Human Connection Engine

Welcome to The Change Lab.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed, shut down, or unsure where to begin — you’re not alone.

The Change Lab is a Human Connection Engine: it doesn’t demand your energy — it helps you find it again.

Where the Numb disconnects, we reconnect.

We start by affirming your values. Then we offer a next step that fits your life — your time, your energy, your comfort.

You can begin from your couch. Invite a friend. Step into your community. And when you’re ready — use your power.

Change Lab Action Center
Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there. — Rumi

What’s New

Engagement Levels

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Time Banks

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.

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A New National Narrative

Without a shared story built on democratic ideals, public cohesion and collective action weaken. Amid rising polarization and authoritarian threats, a revitalized narrative rooted in civic values provides the social glue and moral framework to sustain democratic governance and shared purpose.

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Leadership Houston

Leadership Houston is one of the city’s premier civic leadership programs, dedicated to educating and connecting leaders who are passionate about making a difference. Since 1982, it has brought together professionals from every sector to explore Houston’s most pressing issues, engage with decision-makers, and build lasting relationships across industries and ideologies. The goal? To create a more informed, inspired, and civically active Houston.

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The Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit think tank and leadership organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute convenes leaders across sectors to tackle the world’s most complex challenges through dialogue, research, and action. With a strong belief in values-based leadership, the Aspen Institute creates space for bold ideas, civil discourse, and meaningful impact.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with locations across the U.S. and abroad, Aspen serves as a neutral ground where changemakers collaborate on solutions across lines of difference.

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Troubling the Water

Ben McBride’s Troubling the Water is both a personal testimony and a public call to action—a deeply spiritual, emotionally honest, and politically relevant work that challenges the reader to live differently.

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American Leadership Forum Gulf Coast

ALF Houston, the Houston/Gulf Coast chapter of the American Leadership Forum, brings together diverse leaders across sectors to build deeper trust, engage in courageous conversations, and lead collaborative change in the region. Their mission is to join and strengthen diverse leaders to serve the common good—transforming individual leadership journeys into a network of collective impact.

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WEBINAR THECHANGELAB WEBINAR THECHANGELAB

Jun 17, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am Webinar: 2025 State of Housing in Harris County and Houston

Webinar: 2025 State of Housing in Harris County and Houston
Tuesday, June 17, 10-11 a.m. | Presenting Sponsor: Wells Fargo 

Explore the latest findings from this year's State of Housing report, which will focus on long-term affordability challenges associated with disaster recovery and resilience. A panel discussion with experts James Elliott (Rice University), Elaine Morales-Díaz (Connective) and Jeremy Porter (First Street) will follow. 

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US Chamber of Connection

The Chamber of Connection is a nonpartisan initiative working to transform the culture of politics by strengthening human relationships among elected leaders. With a focus on curiosity, connection, and collaboration, the Chamber brings together state legislators—across party lines—to build trust, reduce polarization, and develop the skills needed to govern with integrity and empathy.

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Greater Good Science Center

The Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) at UC Berkeley bridges the gap between scientific research and everyday life, helping people apply the science of compassion, connection, and well-being to build stronger communities and a more empathetic world. Since 2001, GGSC has been a trusted source of research-backed insights on how to live a more connected, resilient, and purpose-driven life—at home, at work, and in society.

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Search for Common Ground

Search for Common Ground is the world’s largest dedicated peacebuilding organization, working to end violent conflict through dialogue, collaboration, and shared goals. Founded in 1982, their mission is to transform the way the world deals with conflict—moving from adversarial approaches to cooperative solutions. Operating in more than 30 countries, Search brings together people across political, cultural, and religious divides to resolve conflict and build lasting peace.

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Resilient Leadership: Free Online Course

This is for anyone who leads—formally or informally:

  • Parents and caregivers

  • Business owners and managers

  • Teachers and coaches

  • Nonprofit leaders and community volunteers

  • Anyone who wants to grow stronger and serve better

You don’t need a fancy title to be a leader. If people look to you, you’re leading. And this course can help.

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We’re a brand new organization focused on connection, civic participation, and shared understanding. This is our temporary website while we build out a full online platform to better serve our community. In the meantime, we’d love your support and input as we grow. You can support our work or schedule a conversation to learn more and get involved.

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