Robert Putnam warned us. Jonathan Haidt made us anxious. Vivek Murthy called it a crisis. Derek Thompson drove it home. Books, articles, and study after study confirm what many of us feel—the diagnosis is clear: Americans are more disconnected than ever.
But what does America’s crisis of disconnection mean for incarcerated populations?

For those behind bars, isolation isn’t just emotional—it’s structural. The barriers to meaningful connection, both inside prison and with the outside world, are profound. Yet programs like Mount Tamalpais College show that education is more than learning—it’s a bridge to community, purpose, and hope.

Join us for a guided site visit and discussion at Mount Tamalpais College in San Quentin Prison, followed by a post-tour dinner at Farmshop Marin. Together, we’ll explore the unique challenges of connection for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals—and how education and innovative programs foster growth, resilience, and new possibilities for life beyond prison.

To encourage open and candid discussion, this event follows the Chatham House Rule – attendees may share insights from the conversation but cannot attribute statements to specific individuals or organizations. This ensures a trusted space for thoughtful dialogue and deeper insights.