Care Lab Graduates a Fifth “Three Dinners” Cohort

As many Americans grapple with concerns over the future of our country, Care Lab continues to cultivate a quiet network of Senate Chiefs who are coming together to build connection, trust, and skills across the political divide.

In May, a fifth cohort completed our Three Dinners program – which first began in Fall 2021 – bringing the total number of Chiefs who have participated in the program up to 64.  

As with previous cohorts, this Spring’s group represented a broad spectrum of  political perspectives and personal backgrounds. During the dinners, they shared stories, listened to speakers’ thoughts regarding critical skills, and openly discussed their reactions to them.

As one wrote afterward, “I really appreciate the opportunity to engage with other chiefs, especially chiefs across the aisle, in a relaxed setting away from work… Developing those relationships is such a helpful baseline for when I need to engage with [their] offices on work issues.”

 Others shared stories of being able to help de-escalate conflicts between their bosses behind the scenes – thanks to relationships forged at dinners – or feeling more comfortable working together on difficult foreign policy issues.

 Aligning schedules and avoiding calendar conflicts is never a small task when convening Chiefs, but this Spring, last minute changes in the Senate schedule and other election-year demands made it even trickier than usual. Nonetheless, the cohort stuck together through calendar changes and  completed the series before summer recess.  

“It’s a privilege to support the Chiefs during this particularly difficult year, and it gives us hope to see their commitment to coming together, growing trust, and engaging in ideas together,” says Care Lab Executive Director Sarah Stephens. 

 As “graduates” of the Three Dinners, cohort five participants will now be invited to join the larger Care Lab alumni network and to continue digging deeper with each other, and with practices of care.

States of the Senate Chiefs who have participated in Care Lab’s programs, thus far.