Social Connection

Building Social Connections and Solidarity in Buncombe County on October 22nd

We gathered on October 22 to continue an important conversation about building stronger social connections - and political and economic power - in Buncombe County.

One of our takeaways from the first gathering in September was that many people are hungry to learn more about the important social justice work that is already happening in our community, and how they might support it. So a central component of this gathering was to invite five different local community leaders to the front of the room to share their stories, the work their organizations are doing, and how people can support or engage in that work.

Another key element of the evening was more dialogue among participants, both in pairs and in small groups, as we continue to get to know one another and explore how we might build power together.

Past Gatherings

We had an important conversation on September 10 about the importance of building deeper social connection ties as we recover together.

At the People's Place AVL, we're committed to building transformational solidarity, growing community and connectivity, and developing the people power necessary to co-create a more equitable and just society in Western North Carolina. There are a few ways you can continue to engage with us. Please fill out our form below and we'll be in touch.

Continuing the conversation about the power of social connections.
- We're hosting a follow-up to the September gathering on October 24th at 6 pm. RSVP above!
Join one of our Relational Conversation Meet-Ups, held every Friday (alternating between the afternoon and evening). Staring September 19th. YOU CAN RSVP HERE.
Join the People's Recovery, our ongoing initiative to ensure that disaster recovery funds are prioritized to meet the needs of low to moderate people in our region. We plan to have a series of events this Fall.
Participate in our Black Owned Business pilot cohort, exploring how Black entrepreneurs will organize and collaborate to grow their enterprises. The first cohort is launching in early October., with others following in 2026.
Receive the weekly advocacy newsletter from the Government Accountability Project of Asheville (GAPavl) so you can take timely action to advance racial justice in our region.
Last but not least, if you aren't sure about any of the above, but you want to be kept in the loop on all our programs, you can sign up for our email list and we'll keep in touch with you.

September 10th Community Meeting with the Foundation for Social Connection

We were proud to support an event organized by the Foundation for Social Connection, a Community Meeting on Wednesday 9/10, from 5:30-8:30 (dinner provided), at Blank Space (701 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806). Here's how they described their event:

Buncombe County was selected to be part of a national cohort that will explore how funding public infrastructure—especially “third places” (spaces outside of your home or workplace) like libraries, parks, plazas, cafes, collaborative spaces, and community hubs—can strengthen social connection. When social connection increases, people are able to build stronger networks, which play a vital role in advancing economic mobility. Research also shows that individuals’ well-being improves when organizations across a community work closely with residents, local government offices, and each other to promote connectedness.