Solidarity in Bridge Building: Reflections from our Boston Partner Lunch

In early March, the Imago Dei Fund team had the privilege of hosting our Boston-based partners for a lunch gathering at More Than Words Bookstore in the South End of Boston. In a time of deep polarization, this lunch was intended to create space for connection, shared learning, and solidarity across our local partner community.

Imago Dei’s trustees, Ross and Emily Jones, welcomed everyone with deep gratitude for their leadership and commitment. They also lifted up the day’s theme: the role faith-rooted organizations can play in building bridges across dividing lines. Reverend Davie Hernandez from Restoration City Church then led us through a meaningful opening prayer, followed by remarks from Pastor Kadeem Massiah of Abundant Life Church and a short speaker-led panel conversation featuring Cristina Ayala from ATASK, Patricia Sobalvarro from Agencia Alpha, Pastor “Keke” Dieufort J Fleurissaint from Total Health Christian Ministries, and Mia Chung-Yee from Octet Collaborative. All of these individuals are doing important work through their organizations within and across communities to build bridges and heal divides. The panel, in addition to the table conversations that followed, offered a window into this incredible work happening in our city.

Amidst the philanthropic partnerships we have created internationally, a core part of our mission is to be good neighbors locally in our own backyard in Boston. We partner with a range of organizations that are working across issues like anti-trafficking, immigration and refugee support, women’s economic empowerment and other issues. Many of them directly engage or are rooted in faith communities. Our Deacon’s fund partners are faith based and serve as anchors of hope and support for their neighbors and the congregations they serve through immediate humanitarian assistance. Additionally, our Contemplative Fund partners are helping to bridge the “divide between our head and our heart”, by shepherding spiritual growth and reconciliation work in faith and social contexts.

At the heart of the Imago Dei Fund’s ethos (as evident in our name) is an inherent belief in the dignity of all people and a shared humanity that tethers us together, beyond dividing lines. As a foundation, we straddle many worlds and intentionally seek to be thoughtful and compassionate bridge builders. During the lunch, Kadeem Massiah’s remarks reminded us that the heavy work of bridge building must be rooted in the belief that the “other side” is always worth reaching. Those who think differently from us still merit our respect and often a humble approach allows for open dialogue.

The panel conversation highlighted practical ways to do this through breaking bread with people, coupled with deep listening and a seeking to understand rather than argue. The final question in the conversation opened space for panelists and attendees to reflect on what they’d like to pass to the next generation of leaders, reminding us of the long arc of commitment this work requires. For many of our partners, bridge building is an active part of their efforts within faith and non faith contexts that are ripe with tensions, divisions, and contradictions. The table conversations and networking portion of the event allowed for solidarity to find kindred connection and meaningful camaraderie in work that can feel isolating and lonely, especially at a time as polarizing as this in our country.

Although the group was diverse in work and experience, there was still a powerful sense of alignment in the room. While each organization approaches its work from a different angle, there was a tangible desire for solidarity and peer learning among the group. Hearing partners learn from one another, affirm shared challenges, and exchange ideas was a reminder that this work is stronger when it is connected. The cross-portfolio connections were serendipitous and especially meaningful, given the different spheres in which they work.

Convenings like this lunch are an important opportunity for us to listen to our partners who are leading the work on the ground. It reminded me and our entire team that impactful partnerships are grounded in trust, flexibility, and solidarity with the leaders, organizations, and communities we aim to support. The insights shared will continue to shape how we show up and seek to be good neighbors in Boston – more thoughtfully, more responsively, and with greater humility.

We’re grateful for the openness, honesty, and enthusiasm our partners brought into the space. It is an honor to be in partnership with organizations doing such vital work, and we look forward to continuing to learn and build together.