Overview

Mosaic America pioneers new approaches to building social cohesion among highly diverse people and organizations whose fates and futures are bound together by living in a place.

We are dedicated to fostering healthy, thriving communities where people of all experiences and identities find common ground through their connection to place. Culture is our medium and our method. In highly diverse communities – such as those that comprise Santa Clara County – people possess a wide array of backgrounds, values, and meaning-making systems. Traditional models for integration incentivize people to give up public expressions of their identity and culture in order to assimilate to the dominant culture, creating the proverbial melting pot. We propose striving, instead, for an approach to community cohesion that more closely resembles a mosaic, in which people have the skills to co-create that which is shared and, in the process, honor and hold space for every person’s unique identity and contribution. Our work includes innovative approaches to community research and asset mapping, outreach and engagement, and creating and mobilizing networks for change. Our processes strengthen ties between people and organizations, advancing health and wellbeing, economic mobility, belonging, power and autonomy, and access to opportunity for all people.

Nearly all of our work occurs in collaboration with others who share our goals and embrace our methods. We are open to exploring with any entity – public or private – how our approach to fostering social cohesion can expand equity and well-being for communities in Santa Clara County and beyond. We have served as advisors, trainers, consultants, partners, program designers, artistic directors, presenters, and more.