Reconnected: A Community Builder's Handbook

by Andrew Leigh, Nick Terrell

We’re all in this together.Strong social connections make communities more resilient. But today Australians have fewer close friends and local connections than in the past, and more of us say we have no-one to turn to in tough times. How can we turn this trend around?In Reconnected, Andrew Leigh and Nick Terrell look at some of the most successful community organisations and initiatives – from conversation groups to community gardens, from parkrun to Pub Choir – to discover what really works. They explore ways to encourage philanthropy and volunteering, describe how technology can be used effectively, and introduce us to remarkable and inspirational leaders.Reconnected is an essential guide for anyone interested in strengthening social ties.‘Reconnected offers practical ideas, told through engaging stories of successful community-builders, about how to build a more connected Australia.’ —Robert D. Putnam, Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University and author of Bowling Alone and The Upswing‘This inspiring collection of strategies and stories brings hope for the future. Reconnected shows that we are the revolution.’ —Dr Catherine Barrett, founder of The Kindness Pandemic

Genres: Nonfiction, Australia

331 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Andrew Leigh is a member of the Australian Parliament. He holds a PhD from Harvard University, and is a fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia. Before being elected in 2010, he was a professor of economics at the Australian National University. His books include The Shortest History of Economics, The Luck of Politics and Randomistas.

Reviews

[Boy Blue · Rating 3 out of 5]

During the Coronavirus Pandemic, when Australians (and Brits) didn't think the news could get any worse, they were confronted with an even darker existential crisis, Neighbours the TV show was cancelled. Well if Reconnected is to be believed it's partly because the word neighbours doesn't mean as much to us anymore. Indeed, if Reconnected is to be believed more than half of Australians surveyed don't know their neighbour's names. I find that fact hard to believe but there it is.

In 2000, Robert Putnam wrote his seminal work Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, about the collapse of American civic life and how it can be rebuilt. Hugh Mackay has been doing similar work in Australia for the past few decades, and Reconnected continues with the same anthropological gaze but tries to focus more on the remedy than the symptoms.

As a society, we're more lonely, isolated, disillusioned, and depressed than anytime in the last 60 years but you probably didn't need me (or anyone) to tell you that. Thankfully, after diagnosing the disease Reconnected is filled with hope. I would like to say that it was also filled with remedies and cures but despite the subtitle of this book being "A community builder's handbook" this is more of an inspirational account of community building than a manual or blueprint for success. Someone trying to build a stronger community will really only find hope here (which is still an important part of any community project) rather than the ten commandments for community building. There's a few little mantras to remember, including an attempt to reclaim "double plus good" from Winston's world and make it a mantra for good community building but despite the huge reference section there's little in the way of solid framework. One other slight criticism is the authors' use of the statisticians sleight of hand, trying to overwhelm with numbers when they aren't actually that big. For example "he gave away 200 soccer balls in a year". Good, but not really that many soccer balls.

If anything, this book showed me the enormous range of charities and community organisations already active in Australia. If you can think of a charity, chances are it already exists in multiple permutations. This book actually serves mostly as a sampler of the amazing existing options out there that you could volunteer your time with. The book finishes with the authors' vision of a reconnected Australia, a paradise to be sure but also the final example of the book as inspiration rather than a handbook.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amongst the many things we've all learned from Covid-19, is that it's been easier for some people to stay connected than for others, and so this book, obviously conceived before the pandemic but completed during the first part of this strange year 2020, is timely.

Andrew Leigh is a Federal Labor MP, and Nick Terrell is his adviser, and all politicians know the electoral value of being keyed into the needs and concerns of their communities.  They often know, better than anyone, where their community groups are and how well they are functioning.  The 'newsletter' I get from my current federal MP always features the same old staples: a visit to an aged care home, the RSL, a multicultural event, a school, and planting a tree somewhere.  I'd love to see him out at the Synchrotron admiring some new research, or inspecting some innovative design in a factory somewhere, and I bet these things are happening, but they don't make it into their daggy newsletter template.  I suspect it's because it's thought to be more important to show connection with the community...

The first two chapters of this book develop the concern.  The first chapter is about social capital, and how it's just as important as physical capital and human capital, and 'Dissecting the Disconnection Disaster' charts the ways in which modern life has reduced the ways in which we connect with each other.  The research shows that there has been a marked decline since previous eras: these days, fewer people join organisations, go to church, volunteer, donate to worthy causes, play team sport, know their neighbours or participate in political activity and they spend far too much time on their phones, especially teenagers.  There's an epidemic of loneliness.  We all know that, even if some of the stats are more alarming than we knew.

(The one surprising piece of information was that there's a decline in the number of Australians willing to do government surveys.  The authors argue that the cost of failing to fill out surveys is both national and local.  If they don't have the data to inform decisions, then funding calculated on population counts from surveys isn't allocated where it should be.  This argument would have more credibility with me if I didn't know that years of data from the tests inflicted on schoolchildren have been completely ignored and school funding continues to be directed where it is not needed.  We have forests of reports and data about homelessness and nobody does anything about that either.)

But the authors say:

The goal of this book is not to write the eulogy for Australian civic life.  It is to get the patient back to good health. (p.9)

To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2020/12/07/r...

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reconnected : A Community Builder’s Handbook (2020) by Andrew Leigh and Nick Terrell is a well written, well thought through book that describes what has happened to Australia’s social connections and societies and what can be done to make them better.

Dr Andrew Leigh was a professor of economics and is now an ALP member for a Canberra seat. He’s a very smart guy and a good writer. He’s written a number of books and they are all worth a look. Nick Terrell is an adviser of his.

The book starts off by going through various statistics that demonstrate how community ties have weakened. Australian’s now have fewer friends they did 40 years ago and roughly 1/3 say they rarely or never go out with friends. Fewer people play sport, there are fewer church goers, few trade union members, fewer volunteers and people trust government less than they used to. The reasons for this decline are not really analysed. Instead the book turns to what can be done to change and make Australia more connected.

First volunteering is looked at with examples of how volunteers can be set up using the internet to be able to rapidly help in their area when disaster strikes. How the internet can be used to bring people together is then looked at. New types of physical activities are then examined. parkrun – an organisation for people to get together and run is one example. Set up by an Australian ex-pat in London it’s now a global phenomenon.

Leigh and Terrell then write about how modern philanthropy can work, with examples of helping employees to give more easily and others. Giving community a social purpose is also described. The book also looks at how religion can also work to build community and how to stem the tide of declining attendance. Political issues are also looked at in a very nicely non-partisan way. The way people can lead to build community is then outlined. Finally a picture of a better connected Australia of the future is presented.

Reconnected is a good book that’s very much worth reading. It is quite inspiring to get us all to think about how we could get to know our neighbours a bit better and reach out and help others and improve our own lives. Leigh and Terrell write clearly and well, use data and anecdotes to make their case very well. They also include nice textbook type summaries at the start and end of each chapter. Reconnected sets out its case very well.

[Paul Wilcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read on and off over the last six weeks. A real eye opener about how disconnected we've become as a society with the stats (and graphs!) to back it up, but also a guide to what we can do about fixing that.

ie - get involved in your community, volunteer at something, join a meetup group etc etc.

Well worth a read!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Reconnected, Andrew Leigh and Nick Terrell examines some of the most successful community organisations and initiatives to explore how might Australia reverse its trend of declining social capital.

Leigh and Terrell define social capital as "the idea that the ties that bind us together have inherent value. In a society where people don't trust each other, you have to be on the lookout for cheats and crooks. Commerce becomes tediously complicated. But in a 'high-trust' society, things flow smoothly." For Leigh and Terrell, some of the markers of declining social capital include, the share of people involved in social groups such as heritage organisations, ethnic clubs or hobby groups; membership in political organisations and large community groups; voter turnout; philanthropic donations and volunteering rates; attending religious services; solo living; number of close friendships and acquaintances (weak ties).

So how might a society strengthen connections between individuals? Leigh and Terrell look at different areas - volunteering, cyber connecting, getting active, fostering philanthropy, social connections and social purpose and spiritual connections; creating opportunities for political participation - and what we might learn from the most successful organisations and initiatives.

On volunteering, Leigh and Terrell note that "volunteering bridges groups of people that might never have connected otherwise" Disasters can inspire people to step up and volunteer but "without the right systems in place, the chance [for people] to translate that spontaneous altruism into a lasting volunteering ethos would be missed." Leigh and Terrell argue that "low-cost social infrastructure investments can have better returns than physical infrastructure." Some of the examples they raise include :
- EV CREW's cloud-based platform that uses the technology adapted from sale and recruitment agencies to match incoming offers of assistance to incoming requests for help.
- Convertibility Calculator, the open source tool developed by Curtin University's Kirsten Holmes that can identify the best prospects for conversion to volunteering, to allow organisations to focus their efforts on those who "currently sit outside the existing volunteering population, but only just". It has a partner tool - the Recruitability Tool - that presents a matrix charting whether volunteers find it easy or hard to join, against whether the organisation finds it easy or hard to recruit.
- Do Something Near You, a platform that lets you type in your suburb or postcode to connect you with a host of things to do near you.
- Volunteering Australia's Go-Volunteer, which lets you filter opportunities not only by location, cause and duration, but also lets you "select roles specifically suited to people from groups that may face steeper barriers to getting involved in volunteering" such as people learning English, people with disabilities and online and remote volunteers.
- DigiVol as a crowdsourcing platform that enables remote and virtual volunteering - and also "micro-volunteering" - by having volunteers help to transcribe physical labels on museum artefacts into text. It is also a brilliant example of closing the loop with volunteers; when a project is completed, team leaders share a final report that shows the volunteer team the outcomes of their work.
- GoodCompany, Communiteer, BeCollective and Vollie as platforms that help businesses get the greatest social impact from their social responsibility dollar by linking them with suitable charities, and facilitating social impact reporting to shareholders. (Apparently 78 percent of Australian companies have a volunteering programme but only 15 percent of employees volunteer through their workplaces).

But more generally, they note that the key to attracting and retaining volunteers are: a compelling story about its purpose; an engaging call to action; and an easy sign-up path. How might organisations enlist their entire community to be on the lookout for great stories that communicate the purpose of the organisation and the impact of its work? Leigh and Terrell also suggest that organisations put some thought into figuring out how to "bring people in from the margins", whether these are people with disabilities, new immigrants and refugees, and other underrepresented communities. In doing so, organisations have the opportunity to create "double-plus-good social capital" - delivering dual benefits (e.g. promoting sustainability AND fostering social connection, getting active AND building connection).

Sometimes, Leigh and Terrell note, organisations might have to avoid overtly promoting their cause and instead focus on the social experience - the connections participants can form with others and the pathway offered towards belonging and community (ref: Vogl's The Art of Community here).

On Getting Active, Leigh and Terrell introduce what they term "Sutton's Law of Social Capital" - that by focussing on disadvantaged communities where the need is greatest, we have the greatest opportunity of creating social capital. They note that the barriers to engagement in marginalised communities may be relatively small e.g. lack of familiarity with the sign up process for sporting activities, for instance. Some of the "double-plus-good social capital" initiatives they cite here include GoodGym in the UK - running to a beneficiary's home to do good and get a good workout; parkrun Australia - community runs that offer the opportunity to connect with others and get fit; inclusive and open community garden initiatives; and Pub Choir, which offers singing as a form of social bonding. They summarise their tips as follows: "Don't create a bland service in the hope of mass uptake - instead, build a dedicated tribe of enthusiasts. Create activities that aren't just good, they're double-plus-good, offering an irresistible mix of endorphins and altruism. Keep your model simple - and if possible, free. Use Sutton's Law of Social Capital to guide you towards the neediest."

On Fostering Philanthropy, Leigh and Terrell report that "three strategies underpin the most effective charitable donation drives: enthusiasm, ease and evidence." Adopt enthusiasm and optimism rather than guilt. Make philanthropy a source of pleasure rather than as a moral obligation; transform "giving from a worthy activity to a joyous one". Make giving effortless - reduce the number of hoops (be they forms, clicks, steps) that people have to jump through to donate. Develop an evidence base - ideally through randomised evaluations - to prove to effective altruists that what you're doing is truly transformative.

On Social Connections and Social Purpose, Leigh and Terrell delve into what they term "trust accelerators", organisations and programmes with the potential to create deeper community connections, while also addressing social disadvantage. Some of the examples they cite include Orange Sky, a mobile laundry service that serves the homeless, not only providing them with clean laundry but also an hour or so of connection with volunteers; MealMates, which puts a different spin on more typical Meals on Wheels programmes by having volunteers deliver food to beneficiaries and sit down to share the meal with them; Gather My Crew, an online tool that allows people going through tough times to post tasks and invite friends and family to accept them via a shared calendar; and Befriend, a social connection charity which supports local "Hosts" in setting up local groups, gatherings and events.

CyberConnecting was probably the thinnest chapter for me. Here, Leigh and Terrell note that technology makes it easier for us to "retreat to like-minded online communities" and also to avoid in-person interactions. However, community organisations can take advantage of the way that devices can be used to establish and strengthen connections - by connecting the disconnected, provding new donation channels, for instance.

Overall, a useful read full of examples and inspiration for those interested or involved in the work of community building.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Putnam's Bowling Alone, it was great to read an Australian book with some ideas about what to do about declining social capital. Lots of sensible suggestions. The book makes a strong point for the power of local connections, which pretty much are face-to-face, then has sections on digivolunteering which doesn't really seem consistent. A digital friend on the other side of the world is not going to help in a local crisis, but I suppose with six degrees of separation, everyone can be connected somehow.

The book even encouraged me to look up my local Parkrun group, which is volunteer run, but when I checked the detail it seemed to be about people in running clubs with competitive lists of times.

Can only hope Andrew gets into a position of power to implement some of his ideas. Some of the operating requirements on volunteer groups are just too onerous now, and funding support is always needed which takes groups down unintended paths of corporate and business sponsorship. Even volunteering is becoming corporatised.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reconnected argues that Australians are becoming more disconnected and that this is a problem. But the authors are optimistic that this can be turned around. Drawing on hundreds of discussions with community leaders from around Australia, Leigh and Terrell present a series of case studies on groups that successfully engaging their communities. Examples include Parkrun, Pub Choir and the GIVIT online donation platform.

I particularly valued the book's reflections on how community organisations need to adapt their thinking to a contemporary context. This requires adopting the mindset of a technology startup, carefully managing the experience of new arrivals and offering participants 'an irresistible mix of endorphins and altruism'.

[Sunshine Biskaps · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about some interesting non-profit organisations and programs for residents in Australia. There were several new names to me and some I’ve heard before, but didn’t know much about including Givit, Befriend, Friendline, and Orange Sky. There are incredibly generous and helpful people on this world and it’s admirable the work that has been put in by passionate people.

This book keeps my mind thinking about something that is lacking or can be improved and how I can support it. I need to look at it as not to make an impact to all those in need in my area, but if I can help one person, it makes the efforts worthwhile.

Overall, a good read.

[fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gained some ideas & tips in community building, but the two-white-men-authors and I have some fundamental differences in values. One of the stories they find heartwarming & successful is a nonprofit that offers a free mobile laundry service to people who don’t have access (financially or geographically) to do laundry. I did not find this story heartwarming or successful. I see it as government & the system failing people, and nonprofits having to fill the gaps. Anyway, there was some useful information in here, but I hope to find an even better version of this book concept, one day soon.

[Chris Burnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Main takeaways:
Sutton’s Law of Social Capital: go where the need is greatest, and use the tools the job requires
Look to serve multiple objectives: be double-plus-good
Use technology to augment connections, not supplant them
Expand your pool of partners and supporters
Make it easy for people to join
Exhibit enthusiasm through the people involved
Build a tribe by creating a clear identity
Consider something as simple as a catch-up with no formal structure or agenda to it

[indy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is well-written and easy to read. I started to lose interest and skimmed the last few chapters. As you read it, you can tell the authors are both well-to-do white men in politics. The book celebrates the wonderful efforts of not-for-profit organisations who pick up the slack for state and federal governments.

[Ric Raftis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

Very thought provoking and full of a great collection of innovative ideas. There is no doubt we need to be more connected as a community. Now it’s up to us to make it happen.

[Josephine Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful if you are involved in working in the Australian community sector through involvement in a NGO. Ideas galore. Obscure recommendations that are really helpful. Volunteer comments really helpful. Thank you, Andrew and Nick.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting read and raised some reading interesting points about society.

[Anne Cornford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenging, practical, exciting

[Andrew Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book that makes you realise what vast opportunities there are to become connected as a society.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an interesting compendium of ideas that are helping build better communities, and the great people championing them.

[Olwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical and inspiring Australian book.

[Tulitha King · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid resource for community builders.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at Australia's community groups and how they were strengthened.

Food: Meat pies and tim tams (I think).

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. A subject that seriously needs more written about it.
My only criticism was the very anodyne language used, although I suppose is to be expected from a sitting MP. The book presents a factual account of the status quo and profiles different people around the country working towards rebuilding community.

I found the first part of the book the most compelling, outlining the statistics behind how community has collapsed. To me, like many social ills, it appears to be have coincided with the neoliberal turn in the late 70s and early 80s. Which I'm certain is not a coincidence at all. I feel like the more intruiging part of the story would be to flesh that out in narrative form, and really paint a picture of how and why things have changed. However the authors chose to focus on a positive story, which is fair enough, because we need positive stories. Realistically though, this book needs to be built upon by someone who can make specific policy prescriptions and be prepared to stick their neck out for a few ideas, because you can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs.