JOHN CROWLEY - Building Social Capital

Event Date: April 24, 2026
Time: 4:00 pm

Building Social Capital: Practical Ways to Create a Sense of Belonging and Wellbeing with a Community

This program is on zoom.

As co-owner of Aqus Cafe in Petaluma, and Executive Director of the Aqus Community Foundation, John Crowley is a dedicated community builder who has significantly strengthened the social and cultural fabric of Petaluma. His creative efforts to build social capital have blossomed into a multitude of social connections. Beginning block-to-block meetings with a focus on emergency preparedness, John set this campaign in a larger vision —  a way for neighbors to meet neighbors. In building Social Capital, John has launched a multituda of activities that take place at the Aqus Cafe — From language groups meeting for dinner to speak in Italian, French, German, and several other languages, to community meetings, and political campaigns, Aqus Café has become a center for social connecting.

Often described as the catalyst behind Petaluma’s spirit of connection, John has been recognized with Petaluma’s highest honor, the Good Egg Award. His creation of the Aqus Community Foundation in 2015, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, further reflects his deep commitment to fostering a thriving, resilient, and connected community. In 2022 John co-founded Cool Petaluma a community action group to help Petaluma become more resilient. John was also recently invited to present his work to the International Social Capital Association in Dubai. Originally from Ireland, John has brought the delightful Irish spirt to Sonoma County!

The sign on the Aqus website: “There are no strangers at Aqus Cafe, only friends you haven’t met yet.” Join us on April 24th and be inspired by a true Social Entrepreneur and Catalyst!

Tickets: $21 – ($16 for Praxis Members)
Register Here

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