Second annual MPU Fellowship class photo with SGM(R) Richard Rice, original member of Delta Force
The American story has always been written by everyday people stepping up to make their voices heard. Stories have the power to transform the way we see, empathize, interact and disagree with one another. They have the power to bring us together, but also pull us apart.
Today our airwaves are flooded with negative and demonizing stories that pit “us” versus “them.” This toxic narrative is impacting our families, friendships, schools, workplaces, faith communities, local communities, and legislative bodies at all levels. We need positive, powerful stories of hope that rise above the hostility and inspire unity over division.
Explore those stories shared by your fellow Americans, and contribute your own voice.
February 3, 2025
‘I wasn’t discouraged — I was hooked’: The tough conversations that shaped the path of Conservation International’s lead scientist.
January 20, 2025
Unity means acting together even though we may have different ways to solve a problem.
January 14, 2025
"I was sitting in the bleachers when a young man — probably around 30 years old — came up to me and asked if I had a second to talk."
January 1, 2025
Jake VandenPlas writes about his experience running for Congress. “A majority of us want similar things. We may disagree on the paths to achieving these goals, but that disagreement should breed participation, not polarization.”
December 26, 2024
At a time when America is more divided than we’ve been since the Civil War — with political violence on the rise and families torn apart by political debate — we desperately need the skills of veterans.
December 24, 2024
Fox News’ Janice Dean speaks with toy drive organizer Tom O’Connor to discuss his community’s efforts to provide joy for children impacted by Hurricane Helene.
December 24, 2024
Brandi Kellett and Adam Luke have very different views on gun rights and safety. They write about how their work with Builders has taught them the antidote to polarization is engagement. They realized they were both “just people, learning to share space and norms and laws with other people in a way that preserves everyone’s freedom and safety.”
December 19, 2024
In the United States, threats to Jews tripled in the year after the Hamas attacks, and last year's reports of anti-Muslim bias were the highest in nearly 30 years of tracking.
December 13, 2024
While there are 4 R’s to reconsider dialogue and civil discourse, there are also 4 S’s showing the way forward: schools, slogans, stories and structures.
December 5, 2024
We have to make sure that across this country, people of diverse backgrounds are respecting each other's identities, building relationships across communities and cooperating with one another.
December 4, 2024
Americans feel deeply divided and increasingly see each other as dangerous. Political scientists often talk about the dangers of this affective polarization for liberal democracy, but there’s an even more immediate threat.
December 1, 2024
Riding a high of eye-popping shifts to the right across the electorate, Republicans have a choice. Will we do the expected or will we aim higher and achieve more? Will we put points on the board, or will we change the game for generations to come?
One Small Step brings strangers with different political views together to record a 50-minute conversation—not to debate politics, but to learn who we are as people.
The Aspen Institute’s Weave Project showcases community-driven efforts across the U.S. to rebuild trust and strengthen social bonds through local actions, inspiring others to join in and foster meaningful connections.
If you have a story you'd like to share, please complete the form below. Our team will then be in touch to discuss next steps. We look forward to hearing your story of hope!
