Bridging Divides through National Service
Bridging Divides through National Service
In the latest episode of the Cultivating Connections podcast, guests Jennifer Leshnower and Tony Lucero engage in an informative discussion about “bridging work” intended to bring people of diverse views and backgrounds together. The conversation centers on how national service programs like AmeriCorps can serve as platforms for building connections across diverse communities. Tony articulates that bridging involves coming together across divides to foster understanding, collaboration, and dialogue. He emphasizes that national service provides a unique opportunity to cultivate these skills, particularly in a society increasingly characterized by polarization.
Both guests share their personal journeys into national service, highlighting the transformative power of these experiences. Jen recounts her introduction to AmeriCorps during college, where she discovered the importance of service in fostering relationships among individuals from varying backgrounds. Tony shares his path from being a first-generation college graduate to becoming actively involved in community service, illustrating how mentorship and shared goals can bridge significant divides. The episode underscores the critical role of intentionality in bridging efforts and positions national service as a vital mechanism for addressing societal challenges through meaningful dialogue and connection.
Tony and Jen highlight important work being done by their organizations and others in the Bridging Divides group to bring this issue to the forefront. They also cover studies of bridging outcomes being created by national service organizations, and curriculum and other tools available for those interested in furthering this work.
About the Guests
Jennifer O. Leshnower, MPA / MSW
Jennifer O. Leshnower is the Bridging & Democracy Advisor with the Office Strategic Engagement at AmeriCorps. She brings expertise in program design, relationship management, project leadership, and community-based capacity building. With a strong commitment to social equity, justice, and economic mobility, Jen is dedicated to maximizing the potential of people and programs through storytelling, leadership investment, and mission-driven impact.
Jennifer most recently served as Special Advisor for Member Experience at California Volunteers in the Office of the Governor. In this role, she designed and led the inaugural cohort experience for 3,200 College Corps Fellows, fostering cross-organizational partnerships and implementing interventions that facilitated leadership development and personal growth through bridging, reflection, and professional networking.
She is a proud Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Saint Lucia, Eastern Caribbean) and an AmeriCorps VISTA Alum (Newark, DE). Jen holds a dual Master of Social Work and Public Administration from Columbia University and an BA in Political Science from William Smith College
Tony Lucero
Tony Lucero serves as the Director of Bridging Divides at Service Year Alliance, where he works with key partners to ensure all individuals who complete a year of service walk away with the skills needed to work across lines of difference.
Tony is an AmeriCorps alum of City Year Greater Philadelphia and EducationWorks. He has also served as an AmeriCorps staff member with City Year Denver. Tony is proud that his AmeriCorps experiences have shaped his values and skills, and led to opportunities to serve his hometown community as a high school educator and Mayoral appointee. Tony currently resides in Denver, CO.
To reach out and learn more, please e-mail Tony (tlucero@serviceyear.org) or schedule time to meet!
Episode Notes
This episode was produced by Leah Mulrenan and David Crowley.
How Third Places Build Social Capital (David Crowley article on LinkedIn, picking up on a comment about Third Places during the discussion.)
From our Guests:
X.com/ServiceYear → check out our recent Alum Award winners. Our awardees have incredible videos where they share their stories of service and bridging.
ServiceYear.org/Connector → sign up for our monthly newsletter to see what’s happening in bridging, climate and workforce, and alumni
Why Bridging & Belonging Matters
About SCI Social Capital Inc.
Our story at SCI centers on strengthening communities by intentionally cultivating connections through inclusive community programs, partnerships, and leadership development.
In June of 2002, SCI was founded by David Crowley. Returning to his hometown of Woburn, he created an organization focused on bringing people together. For two decades, we have taken action, big and small, to respond to what our community needs, in our hometown, and beyond.
The concept of social capital is about the importance of our social networks, and the value of the trust in relationships and communities. SCI addresses the need to increase the social capital of a community and the individuals in it.
SCI’s mission is to strengthen communities by connecting diverse individuals and organizations through civic engagement initiatives.
Coming Soon! (editing for technology’s mistakes!)
