Please join us on Wednesday May 13th at 7:30pm ET - 4:30pm PT for the virtual Sudbury Community Book Club discussion, Mattering
“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” - Simone Weil
Mattering — the fundamental human need to feel valued and add value — unlocks purpose, connection, and wellbeing.
As humans, we have a deep desire to know that we belong, that we are needed, and that our community accepts and values who we are.
How can we build cultures of mattering in our homes, schools, and communities?
How do Sudbury schools help to provide a “mattering core”: recognizing impact, being relied on, feeling prioritized, and being truly known and invested in?
This month we are reading Mattering by Jennifer B. Wallace. We also identified a few related articles, videos, and podcasts. As always, the readings are optional, the important thing is the conversation.
As humans, we have a deep desire to know that we belong, that we are needed, and that our community accepts and values who we are.
How can we build cultures of mattering in our homes, schools, and communities?
How do Sudbury schools help to provide a “mattering core”: recognizing impact, being relied on, feeling prioritized, and being truly known and invested in?
This month we are reading Mattering by Jennifer B. Wallace. We also identified a few related articles, videos, and podcasts. As always, the readings are optional, the important thing is the conversation.
Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose by Jennifer B. Wallace
Bookshop.org | World Cat | Author’s Website
Bookshop.org | World Cat | Author’s Website
Join us for stories, strategies, and conversation.
How do Sudbury schools help kids feel seen, valued, and needed?
- The SAID framework
- feeling Significant
- feeling Appreciated
- feeling Invested in
- feeling Depended on
- In a world where so many people feel lonely, disengaged, or untethered, how do we build genuine connection and community?
- What is our response to the high-pressure, achievement-driven environment of our culture?
- How is making others feel seen, valued, and needed a great gift back to ourselves.?
No time to read the book? Here are some suggested short cuts.
Podcasts:
Raising Good Humans - Mattering: The Secret to Building a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose with Jennifer Wallace (53 minutes)
Aspen Ideas to Go - Mattering: The Most Overlooked Pillar of Wellbeing (1hr 13 minutes)
Kelly Corrigan Wonders - Deep Dive with Jennifer Wallace on Mattering & Making (54 minutes)
Aspen Ideas to Go - Mattering: The Most Overlooked Pillar of Wellbeing (1hr 13 minutes)
Kelly Corrigan Wonders - Deep Dive with Jennifer Wallace on Mattering & Making (54 minutes)
Articles:
Jennifer Breheny Wallace on Mattering - Thrive Global (7 minute read)
Why Mattering Matters - Harvard Gazette interview with Jennifer B. Wallace (5 minute read)
The Hidden Power of Mattering to Others–And to Yourself - Greater Good (8 minute read)
Why Mattering Matters - Harvard Gazette interview with Jennifer B. Wallace (5 minute read)
The Hidden Power of Mattering to Others–And to Yourself - Greater Good (8 minute read)
Video:
Why We Need to Know Our Lives Matter (TED) - Jennifer Wallace (12 minutes)
The Four Ingredients of Mattering - Jennifer Wallace (4 minutes)
The Four Ingredients of Mattering - Jennifer Wallace (4 minutes)
Ready for a deep dive? Here are some options for going deeper in Fun and Play.
Paradisi, M., Matera, C. & Nerini, A. Feeling Important, Feeling Well. The Association Between Mattering and Well-being: A Meta-analysis Study. J Happiness Stud 25, 4 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-024-00720-3
Ronald E. Dahl, Emma Armstrong-Carter, Wouter van den Bos,
Wanting to matter and learning to care: A neurodevelopmental window of opportunity for (Pro) social learning?, Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Volume 69, 2024, 101430, ISSN 1878-9293, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101430
Botero, A., Karamali, R., Frick, A. S., Aguirre, M. E., & Prilleltensky, I. (2025). Experiences of mattering among youth: Implications for prevention and intervention. Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 53(4), 592–609. https://doi.org/10.1080/10852352.2025.2527442
Ronald E. Dahl, Emma Armstrong-Carter, Wouter van den Bos,
Wanting to matter and learning to care: A neurodevelopmental window of opportunity for (Pro) social learning?, Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Volume 69, 2024, 101430, ISSN 1878-9293, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101430
Botero, A., Karamali, R., Frick, A. S., Aguirre, M. E., & Prilleltensky, I. (2025). Experiences of mattering among youth: Implications for prevention and intervention. Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 53(4), 592–609. https://doi.org/10.1080/10852352.2025.2527442
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