About Us
At Social Tinkering we are social connectors, innovators, and facilitators of positive social change. Each of our team members courageously brings their unique knowledge and life experiences around isolation and loneliness to help achieve our mission. We ground our work in extensive global research, integrating guidance on measurement and evaluation to ensure we are making an impact.
With our partners, we are building a model of how to intentionally grow meaningful connections as a community. Once refined, we plan to share our model with many other communities, helping them to adapt it to their own needs and culture.
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We work hard to practice internally what we are working to create in our communities. We are practicing healthier models of being in relationship, centering being human, learning from mistakes, and growing together. Through this, we are helping each other to feel seen and valued at multiple levels and are reweaving our cultural foundations to ground them in wellbeing and compassionate belonging. We invite you to join us in your own unique way to grow this connection movement.
Meaningful Social Connection = Trust = Belonging = Happiness
Mission
To heal and reduce social isolation and loneliness by intentionally growing meaningful connections and compassionate belonging.
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Vision
A world where people mindfully connect with each other and everyone has the opportunity to feel true belonging.
Meet the Team
Social Tinkering's team extends far beyond our core staff. We can't fight loneliness alone! We are lucky to have a wide range of volunteers and partners working together to support our efforts. Keep scrolling to meet them all and to check out our early adopters and champions!
Jeanette Langston, she/her
Founding Director
Jeanette is a passionate and determined woman who believes that self worth and self love, compassion for all, and service to each other and our communities, all lie at the heart of a thriving world. She believes that just as one person's healing goes through many ups, downs, and complex challenges, so too does healing entire communities. She holds the hope that together, with understanding, empathy, and respect, we will build stronger foundations of well-being and connection for current and future generations.
Jeanette is the proud mother of 2 lovely humans and 4 delightful fur-kids, and moves through life with her biggest champion, loving partner, & husband Shawn. She grew up in western Montana, has lived in 6 different states, has traveled all over the U.S. and a bit internationally. She sees herself as an unconventional kind of creative and loves to sing, hike, play, and have adventures exploring new places with her family and friends. She greatly values her friendships and enjoys meeting up with friends to listen to their stories, to laugh and cry, and to simply do life together.
Jackie Proulx, she/her
Program Director
Jackie is passionate about community building and has long believed that it is one of the most effective ways to bring about positive change. She has focused much of her work as an advocate, educator, and volunteer on creating and holding safe space for others as they navigate life transitions, strengthen their personal voice, and expand their sense of agency. Jackie finds moments in which people speak from their truest selves and share their life stories to be powerful and empowering.
Jackie grew up in a small, close-knit community in rural New Hampshire where people gathered at the town hall to socialize, share meals, and celebrate holidays together. Jackie believes that finding ways to share individual experiences in community settings allows us to grow and make change together and reminds us that we are not alone. As a writer, dancer, and multimedia artist, Jackie belongs to several creative circles where curiosity is encouraged, vulnerability welcomed, and personal growth nurtured. Jackie draws support from her family and friends and inspiration from the natural world.
Marissa Arduca, she/her
Volunteer
Marissa’s background in working with individuals with autism has inspired her to create more inclusive and accessible spaces within the community as well as her personal ties with the LGBTQ plus community. Marissa is extremely passionate about teaching people within the community about compassionate care, understanding various ways of living, and about people who don’t always have a voice to stick up for themselves.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors are the backbone of our organization, ensuring we stay focused and sustainable in this endeavor. These kind and courageous leaders strengthen our Social Tinkering community and bring a wide array of support to our mission. Click on their photos to learn more about who they are and why they are committed to our vision.
