Dear John,

Almost two-thirds of nonprofit leaders say polarization is affecting their work. What can your group do?

Today, we launch a new podcast, The Commons in Conversation, that offers answers from advocates, leaders, and thinkers — key players in a movement to bring Americans together, strengthen fractured communities, and rebuild trust in institutions, including philanthropy and nonprofits. The podcast is an extension of our special project, The Commons, exploring the implications for the nonprofit world of America’s division along lines of class, race, gender, and more.

Our six-episode series will feature weekly conversations with: 

Philanthropist Reid Hoffman and Lever for Change CEO Cecilia Conrad about their $10 million competition to rebuild trust in American institutions. 

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Barbara Kingsolver, who will discuss her novels exploring the urban-rural divide as well as philanthropy’s role in Appalachia. 

Kellogg Foundation president La June Montgomery Tabron, who will outline what it will take to foster racial healing in America. 

Rockefeller Brothers Fund president Stephen Heintz and the West Virginia Development Corporation’s Katie Loudin. The two will discuss how to build democracy and community at the local level. 

Donors of Color Network co-founder Hali Lee, who will explore the power of “big philanthropy” to divide us and the community-building power of giving circles and mutual aid. 

Democracy advocate and nonprofit leader Danielle Allen, who will talk about reforms of political institutions, investment in civics education, and a rekindling of civic spirit in local communities.

A new episode will drop each Tuesday through August 5. Listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In the meantime, I invite you to visit The Commons for a look at all our coverage — reported stories, essays, analysis, opinion, video, and more. And drop me a note at TheCommons@philanthropy.com to tell us what you think about The Commons and how we can better serve you.

Drew Lindsay
Senior Editor, Chronicle of Philanthropy

P.S: Give a listen to our other new podcast, Nonprofits Now: Leading Today, where nonprofit leaders share their insights as well as solutions to everyday problems. If you’re already a subscriber to Nonprofits Now, the first two episodes of The Commons in Conversation will show up in your feed automatically.