A group of four people smiling and talking outdoors during fall, with trees and a sunny sky in the background.

Bring Your Neighborhood to Life

Imagine a small group of people like you in every neighborhood — people who notice, who host, who care, and who are connected to others doing the same across cities and states nationwide.

Together, we’re helping neighbors meet, gatherings happen, and blocks come to life again.

We call ourselves the Welcome Committee.

Be part of our next cohort. Apply by August 21, 2026.

Join Us

Your Neighbors Need You

  • 83%

    Not Thriving Socially

  • 72%

    Don’t Regularly Connect 1:1 With Others

  • 27%

    Lack Reliable Social Support

  • 50%

    Not Thriving / Flourishing

  • 58%

    Can’t Rely on Neighbors in an Emergency

  • 45%

    Don’t Trust Others

  • 40%

    Uninterested in Connecting Across Difference

  • 55%

    Feel Politically Disempowered

What’s the Welcome Committee?

The Welcome Committee is a growing movement dedicated to restoring connection in neighborhoods across the country. Members show up for their neighbors through conversation, gathering, and civic engagement, to build the kind of community where everyone belongs.

The Welcome Committee starts with a three-month training period, where you'll build the skills and experience to serve as a Neighborhood Leader long term.

Map of the United States showing locations of neighborhood leaders in various cities, with portraits of 30 individuals on the left side.

Information Sessions

This 30-minute info session is your chance to learn more about our mission to reconnect America, hear directly from current Welcome Committee members, and get your questions answered before you apply for an upcoming cohort. We can't wait to meet you!

NEXT SESSION

August 19th, 12-12:30pm ET / 9-9:30am PT

  • Kickoff (September 2nd from 12-1:30pm ET): A virtual session to meet your cohort, learn the Six Points of Connection, and get ready to hit the ground running.

  • Live Cohort Sessions (September-October): Three virtual sessions on Wednesdays, 12–1:00pm ET, each building on the last:

    • September 16 — Creating a Culture of Invitation

    • September 30 — Having Connected Conversations

    • October 14 — Hosting & Gathering

  • In Practice (September-November): Between sessions, you'll complete four milestones: three Connected Conversations with neighbors and one neighborhood gathering during Welcome Week.

  • Stay Connected (November): No formal sessions — optional office hours and drop-ins available for support or community.

  • Graduate (December 2nd): Receive your Neighborhood Leader certification and join a growing national network of local leaders restoring connection across the country.

Apply by August 21st to join our next cohort, starting in September 2026.

Join the Next Cohort

Join Us

Meet Members of the Welcome Committee

Why are People Joining?

  • "My neighbors helped welcome me seven years ago when I bought my house and I want to do the same for others." - Patty Johnson, Chicago

  • "I think it's the long game of connections that will heal the divides, wounds, mistrust and misunderstandings so prevalent today. " - Peg McMillen, Denver

  • "I think it's easy to wait for others to step up, but I want to be that person creating a space of connection and inclusion." - Laura Guido, Seattle

  • "What drew me to the Welcome Committee was its radical belief in human connection at a time when polarization and social isolation are prevalent." - Joel Corte, McAllen, TX

  • "I do this work because I believe that waves of change begin with ripples, and the ripple effects of a single moment of connection are many." - Karen George, Colorado Springs

Apply to Join the Welcome Committee

Do you lead employee volunteering at your company?

Learn how we can partner with you to engage your employees as Welcome Committee volunteers.

Learn more