Core Idea - Community is not found, but built through intentional effort [4][19] - The "one chair mindset" encourages individuals to proactively include others [9] - Building community involves inclusion, connection, and collaboration [8] Problem Highlighted - 50% of young adults report loneliness despite increased connectivity [7] - People often wait for others to initiate connection, leading to isolation [6] - The myth that community is easily found can lead to feelings of not belonging [5] Actionable Steps - Notice who is missing and make the first move to include them [12] - Invite others, even if they decline, as the act of reaching out is valuable [13] - Focus on building one connection at a time [9][14]

Teaching Philosophy - The "Control Z" model of teaching emphasizes connection, humor, respect, lifting with feedback, and zero barriers to learning [1][14][15] - Connection requires presence and is a significant predictor of academic performance [1][2] - Humor reduces fear, improves memory, and opens cognitive doors, enhancing the learning experience [2][3][6] - Respect means valuing each student's voice and recognizing the unique values and principles of Gen Z [7][8][9] - Feedback should focus on potential and skill development rather than highlighting inadequacies, encouraging students to use AI as a tool for skill-building [9][10][11] - Zero barriers involve removing both academic and emotional obstacles to ensure equity and inclusion, meeting students where they are [12][13] Practical Application - Educators should strive to connect with students emotionally, creating a space where they feel seen and understood [1][2] - Incorporating humor into lessons can make learning more engaging and memorable [2][3][6] - Respecting students' perspectives and values fosters a more inclusive and participatory classroom environment [7][8][9] - Providing constructive feedback that focuses on potential can empower students to overcome challenges and develop their skills [9][10][11] - Implementing flexible policies and accommodations can help remove barriers to learning and ensure equity for all students [12][13]

[Applause] When I was a little kid, I really loved to play game video games. Uh, and sometimes it got so bad that I would sneak the Game Boy with me to bed and play for hours on end to get the most out of it. And I was a very impatient kid.So when I was playing those games, the only thing I wanted to do was compete it as quickly as possible and start with the next one. But uh as I grew up, gaming became more of a fun thing that I occasionally got to do. And I found that to make it more enjoyable, sometimes ...

Core Principles of Restorative Practices - Restorative practices emphasize understanding harm, identifying needs, and involving stakeholders in making things right, shifting from blame and punishment to responsibility and dignity [2] - Connection replaces isolation, fostering a sense of value and belonging within communities [2][6] - Restorative practices and peacebuilding represent a shift in mindset from reacting to reflecting, and from shutting down to showing up [5][6] Benefits and Impact - Schools implementing restorative conferencing have experienced an 18% reduction in out-of-school suspensions and a 35% decrease in student arrests, demonstrating real data-driven results [3] - Connection leads to healing for everyone involved, creating a better path forward instead of pushing students out [3] - Investing in connection leads to safer schools, stronger workplaces, and more compassionate communities [6] Implementation and Approach - The process involves human conversation, accountability, and compassion as the foundation for change [7] - Communities should focus on creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued [6] - Instead of blaming, the focus shifts to how to repair harm [6]

[Music] [Applause] What if I told you that everything you knew about connection was incomplete. That true connection, the kind that transforms lives and communities, is not about sameness, but about our willingness to bridge the gaps between us. We often think of connection as something that happens naturally through shared experiences, backgrounds, or beliefs.And the media thrives in making the collective belief there's an us and a them. And we're not supposed to trust each other. But the most profound con ...

Core Argument - Humanity's strength lies in its diversity and ability to adapt and make meaning through culture, which includes symbols, structures, practices, stories, rituals, values, art, music, and jokes [2][3][4] - The arts and humanities are essential for life, providing tools for survival in a chaotic world by helping to name the chaos and create space for sensemaking [4][28][29] - Despair and hope are intertwined, and facing crises requires connection and collective sensemaking, not control or certainty [13][14][17] Societal Challenges & Responses - Society faces challenges such as war, division, political issues, and misinformation, leading to feelings of despair and helplessness [7][8][9] - Retreating from the world through social media and disengagement leads to passivity and conformity, hindering progress [19][20] - The solution lies in scaling deep by fostering human relationships, practicing presence, vulnerability, and connection over control [21][22][23] Call to Action - Individuals should create "bubbles of hope" by immersing themselves in culture, engaging in self-reflection, and connecting with others, even those with differing views [30][31] - It is important to value conversations where people feel heard, workplaces where difference is not feared, and rituals that embrace the mess [31] - Recognize that progress is possible because humanity has overcome challenges before and can do so again [25][26][32]