This session offers a hands-on exploration of how to build social capital through low-cost, high-impact community initiatives. Drawing from real-world examples in Petaluma, California—Aqus Café, Aqus Community, and Cool Petaluma—John Crowley shares field-tested strategies that transform everyday spaces and events into engines of connection.
Participants will walk away with:
Practical frameworks for creating recurring gatherings that foster belonging
Proven formats like themed community dinners that connect people around shared interests
Approaches to turn climate action and emergency preparedness into relationship-building tools
A blueprint for the Joiners Initiative—a campaign encouraging people to join one local organization per year for five years
Tips for designing “third spaces” that invite organic interactions across diverse populations
Ideal for nonprofits, city planners, community organizers, and anyone looking to strengthen the social fabric, this session delivers actionable tools—not just theory—for building more connected and resilient communities.
About the presenter:
John Crowley is a dedicated community builder based in Petaluma, California. He is the founder of Aqus Café—a nationally recognized third space and cultural hub—and executive director of the Aqus Community Foundation. He also co-founded Cool Petaluma, a citywide initiative that blends climate resilience with social connection. With a background in computer science and a passion for fostering meaningful connections, John has been instrumental in creating spaces and initiatives that strengthen community ties. His efforts have earned him Petaluma’s highest civic honor, the Good Egg Award, for his contributions to local engagement through events, gatherings, and civic initiatives.
Register for this webinar
About Our Webinar Series
This event is part of our regular webinar sessions for social capital researchers including PhD/master students. These sessions include invited presentations from prominent scholars as well as presentations by PhD students and experts in professional practice.
For social capital researchers, these sessions are an opportunity to hear about the latest social capital research and insights from scholars working on the concept. They can be a great way to connect with people, to get advice, discuss ideas or issues, get suggestions for literature to read, or you can just listen.
Are you researching social capital and want to present your research? Click here for more information and to submit a proposal.
Generally, presentations can be 20 to 30 mins. The content of your presentation will depend on your research stage.
