A Tapestry of Purpose

A Glimpse into the U.S. Fellowship
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Director, RSA US
Board member, RSA US
Chris Padden
Board member, RSA US
Comment 19 Mar 2026
Fellowship Fellowship in Action Health and wellbeing Leadership People & Place Science Social connections
String art map of the US
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Our “Threads of Joy” booklet offers a glimpse into the pulse of the U.S. Fellowship, inviting members to reflect on key milestones, moments of joy and meaningful work they’ve engaged in over the course of the last year. 

Rather than presenting these contributions as a list or ledger, we’ve chosen to hold them as stories, honoring the deeply human way this organization has long convened people, ideas, and purpose. As you read, we invite you to notice where your own work resonates with what others are doing, where threads cross, and where there may be potential for new connections. 

This is not just a record of individual achievements, but a living tapestry shaped by relationships, shared values, and the quiet power of being part of something bigger than ourselves. 

It is incredibly humbling to see our Fellows achievements across diverse domains from poetry, space exploration, affordable housing, and filmmaking to those working to put an end to polarization and bring communities together. But it is also wonderful to see the learning, challenge and personal growth behind these achievements. 

The RSA Fellowship is not just a place of ideas. It is a home to individual and societal progress. We hope that you will continue to be nurtured by our community through the shared experiences of curiosity, collaboration, and our collective commitment to meaningful change. 

This tapestry is never complete; it is continually woven through the contributions, connections, and care of each Fellow. A lineage that represents over 270 years. As we look ahead, may we remain open to new threads, new perspectives, and new possibilities, carrying forward a shared sense of purpose that strengthens both our individual journeys and our collective impact.

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Social connections

Our social connections work will oversee a step-change in encouraging approaches and practices that value and commit to stewarding social capital.

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