What to Do to Better Our Country?

Many people are concerned about the country and are protesting, writing letters to the editor, and attending public hearings and town hall meetings. These are obviously all legitimate and worthy actions within our system of democratic governance. At the same time, I suspect that a more impactful way to benefit our country might be to build a relationship with someone who voted on the other side of the political divide.

Reach out and have coffee. Learn about their family, childhood and school experiences, work and career, hobbies, and other interests. Be curious and respectful, ask questions and learn that person’s life experiences and why they voted the way they do. And, of course, share your story. Your lives can be enriched, as will our nation. Positive change, starting two people at a time.  

One of the big challenges in our country right now is that people are so siloed and disconnected from others who think differently. Building relationships across the divide can be so impactful.

I am co-authoring a book Beyond the Politics of Contempt - Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times. Subscribe to our free “Together Across Differences” newsletter https://togethernow.substack.com/ for updates and articles related to the book and how we can each contribute to building a nation of kindness, dignity, and respect.  

The latest Together across Differences newsletter highlights my book co-author Beth Malow’s bridge building effort with a conservative colleague to address the climate change challenge. Check it out at  https://togethernow.substack.com/p/strengthening-our-republic-while.

We each have an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. Don’t underestimate your impact!