Sometimes Connection Looks Like Resiliency Through Transformation
Vermont Business Magazine As of December 31, 2025 Social Tinkering, a nonprofit organization based in Rutland County, Vermont, is dissolving. This innovative Human Connection Project, legally established in Spring of 2021 may be closing up shop, but the team behind the organization are nowhere near done working to intentionally grow meaningful connections that help people and communities to thrive. Kate Tibbs, Interim Board President of the organization, says “Each member of our team have always been connectors and always will be. This work we’ve done together has only strengthened our resolve and deepened our understanding of the critical need for meaningful connection in this world and we will carry that wherever we go.”
With nationwide shortages of funding support for nonprofit organizations in 2025, Social Tinkering was not immune. In light of this, the team has taken the opportunity to explore what is and is not serving the mission. In the long run, they’ve determined that a nonprofit structure is not the best fit for such a pioneering initiative. Between now and the end of the year the team will be wrapping up current projects and in January will close out administration.
Starting a new organization with a globally innovative and ambitious mission at the easing of the COVID pandemic never sounded like too big of a project to the Social Tinkering team. This was just what they felt needed to be done if we are to shift ourselves and our communities to sustainably thriving. Yes, it is definitely a challenging concept to tackle in so many ways, but the team still believes that getting to the root cause of disconnection - how we are in relationship with each other - is what will truly take us to a place of healing and change for the better in our society.
This vision originated from Social Tinkering’s Founder, Jeanette Langston’s own personal life experience with healing from disconnection and the following isolation and loneliness, and has been built upon 1000 times over by the brave sharing of their community’s own stories, experiences, and wisdom over the last 5 years.
Langston says, “To create sustainable solutions to our many societal challenges, we’re going to have to get to the root cause, the widespread, pervasive, and painful lack of connection. We encourage everyone to continue exploring that together and see what we might do about it right at home in our own communities.”
Connection Accomplishments
Social Tinkering is proud to have had a positive and lasting impact on the Rutland region and Vermont. The 2021 launch and hosting of the All Are Welcome Here LGBTQ+ Visibility Campaign is still welcoming people to the Rutland region, spreading a message of hope and belonging to new, returning, and long-time Vermonters alike. The organization’s health equity work from 2022-24 infused over $180,000 of sub-grant funding into eight incredible projects for people of all ages and backgrounds and planned for a statewide connection strategy. These projects increased equity and reduced barriers to connection for folks who experience marginalization and discrimination in our region, growing community-wide inclusion and belonging. The Women’s Circle program has provided over a year of meetups for intentional discovery, brave conversations, and learning. Projects like co-hosting the recent Gone Guys film screening and panel discussion have brought critical yet unaddressed issues to light and created space for individuals and the community to begin problem-solving together. From advocacy and networking workshops and presentations, to intimate conversations over shared meals, and many cups of coffee, Social Tinkering has purposely raised awareness, deepened understanding, and reduced barriers to meaningful connection.
The team’s proudest achievement is their 5-year-running, monthly Gather Together meetup. Upon sharing with their community during November’s event that the organization is entering a challenging transition, long-term participants and brand new individuals alike immediately rallied to support the organization and Langston, offering resources and brainstorming to help continue holding this community space for each other. As the group shared cups of tea and birthday cupcakes for their 1 year old friend’s birthday celebration, they all agreed they look forward to gathering each month and deeply appreciate and value the mission and vision of the organization. One community member shared that “especially on their hardest days, I know I can show up in this place with you all, where I can be myself in a genuine human way.” Folks agreed that the group brightens their lives and rejuvenates hope each month with one person even sharing that attending Gather Together has saved their life.
Social Connection Data
Social Tinkering recently completed their first Rutland County Social Connection Survey, collecting over 400 responses. They are finalizing results in a report along with a landscape analysis of the current state of social isolation, loneliness, and connection for the region. These reports will be made publicly available before the end of the year for future planning throughout the region.
Partnerships, Friends, and Mentors
Over the years Social Tinkering has partnered with a wide range of funders, service organizations, individual advocates, and businesses. “We deeply appreciate all the support, advice, co-creating, and trust in engaging with us and our mission that the Rutland region, as well as folks across Vermont, have gifted us with over the years,” Langston shared. “This work takes an entire community working together and Rutland area folks have really shown up and supported us from day one. We couldn’t have had such an awesome impact without all of our incredible partners over the years. So many people want to help each other feel valued and cared for. We are so proud to be a part of this amazing community!” There are many great ways to grow meaningful connection in the region including volunteer opportunities and local event offerings. Social Tinkering encourages everyone to keep on getting out and practicing being human together.
Future Connection Work
While Social Tinkering the entity is dissolving, Social Tinkering’s Founder and Director, Jeanette Langston, will continue to focus her own work around social connection. “The implementation of the vision will need a different shape, a more sustainable model, and some exploration and ‘tinkering’ to carry the work forward,” she says. “There is more awareness and understanding of the need for social connection than ever before. This mission has inspired and supported so many people, fostering more ideas and problem solving. I am forever grateful to all of the brave and compassionate people who have stepped into this work with us over the years.” Langston has launched a new Substack called The Connection Studio to continue the connection conversation. She encourages anyone interested to join her there to “tinker” and to reach out to explore collaboration on new projects at [email protected]. (https://jeanetteattheconnectionstudio.substack.com/)
Last 2025 Gather Together
The last Gather Together of the year will take place on December 16th from 6-8pm in the white building at the Vermont Farmers Food Center (251 West St, Rutland). Folks who are interested in sharing this winter social time, celebrating Social Tinkering’s accomplishments, and/or exploring potential new community-driven forms of this program are invited to attend. Through December 31, more information can be found at www.socialtinkering.org, by emailing [email protected], or by calling or texting 802-342-5811.
RUTLAND, VT – December 2, 2025 – Social Tinkering ~ A Human Connection Project www.socialtinkering.org
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