Creating Communities of Justice & Care

Why launch a podcast now, and what can listeners expect from this new season of conversations?

In the first episode of Creating Communities of Justice & Care, NBA President and CEO Mark Anderson and Director of Young Adult Leadership Development Bere Gil Soto introduce the vision behind the podcast and invite listeners along for the journey.

Mark and Bere explore how innovation has shaped the National Benevolent Association throughout its history, from its beginnings nearly 140 years ago to the organization’s evolving efforts to connect with leaders and communities today. They discuss why podcasts offer a meaningful way to accompany people in their daily lives, amplify stories from across NBA’s network, and create space for deeper conversations about care, justice, faith, and leadership.

They also preview the podcast’s pilot season, which will feature leaders, partners, and practitioners examining how NBA’s core values of justice, collaboration, innovation, and prophetic action come to life through real people and real work.

In this episode:

• Why Mark and Bere said yes to hosting the podcast
• How innovation has been part of NBA’s identity from the beginning
• Why changing patterns of communication call for new ways of connecting
• What listeners can expect from future guests and conversations
• The vision, mission, core values, and commitment to equity guiding the series
• How listeners can help shape the pilot season
• What is giving Mark and Bere hope right now

Each episode ends with Holding on to Hope, a recurring question for every guest: What is giving you hope right now?

In this opening conversation, Mark reflects on the welcome and shared humanity surrounding the FIFA World Cup, while Bere shares how gardening, growth, and communities centered on care provide hope amid uncertainty.

Creating Communities of Justice & Care is for social-service leaders, faith-based practitioners, community partners, and anyone interested in justice, collaboration, prophetic leadership, and innovation.

Have an idea, question, or story you would like the podcast to explore? Contact NBA at [email protected].

Learn more about the National Benevolent Association at nbacares.org.