RSA US

In a world where interactions can feel increasingly transactional, how do we build authentic relationships that open doors, expand perspectives, and create real impact? Our last blog this month honoring female-identifying Fellows, Emily Weiner FRSA, founder of The Connectors, shares how social capital has shaped her life—from childhood transitions to supporting leaders in forging meaningful #connections. She explores why #trust, #curiosity, and #genuine #engagement are crucial for breaking down barriers and building #communities that thrive. Dive into the full piece to learn how we can all be more intentional about the way we connect: https://lnkd.in/gWg5u8KQ

How do you approach #problemsolving? Do you prefer structure and routine, or do you thrive on flexibility and innovation? Join the RSA US community on April 24 for an interactive virtual workshop on Problem Solving with Style, where we’ll explore the #KAI (Kirton Adaption-Innovation) Inventory—a tool designed to help you understand your natural problem-solving preferences and how they shape the way you tackle challenges. We’re thrilled to welcome Nicola Ryall FRSA, CEO of the KAI Foundation, and Dr. Iwan Jenkins, President of The Riot Point and Chairman of the KAI Foundation’s Advisory Council, as they share their experiences applying KAI in their work and lives. The conversation will be moderated by Curtis Friedel FRSA, Co-Founder & Director at the Center for Cooperative Problem Solving at Virginia Tech. This session is designed for professionals, leaders, and anyone interested in enhancing their problem-solving approach. Join us to discover how you can better navigate challenges, collaborate effectively, and unlock new possibilities. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gW7639ki

Scenes from our Patron's Lecture last night where world-renowned political scientist Robert D. Putnam delivered the keynote speech (virtually), highlighting the growing lack of social connection across the US. “We were a collection of ‘Is’ then we became a ‘we’, and now we are back to being unequal, politically divided, socially isolated and focused on ‘me’,” he said. Following the speech, Robert joined a panel including Sarah Hemminger, Co-Founder and CEO of Thread, Inc.; Marnie Freeman FRSA, Co-Founder and Director of Neighbourly Lab: and Sir Nick Clegg, President of Global Affairs at Meta and former UK Deputy Prime Minister - chaired by our CEO Andy Haldane. Catch the full recap here: https://thersa.co/4iOImeP ?? by Laura Aziz

In the next in our series of female-identifying Fellows creating impact, we turn to Wonderfuture Chief Strategist, Lesley-Anne Long FRSA. Lesley-Anne has spent her career leading global initiatives in #health, #development, and #democracy. She has worked with WHO, the World Bank, and Wilton Park, led multi-sector collaborations as CEO of GBCHealth, and co-founded Ethiopia’s HEAT (Health Education and Training) program, which trained 35,000+ community health workers alongside the Minister of Health. In 2024, she launched Democracy Dinners and Lunch for Democracy to foster deep, meaningful conversations that disrupt polarization and build bridges. For Lesley-Anne, social capital is the currency of #trust, #relationships, and #collaboration—a force that fuels impact. In an era of significant division, Lesley-Anne's work reminds us: Democracy starts with dialogue. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gszuZ7VJ

This #WomensHistoryMonth, we’re celebrating the impactful work of female-identifying Fellows. As a podcast creator, executive strategist, and award-winning global journalist, Christabel N. has built and hosted shows for major media companies, developed programs at Spotify—including the Behind the Mic fellowship—and taught audio storytelling at institutions like UPenn, Howard, and Spelman. Her journey reflects the power of #socialcapital — the #trust, #connections, and #collaboration that open doors and create #opportunities. From navigating media’s competitive landscape to building spaces for #diversevoices, Christabel’s work underscores why expanding access to social capital is more critical than ever. Read more about how Christabel is shaping stories and amplifying voices: https://lnkd.in/g8uUbfxk

At this year's Patron’s Lecture, world-renowned political scientist Robert Putnam will join us to explore the vital role of social connections for economic mobility, civic engagement, and community wellbeing. Reserve your virtual ticket now: https://thersa.co/4idHW1v

This #WomensHistoryMonth, female RSA Fellows are shining a light on the power of #social capital – the networks and relationships that help individuals and communities thrive.?Our next contributor Elana Campbell FRSA, an executive function coach and #autism advocate, emphasizes how building strong, supportive #connections has transformed her life and empowered her autistic son. By fostering meaningful #relationships and creating a network of #support, she’s helping both her clients and family achieve independence and growth. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gn4-44CW

This #WomensHistoryMonth, we’re celebrating the incredible women in our Fellowship—leaders, innovators, and all-around trailblazers who are shaping a more resilient and rebalanced world. This year’s #IWD2025 theme, #AccelerateAction, is a call to push forward—to dream big, take bold steps, and lift each other up. And that’s exactly what our community is all about. For over 270 years, the RSA has worked to create a world where everyone, regardless of gender, can fulfill their #potential. We’re expanding our #global network of Fellows, creating new opportunities for #collaboration and fresh avenues for #socialchange. A #diverse community means #stronger networks, more support, and bigger impact for those #drivingchange. Join us! Together, we can #support women’s empowerment worldwide and spark the change we want to see. https://lnkd.in/gz_UZjiE #WomenWhoLead #RSAFellowship #SocialImpact

With International Women’s Day tomorrow and Women’s History Month in full swing, we’re excited to share something special a bit early. This March, the RSA US team is spotlighting female-identifying #Fellows who are shaping communities through #socialcapital and connection. We'll be featuring a series of blogs exploring how networks of relationships and support systems can make a world of difference, particularly for women. First up, Dr. Rassheedah The Inclusive Community Architect?, EdD, FRSA, shares how social capital has shaped her journey—from leading the establishment of Minnesota’s first nationally designated Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Center to working with U.S. embassies on community inclusion. She reflects on the barriers she’s faced, the power of intentional networking, and why #mentorship and #allyship are essential for creating meaningful change. Read more about Dr. Watts’ insights and experiences: https://lnkd.in/g6PkfV88 #IWD25 #WomensHistoryMonth #NetworkingForChange #CommunityBuilding #DEI #socialconnections

Yesterday, we came together to celebrate International Women’s Day #IWD25 with the theme “ #AccelerateAction ”—because at the current rate, it will take 134 years to reach full gender parity. We were honored to be joined by Dr. Rassheedah The Inclusive Community Architect?, EdD, FRSA, Nicki Eyre FRSA, and Amy J. Wilson, who shared powerful #insights on the barriers women face, the importance of women’s perspectives in shaping workplaces, and the urgent actions needed to build more #inclusive and #equitable environments. This event wasn’t just a conversation—it was a call to action. A reminder that progress depends on all of us. Let’s keep the momentum going. ?? #GenderEquity #InclusionMatters https://lnkd.in/gKFiPutm