Loneliness is rising, even as our world feels more connected than ever. Half of Americans report feeling lonely on a daily basis , and burnout continues to affect nearly two-thirds of U.S. employees . In this solo episode of Reimagining Community, Garland Fuller unpacks what this means for leaders, organizers, and anyone invested in building spaces of belonging.

From the People–Place–Program framework to practical examples of inclusive design, Garland breaks down why true belonging doesn't happen by accident—it's built with care, intention, and attention to detail. Whether you're designing youth programming, hosting community events, or rethinking your workplace culture, this conversation challenges you to go deeper.

Key Conversation Highlights

• The Loneliness Epidemic Why half of Americans feel lonely daily , and what that reveals about the hidden cost of disconnection.

• Burnout & Wellbeing 63% of U.S. employees report burnout —and why organizations can't ignore wellbeing without risking long-term engagement .

• True Belonging Is Built Garland shares lessons from 25 years in corporate, nonprofit, and ERG leadership about why community needs intentional design.

• The People Lens Designing with intersectionality in mind—considering race, gender, age, ability, socioeconomic class, language, and faith to build inclusive third spaces.

• The Place Lens Why sensory design is emotional communication—from natural light to plants, the environment we gather in matters for reducing anxiety and sparking connection.

• The Program Lens Aligning people and place through intentional programming, flexible formats, and full-participation design (like food, writing, and open-mic flow at a poetry slam).

• Third Spaces as Healing Spaces Reframing third spaces as places that heal, inspire, and transform—and why that shift matters for addressing the loneliness epidemic.

Resources & Mentions

• Reports & Data

  • U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on Loneliness & Isolation

  • Gallup: Despite Employer Prioritization, Employee Wellbeing Falters

  • Gallup: Leaders, Ignore Employee Wellbeing at Your Own Risk

• Frameworks

  • People, Place, Program (Garland's approach to building intentional third spaces).

• Design Insights

  • Sensory design elements—lighting, sound, and plant life—as tools for emotional connection.

Connect & Keep the Conversation Going

What makes your favorite third place powerful? Is it the people, the place, or the program that keeps you coming back?

👉 Share your reflections in the comments or tag Garland on LinkedIn. 👉 Explore the Community Impact Collective and join the newsletter: garlandfuller.com

Stay Inspired

"True belonging doesn't happen by accident. It's built, one intentional choice at a time." — Garland Fuller

Building legacies, together.