Allison Ralph, PhD
@akralph.bsky.social
Principal @ Cohesion Strategy |Sings joyfully-Bakes for friends. Religious Pluralism | Depolarization
A fond farewell to Nevia Selmon as she concludes her time with Cohesion Strategy 💙
We’re grateful for her contributions to our research, communications, and values-driven work.
Nevia reflects on her time with us—and what she’s carrying forward—in a new blog:
👉 open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
We’re grateful for her contributions to our research, communications, and values-driven work.
Nevia reflects on her time with us—and what she’s carrying forward—in a new blog:
👉 open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
A Fond Farewell (and a Note of Gratitude)
By: Nevia Selmon
open.substack.com
January 9, 2026 at 8:23 PM
A fond farewell to Nevia Selmon as she concludes her time with Cohesion Strategy 💙
We’re grateful for her contributions to our research, communications, and values-driven work.
Nevia reflects on her time with us—and what she’s carrying forward—in a new blog:
👉 open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
We’re grateful for her contributions to our research, communications, and values-driven work.
Nevia reflects on her time with us—and what she’s carrying forward—in a new blog:
👉 open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
The “big tent” isn’t just a tent—it’s a flock in motion.
Scott Warren reminds us why we gather.
Julia Roig shows us how to fly together.
Cohesion isn’t sameness.
It’s synchronized difference.
And you don’t have to be birds of a feather to flock together. 🕊️
Blog: open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
Scott Warren reminds us why we gather.
Julia Roig shows us how to fly together.
Cohesion isn’t sameness.
It’s synchronized difference.
And you don’t have to be birds of a feather to flock together. 🕊️
Blog: open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
The Big Tent and The Open Sky
By: Allison Ralph
open.substack.com
January 6, 2026 at 8:50 PM
The “big tent” isn’t just a tent—it’s a flock in motion.
Scott Warren reminds us why we gather.
Julia Roig shows us how to fly together.
Cohesion isn’t sameness.
It’s synchronized difference.
And you don’t have to be birds of a feather to flock together. 🕊️
Blog: open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
Scott Warren reminds us why we gather.
Julia Roig shows us how to fly together.
Cohesion isn’t sameness.
It’s synchronized difference.
And you don’t have to be birds of a feather to flock together. 🕊️
Blog: open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
This season reminds us that connection doesn’t require sameness — only care.
Wishing you rest, warmth, and moments of real belonging, however you mark this time of year.
Happy holidays from Cohesion Strategy. ✨
Wishing you rest, warmth, and moments of real belonging, however you mark this time of year.
Happy holidays from Cohesion Strategy. ✨
December 19, 2025 at 2:55 PM
This season reminds us that connection doesn’t require sameness — only care.
Wishing you rest, warmth, and moments of real belonging, however you mark this time of year.
Happy holidays from Cohesion Strategy. ✨
Wishing you rest, warmth, and moments of real belonging, however you mark this time of year.
Happy holidays from Cohesion Strategy. ✨
Today, we join our fellow @listenfirstproject.bsky.social coalition members in celebrating #NationalUnityDay.
Unity begins with listening — with curiosity, respect, and connection. 💜
🔗 cohesionstrategy.com
#CohesionInAction #LeadWithClarity #MurmurationMindset #NationalUnityDay
Unity begins with listening — with curiosity, respect, and connection. 💜
🔗 cohesionstrategy.com
#CohesionInAction #LeadWithClarity #MurmurationMindset #NationalUnityDay
December 13, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Today, we join our fellow @listenfirstproject.bsky.social coalition members in celebrating #NationalUnityDay.
Unity begins with listening — with curiosity, respect, and connection. 💜
🔗 cohesionstrategy.com
#CohesionInAction #LeadWithClarity #MurmurationMindset #NationalUnityDay
Unity begins with listening — with curiosity, respect, and connection. 💜
🔗 cohesionstrategy.com
#CohesionInAction #LeadWithClarity #MurmurationMindset #NationalUnityDay
Shoutout to Stories Change Power!
Registration is open for their 2026 advocacy + storytelling courses — from Storytelling 101 to Ethical Storytelling to their Advocacy Learning Communities (online + in DC).
www.storieschangepower.org/programming/...
AND
www.storieschangepower.org/programming/...
Registration is open for their 2026 advocacy + storytelling courses — from Storytelling 101 to Ethical Storytelling to their Advocacy Learning Communities (online + in DC).
www.storieschangepower.org/programming/...
AND
www.storieschangepower.org/programming/...
Learning Communities | Stories Change Power
www.storieschangepower.org
December 11, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Shoutout to Stories Change Power!
Registration is open for their 2026 advocacy + storytelling courses — from Storytelling 101 to Ethical Storytelling to their Advocacy Learning Communities (online + in DC).
www.storieschangepower.org/programming/...
AND
www.storieschangepower.org/programming/...
Registration is open for their 2026 advocacy + storytelling courses — from Storytelling 101 to Ethical Storytelling to their Advocacy Learning Communities (online + in DC).
www.storieschangepower.org/programming/...
AND
www.storieschangepower.org/programming/...
Fun fact: Half of Allison’s Spotify Wrapped this year was bird-themed.
(Truly on brand.)
So we’re building a Murmuration Playlist for people who work across difference, conflict, and complexity.
What song fuels YOUR work?
Add it below. ⬇️
(Truly on brand.)
So we’re building a Murmuration Playlist for people who work across difference, conflict, and complexity.
What song fuels YOUR work?
Add it below. ⬇️
December 10, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Fun fact: Half of Allison’s Spotify Wrapped this year was bird-themed.
(Truly on brand.)
So we’re building a Murmuration Playlist for people who work across difference, conflict, and complexity.
What song fuels YOUR work?
Add it below. ⬇️
(Truly on brand.)
So we’re building a Murmuration Playlist for people who work across difference, conflict, and complexity.
What song fuels YOUR work?
Add it below. ⬇️
Our Senior Associate, Nevia Selmon, presented at the Annual Academy of Religion conference. Her reflections point to what pluralism requires today: shared inquiry, proximity, care networks, and civic attentiveness.
Read her blog: open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
#AAR2025 #philanthropy #nonprofit
Read her blog: open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
#AAR2025 #philanthropy #nonprofit
Reflections from the Annual Academy of Religion Conference: Insights for Building Ethical, Pluralistic Communities
By: Nevia Selmon
open.substack.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Our Senior Associate, Nevia Selmon, presented at the Annual Academy of Religion conference. Her reflections point to what pluralism requires today: shared inquiry, proximity, care networks, and civic attentiveness.
Read her blog: open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
#AAR2025 #philanthropy #nonprofit
Read her blog: open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
#AAR2025 #philanthropy #nonprofit
Tolerating Disagreement — a quick primer on holding difference with integrity in nonprofit work.
If that resonates, join us Dec 4 (10–1 ET) for Leading When Values Collide, a virtual working session on navigating values tensions in leadership. cohesionstrategy.com
#nonprofitleadership #philanthropy
If that resonates, join us Dec 4 (10–1 ET) for Leading When Values Collide, a virtual working session on navigating values tensions in leadership. cohesionstrategy.com
#nonprofitleadership #philanthropy
December 1, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Tolerating Disagreement — a quick primer on holding difference with integrity in nonprofit work.
If that resonates, join us Dec 4 (10–1 ET) for Leading When Values Collide, a virtual working session on navigating values tensions in leadership. cohesionstrategy.com
#nonprofitleadership #philanthropy
If that resonates, join us Dec 4 (10–1 ET) for Leading When Values Collide, a virtual working session on navigating values tensions in leadership. cohesionstrategy.com
#nonprofitleadership #philanthropy
Had a great conversation with my colleague Nevia about why I created our Values Collide Workshop.
The tension isn’t something to avoid. It’s a doorway to deeper alignment.
Let's #ExpandWhatsPossible.
Watch here: www.linkedin.com/posts/cohesi...
The tension isn’t something to avoid. It’s a doorway to deeper alignment.
Let's #ExpandWhatsPossible.
Watch here: www.linkedin.com/posts/cohesi...
New Conversation on Navigating Values Collisions
Hi everyone — Nevia Selmon here, Senior Associate at Cohesion Strategy. I recently sat down with our Principal, Allison K. Ralph, Ph.D., for an… | Coh...
New Conversation on Navigating Values Collisions
Hi everyone — Nevia Selmon here, Senior Associate at Cohesion Strategy. I recently sat down with our Principal, Allison K. Ralph, Ph.D., for an import...
www.linkedin.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Had a great conversation with my colleague Nevia about why I created our Values Collide Workshop.
The tension isn’t something to avoid. It’s a doorway to deeper alignment.
Let's #ExpandWhatsPossible.
Watch here: www.linkedin.com/posts/cohesi...
The tension isn’t something to avoid. It’s a doorway to deeper alignment.
Let's #ExpandWhatsPossible.
Watch here: www.linkedin.com/posts/cohesi...
Big update: We’ve refreshed our site at Cohesion Strategy with a new case study on navigating value tensions, free research-based primers for nonprofit leaders, and a clearer way to access my publications on pluralism and integrity.
Explore the new resources → www.cohesionstrategy.com/about-3
Explore the new resources → www.cohesionstrategy.com/about-3
November 19, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Big update: We’ve refreshed our site at Cohesion Strategy with a new case study on navigating value tensions, free research-based primers for nonprofit leaders, and a clearer way to access my publications on pluralism and integrity.
Explore the new resources → www.cohesionstrategy.com/about-3
Explore the new resources → www.cohesionstrategy.com/about-3
We’re proud to share that Nevía Selmon will present her paper “Rower as Witness: Levinas, Ricoeur, and the Human Condition in Motion” at AAR 2025.
📍 Marriott Copley Place, Provincetown
📅 Nov 22, 2025
⏰ 5:00–6:30 PM
Her work bridges embodiment, ethics, and relational leadership!
📍 Marriott Copley Place, Provincetown
📅 Nov 22, 2025
⏰ 5:00–6:30 PM
Her work bridges embodiment, ethics, and relational leadership!
November 17, 2025 at 9:12 PM
We’re proud to share that Nevía Selmon will present her paper “Rower as Witness: Levinas, Ricoeur, and the Human Condition in Motion” at AAR 2025.
📍 Marriott Copley Place, Provincetown
📅 Nov 22, 2025
⏰ 5:00–6:30 PM
Her work bridges embodiment, ethics, and relational leadership!
📍 Marriott Copley Place, Provincetown
📅 Nov 22, 2025
⏰ 5:00–6:30 PM
Her work bridges embodiment, ethics, and relational leadership!
Hope is a practice.
Our Q3 newsletter shares how we’re building frameworks that can hold difference — not dissolve it.
Read it here: cohesionstrategy.com/so/06PfEvenl...
Subscribe → cohesionstrategy.substack.com
Our Q3 newsletter shares how we’re building frameworks that can hold difference — not dissolve it.
Read it here: cohesionstrategy.com/so/06PfEvenl...
Subscribe → cohesionstrategy.substack.com
Cohesion Strategy | Substack
A Substack about navigating difference, building belonging, and strengthening democracy from the ground up. Click to read Cohesion Strategy, a Substack publication. Launched 6 months ago.
cohesionstrategy.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Hope is a practice.
Our Q3 newsletter shares how we’re building frameworks that can hold difference — not dissolve it.
Read it here: cohesionstrategy.com/so/06PfEvenl...
Subscribe → cohesionstrategy.substack.com
Our Q3 newsletter shares how we’re building frameworks that can hold difference — not dissolve it.
Read it here: cohesionstrategy.com/so/06PfEvenl...
Subscribe → cohesionstrategy.substack.com
No more purity tests.
We need the skills to bridge and act.
That’s pluralism with teeth — and it’s how we get sh*t done.
Join @CohesionStrategy’s upcoming Leading When Values Collide sessions for real tools to lead across difference.
Read blog here: open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
#Pluralism
We need the skills to bridge and act.
That’s pluralism with teeth — and it’s how we get sh*t done.
Join @CohesionStrategy’s upcoming Leading When Values Collide sessions for real tools to lead across difference.
Read blog here: open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
#Pluralism
Get Sh*t Done (For Real): Pluralism with Teeth
By: Allison Ralph
open.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:02 PM
No more purity tests.
We need the skills to bridge and act.
That’s pluralism with teeth — and it’s how we get sh*t done.
Join @CohesionStrategy’s upcoming Leading When Values Collide sessions for real tools to lead across difference.
Read blog here: open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
#Pluralism
We need the skills to bridge and act.
That’s pluralism with teeth — and it’s how we get sh*t done.
Join @CohesionStrategy’s upcoming Leading When Values Collide sessions for real tools to lead across difference.
Read blog here: open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
#Pluralism
Reposted by Allison Ralph, PhD
Intern with Interfaith Alliance! We have three positions available for Spring 2026 (January 26 - May 15):
⚪ Organizing
⚪ Policy
⚪ Digital Fundraising & Mobilization
Applications are due by November 14.
⚪ Organizing
⚪ Policy
⚪ Digital Fundraising & Mobilization
Applications are due by November 14.
Careers
www.interfaithalliance.org
November 4, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Intern with Interfaith Alliance! We have three positions available for Spring 2026 (January 26 - May 15):
⚪ Organizing
⚪ Policy
⚪ Digital Fundraising & Mobilization
Applications are due by November 14.
⚪ Organizing
⚪ Policy
⚪ Digital Fundraising & Mobilization
Applications are due by November 14.
🎃 Feeling haunted by organizational tensions? 👻
That’s not a curse, it’s a call to lead.
🕸️ Join me Dec 4 for Leading When Values Collide — a virtual workshop for nonprofit & philanthropic leaders ready to face their values ghosts head-on.
👉 Register here
#Leadership #Halloween
That’s not a curse, it’s a call to lead.
🕸️ Join me Dec 4 for Leading When Values Collide — a virtual workshop for nonprofit & philanthropic leaders ready to face their values ghosts head-on.
👉 Register here
#Leadership #Halloween
October 31, 2025 at 4:33 PM
🎃 Feeling haunted by organizational tensions? 👻
That’s not a curse, it’s a call to lead.
🕸️ Join me Dec 4 for Leading When Values Collide — a virtual workshop for nonprofit & philanthropic leaders ready to face their values ghosts head-on.
👉 Register here
#Leadership #Halloween
That’s not a curse, it’s a call to lead.
🕸️ Join me Dec 4 for Leading When Values Collide — a virtual workshop for nonprofit & philanthropic leaders ready to face their values ghosts head-on.
👉 Register here
#Leadership #Halloween
Day 1 at #IS2025 was energizing 💡
From the State of the Charitable Sector to sessions on trust, belonging & purpose — powerful reminders of how data, story, faith & leadership all build civic strength.
#IndependentSector #Philanthropy #Trust #Belonging
From the State of the Charitable Sector to sessions on trust, belonging & purpose — powerful reminders of how data, story, faith & leadership all build civic strength.
#IndependentSector #Philanthropy #Trust #Belonging
October 28, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Day 1 at #IS2025 was energizing 💡
From the State of the Charitable Sector to sessions on trust, belonging & purpose — powerful reminders of how data, story, faith & leadership all build civic strength.
#IndependentSector #Philanthropy #Trust #Belonging
From the State of the Charitable Sector to sessions on trust, belonging & purpose — powerful reminders of how data, story, faith & leadership all build civic strength.
#IndependentSector #Philanthropy #Trust #Belonging
Heading to Atlanta for the Independent Sector Summit Tues–Wed! Excited to learn, connect & be inspired by so many working to strengthen our communities. If you’ll be there too, let’s connect to talk about deepening engagement & amplifying trusted voices for greater impact.
October 27, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Heading to Atlanta for the Independent Sector Summit Tues–Wed! Excited to learn, connect & be inspired by so many working to strengthen our communities. If you’ll be there too, let’s connect to talk about deepening engagement & amplifying trusted voices for greater impact.
Ran into Vinay Orekondy this morning at New America’s Everyday Democracy event—such a treat. Vinay wears many hats in the civic-renewal world, including co-chairing the Braver Network at Braver Angels and co-founding Better Together America. Keep building trust & belonging!
#EverydayDemocracy
#EverydayDemocracy
October 24, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Ran into Vinay Orekondy this morning at New America’s Everyday Democracy event—such a treat. Vinay wears many hats in the civic-renewal world, including co-chairing the Braver Network at Braver Angels and co-founding Better Together America. Keep building trust & belonging!
#EverydayDemocracy
#EverydayDemocracy
In a time of tension & change, Allison K. Ralph helps leaders slow down, see what’s really happening, and move forward with courage & clarity. Trust, truth & transformation — all in one room. #philanthropy #retreat
Check out our website to learn more, stay in the loop, or register: lnkd.in/eFe8nxk9
Check out our website to learn more, stay in the loop, or register: lnkd.in/eFe8nxk9
October 24, 2025 at 11:52 AM
In a time of tension & change, Allison K. Ralph helps leaders slow down, see what’s really happening, and move forward with courage & clarity. Trust, truth & transformation — all in one room. #philanthropy #retreat
Check out our website to learn more, stay in the loop, or register: lnkd.in/eFe8nxk9
Check out our website to learn more, stay in the loop, or register: lnkd.in/eFe8nxk9
Atonement. Dialogue. Shelter.
From a Humanist Yom Kippur to a muslim peacebuilding conference to a Sukkot dinner — @Nevia finds gezellig in the spaces where people stay in relationship across difference.
Read on → open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
From a Humanist Yom Kippur to a muslim peacebuilding conference to a Sukkot dinner — @Nevia finds gezellig in the spaces where people stay in relationship across difference.
Read on → open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
Finding Gezellig in a Fractured World
By: Nevia Selmon
open.substack.com
October 22, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Atonement. Dialogue. Shelter.
From a Humanist Yom Kippur to a muslim peacebuilding conference to a Sukkot dinner — @Nevia finds gezellig in the spaces where people stay in relationship across difference.
Read on → open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
From a Humanist Yom Kippur to a muslim peacebuilding conference to a Sukkot dinner — @Nevia finds gezellig in the spaces where people stay in relationship across difference.
Read on → open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
A successful two days at the Center for Christianity and Public Life conference!
Allison K. Ralph, Ph.D. Has a blast running into old and new faces, like Caleb Campbell of Disarming Leviathan, Zachary Davis of Faith Matters, and Andrew Hanauer of One America Movement.
#FaithAndPublicLife
Allison K. Ralph, Ph.D. Has a blast running into old and new faces, like Caleb Campbell of Disarming Leviathan, Zachary Davis of Faith Matters, and Andrew Hanauer of One America Movement.
#FaithAndPublicLife
October 21, 2025 at 10:35 PM
A successful two days at the Center for Christianity and Public Life conference!
Allison K. Ralph, Ph.D. Has a blast running into old and new faces, like Caleb Campbell of Disarming Leviathan, Zachary Davis of Faith Matters, and Andrew Hanauer of One America Movement.
#FaithAndPublicLife
Allison K. Ralph, Ph.D. Has a blast running into old and new faces, like Caleb Campbell of Disarming Leviathan, Zachary Davis of Faith Matters, and Andrew Hanauer of One America Movement.
#FaithAndPublicLife
What do you do when every option undermines one of your values?
Organizations often freeze when trust, inclusion, equity, or urgency collide — but these moments define who we are.
Our retreat explores how to lead when your own values are in conflict: cohesionstrategy.com/s-projects-s...
Organizations often freeze when trust, inclusion, equity, or urgency collide — but these moments define who we are.
Our retreat explores how to lead when your own values are in conflict: cohesionstrategy.com/s-projects-s...
October 17, 2025 at 3:46 PM
What do you do when every option undermines one of your values?
Organizations often freeze when trust, inclusion, equity, or urgency collide — but these moments define who we are.
Our retreat explores how to lead when your own values are in conflict: cohesionstrategy.com/s-projects-s...
Organizations often freeze when trust, inclusion, equity, or urgency collide — but these moments define who we are.
Our retreat explores how to lead when your own values are in conflict: cohesionstrategy.com/s-projects-s...
Funders are being pushed to take public stands on divisive issues — with real stakes for governance, reputation & impact.
That’s why we created Leading When Values Collide: A Retreat for Philanthropic Leadership.
📅 Jan 28–30, 2026 | Mid-Atlantic
🔗 cohesionstrategy.com/s-projects-s...
That’s why we created Leading When Values Collide: A Retreat for Philanthropic Leadership.
📅 Jan 28–30, 2026 | Mid-Atlantic
🔗 cohesionstrategy.com/s-projects-s...
October 15, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Funders are being pushed to take public stands on divisive issues — with real stakes for governance, reputation & impact.
That’s why we created Leading When Values Collide: A Retreat for Philanthropic Leadership.
📅 Jan 28–30, 2026 | Mid-Atlantic
🔗 cohesionstrategy.com/s-projects-s...
That’s why we created Leading When Values Collide: A Retreat for Philanthropic Leadership.
📅 Jan 28–30, 2026 | Mid-Atlantic
🔗 cohesionstrategy.com/s-projects-s...
I’ve seen how values conflicts derail even the best efforts—climate funding lost, racial equity work stalled.
That’s why we’re launching Leading When Values Collide: A Retreat for Philanthropic Leadership (Jan 28–30, 2026).
🔗 www.cohesionstrategy.com/s-projects-s...
#ValuesBasedLeadership
That’s why we’re launching Leading When Values Collide: A Retreat for Philanthropic Leadership (Jan 28–30, 2026).
🔗 www.cohesionstrategy.com/s-projects-s...
#ValuesBasedLeadership
October 9, 2025 at 12:39 PM
I’ve seen how values conflicts derail even the best efforts—climate funding lost, racial equity work stalled.
That’s why we’re launching Leading When Values Collide: A Retreat for Philanthropic Leadership (Jan 28–30, 2026).
🔗 www.cohesionstrategy.com/s-projects-s...
#ValuesBasedLeadership
That’s why we’re launching Leading When Values Collide: A Retreat for Philanthropic Leadership (Jan 28–30, 2026).
🔗 www.cohesionstrategy.com/s-projects-s...
#ValuesBasedLeadership
Some critics say bridging is too slow, too soft, too idealistic. But here’s the truth: you can’t shift public opinion or civic participation without building across ideological, racial, and religious divides. There’s no shortcut.
Blog w/ reflections here 👉 open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
Blog w/ reflections here 👉 open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
Reflections on the Bridging Summit 2025
By: Allison Ralph
open.substack.com
October 8, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Some critics say bridging is too slow, too soft, too idealistic. But here’s the truth: you can’t shift public opinion or civic participation without building across ideological, racial, and religious divides. There’s no shortcut.
Blog w/ reflections here 👉 open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...
Blog w/ reflections here 👉 open.substack.com/pub/cohesion...