Mission Recognized: Spark Kindness Named a 2026 Trust in Practice Award Finalist

Spark Kindness Is Being Recognized for the Work That Matters Most

Spark Kindness is deeply honored to be named a Finalist in the 2026 Trust in Practice Awards and grateful to have been part of the Aspen Trust In Practice Summit that took place on May 19, 2026 in Chicago. Executive Director and Founder Christine Fortune Guthery represented Spark Kindness alongside community partner Myriam Hernandez-Jennings, Executive Director of Natick is United.

Celebrating outstanding efforts that strengthen trust in communities

Convened by the Alliance for Social Trust, The Aspen Institute, and Allstate, the Summit brought together authentic leaders and "doers" committed to building, repairing, and strengthening trust in communities across the country. The room was filled with hope and possibility while still acknowledging the overwhelming challenges ahead. 

Key themes from the Summit

1. "Extend trust before expecting it." - shared by Olajumoke Banjo, Alliance for Social Trust
2. Trust means "moving in" — listening more closely, showing up in person, following up, and being transparent. - shared by many presenters
3. We need each other. None of this work happens alone. Trust-building requires collaboration, support, and a shared "collective dream" that keeps us moving forward even when progress feels hard to see. - shared by Frederick J. Riley of Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute & Olajumoke Banjo

While there is clearly a global trust crisis, the Summit highlighted the growing movement of people committed to restoring connection, strengthening communities, and creating change together. 

Learn more about the Trust in Practice Awards here.