As leaves transform sunlight, we transform our emotions - anger, fear, resentment - into creative energy and fire; compassion becomes support and care, frustration an agent for change making - and all on a level beyond the individual.

As a species, we arguably have a lot to address in terms of our culture; many if not most of us want to actively shift our current culture(s), want them to change, and want to actively participate in this change. Most people (everyone?!) cares deeply about their immediate communities, the environment and the wellbeing of not only themselves but of others. Most people want to make change, be happy and live in resilient thriving communities, but don’t know how.

If all this talk about principles is making you think that community building takes effort, you’d be right. But with an intentional approach, you cultivate enriching soil for a strong community to root and grow. Community is SO powerful. It’s how we’ll make a difference in Cambridge.

Looking back through the lens of community, I can see that what united the Animal Club was our shared values. But to root something long-term, that’s not enough.

This isn’t meant to (only) be an ode to my Grandad. For me, this answers the question, what IS Together Culture? Much of the time, and I can understand why, folks want me to immediately explain our products and services. But, here’s the thing, they are tools that help us achieve our purpose and why and how comes before what when we’re talking about creativity, culture, and togetherness.