Sam Pressler on His Passion for Building Community and Connection

Sam Pressler has a strong track record of bringing people together and working to rebuild the civic infrastructure of the United States. In addition to being a researcher and writer, he is also the founder of the Armed Services Art Partnership and Connective Tissue, a collection of projects designed to help people understand how they might go about creating connections in their own towns and civic organizations. 

 

Chapters:

02:20 Making Grandmothers Proud  Sam shares the inspiration behind his mantra of making his grandmothers proud, discussing the significant influence they had on his life and values, particularly in relation to community and intellectual engagement. 

04:30 The Birth of the Armed Services Arts Partnership  Sam recounts the inception of the Armed Services Arts Partnership, detailing how his passion for humor and service led to the creation of a stand-up comedy class for veterans, which blossomed into a national nonprofit. 

08:02 The Impact of the Armed Services Arts Partnership  Reflecting on the success of the Armed Services Arts Partnership, Sam discusses its growth and ongoing mission to connect veterans with the arts, fostering community and purpose in their lives. 

14:44 Exploring Community and Connection  Sam reflects on his academic journey at Harvard, where he delved into themes of community, spirituality, and the importance of reconnecting people to the commitments that give life meaning. 

15:45 The Challenge of Rebuilding Civic Life  Discussing the generational work needed to address the decline of community, Sam emphasizes the importance of cultural and structural change in rebuilding civic life and fostering connections. 

19:08 Rethinking Technology’s Role  Sam and Bill engage in a conversation about the impact of technology on community engagement, exploring how to repurpose digital tools to foster connection rather than isolation. 

25:07 Collective Action for Change  As they discuss the lingering effects of the pandemic, Sam highlights the potential for collective action to reshape community engagement and emphasizes the need for a cultural shift towards in-person connections. 

32:20 The Isolation of Remote Work  Sam discusses the isolating nature of remote work and its impact on social connections, particularly for younger individuals who rely on workplace relationships for friendship.. 

34:32 Government’s Role in Community Building  Transitioning to policy discussions, Sam introduces his comprehensive 182-page framework aimed at enhancing government involvement in fostering community connections.  

37:10 Creating Pathways for Young Adults  Sam highlights the critical period of adult transition and the lack of structured pathways for those not attending college.  

41:13 Micro Grants for Community Interaction  In this chapter, Sam shares examples of successful community initiatives, such as micro grants for block parties and neighborhood dinners, that encourage social interaction.  

44:00 The Shift Towards Community Engagement  The conversation shifts to the importance of viewing residents as community members rather than clients, with suggestions for local governments to enhance engagement.  

46:24 From Individualism to Community  Sam reflects on the cultural shift from individualism towards a more communal mindset, emphasizing the need for social connections that foster a sense of belonging. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the importance of feeling needed within a community. 

50:01 Connective Tissue: A Newsletter for Community Insights Wrapping up the episode, Sam introduces his ‘Connective Tissue’ newsletter, which shares insights and practical ideas for community building.