Bridging narrative divides in pluralistic work, is... work. Our latest blog reflects how the language we use shapes belonging, conflict, and staying in relationship across difference. And, gives insight to how you can start narrative building, with intention. Learn more: bit.ly/whatsintheword
Early bird pricing ends April 10! Join me and experts Michelle Gerrard, Karissa Raskin and Kristina Kastler at Council on Foundations' #BuildingTogether2026 in #Seattle May 4-7 for our presentation on "Bridgebuilding Evaluation: Attitude, Behavior, or Both?" cof.org/building-tog.... See you there!
I attended a cool @urbaninstitute.bsky.social - CNP event last week! The takeaway: we need to a) keep bridging and b) use our agency to navigate evolving tensions between the government and nonprofit sector and protect pluralist democracy. Read more about it, and our research, here: bit.ly/4bXJpIB
along with Michelle Gerrard, Karissa Raskin and Kristina Kastler, will be another great opportunity to practice connecting and collaborating across differences. We’ll explore the differences - and complementarities - between attitude and behavior change approaches to evaluating bridgebuilding work.
I’m excited to present at #BuildingTogether2026 in Seattle! Our session on “Bridgebuilding Evaluation: Attitude, Behavior, or Both?” -- Register now to join us! cof.org/building-tog...
Keep bridging. Use your agency.
Our research into social connection, democracy, and authoritarianism brings those two lessons to the fore.
Disconnection, not disagreement, is democracy’s biggest threat. And you can do something about it.
Read it here: www.cohesionstrategy.com/so/4ePosS7sI...
With Michelle Gerrard, Karissa Raskin, and Kristina Kastler, it will be another great opportunity to practice connecting and collaborating across differences. We’ll explore the differences - and complementarities - between attitude and behavior change approaches to evaluating bridgebuilding work.
along with Michelle Gerrard, Karissa Raskin and Kristina Kastler, will be another great opportunity to practice connecting and collaborating across differences. We’ll explore the differences - and complementarities - between attitude and behavior change approaches to evaluating bridgebuilding work.
I’m excited to present at #BuildingTogether2026 in Seattle! Our session on “Bridgebuilding Evaluation: Attitude, Behavior, or Both?” -- Register now to join us! cof.org/building-tog...
My conversation on Hashcast is live.
We talk bridge-building, religious pluralism, and staying in the tension long enough to build real relationships across difference.
Listen here: subsplash.com/u/anamcara/m...
#BridgeBuilding #InterfaithDialogue
I truly believe we are an Interfaith America at 250. Maybe because I’ve seen firsthand how faith, belonging and bridgebuilding can come together for the greater good.
It was nice to sit down with @deseret.com.web.brid.gy and share a little bit about my own story.
www.deseret.com/faith/2026/0...
📢 We’re hiring a Senior Associate, Research & Communications (PT, Remote, Contract) at Cohesion Strategy!
Work closely with Founder Allison Ralph at the intersection of research, communications, and pluralism-focused consulting.
📄 Full details in the PDF. Apply: allison@cohesionstrategy.com
Does bridging actually work? Yes... if done right. See the 3-part series with Michelle Garred here
open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
#Bridging #Evaluation
At Cohesion Strategy, we help groups practice that second kind—cohesion as a skill, not a slogan.
Cohesion isn’t inevitable. It’s buildable.
#SocialCohesion #Pluralism #CommunityCare #ExpandWhatsPossible
“Social cohesion” can mean two very different things.
One version shrinks the circle to feel safe.
Another shows up when diverse communities move together under pressure.
Minneapolis is showing us the difference right now.
Read this week’s blog: open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
On my way to the Global Faith Forum to be with some of my favorite people. Maybe see y’all there.
A fond farewell to Nevia Selmon as she concludes her time with Cohesion Strategy 💙
We’re grateful for her contributions to our research, communications, and values-driven work.
Nevia reflects on her time with us—and what she’s carrying forward—in a new blog:
👉 open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
The “big tent” isn’t just a tent—it’s a flock in motion.
Scott Warren reminds us why we gather.
Julia Roig shows us how to fly together.
Cohesion isn’t sameness.
It’s synchronized difference.
And you don’t have to be birds of a feather to flock together. 🕊️
Blog: open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
This season reminds us that connection doesn’t require sameness — only care.
Wishing you rest, warmth, and moments of real belonging, however you mark this time of year.
Happy holidays from Cohesion Strategy. ✨
Today, we join our fellow @listenfirstproject.bsky.social coalition members in celebrating #NationalUnityDay.
Unity begins with listening — with curiosity, respect, and connection. 💜
🔗 cohesionstrategy.com
#CohesionInAction #LeadWithClarity #MurmurationMindset #NationalUnityDay
Shoutout to Stories Change Power!
Registration is open for their 2026 advocacy + storytelling courses — from Storytelling 101 to Ethical Storytelling to their Advocacy Learning Communities (online + in DC).
www.storieschangepower.org/programming/...
AND
www.storieschangepower.org/programming/...
Fun fact: Half of Allison’s Spotify Wrapped this year was bird-themed.
(Truly on brand.)
So we’re building a Murmuration Playlist for people who work across difference, conflict, and complexity.
What song fuels YOUR work?
Add it below. ⬇️
Our Senior Associate, Nevia Selmon, presented at the Annual Academy of Religion conference. Her reflections point to what pluralism requires today: shared inquiry, proximity, care networks, and civic attentiveness.
Read her blog: open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
#AAR2025 #philanthropy #nonprofit
Tolerating Disagreement — a quick primer on holding difference with integrity in nonprofit work.
If that resonates, join us Dec 4 (10–1 ET) for Leading When Values Collide, a virtual working session on navigating values tensions in leadership. cohesionstrategy.com
#nonprofitleadership #philanthropy
Had a great conversation with my colleague Nevia about why I created our Values Collide Workshop.
The tension isn’t something to avoid. It’s a doorway to deeper alignment.
Let's #ExpandWhatsPossible.
Watch here: www.linkedin.com/posts/cohesi...
Big update: We’ve refreshed our site at Cohesion Strategy with a new case study on navigating value tensions, free research-based primers for nonprofit leaders, and a clearer way to access my publications on pluralism and integrity.
Explore the new resources → www.cohesionstrategy.com/about-3
We’re proud to share that Nevía Selmon will present her paper “Rower as Witness: Levinas, Ricoeur, and the Human Condition in Motion” at AAR 2025.
📍 Marriott Copley Place, Provincetown
📅 Nov 22, 2025
⏰ 5:00–6:30 PM
Her work bridges embodiment, ethics, and relational leadership!
Hope is a practice.
Our Q3 newsletter shares how we’re building frameworks that can hold difference — not dissolve it.
Read it here: cohesionstrategy.com/so/06PfEvenl...
Subscribe → cohesionstrategy.substack.com
No more purity tests.
We need the skills to bridge and act.
That’s pluralism with teeth — and it’s how we get sh*t done.
Join @CohesionStrategy’s upcoming Leading When Values Collide sessions for real tools to lead across difference.
Read blog here: open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
#Pluralism
Intern with Interfaith Alliance! We have three positions available for Spring 2026 (January 26 - May 15):
⚪ Organizing
⚪ Policy
⚪ Digital Fundraising & Mobilization
Applications are due by November 14.
🎃 Feeling haunted by organizational tensions? 👻
That’s not a curse, it’s a call to lead.
🕸️ Join me Dec 4 for Leading When Values Collide — a virtual workshop for nonprofit & philanthropic leaders ready to face their values ghosts head-on.
👉 Register here
#Leadership #Halloween
