More Details
Everything you might be wondering about Connected for Good — the idea, the people behind it, and how a journey actually works.
“Isolation is the enemy of well-being. Connection is the lowest abstraction for flourishing.” From the science of human flourishing
What do you mean by the “Flourishing and Faith Ecosystem”?
The Flourishing and Faith Ecosystem refers to the intricate network of social relationships, norms, values, and institutions that hold our communities and society together. It includes elements such as family structures, cultural practices, and community organizations.
Think of the ecosystem like a patchwork quilt with different fabrics stitched together. Each fabric represents a different aspect of our communities — families, churches, schools, businesses, and groups — all interconnected and contributing to the overall structure.
What is the social science behind Connected for Good?
We’ve studied Harvard University’s Human Flourishing science, and it forms the intellectual underpinnings of our project. Regardless of circumstance, humans long for these things:
- Happiness and life satisfaction
- Good mental and physical health
- A good life with meaning and purpose
- A life with integrity and a sense of what matters
- Close personal relationships
- Enough money and a place to live
It’s a rare person that can flourish on their own. In fact, it turns out that isolation is the enemy of well-being. Connection seems to be the lowest abstraction for well-being — but not all connections are equal. Some sources of flourishing are long-lived, cradle to grave (a religious community, for example). Others last only for a season — a service club, a walking group, or flood-relief neighbors. We think there are six local sources for well-being in the Driftless:
- Family
- School
- Work
- Community organizations
- Helping projects / affinity groups
- Group religious practice
Who Connected for Good is for
I’m not a joiner — is this a club or organization?
Think about Connected for Good as a network where people of good will, over 50, with gas in their tanks, are launched into friendships and doing good together. Folks here have energy, talent, and availability. They choose to learn more about the social fabric of the Driftless and how the science of well-being impacts it.
Why target people over 50?
Left and right, religious and non-religious, women and men — this was the most common characteristic of the people we met. They have availability, capacity, and margin in their lives. They hold collective, latent energy. Helping to release it seems like “what wants to happen.”
I’m under 50 — can I network with you?
Yes. If you’re a person of good will who wants to help the social fabric of the Driftless… jump in.
Is Connected for Good related to a religion?
Connected for Good is not connected to any religion. Personally, weaving is an expression of John and Jamee’s Catholic faith. Other Weavers are people of different faith backgrounds or no religious affiliation. All are welcome.
How does a journey work?
No pressure, no inbox clutter, no boring meetings — and we’ll never ask for a contribution or insist that you volunteer. Just a playful learning journey about the social fabric of the Driftless, the science of well-being, and invitations to connect with other people of good will and be helpful.
Get clear
In three minutes, answer a few questions and get clear on what you care about — the Helping Inventory.
Get connected
Receive a fifteen-minute phone call from a Connected for Good Ambassador, who invites you to connect with someone like you and may share a relevant article or video.
Engage
You’ll know if and when to go deeper. Do good, receive good, and get occasional five-minute reads on the Flourishing and Faith Ecosystem of the Driftless.
The people and the funding
Who started Connected for Good?
New settlers of the Driftless, John and Jamee Stanley, started the project. They’re inspired by the many people of good will they meet in Southwest Wisconsin and want to help the social fabric of the area. They were also inspired by David Brooks’s social fabric project, Weave, which serves as a model for Connected for Good.
Where does your money come from?
Start-up capital is provided by a family foundation for which John and Jamee serve on the board.
Will I eventually be asked for money to support Connected for Good?
Not a chance. Over time you might be invited to contribute to a charity that becomes affiliated with the various social fabric efforts — but it will always be your choice.
The Driftless, county by county
What states and counties are included in the Connected for Good project?
Wisconsin
- La Crosse
- Monroe
- Vernon
- Crawford
- Richland
- Grant
- Lafayette
- Iowa
- Sauk
Iowa
- Allamakee
- Clayton
- Winneshiek
- Dubuque
Minnesota
- Houston
- Winona
Where are you starting Connected for Good?
Any county in the Driftless region is welcome.
Ready to begin your journey?
It starts with three minutes and a few questions. No pressure, no clutter — just a first step.