Third Places as Social Infrastructure: Preparing Families for a Rapidly Changing World

Families need trusted gathering spaces where they can build relationships, access tools and knowledge, and understand emerging risks and opportunities so they can keep their children safe and help their families thrive. In many communities, those “third places” between home and work have disappeared or feel out of reach, especially for families already facing systemic barriers. This session explores how investing catalytic capital in community-led third places can rebuild social capital, connect families to real-time information and resources, and create resilient local networks that help current and future families navigate constant change.