Building Belonging: A Conversation with Jessica Levasseur about Community

Social support is one of the strongest protective factors for mental health—but finding the right community isn’t always easy. In this episode, we sit down with educator and community builder Jess Levasseur to talk about the power of connection. Jess shares her personal journey—from growing up feeling out of place to using her event-planning skills to build spaces where people truly feel like they belong. What started as a personal search for connection led to the creation of San Diego Sapphic Book Club, a rapidly growing community that now brings together about 100 people each month with shared interests and lived experiences.We discuss why community matters, how to foster it, and how building spaces for belonging can transform mental health. Whether you're looking for support or thinking about starting something of your own, this conversation is for you.Resources@sapphicbookclubsdFor educators: https://www.brightmorningteam.com/ Looking to build your own community, start here: https://www.priyaparker.com/book-art-of-gathering To support our work and access our downloadable infographics and worksheets, find us on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ or visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.Music Credit: Nathan Byrne with Reel Byrne Media.Note: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical or therapeutic advice. Such information is not intended nor otherwise implied to be mental health advice or a substitute for mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a mental health or medical professional. If you become distressed and need support, use the free 988 24/7 Mental Health Hotline, call 911, or visit your nearest Emergency Room.