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The State of Mental Wellbeing Podcast Explores Five & Rising and the Future of the Social Sector
Social CurrentHow can the social sector move beyond scarcity thinking and build systems that truly support community wellbeing?
That question is at the center of the newest episode of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s State of Mental Wellbeing podcast, featuring Social Current President and CEO Jody Levison-Johnson in a conversation about visionary leadership, systems transformation, and the growing Five & Rising initiative.
In the episode, “New Approaches to Nonprofits: Visionary Leadership and the Five & Rising Initiative,” Levison-Johnson discusses the urgent need to rethink how the social sector is funded, valued, and positioned within society. The conversation explores how outdated perceptions of nonprofit organizations often limit innovation and long-term impact, despite the sector’s critical role in strengthening communities and advancing well-being.
Listeners can expect insights on:
- How the Five & Rising initiative aims to shift public narratives about the social sector
- Why leaders should stay bold, trust their instincts, and resist shrinking in constrained environments
- What boards, funders, and communities can do to support a more sustainable and effective sector
The episode is part of the broader The State of Mental Wellbeing podcast series, which explores the evolving landscape of mental well-being and the leaders working to shape healthier communities and systems.
Listeners can watch additional conversations and episodes on YouTube and learn more about the movement behind the discussion through Five & Rising.
About Social Current
Social Current is the premier partner and solutions provider to a diverse network of more than 1,800 human and social service organizations. Together with our network, we are activating the power of the social sector to effect broader systemic change that is needed to achieve our vision of an equitable society where all people can thrive. We support, strengthen, and amplify the work of the social sector in five core integrated areas including brain science and trauma-informed approaches; COA Accreditation; child, family, and community well-being; government affairs and advocacy; and leadership and organizational development.
