Nichole Argo describes the work she’s doing to bring communities together by assembling people with different viewpoints around one table to discuss their challenges and formulate solutions. After great success in her hometown, she’s now pursuing similar models across the country, and she’s optimistic that combining a growing desire for belonging with proven methods for building community will yield positive results.
01:11 Meet Nichole Argo
Bill introduces Nichole Argo, a social psychologist and founder of the Togetherup Institute, highlighting her impressive background and her work in promoting belonging and community resilience.
02:30 Understanding Social Psychology
Nichole explains the essence of social psychology, discussing how it examines social identities and group behaviors, and shares her journey from studying conflict to fostering cooperation.
04:11 Navigating Conflict
The conversation delves into Nichole’s personal comfort with conflict, exploring how understanding and managing internal conflicts can lead to more productive discussions in various settings.
06:02 The Challenge of Online Conflict
Bill and Nichole discuss the rise of online conflict and the societal tendency to engage in arguments, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when to step back from disputes.
08:39 Founding TogetherUp
Nichole recounts the founding of TogetherUp, driven by a local crisis in her community, and the importance of building relationships across differences to foster belonging.
10:44 The Needham Resilience Network
Nicole shares her experience with the Needham Resilience Network, a transformative initiative aimed at bridging divides and fostering collaboration among community members.
14:00 The Power of Local Communities
Nichole emphasizes the significance of local communities in practicing democracy and fostering resilience, arguing that local solutions are essential for addressing broader societal challenges.
19:09 Finding Common Ground
The conversation explores the idea of identifying shared values and interests among differing groups, illustrating how focusing on commonalities can facilitate better communication and understanding.
22:15 The Importance of Resilience
Nichole discusses the necessity of resilience in facing contemporary challenges, stressing that strong communities can better withstand adversities through social cohesion.
23:25 Launching Reimagining Us
Nichole introduces her podcast, Reimagining Us, detailing its purpose of exploring how Americans can collaborate across differences and the motivations behind its creation.
27:10 The Beauty of Local Action
Bill and Nichole reflect on the abundance of individuals and initiatives working towards positive change at the local level, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and action.
29:10 Influencing Change at the Local Level
In this chapter, the conversation explores how individuals can make a significant impact within their local communities, contrasting it with the challenges of influencing larger political structures.
31:05 The Role of Local Media
Nichole and Bill delve into the critical role of local media in fostering community engagement and cohesion, especially in the face of declining local news outlets.
33:30 The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media
This chapter addresses the paradox of social media, which has the potential to unite and divide communities.
36:14 Reimagining Social Media for Good
Nichole highlights emerging platforms that focus on building connections and fostering a sense of belonging.
44:40 Empowering Communities with Resources
In the final segment, Nichole shares how TogetherUp is providing tools and resources for communities to foster belonging and engagement.