What does it take for an idea shared by a few people to change the future of a neighbourhood, or a city? Jon Alexander, author of Citizens: Why the Key to Fixing Everything is All of Us, has spent a decade gathering stories of people making change happen together. In his recent TED talk, he describes how residents in Melbourne developed a shared vision for their city and drew public institutions into supporting it. His work explores how people’s knowledge, relationships and initiative can shape both their communities and public decisions. These ideas speak to questions we face in Singapore. How can we support an ageing population, strengthen connections across different backgrounds and care for our environment together? Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s call for a “We-First” society gives these questions renewed significance: what would enable more of us to help shape the responses, contribute our abilities and share responsibility for the outcomes? Drawing on international experiences, Jon will explore how collective action begins, gains support and grows. The discussion will examine how different voices influence priorities, how community ideas gain resources and support, and how governments, businesses and funders can work with people while preserving their ownership of the effort. Singapore’s own experiences will provide a starting point for considering what we can learn and contribute. Join us for a public lecture, moderated discussion and audience Q&A. Whether you bring professional expertise, research interests, community experience or simply curiosity, your perspective is welcome. Open to everyone, regardless of nationality or background. No prior knowledge or organisational affiliation is needed.