WBCA Podcasts

Talk Of The Neighborhoods

This week on Talk of the Neighborhoods, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley joins us on the first half to talk about her re-election campaign and her priorities in the new term. Then on the second half, Union Capital Boston founder Eric Leslie joins us to talk about his efforts to promote socially responsible investing in Boston.

Broadcast on:: 10 Oct 2024
Audio Format:: other

[ Silence ] >> Good evening and welcome to Talk of the Neighborhoods. I'm Joe Heisery-Oates, coming to you from the BNN Live Studios in Eggleston Square, where tonight we're also being simulcast on our sister radio station, WBCA 102.9 FM. Tonight, a terrific show, all politics, as is our usual want. First up tonight, we're pleased to have joining us, Congresswoman Iana Presley from the 7th Congressional District. She is, of course, on the ballot without any opposition, though, and tonight, we'll catch up with her in what we can expect in the next session of Congress. And then we shift gears. In the second half, we'll talk about social responsibility, social investing, Eric Lester from Union Capital joins us to talk about how he transformed social activism into opportunity, all that and more. Tonight on Talk of the Neighborhoods, stay tuned. We'll be right back. [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] All right. We're back with Talk of the Neighborhoods. I'm Joe Hussey, a host tonight on this first half. But joining me, I'm very pleased to have with us the 7th District Congresswoman Iana Presley. She is on the ballot in November, but without any opposition. So all but certain re-election. And thank her for coming in tonight. Nice to have you here. As always, nice to see you. You're looking great. And I know you've been out there on the hustings, even without an opponent, campaigning. But congratulations on your all but certain election. Why don't we start off with-- I remember still when you were elected in 2018. And the primary, of course, election was, I think, somewhat of an upset. I wasn't surprised, but I think a lot of people were. But I'm wondering how Congress has changed since you first got there as a freshman, a lowly freshman in 2018. You're now six years into your term there. And how has it changed? Well, I would say Congress has changed because the country's changed. I certainly never would have anticipated six years ago when I was elected to Congress that I would be governing during some of the most consequential times for us as a commonwealth and a nation. I came in in the midst of a federal government shutdown. No freshman class had ever had that happen. We had two impeachments, an insurrection, a global pandemic. So these have been some of the most consequential times. But I've never waned in my gratitude to be in this seat, in this role. And the Massachusetts Seventh Congressional District is it's a vibrant, it's diverse, it's dynamic. And it's also deeply unequal. And so even during these most consequential times for our country, there have been some days where I've been weary. But I don't have the luxury of a cynicism or apathy because people are depending on me. And so-- You have to keep charging ahead. --have to keep charging ahead and governing. And I'm using that word loosely. I'm under Republican majority. And I want to be very clear, I will work with anyone in the name of progress that I have. But under this Republican majority in the 118th Congress, they have governed with dysfunction and chaos. And I think really contempt for everyone who calls this country home, because they're not censoring the people and fighting for those issues that matter most. Has it made it more difficult to do your job, to serve? Of course, obviously when you came in, Democrats were in the majority. Nancy Pelosi was the speaker now, six years later, to Mike Johnson after some histrionics on the Republican side, electing a speaker. But other than the obvious differences, given your commitment to equity, more opportunities, that type of thing, has it made it more difficult than it has been frustrating at times? Absolutely. I mean, the people deserve to have a functional government and democracy. And under this 118th Congress, the fact that we have to have 14 ballots to elect a speaker of the House, they keep making history for all the wrong reasons. We still haven't passed a budget. We're in a right now in a continuing resolution or a stop gap funding measure. And the people deserve a functional government and democracy. But that being said, even with all of those such a challenging landscape, I've still been able to deliver $35 million in community project funding, once called earmarks. And glad that I can make those investments. A million dollars at Bunker Hill Community College to support tuition-free college, something that I believe in fiercely. That's under Mayor Wu's tuition-free program. We also were able to deliver $1 million to the McCommunity Health Center for their substance use disorder programs, $1 million to the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, and also because I want to get the number right $400,000 to amplify Latinx. And then when it comes to our elders, particularly our LGBTQ elders, was very proud when you talk about the landscape we've been navigating, we put forward an earmark for LGBTQ-friendly housing. Not LGBTQ only, because that would be discriminatory. But LGBTQ-friendly, because many of our elders feel that they-- in their twilight years, they can't stand in their truth and live their life honestly. And we're re-clositing themselves in order to age into community. And so it was a $150,000 application for LGBTQ-friendly housing in the neighborhood I call Home Hyde Park. And the Republicans, out of 2,600 applications for earmarks, they only denied three projects. And they were all projects that named the LGBTQ community. And this was one of the projects that was denied. But we worked very closely with Senator Warren and Marky and ultimately got that over the finish line. So $35 million, ultimately, in community project funding for really transformative investments. But these are just some of the ones I wanted to lift up that I'm very proud of. And you've been very forthright and out upfront about needs here in the community and to kind of bring some balance to what the federal government brings to all communities, as you said. And in so doing, though, I think you've raised your profile, not just here in Massachusetts, but nationally, as well. And I know that you've been busy not just campaigning here, but you've also been working to help the Harris-Waltz campaign. How has that been going? And are you feeling the bright lights? Not these bright lights, you're getting a lot of attention. You know, I'm leveraging every tool available to me to advocate for my district to change the legacy of this as one of the most unequal districts in the country, and arguably the most unequal in our congressional delegation. We're in a three-mile radius from Cambridge to Roxbury. Life expectancy drops by 30 years. And median household income by $50,000. So anything that I do is focused on improving those outcomes in this district and addressing systemic inequities everywhere. OK, we wanted to take a quick break, and we'll be right back. Today, I'm going to talk to you about physics. Come on in, girls. Let's go. This is the first rocket to get humans to Mars. Really tall. I'm a rocket structural engineer, designing and building parts of the rocket. You are the generation that will be stepping foot on Mars. Do I have a group of astronauts on my hand? Yes. You can become a rocket scientist or whatever else he wanted. All right, we're back with Congresswoman Iana Presley. You were aware-- Don Pennsylvania? Where else have you been campaigning? Yes. Well, I've engaged voters in a number of battleground states-- Pennsylvania, Georgia, New Hampshire. It's been really incredible to see this new electoral map and new coalition of voters that has emerged since President Biden. As he said, he loves his job, but he loves the country more. And when he passed the baton to Kamala, this has been a real sprint. And now we're with 25 days left. The stakes could not be higher. The contrast is more clear. As a co-founder of the Stop Project 2025 task force, that 922-page document, which is really more than a blueprint, it is a playbook for harm for every person that calls this country home. They wanted to dismantle the federal government as we know it. And our democracy eliminated the Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services. I mean, undoing civil rights protections guarding against discrimination. They want to ban our bodies. They want a national ban on abortion. They want to privatize Social Security and Medicare. Massive layoffs of dedicated civil servants. There are about 3 million federal jobs in this country. And they just want to fire people that are not proven Trump loyalists. So that document, that playbook, is about taking us back. It's about controlling every aspect of our lives. And Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are about our freedoms, the restorations of those that have been gutted, expanding them. And they're about the future. How have the voters been receptive to your message there? Of course, everybody's watching the polls. Like you said, 25 days left. And they barely change. It may change a percentage or two, but not by much. And it's got a lot of people nervous on both sides. You know, I don't think-- I don't ride the polar coaster I never have. Or I likely wouldn't be sitting in this seat being interviewed by you. That's right. But listen, what I found is that people really don't care about politics. They care about their lives. And what they are responding to is the vision of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for a more just and inclusive America, one that centers the humanity and the dignity of every worker, every family, model, every person that calls this country home, an opportunity economy, robust investments to make it possible for people to be home owners, to build wealth, tax breaks, and supports for aspiring entrepreneurs. Again, they want a more just and inclusive America that sees and centers everyone. They're about the future. So what I hear on the ground from people-- and this is from independence, from Republicans, and from Democrats, and women from every walk of life, people from every walk of life. And I'm especially encouraged by what I see on the ground with 18 to 35-year-olds, where there had been a real enthusiasm gap. And that has closed us since Kamala was placed at the top of the ticket, as our nominee. Go back for a second. Now, when President Biden made that announcement, were you surprised that he did it? There was plenty of congressional leaders and former leaders, including Nancy Pelosi, that were encouraging him to make a change, to step down, to step aside, I should say. But were you surprised by that? And of course, she has gone on to raise, I guess, nearly a billion dollars since then. And it's campaigning vigorously. But you know, I was so in it. I didn't have time for a conjecture. I didn't do anything but to get to work, because I knew it was going to be a spread. And we had to get busy in making our case to the American people. Because if you do not participate in this election, and in my opinion, if you don't vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, you are being complicit in a tsunami of harm that will be felt by every person that calls this country home. Are you afraid, though, that Donald Trump might win? And what will you do then? I don't worry, I work. And right now, I'm organizing, I'm mobilizing, and telling people to vote as if lives depend on it. Because they do. A nation of forced birth, and we still have a black maternal morbidity crisis. Black women still three to four times more likely to die on childbirth or post-birth in complications, but more than that. Voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz is not just about what we want to stop from happening. It's what we want to advance, what we want to make real. We still have very important things left on the table. Universal child care. Paid leave. I was a caregiver to my mother and her leukemia battle before she transitioned. At some point, we're all going to have to care for someone or to be cared for. Home and community-based services for the disabled. And the elderly. Housing. We need robust investments in housing. I had a-- you know, so-- Well, you're-- well, a couple of things. Well, yeah, and I can't imagine it well. But will your strategy change, depending upon who gets the elected president? And who controls the house, at least? You could be back in the majority. And I'm guessing with six years, you've got some-- built up some seniority, as well as, obviously, a lot of credibility. What will be your priorities in the next session? Yeah. Well, yes, and my strategy will change. I'm going to always leverage every tool available to me. The power of my pen is a lawmaker. The power of my purse. Or the purse, rather, when it comes to appropriations and earmarks. The power of my letterhead. The power of the movement. The power of the platform. So I will always leverage those tools. And I've been very successful with them. In leveraging the movement, an issue like student debt cancellation, which is an issue of consequence to people from every walk of life, I was a lead negotiator in the house with the White House. So I know Kamala Harris. I've worked with her closely on voting rights, student debt cancellation, maternal justice, and so many other issues. So I'll be ready, whoever has the gavel. But I'm working hard to ensure that Hakeem Jeffries gets that gavel. The Democrats are back in the majority and so that we can get back to the business of centering the people, choosing people over politics and focusing on those things that matter most like the United States Post Office. I want to say something about that. That's another reason. So even though I work in Washington, and some people don't realize that I'm constitutionally mandated. I mean, that's where I do my committee work, my votes. So that's where I am a majority of the time. But I'm not confused about who I work for. And that's the people of the Massachusetts 7th. And so the United States Postal Service, USPS, I serve one of the committees I serve on is the Oversight Committee. And so the USPS is underneath that. And we have been receiving for months complaints from our constituents about the fact that they're not getting their medications, they're not getting their mail, they're not getting their checks. And of course, the USPS plays an important role when it comes to access to ballots and all the work that we've done for people to be able to vote by mail. But why is this happening? Because a Postmaster DeJoy appointed by Donald Trump. And still unoffed. Who keeps who's still there and has been doing these deep cuts. And it has been demoralizing for the workforce because they're having to work with less. Their staffing levels have decreased. But they're still having to provide this really essential service. So I've been rallying with the dedicated workforce, letter carriers, and otherwise. There was a hearing at City Hall that Councillor Durkin and some other Councillors called. I testified before that this is an essential service. And it's a matter of equity as well. Which is also why I'm leaning in on the recent findings with Stop and Shop. Shout out to the high-square task force and the revealings that the prices are much higher in Jamaica Plain than they are in data. And I feel the tremendous responsibility representing one of the most unequal districts in the country to lighten people's loads, to reduce the cost of everything from housing to prescription drugs to student debt, in its entirety. And we can't have that. Well, and again, of course, that's been a priority. That Vice President has spoke-- Price gouging, exactly. So we've got just a few minutes left. I've got to ask you about a couple of things. At least one, of course, you've been characterized as being a member of the squad, a group of some of the most more progressive members of the House. And I'm wondering how you feel about that. But also, of course, during this primary, two of your colleagues in the House and the squad, the so-called squad, were defeated. And does that make you more wary, more circumspect, that somehow progressive members are being targeted and kind of run against? And obviously, no one's running against you. But going forward, how does that make you feel? Well, of course, let me just say that our Democratic caucus is big tent, but we are a family. And whenever a member is not returning, especially when they have made great contributions on issues ranging from education, equity, to climate justice, to reform of our criminal legal system, as was true from my two colleagues there. And they're also both members of the Congressional Black Caucus. So certainly, their absence will be felt. But I have to say this, the squad is big. The squad is not a handful of members of Congress. It's anyone who believes in a more equitable and just world and who wants us to advance policy solutions that go as far and as deep as the hurt. Progresses are just the people that they say dream too big and push too hard. But I would rather be on that side of history because they said the same thing about the freedom fighters who said we could desegregate the schools and Black Americans would have access to the ballot. So I'll never be an apologist for being aspirational, but I don't just hope for change. I'll work for it. And I'll never stop doing that. Well, you've been very out front and outspoken at times. And very interesting one, of course, just within the past few days, Governor Healy signed a bill to increase the number of liquor licenses in the city. And now I know a number of people were involved in that. And Brian Worrell, the counselor, was here a couple weeks ago. And we talked about this and had a big part of it. But as I remember right, you were the first one that got that ball rolling. Oh my goodness. So it had to be-- and I know you were there for the signing. Yes, I was. It was a really heady moment because 10 years ago, when I was there at the bill signing with Governor Patrick after having worked on this for four and a half years with two mayors, it was actually the last piece of business on Mayor Menino's desk before he stepped out of the building. And then Mayor Walsh, so two mayors, four and a half years. And so 10 years ago, we signed that bill. And that was for 75 licenses. Now we have over 200 that will now be made available to address the inequities and walkable amenities, which everyone deserves to be able to celebrate, life some milestones, to build community, critical-- In their own neighborhood. In their own neighborhood. They're critical social and economic anchors. They're about our public health, our public safety. They bring vibrancy. And so it was very heady, very full circle. I'm so grateful for the leadership of Senator Miranda, Rep. Worrell, Counselor Worrell, and the entire Boston delegation. But it is a new day because 10 years ago, many people told me to stay away from this issue. It was third rail. It was politically, again, risky. Because that unjust status quo was working well for a lot of people. And people didn't want to see that apple. That apple cart just turned upside down, if you will. So it's wonderful that now people get it and that people are committed to that equity. And I also just want to say it speaks to the power of community voice. And I've seen this over and over again. If people are ever wondering when you send an email or you call an office, if people take that message, if the elected sees it, if it matters, it does. Because on all of these issues, from liquor license reform to student debt cancellation, to fighting for the service that you deserve from the United States Postal Service, those are all things that remain streaming in the daily discourse and that are top of mind for you as journalists. But we can do that because it was everyday people who said we deserve more and better. Well, and I think a more important point is it showed that people that are willing to kind of get out front on some ideas that at one time might have seen a little risky, as you like to say. Turns out, they have a lot of support. And over time, it doesn't seem so dangerous as it once was politically speaking, of course. But so good for you and congratulations. And I bet it was a great moment for you as well as, of course, all of those involved. Everyone involved. But I want to say, you know, those in hospitality, the black restaurants, a coalition, and many others, but also my team. So I want to say something about my team. So as I said, I work in Washington majority of the time. But I'm very clear about who I work for and it's the people that in May 7th. I do have a district office in Hyde Park. And recently, my team was honored by the Congressional Management Foundation with the Democracy Award for being the best office in constituent accessibility and accountability out of every single member in Congress. I'm a Democrat and Republican. So I'm so very proud of my team as a former aide myself, having worked on the House for years, in the Senate, 11 years. I know that every member is only as good as their team. And I'm so grateful to have a team that's aligned in my values and my policy priorities that works their heart out, makes great personal sacrifice every day for the people that in May 7th. So I want to let you know that if you and your viewers need help with anything from IRS issues, Social Security issues, passport issues, immigration, housing, rental assistance, food assistance, you can reach us at 617-850-617-850040. And you can also learn more at pressly.house.gov. So we're here for you. And again, Congresswoman Ayanna Presley from the 7th congressional district, all but certain to win re-election on the ballot this November, only 25 days left. I can't believe I'm sharing a ballot with Kamala. I can't believe it. No, we just got to make sure that we get this thing done. 25 days, 25 days. And we've got just a few less than a mental life. But it does have to be considering a black woman on the verge of becoming president, something that I won't say unthinkable, but a dream not so many years ago. So it's got to be an exciting time. It's heady, but we're not there. So we have to keep working, organizing, mobilizing, voting as if lives depend on it, because they do. Kamala, I think she's resonating with so many people, because we all see ourselves reflected in her, not just black women, everyone. Well, and it's interesting, and just one, again, a little time, but the way she's portraying it, she's not talking about that she would be the first woman president, and the first black woman president. She's just talking about her credentials and running as president. And it's almost like-- But are you-- Is she taking a risk in that? No, because the point is, is that when she tells her story of a modest origin story of her mother having to work for many years before they could purchase their first home, having to work in fast food restaurants, to work her way through college. I always say that she carries the story of multitudes, because so many people see themselves reflected in her story. So I'll never give short shrift to how meaningful it is and the significance of her being a first. But I know that the excitement and the enthusiasm that I see out there as a surrogate for her in battleground states is certainly not limited to black women. It's been very exciting to see-- I was on a call the other day with a group of neurodivergence for Kamala. I mean, there is-- So it's black women, it's white dudes, it's creatives, it's people in sack. I mean, people are really certainly standing firmly in their respective identities and their lived experience. But we live in intersectionality, whoever you are, whatever your family model. You care about it all. You care about voting rights. You care about housing justice. You care about economic justice. You're excited at the prospect of an opportunity economy and a president and a vice president that will see you and center your humanity and your dignity, and not only mitigate your struggles but fight to make your aspirations real. Well, it's certainly a momentous time. A choice of warrior, yes. Yes, thank you so much for coming and joining us. Thank you so much. Nice to have you again, Congresswoman Ayanna Presley from the 7th congressional district and here tonight on Talk to the Neighborhoods. When we come back, we'll shift gears and joining us, Eric Leslie from the Union Capitol. We'll talk about socially responsible investing and engagement activities, all that and more on Talk to the Neighborhoods. Stay tuned, we'll be right back. (dramatic music) - We're getting close to the first pitch here at Fenway Park, but no sign of only the great monster. (dramatic music) (dramatic music) (dramatic music) (dramatic music) (dramatic music) - Ladies and gentlemen, it's Wally. (dramatic music) - This year's Boston Local Food Festival featured over a hundred of Boston's local farmers, restaurants and vendors. With the goal of shedding more light on why choosing local is what's best for our communities and our environment. - Local food production is one of the most important topics in current events right now, due to the fact that our food system is based upon global exports and that's going to slow based on climate change. So the best chance we have to ensure food for the future is to support our local farmers. - Local food is so important because when you buy local, you also help grow the community. When you spend money outside of the community and dry and grocery stores or big box stores, that money is gone forever. We're never gonna see it again, but when you spend it locally, it goes back into the community, helps grow the community. And then you get to know your farmers too, which is really important. - By choosing to buy local, we invigorate our community economies and support local farmers. Ensuring that everything from honey to flowers, barbecue sauce to fresh produce, high quality products can reach residents who might otherwise lack access. - If you don't have a local place, like a market next to you, or if you have to spend all your dollars at these big corporations, I would say look to your local farmers, look to your local community, see what other resources that you have. Can you build you a garden in the backyard? These are things that us as Americans, all over the world, we need to really focus on keeping ourselves in a clean, sustainable environment, having organic products put down our body, because your body is what fuels your life. You can't do anything without your health. - Local food production is very important to us because it is more financially sound, and it's much easier to be able to afford to have the quality of food that is also financially something that a family can afford. - Attendees learn that eating food that doesn't travel too far is an easy way to get the freshest, most nutritious food possible, while supporting New England farmers. - I would say getting on board on, you know, and eating local food has a great advantage, supporting the farmers that are here locally, but also eating inherently healthy food that doesn't have to travel miles and miles away. So you get the food with a nutrition and as it's freshest as it can be. - Eating local means not only like fresher and higher quality, it also means that you're investing in your local communities, in your local farmers, and those people in turn pay it back. Like, we use peppers from other farmers who... - For the 11th year in a row, the Big Head Festival brought the community together to honor the monumental sculpture, Eternal Presence, crafted by Roxbury's own John Wilson. - Participants took part in the cherished tradition of washing and waxing this iconic sculpture. A ground brick and work that celebrates the black community as the first of its kind to depict a black figure. - For my father, having the sculpture here was of tremendous importance and significance. He grew up here and he grew up not being able to see images that looked like him. So he wanted to make a monumental African-American presence in his community for kids to be able to look at and see themselves and all their potential. - I brought my two sons to the Big Head Festival. What I see when I look at the Big Head is longevity, curiosity, I see my friends, I see myself, I see a community that is banded together to raise up where we've been, to where we wanna go. - With sleeves rolled up, attendees showed their deep respect for both the artist and his creation, meticulously caring for this... - All right, we're back with more of Talk of the Neighbors. I'm Joe Heizer-Yopes. Tonight, a two-part show and in the second half, when we shift gears, still talking politics as is our usual one, but now about social responsibility, social investing, social capital and joining us is the founder and head of Union Capital, started a program project that started here in Boston, now expanded to Springfield, and pleased to have joining me the founder of that, Eric Leslie, Eric, nice to have you here. Thanks so much for coming in. - Thanks so much for having me. - Well, it sounds great, social capital, but what does that really mean for our viewers that might not be familiar with the concept? - That is the perfect first question, right? 'Cause you hear it and even our name, Union Capital's like, are we a bank, are we a railroad company? Most people don't know and don't necessarily need to know the term social capital. However, it's very powerful and important. We generally know financial capital, the money in our pocket. We think about human capital, the knowledge in our brains. Social capital is our network. It's our net worth. Who do we know? What are the resources and opportunities outside of our front door that we can access? Upwards of 80% of all jobs in the United States are obtained through personal relationships. It's not always what you know. - It's who you know. - It's who you know. So we wanna build more of that, more social capital. - With the idea of what? Why is that important? - My work, I'm from Cambridge, lived in Boston, worked in Boston for a number of years in working to address issues of inequity, right? And gaps as both everyone, I was an educator and community organizing work in the political system. We bang our heads against the wall and are so frustrated when we see gaps in healthcare and housing and education. We think, oh, we need more textbooks or we need more housing. We do. And have we thought about these soft levers of power and opportunity that come through relationships? When we think about how opportunities have passed on or how roadblocks are put up, it actually is social capital. Who do you know that can get you a job or you're falling on hard times? Who gives you some money to lend you a hand? So if we're working to overcome challenging obstacles, structures of institutionalized racism or systemic oppression, let's leverage those tools of relationships of support and resources to build bridges of opportunity. - So how do you do that? - That's what we've been working to figure out. Decade into it. - Started in 2014. - So we're having our 10 year celebration anniversary this year and lifting up these milestones. We started with this idea saying, it's not easy, read a textbook or take a class and you've got social capital. It's do you know your neighbors? How do you relate and trust and share and connect with each other? And you can't force that. Change moves at the speed of trust. And communities that have higher rates of volunteerism, public meeting attendance and helping of neighbors have statistically significant higher rates of employment gain and also voter turnout and participation. So rather than focusing on the employment, let's do job training or the voter participation, let's do door knocking, let's actually reward and recognize volunteerism, public meeting attendance and helping of neighbors. So the idea that we kind of flipped on its head is as we said, if this is really valuable, let's create a rewards program for community and civic engagement. So 10 years ago, we piloted this idea of an app that you sign up for like a shopper's reward card or a coffee app or program, sign up for free. - Cash back, cash back. - Get a little bit of money, catches your attention. This is different, this is new. I will then go attend a meeting, volunteer my child, school, help a neighbor go grocery shopping and just like earning points for fruit and fire miles, now I'm earning points for giving back to my community and I get a little bit of money in return on a Visa gift card, get a little bit of money for giving back. The money is a maximum in a year of $500. It's on a gift card so it's not taxed and it's not reportable income in a really nice way but it's not gonna pay the bills or the rent. On average, our members earn about $200 a year, a little something extra. Times are tough, cities expensive, put it towards a bill, a gift, but really it's what happens once you get into community spaces. So you're being incentivized, you're getting this information on your phone, you're getting invited by us to come to a network night to meet others, to learn about jobs and opportunities and 24% of our members when they join report being unemployed. We're working in communities and with organizations and partners where people are really struggling. In December of last year, those same members, only 14% were unemployed. But we didn't do, we don't do any job training. We don't do job placement. We don't have case managers. We are creating the environment in which people get jobs. - So they're incentivized to participate in the community. - That's right, various ways. - And so help us to understand how many members do you have and how do you gauge whether you're successful? You said, the difference in the employment rates, that's one thing and that's an interesting stat. But how do you gauge whether you're being successful? - This has been the project for the last 10 years because we're not copying an idea from somewhere else and it isn't a kind of standard measurement of this is what success looks like. - Is this unique? Is this being done anywhere else? - We are it. This is Union Capital in Boston and Springfield. There's a variety of different rewards programs for exercise or volunteerism but in terms of this encompassing program, we're new and unique. So it's both good and bad because we don't have a benchmark to hold ourselves up against. And no one knew who we are. So we started as a pilot with 200 members trying this out and putting faith in us back in 2014 to now in Boston and Springfield over 5,000 members. Principally in Roxbury, Dorchester, Matapan, East Boston, and communities in Springfield. And we're asking members when they join about their employment, education, financial and health access and outcomes and we're checking in each year and that's one way we're measuring employment gain, financial credit score improvement, education advancement but also in this larger vision of building this collective community social connections. In the Boston mayoral election, I think it was about 33% turnout citywide. - Yeah. - Our members who are registered and eligible to vote is over 70% that turned out to vote. So not only are people progressing individually but collectively we're building a power base of representation in communities that are often underrepresented and not heard. And we have a congresswoman who was here before who was hearing and listening to that and representative of that. - She's all out of front. Now, so how do you get the funding? Where's the funding to create that incentive? - It's unique, right? So at first it's like, we're looking under couches, where do you know, anytime I see it? - Close, right? - That's right. It's a nonprofit, right? So from the beginning it was just scraped, we had crowdfunding and small startup grant support. We're fortunate today to be a multi-million dollar growing organization with grant funding support. Really appreciated investment in support for the mass mutual, from Eastern Bank, from the bar foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield that see the value of social capital in their mission and work, but also individual donors and corporate support. And importantly, about 20% of our revenues come from other organizations that partner with us. Schools, Boston Public Schools and charter schools, early childhood programs. We need development corporations such as Urban Edge, right nearby here in the neighborhood, New Western Community Dodd, East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, social service agencies such as Project Hope, they actually contract with us and they're investing their limited resources and funds into us to reward their members, their parents, their patients, their residents, their program participants to get more involved and connected. I'm a former middle school principal myself and I wanted all the resources for my kids and families in the school and I recognize I couldn't do it all. And if you could tell me I would lead a school that had either the families at 24% unemployment or 14% unemployment, I want to lead the school with that better employment. - Yeah, I'm wondering how you came up with the concept though. It's rather unique and very interesting incidentally and something that hopefully can be duplicated. - That's when we're learning how to do this in Springfield and elsewhere. There's three points along my journey. One is growing up in Cambridge. Being a Cambridge kid, but also being born white and male and having access to privilege and resources that that city afforded frustrated me as well because my neighbors, friends and people I knew didn't have that same access. So social capital, even though I didn't know what it was, was something I was aware of at a young age that got me into community organizing. Then when I was in college and working in Baltimore, Robert Putnam published this book, Bowling Alone. And that's where they put this term social capital out there. What he found is that in the past, there were a lot of bowling leagues. And when he published the book in about 2000, there'd been an incredible decline in bowling leagues as well as other civic organizations and programs. People weren't bowling in leagues. And at first you say, so what big deal? People do other sports. In fact, people were still bowling at the same rate, still the same number of bowlers, but they were bowling alone. They weren't doing it in community. And again, you say, what's the big deal? He measured in those communities that had those declines in civic programming and participation. You had those losses in jobs and in financial health and wellness. Raj Chetty's research has updated that, finding again that social connectivity creates upward mobility. And that stuck with me at a young age. Then I was like, how do I do it? The final moment was I lived in New Zealand for a year. And it's a small country with a small economy, with a rewards program for multiple businesses and shops all at once. You can get one card and get points at the grocery store, the gas station, the pharmacy. And those points aggregated quicker than just at one place. And you got golf clubs or flights and things. And it clicked for me. What if we also, again, laid that over a community? And said, we're going to recognize and encourage you to be out in community, not just at one program or one place, but all across, in schools, in community programs, helping your neighbors. And that's where the idea was born. And I guess I'm wondering, it had to be, or I was like a bit of a revelation to you, but it seems to be working. What surprised you the most about what you found from having now hit your 10-year mark in this? The most surprising thing from the very beginning, during our pilot, we asked our members a bunch of questions. What do you like, what do you don't like? We don't know if this is working. A question that really stood out from the first three-month pilot was we asked our members, do you consider I am a union capital member? Strongly agree, agree, et cetera. You've only done this for three months. You see yourself as being a part of union capital. And it was overwhelming, 85% plus that we're saying, agree, strongly agree, I am a member and a part of this. And we've continued to find that sense of-- So the enthusiasm. The enthusiasm and the membership, the desire for people to belong. I think that goes back to this research around bowling alone, that while we become more and more socially isolated, it's not because we want to. We want to be in community spaces and connected, but they don't exist in quite the same ways. We might not all be worshipping in the same place, having our children go to the same school, work in the same factory job, but we want to be connected. And our members, again, when we ask them, are like, yes, I'm a part of this. I may only come out once a month or a couple times a year, but I feel a sense of belonging. And that's really valuable, too. Well, and now you are obviously a highly educated person yourself, but you're dealing with and you're working here in City of Boston. And of course, Cambridge, et cetera, we're very diverse communities. And not everybody's on the same playing field here. And in particular, achievement gaps in schools, income gaps, you can drag out all kinds of statistics. And the pretty infant mortality rates, they're all pretty sad, many of them. How are you working with the communities of color? Because they seem to be the ones that are suffering the most in schools here in Boston, or 75% children of color. And there's some struggles here. And so what kind of work have you been doing with those communities? I'm glad you asked, because that's actually where we start. And our community and our relationships, our partnerships, 85% of our members are people of color in the City of Boston, similar demographic representation in Springfield as well. But here am I, this kind of dorky nerdy white guy from Cambridge, with this technology tool that could be really off-putting and untrustworthy. Like, oh, you're trying to sell me this thing on a phone? I'm not so sure about that. Taking the approach of building trust, building relationships, and listening and being responsive to people is how we've grown this. And seeing is believing. Seeing is believing, getting that money, right? Recognizing that this isn't a scam or a fraud, that we're going to put this into your pocket and show up and do what we say we do. But also that the value proposition is this give and get. That times are tough, and the inequities are really stark and deep. It can feel insurmountable. How am I supposed to buy a home in a city like this? How am I supposed to support my kids going through college? There are organizations that are working really hard to do that. And our purpose is to get you connected with those things. And in a good way, too, our mission isn't home ownership. It isn't college completion. It isn't a certain type of job. Those are all good things that we support. But it enables people to join us in, in a sense, be their own self-determinants of what they want. Choose your own direction and adventure and use this tool in a way that has efficacy in your life. And rather than us or me as a guy from Cambridge being like, do this, you should want that, go here by that. We're creating an open relational environment for people to-- It's scary up to them. Do you find that there's some-- I don't know when I call it some delicious irony here. You're asking them to use an app when, in fact, probably the most isolating aspect of life these days is social media. Right. It is such an irony. That's right. It's like, wait, we're telling you to pick up a phone to then get out and not be on your phone. And I think a lot of tools these days that say, well, let's not resist the world that we are in. We do have this tool in our pocket that opens up a world of opportunities. And it can also be horrible and all the misinformation and challenges that come from it. But let's leverage this tool as well and that the purpose of this app is to get you out into community spaces and to put the phone then back into your pocket. So one of the things we haven't done with our app is we haven't made it-- there's no social media. You're not messaging people and liking things and commenting because I think that's where it becomes really destructive. It's an information tool. I click here. I can see this event. I can get points for it. I can sign up. But I'm not saying I don't like this. You hate me. Right. Let's come on out into community and connect. Well, so there's not the biciveness. Now, I know you have a big event coming up here at-- I believe at Hibernian Hall. Next Saturday. And tell us about that and how can people engage and get involved and join in. Thanks for asking. So next Saturday, in our 10th anniversary, we're like, we want to get this out there more, these stories of social capital. Because again, you walk down the street and you're going to be like, I know what social capital is. And that's OK. But what if we hosted Union Capital Talks at Hibernian Hall next Saturday, October 19th from 1 to 3 PM and opened to all? And I will be speaking, but we've also invited some incredible community leaders. Sheena Collier, founder of Boston While Black, Thaddeus Miles, who does litany of things, including Black Boy Joy and the Road to Wellness, and it's at Mass Housing. Just a tremendous community leader is going to be speaking as well. And doing a TED Talks style, 10 minute talks, about the impact of social capital in the work that they do. Pamela Lyons from the Boston Education Fund, Jaren Chang from Gen Unity. And then also two of our leaders, who have their own stories to tell is grassroots emerging community leaders who have starting programs around wellness and care for children, will be speaking as well and lifting up their voices. So we'll all be together, 250 of us. Our website, we've got a link there. What's the website, I'm sorry. Oh yeah, sorry, so UnionCapital.org. Wow. There you go. Union Capital. Well, we've got just a matter or two left, and I want to-- how can people get more involved at the work you are doing? I mean, it sounds like a great concept. And of course, the more the merrier. And it's a concept that, as it grows, exponentially has the potential to really have an impact. That's right. We see a lot of different ways for people to get involved. And again, Union Capital.org-- and there is a tab there that says ways to get involved. Some is if you want to become a member, you can sign up, and we'll send you all the information. Or you're working with an organization, a school, a resource that you want to share with our members. We've got 5,000 people and their families to get it out there. Click there. Of course, if you want to contribute and donate, or give it your time, we've got those links. There's a kind of all-house on our website, but you can also go on social media, Instagram, UC Boston. There's our tag there. We're posting tons of great events and information. Working with the Davis system to get promos and information and events out there. Working closely with them has been a great experience. So lots of ways to connect and learn about what we're doing. And so you're growing. And how has the launch been in Springfield now? That's been phenomenal and really interesting, because Springfield is-- It's another world. It's another world. I grew up in Cambridge. I knew it was a basketball hall of fame, but it takes hours to get there. No, it's reverse traffic down on the mass pike. Everyone's coming to Boston. I'm there in 90 minutes. And it's a beautiful community of hard work and folk, large immigrant community, a lot of people from Puerto Rico and other parts of the world, who are just trying to make it in life. And this is a resource that really is serving them well. We launched literally a year ago on September 30. We now have over 1,300 members there. In total, we've awarded $2.2 million in the 10 years and $40,000 in Springfield just in this past year. And I have been amazed and really just finding so much love and endearment for Springfield. The challenges are different and unique. But I'll tell you, the cost of living and getting in a house out there, a lot different and easier than Boston. I want to look out there. It's not bad. I like Springfield as well. Again, Eric Leslie. He is the founder of Union Capital, formerly Union Capital Boston, but now expanded to Springfield to having a big event. That is Saturday, October 19. Next Saturday. 1 to 3 at High Bernie and Hall in Roxbury. I want to thank you so much for joining us tonight and enjoy talking with you. Thank you, too. Really appreciate it. Best of luck, a very interesting concept, worthwhile pursuing. That's it for tonight on Talk to the Neighborhoods throughout our time. Until next week for the entire staff and crew here at B&M, thank you for watching. Have a pleasant evening. Good night. [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] (upbeat music)