WEAVE share a fundamental belief: that systems change starts with human connection. WEAVE’s support of neighborhood leaders, focus on relational culture, and efforts to spark civic healing mirror The Change Lab’s commitment to belonging, bridge-building, and grassroots power-sharing. Their tools and network are invaluable for anyone looking to weave the social fabric of their own community.
