At Joy In Common

Together, we are:


Noticing our joy daily

Sharing joy stories and normalizing joy as a topic of everyday conversation

Asking "What's been bringing you joy?" as a new way to engage

We're making space for joy one story, one conversation, one reflection at a time.

Joy Is

Freedom

Joy Is

Safety

Joy Is

ease

Joy Is ● Freedom ● Joy Is ● Safety ● Joy Is ● ease ●

vision

We envision a world where joy is foundational for how we engage with each other. Joy is an essential, life giving resource. We balance what we pay attention to in ourselves and each other in order to cultivate a culture that allows us to collectively thrive.

mission

Joy In Common offers a simple, accessible practice that supports people to notice and name their experiences of joy. Through three steps, Reflect, Share, Ask, we cultivate awareness of joy in our personal and connected lives. When joy becomes how we connect to each other, communities transform.


who we are

Joy in Common was developed by Angela McKee-Brown as a resource for our community commons. She is a mom to an incredible toddler, and Joy In Common has supported her in being more aware of all the moments of beauty/hilarity/wildness that being a mom entails.

Additionally, Joy In Common exists because of support from thought partners and communities across the country. We're building a practice that belongs to everyone who uses it.

We are a 501(c)3 fiscally-sponsored project of Upstream Works Collaborative (EIN 82-5298960).

Joy in Common is based in Richmond, VA.

A blue square with a quote about joy on a transparent, crinkled plastic background.

support our mission

You can support this work by:

  • Trying the practice yourself

  • Sharing it with others

  • Ordering free resources for your community

  • Signing up for updates and learning experiences

Joy in Common is free to use because we believe joy is essential, not a privilege. Monetary Donations support:

  • Free resources for communities (pocket cards, fliers, materials, events)

  • Staff time to develop new tools and learning experiences

  • Operations that keep this work sustainable