Reader shares resource for bridging divides
After reading the April 18 column regarding the Mesa County Kindness Challenge, I would like to share a resource that promotes civil discourse.
Author and mediator Mark Gerzon describes a growing movement that promotes the practice of respectful dialogue. In his book, âThe Reunited States of America: How We Can Bridge the Partisan Divide,â he notes Living Room Conversations as a resource for bridging differences.
Visit livingroomconversations.org to find step-by-step instructions and conversation guides for hosting community conversations. There are more than 100 topics related to education, faith, justice, media and entertainment, politics and government, to name a few.
âHow do we reverse the politically polarizing environment we find ourselves in?â The question posed to our community âJuntoâ (Together) group was a good one. We evaluated our community: What was working? What was not? Where was there hope for change?
While there are many things that can be done to improve our community, we realized the greatest and most universal need was for human reconnection. That begins with kindness; intentionally being friendly, generous and considerate of others, no matter who they are or what they believe.
The Mesa County Kindness Challenge is a blueprint in doing just that â purposefully being aware of those around us and choosing to be helpful and supportive. It begins a process of building community that has been damaged by fear, isolation and anger. It may seem simplistic, but it is most profound in its effects.
âHow do we reverse the politically polarizing environment we find ourselves in?â The question posed to our community âJuntoâ (Together) group was a good one. We evaluated our community: What was working? What was not? Where was there hope for change?
While there are many things that can be done to improve our community, we realized the greatest and most universal need was for human reconnection. That begins with kindness; intentionally being friendly, generous and considerate of others, no matter who they are or what they believe.
The Mesa County Kindness Challenge is a blueprint in doing just that â purposefully being aware of those around us and choosing to be helpful and supportive. It begins a process of building community that has been damaged by fear, isolation and anger. It may seem simplistic, but it is most profound in its effects.